Favorite eat-at-the-bar spots?
Started by kayday on Wednesday, 13th February 2013 8:15 am
Hi all,
I have a solo trip this weekend and wondered what are your favorite spots for dining at the bar. I know you can do this most everywhere, but thought I would ask your opinion of places that really stand out for some reason.
My go-to spots for this are Chart House at Golden Nugget and Stack at the Mirage, but I was hoping to branch out a bit this trip. Where have you had a great bar-top dining experience?
Blakjackkid responded on Wednesday, 13th February 2013
I've had good dining at the bar experiences while traveling solo at both Julian Serrano's at Aria and Estiatoro Milos (for lunch only) at Cosmo. By the way, the $20 lunch special at Milos is the best value meal in Vegas imo
44inarow responded on Wednesday, 13th February 2013
Stack is probably my favorite place to eat at the bar. I agree about Julian Serrano, and have also had pretty good bar-top experiences at The Henry at Cosmopolitan, and Javier's at Aria (as long as you get a seat looking out onto the casino floor, otherwise it's a bit boring).
NeverJustJ responded on Wednesday, 13th February 2013
For late night, I'm pretty sure I had a good experience at Grand Luxe at Venetian a few years ago. That's what I "chalked up" the mustard stain inside the sleeve of the sportcoat I was wearing that night to when I spotted it the next day!
Drake responded on Wednesday, 13th February 2013
Yeah I've enjoyed late nights at Venetian's Grand Lux on the casino floor too. It's not 'fine dining' but it's a fun atmosphere and a friendly crowd. Good chow, especially if you've been indulging all night. Nice place to watch the folks go by.
Misnomer responded on Wednesday, 13th February 2013
A favorite of mine is the bar(s) at China Poblano at Cosmo. You get a free show as you can watch the food prep while you eat. The last time I was there I struck up a surprisingly detailed conversation with a restaurant employee about guacamole. Got some good tips for improving my own.
vespajet replied on Thursday, 14th February 2013
The bar seating at Jaleo is pretty good for watching them prepare dishes.
theROLA responded on Wednesday, 13th February 2013
P.U.B. at Aria is great for sitting at the bar, having a beer (huge selection), and grabbing some solid food. If you are looking for decent snack food rather than a full meal, and incredible drinks, go to Downtown Cocktail Room. 4-8 Happy Hour for drinks and food. Best cocktails in Vegas.
RobbieNomi responded on Wednesday, 13th February 2013
The bar seating at the Sugar Factory restaurant in Paris is drop-down gorgeous and the food is surprisingly decent.
For some reason I really dig the bar seating at BLT Burger. Also at the Mirage, I like the bar area in Cravings. I'm not sure which other buffets have bar seating with TV's and such, but it's nice to keep focused on a sports game or movie news rather than talking to your dining companions while chowing down.
levans responded on Wednesday, 13th February 2013
Holstein's was pretty good and when it was open Trader Vic's at Planet Hollywood
jinx73 responded on Thursday, 14th February 2013
Holstein's and China Poblano are two of my favorites.
jimmybond responded on Thursday, 14th February 2013
I'd like to recommend Wolfgang Puck Bar + Grill at MGM Grand. Granted the view is inward towards a nice bar display wall so not easily conducive to people watching (though they have a TV or two), but I find the food to be excellent and reasonably priced for the quality. Have had very attentive service on both occasions here too.
detroit1051 responded on Thursday, 14th February 2013
Going back a few years, the bar at Le Cirque was a great place for dinner. Friendly bartenders and excellent food.
skeptic555 responded on Thursday, 14th February 2013
Here is a vote for Gordon Ramsey Steak. The best part is that you can saunter past the line of people waiting to get in as well as all those who were told about the weeks and/or months of reservation backlog. They will be happy to have you.
vespajet replied on Saturday, 16th February 2013
Now sometimes you can't always get a seat at the bar there. I tried to the Sunday during VIMFP and there weren't any open seats in the bar area at all.
KateLV responded on Thursday, 14th February 2013
Hello, newbie here and a Vegas regular
The bar at Odna at the Mirage is a favorite, wine flights and a bite specials for an app and nice menu selection (Italian). Raul is a great bartender, fun to talk with and there are always other diners to chat with at the bar
donnymac66 responded on Thursday, 14th February 2013
BLT Burger
Julian Serrano
Bouchon for breakfast
Pub at Monte Carlo
Diablo's
Trevi
Carnevino
kayday responded on Friday, 15th February 2013
Thanks everyone for the terrific suggestions. Especially glad to hear Gordon Ramsay serves food at the bar - I had wondered about that.
I'm going to print this out and take it with me. I won't be going hungry this trip, that's for sure.
alFromSanDiego responded on Friday, 15th February 2013
A sleeper rec would be the bar at Bally's steakhouse. The reason this place stands out is the food and drink quality relative to price at other steak houses. I also love Craftsteak for the amazing wine and liquor selection, and outstanding service. Sinatra at Encore is also a place I have dined bar-side several times and truly enjoyed it. Another tip is kind of out there, but the bar at the Bellagio Buffet is often no-waiting....
MeltYrselfDown responded on Friday, 15th February 2013
this is gonna sound nasty, but i had pretty decent huevos rancheros at the margaritaville restaurant at flamingo. i sat at the bar. had a nice chat with the server there, too.
trying to find an affordable, non crowded, and non-vomit-inducing breakky at flamingo ain't easy. i would actually recommend this to another solo traveler.
bonus points for people watching the shit outta the types who come in family style and order flavored margaritas to-go at 9am. guess how many talk the bartender into giving them "extra" tequila?
vespajet replied on Saturday, 16th February 2013
If I'm drinking at 9 am in Vegas, it's usually either coffee spiked with booze or hard cider (or if I'm having the weekend brunch buffet at the Fremont, sparkling wine).
I just never understood how some folks can get up and start drinking beer or frozen drinks with breakfast. Then again, some of these folks could have been out all night and haven't stopped drinking.
Skywise responded on Friday, 15th February 2013
The bar at Sensi's in the Bellagio was pretty good solo.
The BBQ pork dumplings were good as were the sushi rolls but I didn't like the shrimp cocktail much.
Depending on how hungry you are the Petrossian Bar in the Bellagio bar might tide you over too.