Fortunately, there has been some relenting in the otherwise disturbing trend of a steak dinner costing more than a monthly car payment. But it is still an expensive proposition to go out for a steak dinner (and we’re not talking about the Carl’s Jr. interpretation) at many places throughout Las Vegas.

If there is any silver lining, it is that when you find a place that is as good as the expensive steakhouses on the Strip but with a bill that is a fraction of the cost, it really is rewarding. And while it isn’t exactly a secret, the Twin Creeks steakhouse at the Silverton is definitely one of those restaurants that delivers the same caliber of food and service as more ambitiously-priced steakhouses without skimping on anything.

Twin Creeks has been a popular locals restaurant going back to its opening. It was well-liked for its value and quality, and after some adjustments following a $3.7 million overhaul in 2007, business is booming. Reservations are recommended according to general manager Jay Morrison, who said they regularly see between 160 to 180 people a night (that is up from a pre-makeover figure of about 75 to 80 people per night).

There was a small setback when they decided to go with a strictly a la carte menu, but after listening to locals who said they feared that the restaurant was pricing itself out of the locals market, Morrison said they added a special section to the menu called the Twin Creeks Classics. These items come with a house salad and choice of two sides.

Some of the more popular classics include the petite cut prime rib, filet mignon and chicken milanese. And there are, of course, still a la carte options available, as well as a number of appetizers.

The appetizers include traditional offerings like salads and soups—including a lobster bisque made with real pieces of lobster—as well as some seafood arrangements. The pan-seared scallops are a popular appetizer. The $11 dish contains three large scallops served on a bed of sea beans. Another popular option is the seafood trilogy for two. This $24 dish includes two prawns, crab meat and a half-pound of Maine lobster. Lastly, the classic shrimp cocktail is not only delicious, it, like the other appetizers, is as nice to look at as it is to devour.

For the main course, you can’t go wrong with the 18-ounce, bone-in, bourbon-barbequed ribeye. It’s covered in a bourbon chipotle sauce, topped with a cube of blue cheese butter and is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. A less popular—but no less interesting—option is the 40-ounce porterhouse for two. Morrison admitted that this cut doesn’t move as well as the ribeye, but it is still a sight to behold.

Other popular options include the rack of lamb, which was taken off the menu but put back on at the request of customers.

For those not interested in red meat, lobster, salmon and swordfish are all available every day, as is the Twin Creeks Classic catch of the day, featuring everything from halibut to dover sole.

When asked for his recommendation, Morrison said he would start with the scallops, go with the bourbon ribeye with a side of asparagus and another side of truffle potatoes. And for desert he recommends the homemade crème brulee.

Along with the new look and some new entrees, the overhaul at Twin Creeks also brought a new cocktail list featuring a number of fine bourbons and whiskeys. In a way, it’s very much about recreating that old Las Vegas feeling, the upscale yet relaxed environment, cocktails, good food and better prices.

“It’s fine dining with quality food and ambience at a locals price,” Morrison said.

Morrison recommends reservations, and notes that they are sometimes booked up two or three days in advance. One of the reasons for the continuing popularity is the high standards of chef Mark Chapman. Chapman oversees every dish that leaves the kitchen and makes sure that nothing goes out that doesn’t stand up to Twin Creeks standards.

The staff is also very attentive, with many having worked at Twin Creeks since it first opened.

“We have a great team in the front of the house and in the kitchen,” Morrison said. “They really take pride in what they do and they won’t let anything but our highest standards get out into the dining room.”

Twin Creeks isn’t really the best-kept secret in Las Vegas or anything like that. It has been recognized as a Best of Las Vegas restaurant by the Las Vegas Review-Journal and is regularly full. But it sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, or overlooked by people who don’t always realize the value and the quality they are missing out on.

3333 Blue Diamond Road

Hours:

Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

702-914-8594

(reservations recommended)

By Greg Jones

Greg Jones is managing editor of Casino Connection Nevada, as well as associate editor of Global Gaming Business magazine.