here’s the beef

By MATTHEW B. BROWN & CHARLIE JOHNSTON | January/February 2010

here’s the beef

Photo: Cactus Creek Southwestern Steakhouse (above); Bimini Steakhouse (below)

For more than 150 years, Nevada’s open rangeland has been cattle country. It comes as no surprise, then, that this ranching haven is home to some of the best steaks in the nation. From the upscale and decadent to the understated and simple, the Silver State’s more than 100 steakhouses can satisfy any carnivore’s hunger for beef.

BIMINI STEAKHOUSE

Palm-fringed tropical islands and thick, hardy steaks might seem an odd combination, but one visit to Peppermill Reno’s premier steakhouse, Bimini, will prove otherwise. Named for an island in the Bahamas, Bimini is a refreshing, hip take on classic steakhouses. A large open dining room looks over the resort’s pool, and a central high-def video panel “aquarium” solidifies the tropical theme.

Appetizers continue the theme of unique combinations, with Atlantic and Pacific oysters served on a bed of ice with spicy and sweet horseradish gelato and Yukon Gold potato salad wrapped in Kobe beef sashimi. Perfectly grilled steaks are accented with unique, eclectic sauces such as Tortuga rum peppercorn and slightly tangy Key lime Béarnaise.

One of Reno’s most expansive wine lists has a pairing for any dish and is stocked with rare vintages, meticulously selected by Peppermill’s Executive Director of Food and Beverage, Don Hamilton, and his staff. The same personal attention that goes into the wine selection is mirrored during meal service. Chef Mosimo Riggio personally inspects each plate before it is served and frequently circles the dining room to ensure his guests are satisfied.

BOA STEAKHOUSE

Las Vegas is known for creating the illusion that we are somewhere else. In the case of Boa Steakhouse, that somewhere is a chic L.A. hangout. Understated, slightly abstract décor makes for a laid-back-young-professional feel.

There’s no salt on the tables at Boa… that’s because you probably won’t need it. The casual, California-style steakhouse focuses on simplicity and perfectly seasoned beef. They don’t marinade their steaks. “We try to accentuate the natural taste,” says manager Eric Smith. Boa uses rubs and crusts, such as blue cheese and foie gras butter, and sauces such as its signature J-1 to complement its beef.

Steaks, such as the melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon and perfectly marbled rib eye, are treated with the utmost care and attention. “We won’t serve something we’re not passionate about,” Smith says.

Equal consideration is given to the menu’s non-beef items. The rich and creamy Caesar salad, prepared tableside, has regularly and justifiably been called the best in Las Vegas, and sides, such as truffle mac-n-cheese, are creative and inspired.

CACTUS CREEK SOUTHWESTERN STEAKHOUSE

The designs of some restaurants are often as unique and inspired as their menus. Cactus Creek inside the Bonanza Casino in Reno is best described as The Alamo meets Dr. Seuss. Bold colors and classic Western accents are combined with sharp angles and whimsically weaving lines.

The proclamation that the restaurant serves only UDSA Prime Beef is proudly displayed on the menu. A little farther down the menu I find the only four words that can make me stray from my standard steakhouse choice of rib eye: T-bone of American bison. The lean and tender meat is best described as beef that has reached nirvana, and, like any steak, is best appreciated when prepared medium-rare.
Steaks run the gamut from filet mignon to the slow-roasted house specialty prime rib. Unlike a growing number of Nevada steakhouses, salads and a side are included. The chef’s special lime tequila dressing screams southwest and is excellent paired with a top-shelf margarita.
Every-other-month Winemaker Dinners offer patrons a chance to sample some of the West Coast’s most loved wines, expertly paired with special menus.

THE STEAK HOUSE

The term “hidden hotspot” is thrown around a lot in the restaurant arena, but never has it been truer than in the case of The Steak House at Peppermill’s Western Village Inn & Casino in Sparks. Tucked into an unassuming corner of a neighborhood casino, the restaurant features top-end classic steakhouse offerings in an intimate dining room that was remodeled in October 2009.

