seattledice
seattledice
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February 14th, 2010 at 10:13:36 AM permalink
Mrs. Seattledice and I had a tradition that every time we went to Las Vegas, we would head over to the Hilton and grab a bite to eat at Quark's. (Maybe the thread title should be 'Quarky Tradition') The combination of food, costumes, continuous Star Trek on the TVs, and the giant purple smoking drinks satisfied our nerdiness, hunger, and desire to get in the proper frame of mind (i.e. pleasantly buzzed).

But now, Quark's is no more. Supposedly it will be re-born somewhere on Fremont, but as far as I know this has not happened yet.

So, we need a new tradition. Mrs. 'dice' is heading to Vegas next weekend with a friend. In a way this is a scouting trip because she will be looking for a place that can become our new tradition, which we want to kick off this summer.

So I'm asking if anyone has any ideas for places that might fit the bill. Somewhere on the strip is preferable, but not required, because we usually stay on the strip and walk or take the monorail where we need to go.

Thanks in advance.
MrV
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February 14th, 2010 at 11:27:34 AM permalink
A "new tradition"?

Be careful what you ask for.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583680,00.html?test=latestnews

She and her friend might decide to travel a few hours north of Las Vegas for a little bit of "strange."

I mean, who wouldn't want to be romanced by an ex-Marine college drop-out recently discovered in a homeless shelter?

Ah, the stuff dreams are made of ...
"What, me worry?"
seattledice
seattledice
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February 14th, 2010 at 5:57:29 PM permalink
Quote: MrV

A "new tradition"?

Be careful what you ask for.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,583680,00.html?test=latestnews

She and her friend might decide to travel a few hours north of Las Vegas for a little bit of "strange."

I mean, who wouldn't want to be romanced by an ex-Marine college drop-out recently discovered in a homeless shelter?

Ah, the stuff dreams are made of ...



Wow, just ... wow. This is pretty funny - not quite what I expected to hear in response to my query for a nerdy, low key place with atmosphere and large smoking beverages. You must have gotten confused with my other post about Mrs. 'dice' wanting to get up close and personal with the cast of Thunder Down Under. (Which might actually happen next weekend - I just don't wanna know about it.)

I'll pass along your suggestion. Hey, if they serve the equivalent of the Warp Core Breach and a big plate of greasy onion rings, then I'm in!!
Wizard
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February 14th, 2010 at 8:30:50 PM permalink
Quote: seattledice

So I'm asking if anyone has any ideas for places that might fit the bill. Somewhere on the strip is preferable, but not required, because we usually stay on the strip and walk or take the monorail where we need to go.



My recommendation is the Hofbrauhaus. I always have a great time, food, and drink when I go there. Unlike most restaurants, you sit at picnic tables with other tourists. The people I've been seated with were always very nice and eager to have fun. On weekends there is a band playing oom-pah style of German music. The waitresses wear German outfits, and many are quite pretty. Don't expect to "sprechen sie Deutsche" with anyone, I think "guten tag" is about as far as you'll get. A real German would might think it is tacky and over the top, but that is what I like about it. It is located kitty-corner from the Hard Rock, very close to the airport.
Last edited by: Wizard on Feb 15, 2010
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
inap
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February 14th, 2010 at 11:01:39 PM permalink
i think a 'tradition' in vegas is a good thing. it gives you that feeling of 'ah...we're back'. we don't have a specific 'tradition' but we do have our 'rounds' which gives that same feeling. but this next trip i agreed to try the peppermill as my better half always wanted to try there. this might not be the substitute you are looking for, but it seems like it has a pretty nice atmosphere, and its on the strip.

i've heard good things about this place but maybe if the wizard or anyone else has been there they can tell us how it is.
Wizard
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February 15th, 2010 at 7:49:15 AM permalink
The Peppermill gets my high praise. It feels like an east-coast style diner. In particular, I might compare it to the Double T Diner in Catonsville, MD. The portions there are enormous. I like the purple and red neon theme. It is located between the Wynn and Riviera on the east side of the Strip. However, I don't think it rises to the level of making a "tradition" out of, because there is probably a diner like this one in any city of significant population in America. Finally, they have a few 16-10 deuces wild machines in the lobby (99.73%).
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
AZDuffman
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February 15th, 2010 at 7:57:50 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Quote: seattledice

So I'm asking if anyone has any ideas for places that might fit the bill. Somewhere on the strip is preferable, but not required, because we usually stay on the strip and walk or take the monorail where we need to go.



