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Gary Trask Gaming Guru  Top 10 best off-Strip restaurants in Las Vegas14 July 2025
By Gary Trask If you think the best food in Las Vegas is only found on the Strip, you're missing half the story. Yes, the Las Vegas Strip packs more world-class restaurants into a four-mile stretch than almost anywhere else in the world. That said, there are plenty of off-Strip options that carry the same vibe, feel less like a tourist trap, and provide gold-standard service and cuisine. Below, we present 10 of our favorite off-Strip restaurants that are well worth the Uber ride, especially if you're in the mood for meat. This list leans heavy on steakhouses, with a few other "must-visit" spots mixed in. 10. Scotch 80 Prime If you read my recent Top 10 Off-Strip Las Vegas Casinos column, it should come as no surprise that we have a venue at Palms Casino Resort leading off this list. The Palms – which sits about a mile off the Strip, just past Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino – reopened in 2022 as the first Native American-owned casino in Las Vegas, and it’s become a staple of any trip of mine to the desert. A primary reason is the casino’s signature restaurant, Scotch 80 Prime, named one of the best steakhouses in Las Vegas by GAYOT in 2022 and honored with Wine Spectator’s “Best Award of Elegance” in 2024. The restaurant has a business casual dress code, so don’t expect to see baseball caps or ripped jeans. That standard carries through the entire experience. From the marble and wood textures and impressive art collection to the impeccable service, deep whiskey list, and standout food, everything is always dialed in. The restaurant’s name honors the historic Scotch 80s neighborhood, an exclusive area founded in the early 1900s by Las Vegas’ first mayor, Peter Buol, with Scottish backing, that became home to Vegas icons such as Howard Hughes and Jerry Lewis. Scotch 80 offers an incredible Social Hour (Mondays through Thursdays, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) with 30% off select menu items, cocktails, and wines. Go-to menu item: The menu is highlighted by an array of Wagyu beef choices, so even if it’s an appetizer (Smoked Bone Marrow) or a side (Wagyu Fried Rice), treat yourself to this true melt-in-your-mouth option. 9. Lotus of Siam Dozens of people had told me about this hidden gem located in a humble strip mall on East Sahara Avenue, about a mile behind SAHARA Las Vegas. After finally experiencing it, Lotus of Siam more than measured up to its massive billing. Internationally known for its Northern Thai specialties, Lotus is anything but ordinary. This family-run restaurant, headed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Saipin Chutima and her husband Bill, has become a true Las Vegas hotspot. As the menu describes, Northern Thai dishes are typically milder, featuring "herbs and greens, more of a beautiful mountain scenery with a touch of spices that will fill the mind with memories." Each dish brings heat, depth, and something unexpected, like a burst of citrus, a hit of spice, or an unusual herb that lingers in just the right way. Bonus: There’s also a surprisingly deep wine list. Lotus of Siam opened a new location at Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in late 2022, which I have yet to experience, but trust me, it’s on the hit list. Go-to menu item: Tom Yum Koong (a hot and sour soup with shrimp, lime juice, lemongrass and straw mushrooms), Nam Kao Tod (crispy rice mixed with sour minced pork sausage, scallions, cilantro, red onions, fresh chili, ginger, peanuts and lime juice) and Garlic Prawns (deep-friend with shells, sautéed with the special garlic sauce and topped with ground black pepper). 8. The George Sportsmen’s Lounge First off, if you haven’t made the short trek off the Las Vegas Strip to visit Durango Casino Resort, do yourself a favor and get there ASAP. The new Station Casinos property has quickly become one of my favorite casinos in Las Vegas.
