Question of the Day - 25 August 2006

Seems like QoD is going through a major gastronomic phase at the moment – best martinis, best chocolate soufflés, best beer menus. And we're totally down with that, our stomachs being close to our hearts! When we ran the "best steakhouses" QoD on 08/05, as usual, we solicited our readership for their own recommendations and, also as usual, we got a great response, with plenty of other suggestions for the carnivores among you, plus some fond reminiscences of bygone beef offerings. Here they are:

• When I first starting going to LV beginning 1979, I stayed at the Stardust or the Riviera (now it's Harrah’s because that's where I gamble at home and they treat me very well, or Venetian or Wynn). I remember a super steak special at Silver City, near the Stardust and Riviera, for many years. Prime rib, baked potato, rolls, and I believe corn on the cob and a salad for $3.95. I'm not sure of the hours, but I do know we went for dinner so it wasn't a 10 pm-6 am deal. It was very good and we ate there often. The steak dinner went out before the casino closed, but I'm not sure when.

• My favorite for the past 25+ years is Binion's. (And remember that great relish tray they used to bring as soon as you sat down?)

• We have always enjoyed Gallagher's at New York-New York for the filet and accompanying side dishes. And while not strictly a steakhouse, one of the best filets we've ever had was at 3950 at Mandalay Bay.

• Found your opinion on the best-valued steak dinner interesting. However, in my opinion, nothing could ever top the steak put out by the Mint Hotel and Casino in the late '60s and early '70s. They offered a 26-oz. porterhouse, cooked to perfection with all the trimmings, for $5.95. That lure always had us take a taxi downtown to enjoy the best tasting and largest cut of beef ever offered in Vegas. Must of us had that steak a dozen times and will never forget it.

• In 1953-'54, the El Cortez had a great steak dinner. I think it was for $1.95.

• In my book, the best steakhouse in Vegas is the Great Moments Room at the Las Vegas Club. The casino is such a dump that it's amazing to find a secluded wooden door and have a dapper maître d’ lead you back to a cool dark dining room, with perfect service and quiet Sinatra tunes. You half expect the Rat Pack to come walking into this classic place. All the steaks are excellent, but what really makes it stand out is the service, including the wonderful salad prepared tableside. And did I mention the value? You won't find prices like this anywhere else, and there are a good number of 2-for-1 coupons floating around for this place as well. It's well worth a $20 cab ride up there from the Strip!

• Our favorite steakhouse is Les Artistes at Paris. We ate there because we had a $20-off certificate (part of a timeshare-tour gift package) and even with that, our bill came to about $100 (including tip) -- an expensive night for us, but well worth it! I don't recall exactly what we had (this was more than a year ago), but I definitely remember that the food was superb, the service impeccable, and the decor & atmosphere absolutely gorgeous!

• You are absolutely on the money with Ellis Island pick for value in a steak dinner - especially with the POV. We tried it last trip and were amazed by the quality and the friendly service

• I would add Austin's at Texas Station to the list.

• A couple of years ago I ate at a great steakhouse in the Rio, I just am unable to remember the name of it now. They were a little pricey, but the steak and side dishes were awesome.

• How could you not mention Harrah's steakhouse in your list? We enjoy dinner there every time we are in Vegas, at least once a trip. Steaks are great, prime rib wonderful, and we always have the lobster bisque soup, even in the summer.

• Billy Bob's at Sam's Town has some pretty awesome steaks that are marinated in Jack Daniels. Definitely worth a return visit.