Some first timers in Vegas next week
A couple of my buddies and I (three dudes, early 20s) will be in Vegas for four nights starting this Sunday for the firs time. Ive been doing a lot of research as of late on the best way to experience Vegas. As first timers ive been worried that we wont experience it the right way. im looking for any suggestions on places to eat and the best places to party while in Vegas for the first time. any suggestions?
-
-
-budget
-music taste
-preference of cuisineEastCoast: "I will preach. Vegas is easy. So easy. Either be rich or good looking (or mooch off someone who is one of those). If you are neither, then sit back, let the rich and/or good looking people sort their shit out, and then take their scraps. Booking early is not going to get you ahead of the rich and/or good looking people. Sucks unless you are rich or good looking. But that's what makes Vegas so great. It is completely transparent." -
Not a huge budget, but willing to spend money for a good time. Looking to get table service at a club one of the nights that were there. Were not picky about food. Would like to try unique places that Vegas is famous for but not looking to spend a ton of money on food.Comment
-
FOOD
Buffets
Bacchanal @ Caesar's
Wicked Spoon @ Cosmo (try mac’n’cheese/bone marrow)
Wynn
Bellagio
Rio
Planet Hollywood
M (off strip)
Forum Recommended Eats
Casinos
Earl of Sandwich @ Planet Hollywood
Pink’s Hot Dogs @ Planet Hollywood
Planet Dailies @ Planet Hollywood
Hidden Pizza @ Cosmo (third floor, straight across from the escalator; look for an inconspicuous
hallway to the right of Blue Ribbon Sushi)
Hash House A Go Go @ The Quad (formerly Imperial Palace)
Grand Lux Café @ Palazzo/Venetian
Taqueria Canonita @ Venetian
Bouchon @ Venetian (breakfast)
The Taco Bar @ Ballys ($2 for tacos, tequila shots, margaritas, tap beer)
Mon Ami Gabi @ Paris (try and get a patio table)
Le Café Ile St Louis @ Paris
Sugar Factory American Brasserie @ Paris
Off strip
Peppermill (for breakfast; 2985 S Las Vegas Blvd)
Lotus of Siam (in a ghetto strip mall off strip but great food; 953 E Sahara Ave)
Firefly (tapas; 3900 Paradise Rd)
Maggiano's @ FSM (across from Wynn; awesome strip views and well-priced; order from the Family Style set-up (on the back of the menu)).
Tacos El Gordo (3049 S Las Vegas Blvd; $2 tacos – try spicy pork (adobada) & steak (asada) / carne asada fries)
Aloha Kitchen (on Decatur, south of Sahara. open til 5am)
Coronado Cafe @ Southpoint (midnight to 6am menu $1.95-3.95)
Bahama Breeze (375 Hughes Center Drive, but basically on Paradise and Flamingo)
Steak & egg deals
$7.99 steak and beer deal @ Ellis Island (including potato, bread and green beans)
Casino Cafe @ Ellis Island ($3.99 steak & eggs)
Marilyn's Café @ Tuscany Suites ($4.99 from midnight to 5am).
Mr. Lucky's 24/7 @ Hard Rock Hotel ($4.99, but you need to a player's card first).
Mr. Lucky's 24/7 @ Hard Rock Hotel ($7.77 Gambler's Special - steak, 3 grilled shrimp, a choice of potato or broccoli and a salad; have to ask for it, not on the menu)
Sandwich places
Earl of Sandwich @ Planet Hollywood
Carnegie Deli @ Mirage
Canters Deli @ Treasure Island
Burger Bars
Most recommended
Holstein’s @ Cosmo (alcoholic shakes)
Burger Bar @ Mandalay Bay (alcoholic shakes)
BLT Burger @ Mirage (get a spot at Rhumbar and send someone for food across the hall at BLT)
Stripburger @ FSM (try old school griddled burger and atomic cheese fries; tend to have restaurant.com coupons)
In-N-Out (4888 South Dean Martin Drive; just off the strip on Tropicana)
Others
The Henry @ Cosmopolitan (try The Henry Burger w/ white truffled tater tots from)
The Barrymore @ Royal Resort Hotel
American Burger Works @ Excalibur
Johnny Rockets @ Flamingo (more diner style burgers)
Marquee day club
Bradley Ogden (not a burger place, but have a great burger)
Le Burger Brassiere @ Paris
Burgers in Paradise
KGB
Fatburger (across street from Monte Carlo)
Sliders
First Food & Bar @ Palazzo
CUT @ Palazzo
Society Café @ Encore
STK @ Cosmo
Big Group Dinner
A steakhouse (see “Steakhouses” below)
Fin @ Mirage (chinese)
Stack @ Mirage
Samba @ Mirage (Brazilian steakhouse)
Comme Ca @ Cosmo (upbeat and good/reasonably priced food)
Border Grill @ Mandalay Bay (upscale Mexican "all you can eat" brunch for $30 and add $5 to that for bottomless mimosas)
Maggiano's @ FSM (strip views; well-priced; order from the Family Style menu).
