Music and Creative Fare: Rock and Reilly’s

By: Bob Gurley

​There are of course many options for both food and drink on the Strip. But if you want spirited libations, good eats and entertainment all rolled into one package visit Rock and Reilly’s. This spot, at the Hawaiian Marketplace, has a large outdoor patio area where you can gaze at the passing parade as you sip and consume.

​Specialty starter sharing dishes include Irish Nachos constructed with homemade kettle chips topped with peppered bacon, Irish cheddar, scallions and corn salsa. Bingo Wings are infused with Reilly’s Whiskey BBQ sauce.

I visited on a recent late afternoon. After securing a fine spot for viewing I looked at the vast menu and decided I was in the mood for a burger and I was confronted with a variety of options. The Black and Blue looked like it would fit me just right. It includes a half pound of dry-aged signature blend beef, Point Reyes Blue Cheese crumbles, caramelized onions, applewood smoked bacon and garlic aioli spread sitting between a white bun.
 
This is a big sandwich that I promptly cut in two because it barely fit in my already-large mouth. It was delicious. The sandwiches come with a side of fries or soup. I ordered the tomato soup that had a slight tang to it as it’s made with roasted tomatoes and a pool of basil oil.
    
There are other signature sandwiches like the All-American Reilly, a turkey option and mix ‘n match sliders if you want something a little smaller. The Angry Chicken has a fried chicken breast, hot sauce and pepper jack cheese with sourdough or wrapped in lettuce and tomato.
    
Since there is a decidedly-Irish theme here they offer traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage plus bangers and mash. You can even get an Irish Breakfast filled with sausage, two over-easy eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes and toast.
     
The salad fare is creative with Quinoa Purple O’Kale leading the pack. Chopped kale, tomato, shaved carrots, candied pecans and champagne vinaigrette are all beautifully mixed.
     
A trio of desserts finish things off nicely. There is Reese’s Peanut Butter Sundae and a cinnamon sugar pretzel.
    
What would an Irish pub be without specialty cocktails? My friendly waitress suggested The Ginger Bitch and I’m glad she did.
 
The attractive concoction arrived with ginger whiskey, fresh lemon, apple pie ‘shine’, cranberry, fresh basil and orange twist garnish. There was a combination of tart citrus taste and a slight after-burn in the throat from the ginger. Another choice is a Black Manhattan with bourbon, amaro, angostura bitters and brandied cherry.
    
I would guess the place rocks it later in the evening but since my visit was late afternoon, a very talented singer with recorded tracks and a guitar entertained the crowd in the patio area with mellow pop classics. There were a group of four from the UK that offered a few requests that he gladly honored.
   
This is definitely the spot to whet your whistle and enjoy some good entertainment.  Rock and Reilly’s, 3743 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. (702) 805-2777. www.rockandreillyslv.com.