A Large Menu Well-Executed: Tom’s Urban

By: Bob Gourley
    
What can be more intriguing than a place that invites you to meet, eat and drink? Tom’s Urban at New York-New York is an expansive spot that not only takes up a lot of room (just off of the casino) but has a large space for outside dining on the Strip too.
   
 On a recent visit I found an exciting menu that had some American favorites but also a list of more exotic items that are tempting as well. The all-day fare not only includes an inviting group of small plates, but lovers of all things large will enjoy the choice of entrees.
    
Who can complain about small plates like Al Carbon Steak Nachos with char-grilled Angus beef, tri-colored tortilla chips with a large heap of cheese, pico de gallo, fresh jalapenos and a side of cilantro crème and sour cream?

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Fried Dill Pickles ($6.00) are a nod to the south, hand-breaded and crispy specimens delivered with green chili ranch dressing. A recent special featured deviled eggs with a slight spiced-up flavor that were devoured very quickly.
    
Seven different kinds of sliders are served on butter-toasted brioche bread. Everything from prime rib to truffle-cracked lobster versions is available.
 
Road trip Sandwiches invoke care-free times on the country’s interstate system. Sadler’s Texas Pulled Pork BBQ sandwich is an All-American affair with pit-smoked pulled pork, fresh Granny Smith apple and mustard slaw on a butter-toasted roll.
 
Burgers can be ordered with either beef or marinated chicken breast. The Sin City ($16.75) includes American cheese, fried egg, crispy onions, Applewood smoked bacon and BBQ sauce.
   
County Crispy Shrimp is one of the highlights of the entrée menu with a half-pound of jumbo shellfish batter fried in original crispy or Nashville hot, remoulade and green chili ranch dipping sauces. Also on the plate are choices of shoestring garlic fries or cheddar polenta grits.
    
Pizzas are part of the fun with four choices, like the House Combo ($15.00) with red sauce, pepperoni, smoked ham and bacon, red bell peppers, red onion, herb-roasted mushrooms and cheese.
   
 Urban street tacos are an attention-getter with a fitting Mahi Mahi offering with fish that is cooked in crispy cornmeal batter with taco shop guacamole, pico de gallo, cilantro and a finish of fresh lime and orange.
    
Urban-spiked shakes are infused with spirits like Bacardi rum, Fireball whisky and Patron XO coffee. Urban Pop Tarts are a house specialty made from a classic recipe and pineapple upside down cake is a tasty combination of buttery cake, fruit, brown sugar and mango sauces plus caramel.
Breakfast is served daily with three benedicts to choose from. The Tree hugger is made with sliced fresh avocado, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
    
The service is professional and friendly. Our waiter went out of his way to recommend options and things to stay away from. Some of the seats are lounge chairs that can be a bit of a challenge when you try to saddle up to the table, but they are so comfortable you really won’t care.
    
Large menu, no problem here.
    
Tom’s Urban, New York-New York Hotel and Casino, 3790 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. (702) 740-6766. www.tomsurban.com.