My recommendation is the Hofbrauhaus. I always have a great time, food, and drink when I go there. Unlike most restaurants, you sit at picnic tables with other tourists. The people I've been seated with were always very nice and eager to have fun. On weekends there is a band playing oom-pah style of German music. The waitresses wear German outfits, and many are quite pretty. Don't expect to "sprechen sie Deutsche" with anyone, I think "guten tag" is about as far as you'll get. A real German would might think it is tacky and over the top, but that is what I like about it. It is located kitty-corner from the Hard Rock, very close to the airport.




They have one of these in Pittsburgh. I'll second most of what Wiz says here. Great food, try the potato salad--NOT what you are used to at picnics here in the USA. Good beer and plenty of it, the large size is almost a pitcher at any other bar. Two caveats. First, the later it gets the louder it gets, and it got too loud for my tastes. Second, at least at the one I was at there were a few people who could not handle their alcohol, or maybe they just handled too much of it. The bouncers were swarming all over and I saw 5+ drunks thrown out, too many even in such a large place.

My advice: eat early, loke 6:00 or so. After 9:00 the atmosphere definately changed.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
Nareed
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February 15th, 2010 at 9:49:10 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

However, I don't think it rises to the level of making a "tradition" out of, because there is probably a diner like this one in any city of significant population in America.



Ah, but it might make a good tradition for people who do not live in America.

Me, one of my traditions when traveling to the US is to have breakfast at IHOP. That no longer works as well because they opened an IHOP franchise in Mexico, not too far from my office (and I've yet to go there for breakfast!).

My traidtion in Vegas is to go somewhere new. On my first trip I skipped Downtown entirely, so I went on the second trip. Next trip I plan on going to the Pinball hall of fame and the Atomic Testing Museum.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
Wizard
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February 15th, 2010 at 10:17:31 AM permalink
Quote: Nareed


Me, one of my traditions when traveling to the US is to have breakfast at IHOP. That no longer works as well because they opened an IHOP franchise in Mexico, not too far from my office (and I've yet to go there for breakfast!).

My traidtion in Vegas is to go somewhere new. On my first trip I skipped Downtown entirely, so I went on the second trip. Next trip I plan on going to the Pinball hall of fame and the Atomic Testing Museum.



Much better than IHOP is the Original Pancake House. There are a few of them in Vegas. I usually go to the one on Charleston and Decatur. There is another inside the Green Valley Ranch. I still have not been to either the Atomic Testing Museum or Pinball Hall of Fame, but have moved them up on my priorities list. Can you recommend any good authentic Mexican food in Vegas?
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Nareed
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February 15th, 2010 at 11:42:23 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Much better than IHOP is the Original Pancake House. There are a few of them in Vegas. I usually go to the one on Charleston and Decatur. There is another inside the Green Valley Ranch. I still have not been to either the Atomic Testing Museum or Pinball Hall of Fame, but have moved them up on my priorities list. Can you recommend any good authentic Mexican food in Vegas?



I've heard of the original Pancake House before. Ironically I've never much cared for pancakes. What I liked about IHOP were the omelettes and the variety of flavored syrups. I usually order an ommelette with pancakes on the side.

As to Mexican food in Vegas, sorry again. I don't go looking for Mexican food when I travel, as I can get that at home. In Vegas I either try out diferent buffettes or look for American fare.

I'd look for places with Mexican owners. You might want to sound out any Mexican immigrants in Vegas.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
boymimbo
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February 15th, 2010 at 7:17:18 PM permalink
The wife and I usually hit Mon Ami Gabi at the Paris each trip... not a Quirky Tradition. The Quirky tradition I have is a single craps session at the Casino Royale each trip.
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inap
inap
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February 15th, 2010 at 9:08:47 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

The Peppermill gets my high praise. ...Finally, they have a few 16-10 deuces wild machines in the lobby (99.73%).