Mon Ami Gabi @ Paris (try and get a patio table)
Bouchon @ Venetian
Spago @ Caesar’s Forum (reasonably priced if you stick to entrees or the café menu)
Steakhouses
New School Vegas
1. STK @ Cosmo [book through opentable or For Charity Faith 702-250-8997/ [email protected]]
2. CUT @ Palazzo
3. N9NE @ Palms
4. Craftsteak @ MGM
5. GRS @ Paris
Traditional
1. Prime @ Bellagio
2. Carnevino @ Palazzo
3. The Steakhouse @ Circus Circus
4. Old Homestead @ Caesar's Forum Shops
5. Delmonico @ Venetian
6. SW Steakhouse @ Wynn
Other recommended
Steakhouse @ Harrah’s
The Country Club @ Wynn
Botero @ Wynn
Stripsteak @ Mandalay Bay
Charlie Palmer’s @ Four Seasons
Del Frisco’s (off strip @ 3925 Paradise Road)
Golden Steer (off strip @ 308 West Sahara Avenue)
Prime rib
Lawry's The Prime Rib (just off strip - 4043 Howard Hughes Pkwy; basically invented the prime rib)
O’Sheas ($15.00 rib special) @ Ellis Island
Unique
Top of the World @ Stratosphere
Heart Attack Grill (450 Fremont St)
Capo's Italian Steakhouse (speakeasy; 5675 W Sahara)
Coyote Ugly @ New York New York
Kahunaville@ Treasure Island
Vegas StrEATs @ El Cortez
Dick's Last Resort @ Excalibur
Insert Coins (512 Fremont St)
The Bourbon Room @ Venetian
Wynn Country Club @ WynnLast edited by ocam; 05-09-2013, 10:55 PM.EastCoast: "I will preach. Vegas is easy. So easy. Either be rich or good looking (or mooch off someone who is one of those). If you are neither, then sit back, let the rich and/or good looking people sort their shit out, and then take their scraps. Booking early is not going to get you ahead of the rich and/or good looking people. Sucks unless you are rich or good looking. But that's what makes Vegas so great. It is completely transparent."Comment
-
DRINKING
HOW DO I GET INTO NIGHTCLUBS?
Table/bottle service
Table service is the way to go in Vegas if you can afford it. You are quoted a “minimum spend” – which varies based on the size of your group, ratio of males to females, and table location you are requesting.
How much do I need to budget for table service?
The minimum spend is exclusive of taxes and tips and the general rule of thumb is that the total inclusive price is 1.5 times the table minimum you get quoted.
Minimum spend roughly works out as 1 bottle (roughly $400-600) for every 3 males in your group. On top of the minimum spend you need to add:
•8.1% sales tax (and in some places like Marquee nightclub/dayclub there is an additional 10% live entertainment tax)
•20% auto gratuity (which goes to your server). If service deserves it, up to additional 10%
•busboy - $20 at the start of the night. If service deserves it, additional $20-40
•security - $20 per person at beginning. If deserved (and to get them to look the other way if a friend is drunk etc), additional $20+
•host tip – this is totally discretionary, but keep in mind that the size of your tip will have an impact on your table location and your minimum spend. Figures thrown around on the forums are $50-100 per bottle, up to $500. Some tip even more than $500.
Worked example, assuming a group of 3 guys:
$500 (minimum spend) + $40.50 (sales tax) + $100 (auto gratuity) + $20 (busboy) + $60 (security) + $75 (host tip) = $795.50 total = $265.17 per person
You can adjust your tips up or down depending on your budget and preferred table location.
Why am I tipping this "host" / security / busboy?
Security = stops people coming into your area; brings girls to you; pushes people out of your way so you can get to the bathroom/dance floor; look the other way if someone is drunk or on something
Busboy = brings you ice; mixers; brings additional glasses for biddies; clears empty glasses/bottles
Host = person who takes your booking; walks you in (if not tied up); has a say in which table you get; has the ability to reduce your minimum spend if your tip is generous; organises things so your night runs smoothly; checks in with you to see how you're going (i.e. ensures you get the "VIP" feeling/experience); is the person you can give feedback to if things aren't going right and then they will sort out the issue.
