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| - While staying at the Tropicana back in August, my girlfriend and I woke up famished after a night on the town and decided we didn't want to wander too far for lunch, so we went to the lobby and followed the signs to Robert Irvine's Public House, just steps from the concierge. I've always liked Irvine on Restaurant: Impossible due to his rational yet seething attitude when dealing with careless restaurateurs and staff - I always crack up when he loses it, but he always manages to come up with a winning plan to turn things around. Reality television aside, the main reason we stopped in, aside from the location, was the well-rounded pub grub menu and, of course, hair of the dog.
Upon walking in, we loved the open concept with a large wraparound bar that livened the place up. Seating options abound - the place was pretty empty when we dined for lunch - both at the bar and at a variety of tables. Our server was a charismatic man in his forties who took care of our orders promptly and without error.
The menu prices at Robert Irvine's Public House are just above average for pub grub; appetizer options range from $14 - Spiced Lamb Croquettes or the Traditional Poutine - to $18 - Lump Crab & Pancetta Arancini or Japanese Yellowtail Poke. The salads are all modestly priced for the creativity, but the portions are small for what you're dishing out. The burgers, sandwiches and pizzas are the best bang for your buck - all are between $12 and $23. Keep in mind this is the lunch menu; on the dinner menu they feature more of the same, plus some mains.
I chowed down on the Stone Fired Shepherds Pie ($24), which for some reason was featured on their lunch list at the time, yet looking back on it now I'm only seeing it listed for dinner. The pie came loaded with ground lamb, onion, English peas, and a mashed potato crust. It was prepared excellently, the lamb not dried out nor sitting in liquid, and the peas were slightly sweet and soft, contrasting the fluffy potatoes beneath the crust. At first the portion seemed undersized served in a cast iron pan, but I left stuffed and ready for more partying! Adding to that, my girl thoroughly enjoyed her Grilled Chicken Breast sandwich ($17), featuring a soft chicken breast, watercress, avocado, fig marmalade, Brie, balsamic mustard, all loaded on a toasted Ciabatta. All sandwiches and burgers come with a side of fries. She seemed to enjoy the cocktail she got and I had a chance to down some beers from Colorado's now-famous New Belgian Brewing - one of many craft beer selections on the extensive drinks menu.
Robert Irvine's is a solid contender for upscale public house munchies, with innovative yet accessible food dominating the menu. Having the option to try traditional dishes ranging from Oysters (market price) or Steak Tartare to Braised Lamb Shank or Ponzu Glazed Grilled Salmon is the type of variety many pub diners are seeking more of, so good on Irvine for stepping up to the plate. The service was excellent, the prices were average (for Vegas, at least) and the food - pretty damn good! To bump this up to five stars, however, I think a touch of culinary modernization couldn't hurt.
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