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| - I go to Vegas once a month, and I hate to give away the spots that only locals know about . . .
You see, tourists love Delmonico's, which masks its semi-flavorful steaks with a potpourri of spices. Tourists love N9NE, which I would NEVER, ever, ever visit again. N9NE overcooked our steaks and refused to replace them. Have you ever heard of anything like that??? Me neither. Finally, tourists love whatever steakhouse the magazine in their hotel room tells them to love.
If you want a real Las Vegas steakhouse, and you don't want to go to Morton's or Ruth's Chris, may I recommend Del Frisco's. Located a couple of blocks off the Strip, it's hidden from the glamor and grandeur of touristy Las Vegas. Cab ride to Del Frisco's from, say, New York, New York, won't set you back more than $7-8.
We had reservations for 9 pm (it was Final Four weekend, and we wanted to finish watching the game). The games ended early, and we arrived at 8:45 pm. We were seated very quickly; so quickly, that we hardly had a chance to grab some jelly beans and some golf tees from two giant bowls by the entrance. Remember, jelly beans are edible, but golf tees are NOT. You've been warned.
The steak is great here. I ordered the Double Eagle New York Strip, a 26 oz cut on the bone. It arrived quickly, big and juicy as promised. The meat had just the right amount of marbling, and was prepared properly. The waiter then encouraged my friend and I to cut our steaks to make sure they were prepared to our liking. Are you listening, Mr. CEO of Morton's? It's a wonderful idea, and it certainly adds to the entire experience.
To be fair, I'd like to give Del Frisco's a 4.5 star rating. I think I have to deduct half a point for mediocre sides and salads. The lettuce wedge with blue cheese was very ordinary. Both sides that our waiter recommended, special mac 'n' cheese and potatoes au gratin were not nearly as good as advertised.
But then again, it's kind of expected of a steakhouse. Sides are just filler anyway. Speaking of filler, the bread they give you is very good, too. Fill up on bread and meat, and go easy on the sides.
Oh yeah, it's a classy place, so no flip flops or sweatpants. Jeans are OK as long as you wear a polo, a sweater or a button down shirt. Leave your faded "Beat Duke" t-shirts, your sequined "I love Vegas" hats and your replica Mickey Mantle jerseys at home.
I'd say, if you want a good steak in Vegas, call Del Frisco's. They only accept reservations over the phone.
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