When should I give my tip to the host / security / busboy?
You are introduced to your security guard / busboy / server by the person that takes you to your table. Often the person that takes you to your table is the host, but sometimes if they are caught up, someone else will take you. Give the person who takes you to the table your host tip (which you should ideally have already told the host when booking your table, so that they can give you the best table / lowest min they can). In your palm while you handshake with him is the way to hand over your host tip - but it's not a drug deal so no need to be uber sly about it. Give your tips to security / busboy when introduced by your host (no need to tip the server, since they get a larger cut of the 20% auto gratuity). This way your security guard / busboy already have $ from you and will help you from the start of your night. Think about it, why would they risk working hard for you with no reward? Of course, they will still do their job without a tip - you just won't get the "additional" help they can provide. P.S. I tend to tip everyone quite well (double what I posted above).
Who should I contact above bottle service, and when?
Contact a Jack Colton recommended host 2 weeks out from your trip (text preferred). The current host contact threads are http://forums.jackcolton.com/showthr...ion-Nightclubs (for nightclubs) and http://forums.jackcolton.com/showthr...ormation-Pools (for pool parties)
What should I tell the host when booking?
Be upfront. Tell your host:
•your budget (i.e. inclusive of auto gratuity and tax, but exclusive of host/security/busboy tips)
•the size and ratio of your group
•the size of your host tip
•if you know, the table location that you want
•that you are a member of the Jack Colton forums.
Your host will try the best he can to accommodate you and will let you know if what you are after is doable, or what alternatives they can do based on your budget.
Remember to get in touch with your host again a few days before the event, so they know you are still coming.
Sample texts:
These are just suggestions and not scripts. For example, you might prefer to ask what a host can do for "$X all-inclusive, including a host tip of $Y". [Note this "all-inclusive" price does NOT include your security/bus boy tip which are at your discretion on the night.]
If you don't know what location you want:
"Hi [host name]. I'm [your name] from the JC forums and got your details from there. I'd like to book a table at [club] on [day, date]. I've got a group of [x] people ([y] guys and [z] girls) including me. Our host tip for the night will be $[x]. Could you please let me know what minimum and location I could expect? Appreciate your help. Thanks [your name]"
If you know the location you want:
"Hi [host name]. I'm [your name] from the JC forums and got your details from there. I'd like to book a table at [club] on [day, date]. I've got a group of [x] people ([y] guys and [z] girls) including me. Our host tip for the night will be $[x]. I was hoping to get [table number [x] / a table in [x] location]. Could you please let me know what minimum I could expect and whether this location would be possible based on my tip? Appreciate your help. Thanks [your name]"
If you are unable to get that location based on the tip, then ask whether $[greater tip amount] would get it.
Keep in mind that hosts can't guarantee locations but will try their best (especially if they are a JC-recommended host) - so get there early before other people beat you to your preferred location. Once a table is gone, there's nothing your host can do about it.
Sharing a table with others
Try the GET CONNECTED forum here to see if there are other people that will be there on your dates and who are willing to split a table with you.
Guest list
Try contacting a Jack Colton recommended host a few days beforehand to see if there is a guest list open that you can be added to. Might not be lucky since you're dudes.
If you get reduced/free entry through the guest list, then you should tip your host to show your appreciation (and because you have saved cash anyway).
Presale tickets
If you know where you want to go for a particular night, buy a presale ticket from www.wantickets.com The presales line is faster than general admission and guarantees you entry if you get there before the club hits capacity.
With presale tickets, there is no need to tip anyone.
General admission
If you are doing general admission, GET THERE EARLY. Especially if you are a group of guys (though, this isn’t you because you were smart and bought presales didn’t you
).
If a host walks you in, you should tip them $20-30 per person (on top of cover charge).
Hotel guest [to be confirmed]
Wynncore
For guests of both Wynn and Encore, a simple trip to the Concierge (7am – 9pm) can get you a VIP Front Of The Line ticket for XS, Tryst, Surrender and Encore Beach Club. It costs cover price + $5 (which will most likely be more than presales) and must be charged to your room.
Cosmopolitan
Cosmo hotel key gets you free entry for you +1 on Friday and Monday for the dayclub and nightclub. You do not get entry with your room key on Saturdays or holiday weekends/fight weekends.[/quote]Last edited by ocam; 02-27-2013, 06:16 PM.EastCoast: "I will preach. Vegas is easy. So easy. Either be rich or good looking (or mooch off someone who is one of those). If you are neither, then sit back, let the rich and/or good looking people sort their shit out, and then take their scraps. Booking early is not going to get you ahead of the rich and/or good looking people. Sucks unless you are rich or good looking. But that's what makes Vegas so great. It is completely transparent."Comment
-
WHICH NIGHTCLUBS SHOULD I VISIT?
