Okay so here's the deal- I am heading to Vegas for the week-end for a surprise 50th birthday for my brother- but I am bringing my 80 year old parents and am arriving the day before the party begins... would like to take the folks out to dinner not too high end but good food, Italian, steaks would be good, non smoking would be preferable-staying at the Nugget but have a car... any suggestions?? By the way, it's this Thursday the 10th. Thanks!

Chefbarb-
I need a little more info... Do you want to stay downtown? Would you prefer a restaurant on the main strip? How about neighborhood restaurants? Also, what price range specifically? Does your price range include alcohol?

There are so many restaurants in town, it's difficult to recommend one that might work without more specifications. So more information- please- especially if you want to get a reservation at a great restaurant for Thursday!

I once took my mother and elderly aunt to the rotating restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere. They really enjoyed it. I remember the food being pretty good, but probably overpriced because you're paying for the view. It has been a few years, though, so I'd check recent reviews before making reservations.

Trust me on this one...fans of this restaurant have stopped mentioning it because it's become too popular, but 80-year-old parents deserve the best! Across the street from the Nugget go into the California Hotel and back to the Pasta Pirate restaurant. I know, sounds like a fast-food joint but it's a casual yet elegant steakhouse featuring great Italian dishes (try the Shrimp Scampi or the Pasta Diane!). The menu is outside so you can check it out first...also be sure to ask your waiter if there are any off-menu specials.

Right now:

Pick up the phone and make a reservation at the steak house at Binions to coincide with sunset. There are no real bad tables but ask for a window seat. Virtually right across the street from the Nugget and very good. The folks will love it!

Go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com and click on the "buffet" and "dining" links undr "info" on the far left column of the website's home page!

I have recommended Binions for years. It is a really great, truly old fashioned steak house with great views. You'd expect to see Frank Sinatra over in the corner. But then they closed due to tax problems a year or so ago. Is it all well and alive again? Still as good as ever? It seems the perfect spot for what you ask.

Harrah's has taken over Binion's and has re-opened the steakhouse. Great views. Reports are still good on the restaurant but the new a-la-carte prices certainly qualify it as a high-end choice.

The Hilton puts on a wonderful buffet. We ate there twice and were not dissappointed.

Thanks for the responses, sorry, my server was down yesterday so I couldn't reply. Since we will have a car, I don't mind driving. My dad has never been a buffet person, so I think buffets are out- I'd like to treat them to something that would visually wow them, but not looking for a coat and tie type place. I love fine dining but this is much more for them- they are meat and potatoes, simple tastes, so with that being said, doesn't have to be amazing food, just of good quality, and a spot where the view would really impress them. They don't drink, and I am driving so the wine list isn't a factor. Since we will be downtown for a lot of the weekend, another location is good. Thanks again!

I hear the Range at Harrahs has good food and a fabulous view.

I concur with the Pasta Pirate recommendation, but it is more Italian/seafood than steakhouse. The Cal's steakhouse, Redwood Grill & Bar, is right next door. It offers a nightly porterhouse special. Read a somewhat dated, but still applicable review @:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_ho.../18430792.html

I suggest making advance reservation regardless of which restaurant you choose.

Chefbarb-
If you're looking for a restaurant with a view, you can't beat the restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere. It's the tallest point in the city and it slowly rotates, so you see the entire valley as you dine. I haven't eaten there, but I believe lvk was correct when saying it's pricey. There may also be a requirement for jackets, I'm not sure.

For Italian food, I would recommend 3 neighborhood restaurants- Nora's, Ferraro's, or Capo's. They would all fit the bill of being reasonably priced and no jacket required, but none have a view since they are all neighborhood restaurants. They're all easily accessible up a major street in town, but would require about 30 min. drive time from downtown. Let me know if you want more info on any of them.

It looks like you've gotten many good recommendations! Let us know what you choose and have a great trip!