So my 5 girlfriends and I are off to Vegas for my annual birthday bash. In the past we have gone to dinner at Bertolini's in Ceasars Palace because it is great food, great atmosphere and good price. This year I want to try something different but need to be mindful that all my friends don't want to spend $100 ea. on dinner. So I'm looking for some new recommendations. We will all drink cocktails and wine, 1 is a vegatarian, 1 just doesn't eat red meat, we all love great food, will be dressed "fun" nice- not matronly nice, no French because my boyfriend is taking me out to the best French restuarant in seattle the day before. So what do you all think? I actually have reservations at Aqua but the more I think about it the more I know that a few will drop dead at the prices (I think?? Prices around $40 a plate??)

Wendy

Wendy, try Wendy's

That's nice of you to be considerate of the others and their price range constraints. You might be willing to live it up for your birthday, but not everyone will be in the celebratory budget mood.

I've always had fun at restaurants at the Manadalay Bay. Fun atmoshere at this hotel.

Italian is really the best choice. It offers a lot of choices for a vegetarian and also for the budget conscious. Which hotel are you staying at?

When's that boyfriend of yours finally going to get around to popping the question???

Another vote for Italian. Valentino's is good, but probably out of your price range.

Market City Cafe is good, but not fancy. Just good casual food.

P.S. I doubt he'll be popping the
"big ?" the night before she heads off to Vegas with her friends.

I think either Italian or Seafood too. I've heard good stuff about Red Square, have only been there for drinks. Besides Aurole I'm not familar with any of the other Mandalay bay restaurants. We are staying at the Venetian.

As for the "popping the question" don't get me started! haha! I thought it would be last weekend!


Wendy

As far as good restaurants go in Vegas the top of the list for me is the Rum Jungle (Brazilian food) at Mandalay bay (plus it turns into a dance club at about 10 or so. May be too pricy, but take a look. Also, for great food at a decent price, check out the Grand Lux in the Venetian. Its owned by the same company as the cheesecake factory and is very similar, but better. Have fun!!!

joe

While I was off at a conferance, my wife had a nice lunch at Olives in the Bellagio. I've read positive comments from others on this forum.

Alternatively, you might consider Canaletto in the Venetian Canal Shops. It's located in the "Piazza San Marco." We had a nice dinner there with friends a few years ago.

Wendy, you may have to be agressive and make the move. That's what I did with my husband. We dated 3 years and still no ring. I finally asked him and we've been happily married for 15 years. He's much better now about taking some intiative.

I loved my meal at Olive's!

Olives is kind of expensive but the atmosphere and food are very good.
The Voodoo Lounge on top of the Rio Hotel is fun.
We eat at Circo whenever we are in Vegas, it is always good. But pricey.
Happy Birthday!

The Voodoo Lounge is a great idea. Fun party atmosphere.

Wendy-If you need more suggestions try www.vegaswatch.com-and go to Las VEgas Forums-you'll see a header for dining...very helpful

Circo at Bellagio.
Olives at Bellagio.

Grand Luxe Cafe at the Venetian. Beforehand, have drinks at the WB restaurant, great lounge with a nice view, also at the Venetian.

Red Square is one of my favorites as it is unusual & not overly pricey (@ MB).

I have to agree with the poster who recommended Rum Jungle at Mandalay Bay. They specialize in Brazilian food and tropical drinks. The atmosphere is young and trendy. They have a menu item that runs about $36 per person. It is a sample of most of their dishes. The staff continually comes around with huge skewers of beef, chicken, fish, pork, and other delights. I'm sure your vegetarian friend can find something on the menu. The best part is that if you come back to Rum Jungle after 10pm, the whole place turns into a night club. Folks who show their dinner receipt can enter the club without paying a cover charge and can bypass the line to get in! have a great time!!

Rum Jungle sounds like a typical Brazilian Churrascerria. As they are typically known for their grilled meats, not sure this would be the best place for the Vegetarian and the non-red meat eaters in your crowd.

Another vote for Canaletto at the Venetian. My husband is a vegetarian and I only eat fish. We had a great time and a great meal. We thought it was reasonable for how nice it was.

The Cafe Andreotti is a great Italian restaurent at Harrahs.

Well Wendy, here's a list for ya from the ol' gal, Darvy:

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#1:
Local, fun, cheap, Italian:
Battista's Hole In The Wall
4041 Audrie St
LAS VEGAS NV 89109
(702) 732-1424
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#2:
Chinese, great atmosphere (pretty!), in-casino, fun, especially if you reserve a table with a lazy susan:
Moongate
Mirage Hotel
(702) 791-7111
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#3 and 4:
Large restaurant, large casino, hip:
Red Square or Rum Jungle
Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd S
(702) 736-3103
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