You can have a good time at any nightclub in Vegas. Which clubs are most suitable for you depend on your musical preference and a number of other factors (e.g. do you want a club that’s within your hotel, etc, etc)
All clubs are banging on Friday/Saturday nights. In brackets after each club name are their “industry night / other recommended nights to visit them.
The clubs in Tier 1A play electronic dance music (“EDM”). All the other clubs are mainly “open format” (other than Surrender which is also EDM), meaning they play a mix of top 40/hip-hop and later on in the night, EDM.
Tier 1A
Marquee @ Cosmo (Mon)
XS @ Encore (Sun/Mon)
Hakkasan (Thurs/Sun, opens April 18) @ MGM
Omnia @ Caesar's (Thurs-Sunday + Tues)
Light @ Mandalay Bay
Tier 1B
1OAK @ Mirage (Tues)
Surrender @ Encore (Wed)
Tao @ Venetian (Thurs)
The Act @ Palazzo (Wed)
Tryst @ Wynn (Thurs)
Tier 2A
Chateau @ Paris (Tues)
Haze @ Aria (Thurs)
Lavo @ Palazzo (Tues; “old school hip hop Wednesdays”)
Pure @ Caesar’s (Tues)
The Bank @ Bellagio (Sun)
Body English @ Hard Rock (Sun)
Tier 2B
Gallery @ Planet Hollywood (Wed)
Ghostbar @ Palms (Wed)
Hyde @ Bellagio (Tues)
LAX @ Luxor (Wed)
Moon @ Palms (Tues)
Vanity @ Hard Rock (Sun)
Bars with views
Chandelier Bar @ Cosmo
MIX @ Mandalay Bay
Ghostbar @ Palms
Mandarin Bar @ Mandarin Oriental
Cheap drinks / happy hour
See this thread: http://forums.jackcolton.com/showthr...-Location-List (may or may not be completely current)Last edited by ocam; 04-27-2015, 04:09 PM.EastCoast: "I will preach. Vegas is easy. So easy. Either be rich or good looking (or mooch off someone who is one of those). If you are neither, then sit back, let the rich and/or good looking people sort their shit out, and then take their scraps. Booking early is not going to get you ahead of the rich and/or good looking people. Sucks unless you are rich or good looking. But that's what makes Vegas so great. It is completely transparent."Comment
-
Strip clubs
Spearmint Rhino (for the best looking women)
Sapphire Club
OGs (for good deals through Sophie on these forums like b1g1)
Tips
If you go outside of peak times, call up a club. They'll send a free limo and waive cover charge. Tip the driver ~$15 per person.
If you are in a club and can't find a seat, tip security and they will "magically appear" (~$20pp for seats).
Always use cash.EastCoast: "I will preach. Vegas is easy. So easy. Either be rich or good looking (or mooch off someone who is one of those). If you are neither, then sit back, let the rich and/or good looking people sort their shit out, and then take their scraps. Booking early is not going to get you ahead of the rich and/or good looking people. Sucks unless you are rich or good looking. But that's what makes Vegas so great. It is completely transparent."Comment
-
That is an amazing list! so much information!Comment
-
Damn, Ocam is the Oracle LOL. Everything I needed is right fucking here, I MEAN EVERYTHING.Comment
-
Can't take credit for all this - I basically just consolidated a heap of information from others on the forumOriginally posted by Fran Booogie View PostEastCoast: "I will preach. Vegas is easy. So easy. Either be rich or good looking (or mooch off someone who is one of those). If you are neither, then sit back, let the rich and/or good looking people sort their shit out, and then take their scraps. Booking early is not going to get you ahead of the rich and/or good looking people. Sucks unless you are rich or good looking. But that's what makes Vegas so great. It is completely transparent."Comment
-
Well, you took the time to forage through other threads to consolidate all of this useful and created a "one-stop-shop". So yeah, you get mad props. #saluteComment
-
Agreed - great info for a Vegas Virgin like myself!Originally posted by SvetlanaComment
-
-
Wow. Thanks for all the info.Comment
-
This is amazing amount of info!!!Comment
-
-
10% off LIV Beach tickets with code LVNC
Purchasing tickets for LIV Beach at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas is the easiest way to guarantee...04-14-2026, 02:09 PM -
Get a $5 discount off Encore Beach Club tickets with promo code LVNC
Purchasing tickets for Encore Beach Club at the Encore in Las Vegas...04-14-2026, 02:07 PM
Comment