No discussion about Las Vegas’ history would be complete without including the mob’s influences. After all, one could argue that Vegas looks the way it does today because of the mob era. And it all started with the Flamingo, forever inextricably linked to famous gangster Bugsy Siegel. That hotel was the beginning of the Strip’s glitz and glamour era, and while the Strip has changed considerably over the decades, its reputation as a city where everything is over the top and anything is possible has only gotten stronger. It’s a big reason visitor traffic remains strong.
It’s also a reason you definitely want to dine at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse at Flamingo. In addition to being a fabulous place for a meal, the entire restaurant is a tribute to the mob era and some of its most famous figures, including Siegel and fellow gangster Meyer Lansky.
The nostalgia starts at the beginning—or, in this case, through the back. The entrance to the steakhouse is designed to look like the secret back entrances mobsters used for access to clubs and restaurants. (This one looks like a bakery, but everything is fake.) From there, you’ll see pictures of some legendary crime bosses, after which you’ll see desserts being prepared through glass and hanging meats. Then you’re escorted into the main dining room, composed of several distinct areas, including a speakeasy. Once you’ve chosen your dining area, get ready for a seriously special cocktail experience: Your choice of Old-Fashioned made with everything from rum and mezcal to brandy, bitters and—of course—bourbon. Try a few different ones; this menu is so much fun!
Starters like hand-cut Prime beef tartare are so good you might want to stop right there. But don’t. Make sure to take advantage of the steak program, consisting of both dry- and wet-aged premium steaks, from filet mignons to Prime ribeyes.
Flamingo, 702.733.3111
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