The food continues the classic steakhouse theme with exceptional interpretations of favorites from Steak Oscar—tenderloin topped with Alaskan king crab
and asparagus and liberally drizzled in rich, creamy Béarnaise—to a thick, juicy 22-ounce bone-in rib eye.

The Caesar salad, made tableside, is creamy and garlicky and honestly the best I have ever tasted—there’s something very special about a dish being prepared in front of your very eyes. This emphasis on personal attention continues into dessert. Sweet and creamy Bananas Foster, prepared flambé style, is a production of wild flames as the maître d’ mixes and cooks the ingredients in the customer’s presence.

STOCKMAN’S STEAKHOUSE

If you’re a regular at Stockman’s Steakhouse at the Pahrump Nugget, and you’ve got the slightest inkling that you want to try something new—the traditional 20-ounce porterhouse satisfies every time—the Southern Nevada casino has rolled out a few new menu items.

The steakhouse, nifty because it can serve as a relaxing hangout or a great date spot, has added a 20-ounce prime grade bone-in rib eye, veal marsala, chicken parmesan, New Orleans pasta, and a 10-ounce lobster tail to its repertoire (the restaurant is also known for its seafood, by the way). Chandeliers, soft lighting, and a sleek design make for an ambiance that transcends the traditional down-home steakhouse, but stops short of the stuffy atmosphere of some fine-dining eateries. Entrées such as veal to slow-roasted prime rib include soup or salad, and for larger appetites, 15 sides, from wild mushrooms to garlic smashed potatoes, can satisfy any taste.

The restaurant also offers a superb wine list and a variety of tempting desserts.

STRIP HOUSE

Walking into Strip House at the Planet Hollywood Resort is like stepping into a real-life rendition of the 1925 F. Scott Fitzgerald classic, The Great Gatsby. The elegant and subtly sexy dining room is awash in warm, low light, and the dark red walls are accented with hundreds of antique photos of early 20th-century centerfolds.

The food follows suit with succulent and juicy steaks, such as the 22-ounce bone-in rib eye, and decadently rich sides such as the crisp goose fat potatoes and black truffle creamed spinach. The sweet and slightly spicy house-made steak sauce ads a subtle, zesty flavor. Tableside carvings for two offer shared center cut chateaubriand or porterhouse.

Baked Alaska, with bruléed meringue and butter pecan and milk chocolate ice creams, is a strong contender for best dessert on the Strip and could easily satisfy a table of four.

CONTACTS

Bimini Steakhouse
Peppermill Resort Casino
2707 S. Virginia St., Reno
peppermillreno.com
866-821-9996

Boa Steakhouse
Forum Shops at Caesars
3500 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas
boasteak.com
702-733-7373

Cactus Creek Southwestern Steakhouse
Bonanza Casino
4720 N. Sierra St., Reno
bonanzacasino.com
775-323-2724

The Steakhouse
Western Village Inn & Casino
815 Nichols Blvd., Sparks
wvsparks.com
800-648-1170

Stockman’s Steakhouse
Pahrump Nugget
681 S. State Route 160, Pahrump
pahrumpnugget.com
775-751-6500

Strip House
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
3667 Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas
striphouse.com
702-737-5200

LAS VEGAS AREA

Austins
Texas Station Gambling Hall and Hotel
North Las Vegas
2101 Texas Star Ln.
texasstation.com
800-654-8888

Bally’s Steakhouse
Bally’s
3645 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
ballyslasvegas.com
702-967-7999

Billy Bob’s Steakhouse & Saloon
Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall
5111 Boulder Hwy.
samstownlv.com
800-634-6371

Binion’s Ranch Steakhouse
Binion’s
128 Fremont St.
binions.com
702-392-1600

Boa Steakhouse
Caesars Palace
3500 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
boasteak.com
702-733-7373

Botero
Encore
3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
encorelasvegas.com
888-352-3463

Brand Steakhouse & Lounge
Monte Carlo
3770 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
lightgroup.com
702-693-8300

The Broiler
Boulder Station Hotel Casino
4111 Boulder Hwy.
boulderstation.com
800-683-7777

The Broiler
Palace Station Hotel Casino
2411 W. Sahara Ave.
palacestation.com
800-634-3101

