Casino Connection Nevada

Choose Your Own Adventure

Casino Connection Readers pick their favorite hangouts, restaurants & more

by Staff

The results are in—and we here at Casino Connection were stunned, to say the least— at not only the sheer volume of responses, but the incredible variety of locations submitted to us for this year’s annual Casino Connection Choice Awards. Even though it is our job to cover gaming and entertainment news around town, there were spots that our readers were familiar with that would give even the most seasoned observers and partygoers a new venue to add to his/her list of must-sees.

In the end, the winners were tallied by number of entries, and while the old standbys continue to play a role in the leisure activities of Las Vegans across the valley, there were also some surprising new awardees this time around. All in all, the results of the Casino Connection Choice Awards confirm that Las Vegas still continues to be an exciting mix of the old and new, and a place where you can be sure to expect the unexpected.

Restaurant
Table 34 // 600 E. Warm Springs Rd.
With all the “star chefs” you find in the casinos, it’s comforting to find a star among our own. Wes Kendrick’s unique “New American” style cuisine matches the unpretentious yet welcoming surroundings at Table 34. Don’t miss the meatloaf!


Casino Restaurant
Michael’s // South Point
The Zagat never tells a lie—and even if the gastronomic good book did dish out gratuitous praise, Michael’s patrons need not worry. Award-winning far beyond any guesswork, this gourmet room’s reputation is sealed in the stellar.


Bar/Lounge
Artisan // 501 W. Sahara Ave.
Sure people say it all the time— the words “best kept secret” hardly hold weight anymore—but this time we really mean it. Since you voted for the Artisan, it’s OK for us to spill the beans on this romantic hideout. Surrounded by lush vegetation that seems more fantasy than reality, and with a plush and cozy lounge that’s perfect as an all-hours rendezvous, this is one sweet spot that speaks to the escape artist in all of us.  


Pizza Place
Metro Pizza // Several locations
The best pizza category is always contentious. Some vote for the most convenient pizza place, some the cheapest, some for the place they legitimately think has the best pizza in Las Vegas—we have no idea what the people voting for Pizza Hut and Domino’s were thinking—but once again Metro Pizza topped another locals list. It wasn’t a walk-away victory for Metro, with competition coming from places like Sammy’s Woodfired, Villa and Three Brothers from Italy from the Jersey Shore, but try as they might, the competition just couldn’t stack up the perennial Las Vegas favorite, Metro Pizza.

Casino Bar/Lounge
Tao // The Venetian
One of the trailblazers in the casino night club scene, Tao has grown to become one of the “must-see” attractions of Las Vegas. With a comfortable bar, gourmet restaurant and the now-famous Tao Beach, this establishment has caught the attention of visitors and locals alike.


Late Night Spot
Harrah’s Carnival Court
While we hear locals rarely visit the Strip, Harrah’s Carnival Court must be the exception. With music, dancing and the best “pick-up” action in Vegas, this outdoor venue wedged between Harrah’s and the Flamingo is the bomb. And don’t miss those yard-long beers!


Mall/Shopping Area
Fashion Show Mall // Spring Mountain Road and the Strip
Once upon a time, the Fashion Show Mall was the exclusive domain of Las Vegas’s upper-crust divas. Now, it has graciously broadened its appeal. Home to both a Payless Shoe Source as well as a Bloomingdales, the Fashion Show (which actually does host them from time-to-time) is primed for the best of all worlds. A premier spot to shop, dine and people watch.


Clothing Store
Buffalo Exchange // 4110 S. Maryland Pkwy. #1
Still hanging onto that polyester three-piece from 1972? Chances are, believe it or not, that some eager kid from the burbs is into it. If you want to trade, buy, or sell your clothes for cash, Buffalo Exchange is the way to go.


Doctor/Hospital
Mountain View Hospital // 3100 N. Tenaya Way
Part of the Sunrise Health Group, Mountain View Hospital has been serving patients for the past 11 years. Combined with quality facilities, the hospital has more than 1,100 physicians on staff, so quick service is almost guaranteed.


Salon/Spa
Euphoria // Several locations
Euphoria Salon and Spa is known for “getting it” when it comes to a great cut. And with several convenient locations across the valley, it’s a guarantee that whether it’s just a trim or a tingly all-over treatment, you’ll have time to budget it into your schedule. Also offers gift certificates.


Place to Gamble
Red Rock // Summerlin
The newest casino in Las Vegas, Red Rock has become a community center of sorts in Summerlin. With special designs and all the amenities (and more) of the largest Strip casinos, Red Rock has become a favorite for Las Vegas locals.


Golf Course
Badlands // 9119 Alta Drive
Ranked in the Top Ten Best Courses in Nevada by Golf Digest in 1997 and 1999, the Johnny Miller-designed Badlands Golf Club has three unique 9-hole layouts that wind through spectacular red rock canyons and arroyos. Twilight and “super-twilight” rates make the Badlands one of the city’s most affordable courses, as well.

Weekend Getaway
Zion National Park // Utah
The gateway to Utah’s serene canyon country, Zion National Park is only 3 hours away from our boomtown. Take I-15 north until you feel an overwhelming urge to a) grab a water bottle and hit the trail, or b) snap more pictures than a Japanese tourist.