A Great View and Quality Food: Binion’s Steakhouse

By: Bob Gourley    

Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel is one of downtown’s most historic spots.

Not only has it been a favorite of visitors who like to do a little gambling, but the steakhouse located on the 24th floor offers a spectacular view of the valley. The antique look will remind you of a place you may have visited in the very early days of Vegas, when everything was locally-owned and everyone knew your name.

The menu is filled with all-American steakhouse favorites. For instance, an impressive shrimp cocktail is part of the appetizer fare. But you can also get Shrimp Scampi ($16.99) that features succulent shellfish sautéed in white wine, bell peppers, garlic and fresh herbs.

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Calamari is marinated in buttermilk egg wash and breaded in seasoned panko-flour mix that is then fried to a golden brown. Warm sofrite sauce moisturizes it very well. There aren’t too many places where you can get escargot around here, but they have a starter that was no-doubt plucked from a traditional French cookbook with imported snails sautéed in garlic butter and sauces.
        
A couple of soups can be enjoyed as a starter or a main course. There is Onion Soup Gratinee ($8.99) constructed with rich beef stock and caramelized onions that are topped with croutons, provolone and parmesan cheese that is then baked. Lobster Bisque is a creamy affair with chunks of shellfish topped in puff pastry crust.

As you might expect there is a classic Caesar available with all of the traditional ingredients like toasted croutons and parmesan cheese. An iceberg wedge salad includes blue cheese crumbles and bacon bits.
       
The list of charbroiled steaks will satisfy just about every beef lover’s desires. All of the beef is premium Black Angus aged for a minimum of 28 days.

Each morsel is charbroiled on an open flame with a choice of bordelaise, peppercorn or béarnaise sauces. Fans of the south can also have them Cajun blackened. Slow-roasted prime rib is available in two sizes, 16 or 24 ounces.
     
Seafood is available, including Australian lobster tails. These are considered to be more flavorful than others caught in other parts of the world. Sea Scallops ($39.99) are pan-seared and delivered with a choice of three sauces.
    
 Pork chops have become the forgotten meat, but here you will find a 14-ounce Porterhouse version made with special chutney. Encrusted Rack of Lamb, rubbed with whole grain mustard and seasoned bread crumbs, is imported from New Zealand.

For those wanting to go meatless, try the Stuffed Portabella Ravioli covered with pesto cream sauce. With so many restaurants offering everything a la carte it is nice to see Binion’s entrees include a fresh selection of vegetables, a choice of potato or rice, assorted warm breads and bottled water.
     
For dessert choose from the chef’s freshly baked fruit tarts or assorted pastries. A large wine list assures a great matching glass for the tantalizing offerings.
     
Be sure to ask about daily specials that are priced less than $20.00. History and great taste come together at Binion’s Steakhouse.
    
 Binion’s Steakhouse, Open for dinner daily, Binion’s Gambling Hall, 128 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas. (702) 382-1600. www.binions.com.