Carnevino Steakhouse
Palazzo
3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
carnevino.com
702-789-4141

Carve
Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel
5255 Boulder Hwy.
cannerycasinos.com
866-999-4899

The Charcoal Room
Santa Fe Station Hotel Casino
4949 N. Rancho Rd.
santafestationlasvegas.com
866-767-7770

Charlie Palmer Steak
Four Seasons
3960 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
charliepalmer.com
702-632-5120

Conductor’s Room
Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino
Henderson
2800 Boulder Hwy.
railroadpass.com
800-654-0877

Cortez Room
Gold Coast Hotel and Casino
4000 W. Flamingo Rd.
goldcoastcasino.com
888-402-6278

The Country Club, A New American Steakhouse
Wynn Las Vegas
3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
wynnlasvegas.com
888-320-7100

Craftsteak
MGM Grand
3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
mgmgrand.com
702-891-7318

CUT
Palazzo
3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
palazzolasvegas.com
702-607-6300

Dan Marino’s Fine Food & Spirits
Hooters Casino Hotel
115 E. Tropicana Ave.
hooterscasinohotel.com
866-584-6687

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
3925 Paradise Rd.
delfriscos.com
702-796-0063

Delmonico’s Steakhouse
Venetian
3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
emerils.com
702-414-3737

Don B’s Steakhouse
Fitzgeralds Casino and Hotel
301 E. Fremont St.
fitzgeraldslasvegas.com
800-274-5825

Embers
Imperial Palace
3535 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
imperialpalace.com
702-731-3311

Envy Steakhouse
3400 Paradise Rd.
envysteakhouse.com
702-784-5716

Fix
Bellagio
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
bellagio.com
888-987-6667

The Flame Steakhouse
El Cortez
600 E. Fremont St.
elcortezhotelcasino.com
800-634-6703

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
8721 W. Charleston Blvd.
flemmingssteakhouse.com
702-838-4774

Fuego Steakhouse
Fiesta Henderson Casino Hotel
Henderson
777 W. Lake Mead Pkwy.
fiestahendersinlasvegas.com
888-899-7770

Gallagher’s Steakhouse
New York – New York
3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
arkvegas.com
702-740-6450

Hacienda Steakhouse
Hacienda Hotel & Casino
Boulder City
U.S. Hwy. 93
haciendaonline.com
800-245-6380

Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis
Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa
Henderson
2300 Paseo Verde Pkwy.
702-617-7515

House of Lords Steak House
Sahara
2535 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
saharavegas.com
866-382-8884

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Rib, and Stone Crab
Caesars Palace
3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
caesarspalace.com
800-634-6661

Kokomo’s
Mirage
3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
mirage.com
800-627-6667

Kristofer’s Steakhouse
Riviera Hotel & Casino
2901 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
rivierahotel.com
800-634-6753

Legends Steak & Seafood
Tropicana
3801 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
tropicanalv.com
800-462-8767

Les Artistes Steakhouse
Paris
3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
parislasvegas.com
702-967-7999

Lone Star Steakhouse (three locations)
lonestarsteakhouse.com

210 N. Nellis Blvd.
702-453-7827

3131 N. Rainbow Blvd.
702-656-7125

1290 E. Flamingo Rd.
702-893-0348

Lowry’s The Prime Rib
4043 Howard Hughes Pkwy.
lawrysonline.com
702-893-2223

Mon Ami Gabi
Paris Las Vegas
3655 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
parislasvegas.com
888-266-5687

Morel’s French Steakhouse & Bistro
Palazzo
3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
palazzolasvegas.com
702-607-6333

Morton’s The Steakhouse
400 E. Flamingo Rd.
mortons.com
702-893-0703

MRKT Sea & Land
Aliante Station Casino
375 E. Harmon Ave.
aliantecasinohotel.com
877-477-7627

Neros
Caesars Palace
3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
caesarspalace.com
800-634-6661

