Vegas bound. Any ideas?

Rio's $20 deals are from today through Feb. 4.

 

If you're out there, get off the strip and get out into the real city a little bit. Have breakfast at Hash House A-Go-Go, and get lunch at TC'S Rib Crib. The Gambler's Bookstore someone mentioned earlier is well worth a visit too.

 

Crowd of regulars who gathered there daily were one of the greatest shows on Earth.

You just had to look to avoid the occasional gunfire.

 

. . . and, if I remember correctly from my last trip to LV, 99-cent hotdogs, which by the price alone ought to send anyone in the opposite direction.

 

That's a fabulous price for that weekend. And you're right about the atmosphere in the sports books during that first weekend of the tournament. If the teams playing could hear how much noise they generated in the sports books, the outcome of a lot of games would be different.

 

Nickel coffee during select morning hours, as well . . .
but you were always well-advised to avoid those giant dogs.

Well . . . advised.

 

Before you go to Vegas, get a copy of Anthony Curtis' Las Vegas Advisor. It's a coupon book that costs about $35, but damn there are some great deals in there. Worth every penny.

When I went to Vegas in 2008, spent an afternoon at Ellis Island (behind Paris). Huge chicken fried chicken with two sides for $7.99. I also had a coupon there for free drinks for two people for an hour. I was so blitzed by the time I left. The bartender kept talking shit, "You guys have had the fewest drinks for anyone with this coupon. Come on, you guys don't want to be THOSE guys!" Absolutely loved that place. Cheap blackjack, cheap video poker.

Best show was Vinny Favorito. He might be at Paris now. Dude was hilarious.

 

Ellis Island a year ago had a steak dinner for $6.99 that was great. Juicy filet, potato, veggies, salad and beer. But you had to ask for it. It wasn't on the menu.

 

Ellis Island food is a great deal.
Ambience ain't great, but the help is, and you'll be AMAZED who you'll see in there, sometimes, in terms of local
personalities.

 

My only advice about going to Vegas is ... don't.

Went once and absolutely hated it. If I'm going out West, I'd rather spend the time in the national parks.

 

Ditto the suggestion re: the Las Vegas Advisor. Opt for the online edition. You'll still get the coupon book, but also have access to the message boards, etc. Even if you don't subscribe, check out the website. LVA posts a great "10 best bargains list" every month. Some (such as the mentioned Eliis Island steak special) have been on the list for YEARS....

Have had some really good (rather hazy) times at Ellis Island. They even have $1 black jack (accompanied by EXACTLY the kind of crowd you'd expect that would bring) during the day time hours. Was out for a fantasy football draft weekend a few years ago. We all walked (fr/ Bally's) to EI for the steak special at lunch time. Six of us ended up taking over the dollar BJ table.....still no clue how we (eventually) ended up back at Bally's that evening.

It's one of the things I so love about Vegas. I can have an equally great time, whether I'm resorting it at the Wynn w/ the Mrs., or "ultimate low rolling" with my "old guys" / college buddy / fantasy football league buds at Ellis Island.

 

Sounds like a party!