One of the reasons I’m so fond of the property is The George, an upscale sports bar with an inviting design, a comfortable outdoor patio perfect for long sessions of watching (and betting on) sports, and a menu that most certainly doesn’t resemble your typical options at a sports bar or sportsbook. Open 24/7, the concept – created by the CEO of FINE Entertainment Management, Jonathan Fine – pays homage to classic Las Vegas big tippers, who, back in the day, were commonly called “a George” – as in the portrait found on the one-dollar bill. The patio sits just outside the doors of the STN Sportsbook and boasts a huge, 56-foot LED screen surrounded by rows of comfortable Adirondack chairs. The indoor portion of the venue offers bar-top gaming, booths, and tables with perfect views of the wrap-around screens in the sportsbook. Go-to menu item: 24-Hour Short Rib Sliders (slow-roasted with horseradish cream, topped with crispy onions) or the Honey Sriracha Grilled Shrimp (jumbo shrimp, honey sriracha glaze, Asian slaw, sesame seeds, chives). 7. Triple George Grill Simply put, Triple George Grill is one of the most underrated spots in Las Vegas. When people talk about the best steakhouses in town, this downtown gem — right across from the Downtown Grand Las Vegas — doesn’t have the flash or name recognition of an Andiamo, Del Frisco’s, or SW.
What it does have is a welcoming atmosphere, exceptional service, and a menu full of great value. Triple George is prone to creative promotions (for its 12th anniversary, it offered a free 96-ounce porterhouse steak and house wine to any group with three people named “George”). Its daily Power Lunch Specials (11 a.m., to 3 p.m.) and Happy Hours (Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., bar top only) present huge savings. Go-to menu item: Porcini-Crusted Ribeye: A 20-ounce cowboy cut ribeye, crusted with porcini mushrooms, brown sugar, and red pepper. Trust me on this one. It’s a “must order.” 6. Golden Steer Steakhouse Golden Steer Steakhouse isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a piece of Las Vegas history. Since 1958, this iconic spot, located on West Sahara Avenue around the corner from The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, is the oldest continuously operating steakhouse in Las Vegas, serving classic steaks with a vintage “old-school” atmosphere. Golden Steer has hosted Las Vegas legends from Sinatra and the Rat Pack to Elvis and Marilyn. Each red leather booth showcases the name of a celebrity who once frequented the location. The restaurant’s past inspired many of scenes from the classic, Martin Scorsese masterpiece, Casino. While the elegant dining room areas ooze Las Vegas history, I love sitting at the cozy bar and soaking in the vibe. It’s authentic Las Vegas at its best. But even if it’s a mid-week, early afternoon, don’t expect to stroll in and find a seat. This place is always buzzing. One more little-known fact: Golden Steer's website offers a “Recipe” section, revealing the secrets to some of its favorite dishes, which I have brought to my kitchen. Go-to menu item: No need to get too fancy here: Fried Calamari and Wedge Salad, followed by a juicy and flavorful Bone-In Ribeye with peppercorn sauce and a side of creamed corn. 5. Herbs & Rye Less than two miles from Golden Steer is another cozy Las Vegas steakhouse with a true "old-school" ambiance; the kind of spot where you walk in and instantly want to order a scotch and light up a cigar. The extra dim lighting gives the space an intimate feel that calls to mind a classic speakeasy. The tagline on the Herbs & Rye website (“We make pretty good steaks, and REALLY good cocktails.) is a vast understatement. In a city built on excess, Herbs & Rye stands out for its quality, value, and an extraordinary cocktail menu. With Italian-influenced cuisine and classic steakhouse fare, the restaurant is renowned for its legendary Happy Hours, which run Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There’s also what they call the “Reverse Happy Hour” from midnight to 3 a.m., making it the unofficial after-work gathering spot for Las Vegas hospitality workers. During these time frames, you get all steaks and all well drinks at half price. There may not be a better value in all of Las Vegas. Go-to menu item: During Happy Hour, grab a seat at the heavy oak bar top so you can get a front-row seat to watch the bartenders work their magic. Then, treat yourself to a 16-ounce ribeye for just $46. Ask for the Herbs & Rye Spice Rub and go with the Truffle Parmesan Steak Fries as your side. 4. Bistecca Las Vegas foodies might be surprised by this one. But, if they are, they probably