Do you locals GO near the strip? (I'm serious)

I've had only one trip to Las Vegas, but my guess is that locals likely don't visit the Strip very much unless they have jobs there.

I did have a good dinner at an inexpensive Mexican restaurant that was well off the Strip (sorry, can't remember where).

My favorite (and my wife's) is Bootlegger Bistro.

http://www.bootleggerlasvegas.com/index.html

It's a venerable joint, been around since 1949. In the evenings there is entertainment, usually of the old style Vegas.

Good food, good ambience, just plain good.

We liked "Battisata's - hole in the wall" Italian place - behind the Flamingo - which is actually pretty good size and a fun place to go - with good sized portions for decent food. http://www.battistaslasvegas.com/

I also loved Piero's - by the convention center - where basketball legend Jerry Tarkanian ("Tark the Shark" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Tarkanian ) used to stop by after his once top ranked UNLV basketball team had finished practicing - and have dinner and take an order home for his wife.

A Vegas dentist/friend of mine/investment partner - grew up with Danny/Tark Jr. - and took care of the team's dental needs - and also was good friends with the Piero's owner - and it was a celeb hangout - for the Rat Pack - and also some of the "Connected" ones. http://www.pieroscuisine.com/about/ and

http://www.pieroscuisine.com/

Had some very good meals at Piero's (loved the Osso Bucco) - and enjoyed meeting the owner - Freddie - a real character.

And here is a review of some other/old style Vegas places:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/mar/24/old-school-restaurants-las-vegas-style/

And if you are out late - and want something quick and easy (before midnight)- and filling - try FatBurger - where a lot of locals also stop by after they get off work. http://www.yelp.com/biz/fatburger-las-vegas-4

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/its-vegas-baby-motorcycles-and-more.cfm

Milos at The Cosmopolitan is the deal of the decade for lunch. See above link.

This isn't on the strip but you should go if at all possible to Lotus of Siam. Arguably the best Thai in North America.

We didn't make it to Lotus of Siam, but heard the wait at dinner can be VERY long (1+ hours) so try there for lunch.

They take reservations.

We also liked Lotus of Siam. We thought it was good - but the best in North America? Have had as good here in San Diego.

All the chefs in Las Vegas eat at Raku, a Japanese restaurant far off the Strip. But it's also very popular. Not sure if they take reservations. But I have to say that some of the finest food served in Vegas right now is actually on the Strip.

I had some fabulous meals just at the Aria when I was in Las Vegas this fall (at Jean-Georges Steakhouse, American Fish, and Bar Masa in particular). And the Joel Robuchon restaurant in the Mansion is excellent, if wildly expensive.