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| - I was very lucky to eat at prime and have my dad pay the bill.
I've eaten at nice steakhouses before such as Mastro's and BOA, and I've concluded that most top-of-the-line steakhouses are very similar in their menus. Other factors are what can make the difference, such as service and ambiance.
This place does have spectacular views of the Bellagio Fountains, but inside the design was a bit tacky. I get it, I get it, it's supposed to feel like an opulent steakhouse from many decades ago with chandeliers, columns, big drapes everywhere, and waiters that bring food out on rolling carts. But for me, it was a little stuffy and got pretty old after a while.
My impression of this place is that it's trying very hard to be a classic fancy steakhouse. But I was just left with chairs that were uneasy to maneuver and a waiter who seemed kind of absent. I've had better waiters at a Chili's while ordering nachos. This guy was only at our table a handful of times, while an army of other people kept our water glasses filled. He didn't check on us nearly enough throughout our meal and wasn't very personable.
(And they could stand to update their bathroom)
At Mastro's, you do get amazingly attentive service in a more modern and classy place. Although, just as at Mastro's, you do get an amazing steak at Prime.
As for the food, my initial impression was of how small the menu was. There are maybe a dozen entrees. There are a large number of side dishes to choose from, though.
I would say that the sauces--particularly the bernaise--make the steak entrees very good. I ordered a filet mignon medium rare. It was cooked nicely, with a juicy and red interior, but the outside of the steak was dry.
The sides are nothing to write home about, except for the black truffle mashed potatoes. These are whipped clouds of carbohydrate perfection. The earthy black truffle is generously shaved on top and is abundantly stirred throughout. (But let's be honest, you could shave black truffles on anything, even a twinkie, and it'd be delicious.)
Eating at prime was a wonderful experience and I do recommend it. But as for its rank among other steakhouses, I would say it falls toward the upper middle. With Mastro's still on top.
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