Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Main Street Station
Finds
The Main Street Station, one of the best bargains
in the city, is just 2 short blocks away from Fremont Street in Downtown, barely a
3-minute walk. The overall look is turn-of-the-20th-century San Francisco, and the
details, from the ornate chandeliers to the wood-paneled lobby, are outstanding. The
long and narrow rooms are possibly the largest in Downtown, decorated with French
provincial furniture. A 2005 overhaul gave them positively modern furnishings, new
carpet and wall coverings, and updated fixtures in the bathrooms. The bathrooms are
small but well appointed. If you're a light sleeper, request a room on the south side.
200 N. Main St. (btw. Fremont St. and I-95), Las Vegas, NV 89101.
&
800/465-0711
or 702/387-1896. Fax
702/386-4466. www.mainstreetcasino.com. 406 units. $40 and up double; $100 and up suite. $10 for
extra person. Children 13 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free self- and valet
parking.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; casino; access to outdoor pool at nearby California Hotel; free Wi-Fi
available in lobby.
In room:
A/C, TV w/pay movies.
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WHERE TO DINE
The dining scene in Las Vegas is a melting pot of midnight steak specials, cheap buffets,
and gourmet rooms that rival those found in New York or Los Angeles. One word of
warning: You can eat well in Vegas, and you can eat cheaply in Vegas, but it's hard to do
both at the same time.
Theme restaurant buffs can chow down at
House of Blues,
in Mandalay Bay, 3950
Las Vegas Blvd. S. (
&
702/632-7605); the
Hard Rock Cafe,
4475 Paradise Rd., at
Harmon Avenue (
&
702/733-7625);
ESPN,
in New York-New York, 3790 Las Vegas
Blvd. S. (
&
702/933-3776); the
Harley-Davidson Cafe,
3725 Las Vegas Blvd. S., at
Harmon Avenue (
&
702/740-4555); the
Rainforest Café,
in MGM Grand, 3799 Las
Vegas Blvd. S. (
&
702/891-8580); or Jimmy Buffett's
Margaritaville,
in The Flamingo,
3555 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (
&
702/733-3302).
For those wanting to sample one of the many hotel buffets, some of the better bets
include
Luxor's Pharaoh's Pheast Buffet,
3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (
&
702/262-4000);
Mirage Cravings Buffet,
3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (
&
702/791-7111);
Rio's Carnival
World Buffet,
3700 W. Flamingo Rd. (
&
702/252-7777);
Le Village Buffet,
in Paris
Las Vegas, 3665 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (
&
888/266-5687);
Golden Nugget Buffet,
129 E.
Fremont St. (
&
702/385-7111); and
Main Street Station Garden Court,
200 N. Main
St. (
&
702/387-1896). The best Sunday brunch buffet in Vegas is
Bally's Sterling Sun-
day Brunch,
3645 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (
&
702/967-7999), which costs $85 per person.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Aureole
NOUVELLE AMERICAN This branch of a New York City fave is
noted for its glass wine tower. It's four stories of probably the finest wine collection in
Vegas. The menu is a three-course prix fixe, though if you are winsome enough, they
might send out luxurious extras like pâté on brioche topped with shaved truffles. Expect
marvels such as a tender roasted lamb loin and braised shoulder. Everything demonstrates
the hand of a true chef in the kitchen, someone paying close attention to his work and
to his customers. Service is solicitous; desserts are playful, including a bittersweet choco-
late soufflé with blood-orange sorbet. There is also an excellent cheese plate.
In Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
&
877/632-1766.
www.aureolelv.com. Reservations required.
Fixed-price dinner $75; tasting menu $95. AE, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 6-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30pm.
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