haven’t made their way over to the vastly underrated Tuscany Suites and Casino — just a half mile off the Strip, tucked behind Horseshoe Las Vegas — to check out its newly rebranded signature restaurant. Bistecca’s renovated fine dining room features luxurious furniture, artwork, and an intimate mood. As for the menu, it features the same top-tier cuts, skillfully prepared, and the atmosphere holds its own—just without the Strip-level price tag. “Hidden gem” is a term that’s often overused, but that’s exactly what Bistecca is, and whoever you bring here will surely be impressed. Go-to menu item:Tableside Caesar Salad (the homemade dressing is lights out), Veal Osso Buco (braised bone-in veal shank), followed by the flambéed Tableside Bananas Foster. 3. Barry’s Downtown Prime Everything at Circa Resort & Casino is done right, so it’s no surprise that its steakhouse has quickly earned a spot among the best in Las Vegas. No, it doesn’t have the old-school pedigree of Golden Steer, and you won’t find the wallet-friendly specials you get at Triple George or Herbs & Rye. But if you’re looking to splurge for a special occasion or night out, Barry’s will deliver. Sitting on the bottom floor of Circa, the $1 billion masterpiece that has set the standard for new Las Vegas resorts since its grand opening in 2020, Barry's boasts a combination of contemporary and old-school, with its plush booths, rose-inspired ceilings, curated local art, and soft lighting. Tableside presentations are part of the experience here, and the service is always attentive and friendly. Each steak is cooked over fruitwood and searing 900-degree coals, giving it a rich, smoky flavor, and, as you can imagine, the cocktail menu is unique and voluminous. Go-to menu item: The Barry’s Burger. It might sound sacrilegious to order a hamburger at a lavish steakhouse, but this one’s made with 10-ounces of Mishima Reserve Wagyu, topped with mushrooms, caramelized onions, white American cheese, and Utah fry sauce, with crinkle-cut fries on the side. Yum. 2. Piero's Italian Cuisine This Las Vegas institution, known for its celebrity clientele, officially changed hands last month. After more than four decades, Freddie Glusman announced he is stepping back from daily operations, transferring ownership to long-time family friend and local entrepreneur, Steve Siegel, and his Amazing Brands group.
Despite the transition, this beloved restaurant that made a cameo in the movie Casino, will retain the old-school charm and amazing cuisine that’s made it a Las Vegas favorite since 1982. Sandwiched in between Resorts World Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Country Club, Piero’s features six dining rooms that can accommodate up to 350 guests, each decorated with original artwork, fresh flowers, and photos of iconic past patrons. The Monkey Bar, known for its live weekend music, adds to the vintage charm. Go-to menu item: As someone who grew up in an Italian family where Sunday dinners were a tradition, the Sunday Gravy (Rigatoni, Meatballs, Italian Sausage, Ricotta) always jumps off the menu. And it never disappoints. 1. Oscar’s Steakhouse Perched inside the Plaza Hotel and Casino's iconic glass dome at the base of the Fremont Street Experience, Oscar’s Steakhouse is part supper club, part history lesson.
Named after the city’s most famous mayor and former mob lawyer, Oscar Goodman, the restaurant oozes character. His presence is everywhere — on the walls in vintage photographs, in the stories behind the memorabilia, and often in person, holding his signature martini. But what makes it so special is how the menu, atmosphere, and service deliver each and every time. Oscar’s recently expanded with a rooftop patio that now serves as the only fine dining al fresco spot in Downtown Vegas, offering a sleek and stylish spot for a night out with a view. We named Oscar’s as the No. 1 Happy Hour in Las Vegas for good reason. Seven days a week, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Oscar’s offers generous half-off deals on drinks and appetizers. The portions are legit, and the quality is high. Go-to menu item: If you can swing by for Happy Hour, I highly recommend No Nose’s Mob Meatballs —served sizzling with fresh ricotta and just enough veal to give them a deep, savory flavor. Pair them with Cardini’s Caesar Salad, presented in crisp lettuce boats with a delicious, not-too-rich, house-made dressing, and a glass of red to bring it all together. If ordering off the main menu, you can’t miss with the buttery and marbled 18-ounce Kansas City Strip. Top 10 Las Vegas trip hacks21 April 2025
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Gary Trask |