Nine Steakhouse
The Palms
4321 W. Flamingo Rd.
n9negroup.com
702-933-9900

Outback Steakhouse (eight locations)
outbacksteakhouse.com

7380 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
702-643-3148

3411 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
702-251-7770

3785 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
702-220-4185

2625 Craig Rd.
702-647-4152

4141 S. Pecos Rd.
702-898-3801

1950 N. Rainbow Blvd.
702-647-1035

8671 W. Sahara Ave.
702-228-1088

Henderson
4423 E. Sunset Rd.
702-451-7808

Palm
Caesars Palace
3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
caesarspalace.com
800-634-6661

Pampas Brazilian Grille
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
planethollywoodresort.com
877-333-9474

Portofino Italian Steakhouse
MonteLago
Lake Las Vegas
30 Strada Di Villaggio
montelagovillage.com
702-939-8918

Primarily Prime Rib
South Point Casino Hotel & Spa
9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
southpointcasino.com
866-791-7626

Prime Rib Loft
Orleans Hotel and Casino
4500 W. Tropicana Ave.
orleanscasino.com
800-675-3267

Prime Steakhouse
Bellagio
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
bellagio.com
702-693-7223

Pullman Bar & Grille
Main Street Station Casino
200 N. Main St.
mainstreetcasino.com
877-632-5300

The Range Steakhouse
Harrah’s Las Vegas
3475 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
harrahs.com
800-392-9002

Rare 120˚
Hard Rock
4455 Paradise Rd.
hardrockhotel.com
702-693-5500

Redwood Bar & Grill
California Hotel and Casino
12 E. Oregon Ave.
thecal.com
800-634-6255

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (two locations)
ruthschris.com
4561 W. Flamingo Rd.
702-248-7011
3900 Paradise Rd.
702-791-7011

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse
Mirage
3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
mirage.com
866-339-4566

SC Prime Steakhouse & Bar
Suncoast Hotel and Casino
9090 Alta Dr.
suncoastcasino.com
877-677-7111

Silverado Steakhouse
South Point Casino Hotel & Spa
9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
southpointcasino.com
866-791-7626

Smith and Wollensky
3767 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
smithandwollenskysteakhouses.com
702-862-4100

Sonoma Cellar Steakhouse
Subset Station Hotel Casino
Henderson
1301 W. Sunset Rd.
sunsetstation.com
888-786-7389

The Steak House
Circus Circus
2880 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
circuscircus.com
702-794-3767

Steakhouse 46
Flamingo Las Vegas
3555 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
flamingolasvegas.com
800-732-2111

Steakhouse At Bill’s
Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon
3595 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
billslasvegas.com
866-245-5745

The Steakhouse at Camelot
Excalibur
3850 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
excalibur.com
702-597-7449

The Steakhouse at TI
Treasure Island
3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
treasureisland.com
866-286-3809

Steeles
Henderson
9460 S. Eastern Ave.
steelesrestaurant.com
702-588-5400

Strip House Steak House
Planet Hollywood
3667 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
striphouse.com
702-737-5200

Stripsteak
Mandalay Bay
3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
mandalaybay.com
702-632-7414

SW Steakhouse
Wynn
3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
wynnlasvegas.com
888-352-3463

Switch
Encore
3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
encorelasvegas.com
888-352-3463

T-Bones Chophouse
Red Rock Casino Resort Spa
11011 W. Charleston Blvd.
redrocklasvegas.com
866-767-7773

Tender Steak and Seafood
Luxor
3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
luxor.com
702-262-4852

Terzetto
M Resort
Henderson
12300 S. Vegas Blvd.
themresort.com
702-797-1000

TJ’s Steakhouse
Hilton
3000 Paradise Rd.
lvhilton.com
702-732-5645

Tuscany Gardens
Tuscany Suites & Casino
255 E. Flamingo Rd.
tuscanylv.com
877-887-2261

Twin Creeks Restaurant
Silverton Hotel and Casino Lodge
3333 Blue Diamond Rd.
silvertoncasino.com
866-946-4373

Via Brazil Steakhouse
1225 S. Fort Apache Rd.
viabrazilsteakhouse.com
702-804-1400

