Prime in Vegas
 

I've read that the Bellagio's Prime Steakhouse is the best in Vegas? Is this true? Also, I noticed that their dress code is "jacket recommended", would my husband feel out of place not wearing one? Are there better steakhouses on the Strip?

Personally, I love Hugas Cellar downtown at the 4 Queens. It is really romantic, and has good food and ambience. check it out, I believe that they have a web site.

As far as a jacket...not too sure...everything is Vegas is pretty casual..

swalter518 - Prime is defintely one of the best, if not THE best; and as far as being out of place without a jacket - he probably wouldn't be allowed in without one. Most of the high end restaurants require one and they pretty much stick to it. If you haven't been to Las Vegas in a while you'll be shocked to see the way people actually show up at fine dining restaurants - shorts & flipflops are normal these days - so the nicer restaurants have put their collective feet down and insist on people conforming to their standards or going to McDonald's instead.

swalter-
I can't rave enough about Prime. It's my favorite steakhouse in town and I've visited quite a few... :) The service is always perfect, the food is divine, and the atmosphere is wonderful! We always go for a romantic experience, but there is usually large groups of people eating there as well.

I think my husband went without a jacket last time with no problem, but he was still wearing a button down dress shirt and slacks. You can call and ask how strict their jacket policy is, but I think they might let your husband slide. Every other time my husband has worn a jacket, he takes it off when he sits down anyway.

I do know you can't show up in jeans, shorts, etc. Last time we went, they were turning away a party of 6 because they were improperly dressed...

We loved Prime too, and I am comparing it to my 3 other favoirte steakhouses here in NY..Mortons, Rothmans and the Palm. The restaurant is beautiful (go to the bellagio website and check it out) Request a window seat when making reservations for a fountain view. One of the best restaurants on the strip...and the desserts are worth the splurge!

Regarding jackets....The upscale restaurants are strict about that with the exception of the hot summer months when it is 114 degrees. When it is normal vegas weather, you are expected to wear a jacket (not a jacket and tie).

Thanks for your input. My husband always dresses well, but I was confused by the "jacket recommended". I think I'll make the reservation and try to convince him to bring one along. We're going in early March so it's not going to be that warm.

I have been to Prime 3 times... and while I've always worn a jacket, I've also always noticed plenty of people in the dining room without them. So I'm not so sure that the jacket policy is as strict as previous posters have implied.

Better safe than sorry though.

We had dinner in Prime and every man I saw was wearing a jacket, not every man had on a tie.
Many women were wearing cocktail type dresses.
I would hate to think you would miss eating there if you did not wear a jacket, since they do ask that you wear one.
Even in Summer, the restaurants and buildings in Las Vegas are overly air- conditioned, a jacket might be nice :)
Have fun, it is a beautiful restaurant!

Prime is excellent, in both food/wine and atmosphere.

"Jacket recommended" does not mean "jacket required."

Well, it sounds that everyone pretty overwhelmingly recommends Prime so I'm going to make a reservation with a window request -- thanks all. We're pretty spoiled with great restaurants here in Chicago so I just wanted to double check that it's as good as it claims to be.

The conversation has been lurching strongly toward Prime here, but I'd like to put in a word for Craftsteak at the MGM Grand. It's as insanely expensive as Prime, but I actually find Prime a bit fussy, while Craftsteak is more down to earth in the preparations. I'm not willing to say which is the "best," however.

Is there a difference in the quality of meat/food in general between Craftsteak and Prime?

Boy, I can't believe I'm going to disagree with a Fodor's editor... Does that mean instant death to my reputation? :O

Doug, I have to disagree with Craftsteak being on the same level as Prime. Granted they're in the same price rance, but I felt Craftsteak's ambience was less than inviting. I felt like I was sitting in the middle of a men's club, trying to have a romantic dinner. I also felt much less pampered than I do at Prime. Of course, some of that may have been just the night (or the staff or the cook), but I guess first impressions do count.

I also felt the food was not as good. My steak was fine, but my husband was reasonably unimpressed by the quality of his prime rib. I do have to admit that your comment about the food being less fussy fits, though. Half the time, I have to ask what our server to explain what comes in (or on) my dish at Prime.

IMHO, a dinner for 2 sitting next to the windows at the Bellagio is one of the most romantic and best meals in town.

Since I am sort of an anomaly and do not eat meat but like eating in a Steak House, I can only comment on the ambience and fish in Prime ..
I wanted to come home and re-decorate my house in teal and chocolate brown.
I had the most perfectly cooked meal served by an excellent waiter with the best wine.
That is all I can say about Prime.
I will control myself and not gush over the chocolate dessert ~
Scarlett

Unfortunately, the idea of "Best" is such a loaded one. I'll stand by my statement that Prime is fussy and Craftsteak more to my tastes, but it's a very personal opinion. The one thing I can't argue with is that virtually everyone loves the atmosphere at Prime. If you are looking for a romantic atmosphere, you might find it at the Charlie Palmer steakhouse in the Four Seasons. But I don't think you will be disappointed with Prime, and since that's the overwheliming concensus, perhaps you should listen to the Fodorites, who probably go to Vegas more than I do.

Scarlett, I'm glad you mentioned that b/c I don't eat steak and usually go with a fish option so that's good to know that it is good also. I'm making my reservation today! I can't wait!

Doug-
You have a good point about the term "best". We may also have to give Craftsteak another chance- my husband prefers "non-fussy" food as well! :)

swalter518-
I look forward to your trip report and impressions on Prime after you get back. Have a great trip!

I jumped the gun a bit-called Prime to make reservations and they don't accept them until a month out-I got chided for being 3 days too early! :)

Those darn people! They obviously don't understand the fine art of planning a trip. :D

Obviously Fodorites did not set that policy! I did get our KA tickets though-can you tell I've been cooped up in winter weather for too long!