November Top 10 Values from LVA

[Grant]

1. Complete Steak Dinner - Ellis Island - 24 hours - $4.95

The $4.95 complete steak dinner at Ellis Island first appeared in the Top Ten in November 2000, which means it’s entering its sixth year as Las Vegas’ top bargain. What’s amazing, especially in this day and age, is the fact that since the day it was introduced at this price (it actually debuted at an incomprehensible $2.95), the fare has never increased and the quality has never decreased. The 10-ounce filet-cut sirloin, salad, green beans, potato, and rolls are served 24/7. Bravo, Ellis Island, for five uninterrupted years of this classic Las Vegas deal.

2. Shrimp Cocktail - Golden Gate - 11-3 am - 99¢

The 99¢ shrimp cocktail at the Deli at the Golden Gate (#2) is in its forty-sixth year—and its 22nd (with only a few breaks) in LVA. What month it all began is anyone’s guess, but like the steak, the quality of this great snack is as high as ever, even if the price was raised once. Note that it isn’t available from 3 to 11 am.

3. Ham & Eggs - Arizona Charlie's Decatur - 24 hours - $2.49

A third venerable Top Ten meal deal is available at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur: a huge ham steak, two eggs any style, potatoes, and toast for $2.49 (#3). Or get steak & eggs for just 50¢ more.

4. Souvenir Photo - Imperial Palace - noon-8 pm - Free

The free souvenir photo at Imperial Palace (#4) is one that’s lasted years longer than we thought it would (it entered its third year last August). Simply show up on the sidewalk in front of IP to get your picture snapped, then pick it up in the casino in the time it takes you to walk to the slot club booth. Of course, there’s no guarantee that the free photo will survive the Harrah’s takeover, so get your keepsake while you can. Meanwhile, if you plan your shoot for the evening hours, you can catch the IP’s Dealertainers. It’s a total party scene, whether they’re just dealing or breaking for an impromptu impersonator show.

5. Funbook - Stratosphere - Daily - Free

The Stratosphere funbook (#5) is, without question, the top funbook in town considering the combination of expected value and ease of acquisition. The blackjack coupon alone is worth $10 and the whole package just under $20. And players club members are entitled to one every week.

6. Casbar Lounge - Sahara - Daily - Free

The Casbar Lounge at the Sahara (#6) continues to put on top-notch free entertainment nightly. Go to saharalasvegas.com to check out the extensive line-up for November: Freddie Eckstein, Dixie Dooley, David Van Such, the Checkmates, Denise Clemente, Lena Prima, Pete Willcox, and George Bugatti—none with a drink minimum or admission charge. While you’re at the Sahara, play the $50-for-$40 blackjack coupon, one of the best gambling premiums in the POV (if you’re an end-of-the-year trial member, the free money pays for your entire trial subscription).

7. Buffet - Mirage - Daily - $12.50-$22.50

We’re sticking with the Mirage’s Cravings Buffet (#7) as our choice for the best smorgy in town. The selection is extensive: American, Italian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Asian noodles, dim sum, raw bar, rotisserie, carving station, salads, and desserts. The room is stainless steel, spotless, and gorgeous. And the prices are the best of all of the gourmet buffets.

8. Mac King - Harrah's - Tues.-Sat. - $7.99/$21.95

Mac King at Harrah’s (#8) is a throwback to the old-time Las Vegas acts that started out small, then made it to the big time with talent, dedication, and perseverance. Harrah’s has helped the cause by keeping the price ultra low.

9. Prime Rib Dinner - California - 5-10 pm daily - $6.99

The prime rib special at the California downtown (#9) is a Top Tenner for the big cooked-to-order cut, potato, veggie, and roll, all for just $6.99. But it also comes with a full salad bar (worth $4.75 alone) and a cherries jubilee for dessert. You won’t find another prime rib special in Las Vegas with those extras, not even at three times the price.

10. MNF Parlay - Sam's Town Boulder Station - Mondays - Free

Monday Night Football is in full swing and the parties at Sam’s Town and Boulder Station (#10) are too. The games are shown on big screens at both, but it’s the free hot dog and beer that you get just for showing up that puts these two on the list. These casinos are only a couple miles apart on Boulder Highway, so you can get two dogs and two beers during one game.