Vic & Anthony’s
Golden Nugget
129 Fremont St.
goldennugget.com
800-634-3454

Village Steakhouse
9440 W. Sahara Ave.
villagesteakhouse.net
702-838-8006

Voodoo Steak & Lounge
Rio
3700 W. Flamingo Rd.
riolasvegas.com
702-777-7923

Waverly’s Steak House
Cannery Casino & Hotel
North Las Vegas
2121 E. Craig Rd.
cannerycasinos.com
866-999-4899

Yolie’s Brazilian Steak House
3900 Paradise Rd. Ste. Z
yoliesbraziliansteakhouse.com
702-794-0700

Yukon Grille
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder
4575 Boulder Hwy.
arizonacharliesboulder.com
800-362-4040

LAKE TAHOE

Ciera Steak + Chophouse
Montbleu
55 U.S. Highway 50
montbleuresort.com
800-648-3353

Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood Grill
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
15 U.S. Highway 50
harrahslaketahoe.com
775-588-6611

Josh’s
Horizon
50 U.S. Highway 50
horizoncasino.com
800-322-7723

Sage Room Steak House
Harvey’s
18 U.S. Highway 50
harveystahoe.com
775-588-2411

RENO/SPARKS AREA

Bimini Steakhouse
Peppermill
2707 S. Virginia St.
peppermillreno.com
775-689-7111

Cactus Creek Southwestern Steakhouse
Bonanza
4720 N. Virginia St.
bonanzacasino.com
775-323-2724 x118

Cassidy’s Steak + Prime Rib House
Boomtown
I-80 Exit 4
boomtownreno.com
775-345-8500

Charlie Palmer
Grand Sierra Resort
2500 E. 2nd St.
charliepalmer.com
775-789-2456

Duke’s Steakhouse
Casino Fandango
Carson City
3800 S. Carson St.
casinofandango.com
775-886-1664

Harrah’s Steak House
Harrah’s Reno
219 N. Center St.
harrahsreno.com
775-788-2929

Glen Eagles
Carson City
3700 N. Carson St.
gleneaglesresaurant.com
775-884-4414

Outback Steakhouse (two locations)
outbacksteakhouse.com

3645 S. Virginia St.
775-827-5050

1805 E. Lincoln Way
775-358-2700

Ruby River Steakhouse
2750 S. Virginia St.
rubyriver.com
775-827-4007

The Steakhouse at Circus
Circus Circus
500 N. Sierra St.
circusreno.com
775-329-0711

The Steakhouse Grill
John Ascuaga’s Nugget
1100 Nugget Ave.
janugget.com
775-356-3300 x3765

The Steak House
Western Village
815 Nichols Blvd.
wvsparks.com
800-648-1170

Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse
Silver Legacy
407 N. Virginia St.
silverlegacyreno.com
775-325-7573

Texas Roadhouse
150 Damonte Ranch Pkwy.
texasroadhouse.com
775-852-6333

Washoe Steakhouse
4201 W. 4th St.
washoesteakhouse.com
775-786-1323

Vista Grille
1250 Disc Dr.
vistagrille.com
775-626-9922

RURAL

Charmaine’s Steakhouse
Mesquite
897 W. Mesquite Blvd.
702-346-5232

Gold Canyon Steak House
Dayton
160 Main St.
775-246-7331

The Lodge
River Palms
Laughlin
2700 S. Casino Dr.
river-palms.com
800-835-7903

Mark Twain’s Chicken, Ribs, and Steak
Colorado Belle
Laughlin
coloradobelle.com
702-298-4000

Outback Steakhouse
Laughlin
1900 S. Casino Dr.
outbacksteakhouse.com
702-298-0419

Saltgrass Steakhouse
Golden Nugget
Laughlin
goldennugget.com/laughlin
702-298-4200

Silver Spur Steakhouse
Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino
Primm
100 W. Primm Blvd.
primmvalleyresorts.com
800-386-7867

The Steakhouse
Tropicana Express
Laughlin
2121 S. Casino Dr.
tropicanax.com
888-888-8695 x6375

The Range Steakhouse
Harrah’s Laughlin
Laughlin
2900 S. Casino Dr.
harrahslaughlin.com
702-298-6832

Washoe Flats Steakhouse
Washoe Valley
555 U.S. Highway 395 N.
washoeflats.com
775-849-1500

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