We spent a lot of time hanging on the Las Vegas Strip during our days in Las Vegas.
We’re not big gamblers, but we had a blast sightseeing, checking out the fun architecture and artwork, people watching, and of course, eating!
Here are some of the places we checked out and grabbed a bite to eat!
Fulton Fish Frye
Our friends were staying at the New York New York Hotel and Casino, and we spent some time there exploring with them as well as before they arrived.
On our first night in town, we walked over to explore the casino. We wandered through the Village Street Eateries. The place looks like you stepped into Greenwich Village with lots of cafés and sidewalk dining.
We opted for Fulton Fish Frye, a counter service restaurant serving fried seafood. Having traveled all day, we weren’t up for anything fancy and this hit the spot.
We decided to share the Family Meal Deal, which included three Fish Filets, three Chicken Planks, Popcorn Shrimp, Hush Puppies, Seasoned Fried, and Cole Slaw. It was quick and easy, and there was plenty to share, and we each grabbed a Margarita from the Gonzalez y Gonzalez next door. Dinner for two was $27.00, which is amazingly cheap for Las Vegas.
Going Gaga
Walking through the Park MGM Las Vegas, we passed the Haus of Gaga; they had a boutique that had displays of many original Lady Gaga costumes from shows and music videos.
Really interesting way to kill a little time before heading back out onto the Las Vegas Strip.
Eataly
Also inside the Park MGM Las Vegas, opening right out onto the Las Vegas Strip is Eataly. It’s a marketplace with a dozen or so authentic Italian eateries.
They had food stalls with Wine, Bread, Pastries, Pasta dishes, Pizza, Salads, Steaks, and Seafood. You could purchase fully prepared foods, shop for some wine or dinner to take back to your room, or grab a quick snack. We stopped for a snack and a Cappuccino.
Ocean One Grille
One of the ‘cheap eats’ places we learned about on YouTube was Ocean One Grille inside the Miracle Mile Shops on the Las Vegas Strip. Ironically, all of the company’s other restaurants are here in Florida.
One of the things they are known for is their 3 for 1 $10.00 Cocktails – All Day, Every Day! They also offer a huge list of $4.99 Lunch Specials.
We popped in for breakfast one morning.
Mark had their Steak and Eggs with a 10 oz. Sirloin Steak 2 Eggs, House Potatoes and Toast. For about $12.00, it was a pretty good value, and everything was delicious. Chuck was craving Pancakes and got a side of Pancakes for $5.00 along with two Scrambled Eggs, Bacon Potatoes, and Toast for $5.99, again not a bad value for Las Vegas.
Ironically, we were on that side of the Strip later that evening with our friends and decided to pop back in for dinner. The order of their Southwest Shrimp Rolls was $9.99, and Lasagna was $14.99. They were really tasty. The portions aren’t huge, but what you would expect for the price.
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay
Midway through the week, we were over at Harrah’s Las Vegas and stopped by Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay in the Fulton Street Food Hall.
We’d heard lots of raves about their hand-crafted Milkshakes. Chuck, an avowed Chocoholic, went for the Dark Chocolate, and Mark opted for the Cookies and Cream.
The Milkshakes were $8.99 each, and from what we had seen online, they were thick, like eat with a spoon thick… Not so much. The Milkshakes were good but not worth the hype or the price.
Madame Tussauds
One afternoon we wandered through the Venetian and spent some time people-watching. The gondola rides looked cute, but we couldn’t get over the number of people lined up for a ride, and the price; $34.00 per person seemed a little steep considering it’s not Italy. But if you want to do it, the line inside seems to be shorter.
To the side of the gondola canal is Madame Tussauds wax museum. Years ago, Chuck had been to the Madame Tussaud’s in London. But, somehow, with all of his trips to Vegas and other places we’d traveled, Mark had never been there.
So, we decided to have some fun and kill an afternoon wandering through Madame Tussaud’s. It was fun, and we’ve crossed it off of our travel list. LOL
Our Caesar’s Bacchanal Splurge
The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar’s is consistently ranked as one of the top buffets in Las Vegas. In December, we found that many of the buffets were closed from previous COVID restrictions or offered only Brunch or Dinner and sometimes with limited days.
So, we decided that a trip to the Bacchanal would be our big Las Vegas splurge. The buffet is not inexpensive any time, but unfortunately, it escalates to $89.99 per person over the Christmas holiday. And while we didn’t see them personally kick anyone out, they do advertise a 90-minute time limit.
They claim to have nine different food kitchens, with fifteen daily chef specials and food from all around the world. For Mark, a very adventurous eater, it was a good opportunity to have things that we’d normally not eat at other places.
Chuck made a b-line for the Crab Legs and Lobster Claws and ate his fill of those. He definitely ate his money’s worth.
On the other hand, Mark ate plenty of freshly shucked Oysters, several varieties of Poke, a Waygu Beef Hot Dog, a Porterhouse Lamb Chop, Bouillabaisse, and some Smoked Oysters. And, of course, we saved some room for dessert too.
There are plenty of Latin, Asian, and Italian food stations. Tons of Seafood and an immense carving station. So, there is truly something there for everyone, and it’s all of excellent quality.
Overall, we felt they were herding people through, and the holiday pricing was a bit much. It was good, and we’re glad we did it once. But a one and done for us.