thanks for the tip wizard! and who would have known to find a game like this at a resturant too!
Wizard
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February 16th, 2010 at 4:44:08 AM permalink
I was surprised too. Perhaps they put in the loose machines as a subtle advertisement for the much larger Peppermill in Reno.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
DetroitCobra
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February 16th, 2010 at 7:23:47 AM permalink
My buddies and I used to go to the Denny's across from the Mirage as soon as everyones flight had landed.
teddys
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February 16th, 2010 at 9:37:55 AM permalink
$1.99 hot dog at Slots-a-fun, maybe with a cheap beer or soda :)
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Croupier
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February 16th, 2010 at 9:41:00 AM permalink
In our one and only Visit to Vegas in 2007, me and Mrs Croupier went to Binion's Coffee Shop for our first breakfast. I was sad to hear it had closed, and am now in a similar position, looking for a new tradition. (well, potential tradition, as we only did it once)
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Kayday
Kayday
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February 16th, 2010 at 11:33:08 AM permalink
How about the off-the-menu $6.99 (including a house-brewed beer!) steak special at the Restaurant at Ellis Island? I had my first experience with this last visit and may have to make it a tradition.
jburgess
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March 18th, 2010 at 11:36:57 AM permalink
I have two:
a trip to Battista's whole in the wall italina resturant just off the strip. Old school italian, with free jug wine
http://www.battistaslasvegas.com/

Paymons Hooka lounge. I'm not a smoker, but this is a great way to get a fun tobacco "high" without the harshness of real smoking. I recomend going for happy hour. The tobaco for the water pipe is cheap, and top shelf drinks are cheap too. Its a classy place, but you dont need to get dressed up.
http://www.hookahlounge.com/
Croupier
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March 18th, 2010 at 11:49:24 AM permalink
Quote: jburgess

I have two:
a trip to Battista's whole in the wall italina resturant just off the strip. Old school italian, with free jug wine
http://www.battistaslasvegas.com/



A strange story - in 2007 we were outside the Flamingo having a cigarette deciding where to go for food. A guy asked us for a cigarette and offered to pay. Being English and polite I refused the money, and in exchange he offered us a reccomendation for a restaurant. That restaurant - Battistas. It was so busy we couldnt get throught the door. but it did look good.
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pacomartin
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March 18th, 2010 at 12:29:40 PM permalink
Quote: seattledice

Mrs. Seattledice and I had a tradition that every time we went to Las Vegas, we would head over to the Hilton and grab a bite to eat at Quark's. (Maybe the thread title should be 'Quarky Tradition') The combination of food, costumes, continuous Star Trek on the TVs, and the giant purple smoking drinks satisfied our nerdiness, hunger, and desire to get in the proper frame of mind (i.e. pleasantly buzzed).

But now, Quark's is no more. Supposedly it will be re-born somewhere on Fremont, but as far as I know this has not happened yet.

So, we need a new tradition. Mrs. 'dice' is heading to Vegas next weekend with a friend. In a way this is a scouting trip because she will be looking for a place that can become our new tradition, which we want to kick off this summer.

So I'm asking if anyone has any ideas for places that might fit the bill. Somewhere on the strip is preferable, but not required, because we usually stay on the strip and walk or take the monorail where we need to go.

Thanks in advance.



Don't count on the Star Trek Experience being reborn on Fremont any time soon. Most money is betting on it never happening, although that is still the offical story. I think that a good Nerdy tradition is right next door to the Hilton at the Sahara Casino at NASCAR Carzilla Bar . I suppose it might offend some people if I equate NASCAR with Star Trek, but it is good and campy and you can do the mini roller coaster called Speed- The Ride.

If you are looking to upgrade your tradition and you arrive at lunch time try the Chart House Bar at the Golden Nugget downtown. It has a beautiful aquarium and you would be very hard pressed to get out of there for less than $100 a person for dinner, but the lunch menu is surprisingly affordable and it's a beautiful place to drink.
Nareed
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March 19th, 2010 at 7:59:19 AM permalink
Quote: pacomartin

I suppose it might offend some people if I equate NASCAR with Star Trek, but it is good and campy and you can do the mini roller coaster called Speed- The Ride.



Well, had I heard you make this comparison, oh, ten years ago, I'd have reached for a phaser and plane ticket to wherever it is you live ;)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
jburgess
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April 6th, 2010 at 1:51:50 PM permalink
They are auctioning off the stuff from Quarks bar this weekend

http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2010/apr/05/experience-star-trek-experience-pieces-your-own-ho/
cclub79
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April 6th, 2010 at 1:59:48 PM permalink
That picture of the Borg at the County Commissioners meeting could be the most absurd thing I've seen in ages. Talk about ripe for a caption contest.
Nareed
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April 6th, 2010 at 2:23:39 PM permalink
Quote: jburgess

They are auctioning off the stuff from Quarks bar this weekend

http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2010/apr/05/experience-star-trek-experience-pieces-your-own-ho/



"It's dead, Jim!"
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
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