The medieval theme has proven extremely popular in pop culture, with the Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones franchises having great success. People just can’t get enough of swords, castles, and the lifting of a pitcher of mead. And until now, the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur has been your only option if you wanted to experience medieval entertainment in Las Vegas. But not anymore. The Primal Steakhouse opened in the Boulevard Mall last year and is already a hit with locals. One visit and you’ll understand why.
When you take a seat in the Primal Steakhouse, you step into another world. The decor comes straight from a scene from Thrones – it’s dimly lit with fake chandeliers and sconces, dark curtains, dark stone and wood walls with brick furnishings, and wooden tables and chairs. There are no televisions at all that are made on purpose to both set the mood and stimulate conversation. A coat of arms hangs on one wall with a selection of swords that you should definitely take off and pose for photos, as well as helmets to put on. You halfway expect Brienne of Tarth to show up to pour your water!
Primal also has a large bar in the center and several separate rooms for special events. But as you will quickly find out, every meal at Primal is a special event.
The presentation here is just stunning. Dry ice plays a prominent role in many foods and drinks and makes for some memorable pictures and videos to later show off to your jealous friends and family. All cocktails are themed, like the Viking Punch, which is served in a real, hollowed-out horn with dry ice on the bottom for him to smoke while drinking. Medieval sangria looks as good as it tastes, served in an elaborate goblet. A sugar cube soaked in Everclear is burned on this beauty for even more aroma.
Guatemala-born Chef Angel Lopez has created a varied menu full of flavors and surprises, served by some of the friendliest and most professional staff in the entire valley. Some restaurants promise to make you feel pampered throughout your stay, but Primal seriously delivers on that promise.
Appetizers include bone marrow, beef carpaccio (served with dry ice for a nice effect), and black ceviche, served in an ice bowl that melts as you eat. Main courses include smoked halibut (which arrives under a cover that is neatly lifted by your waiter, revealing billows of smoke) and a 32-ounce tomahawk, which is possibly one of the best cuts of meat I’ve ever eaten. Be sure to grab some side dishes like lobster mac and cheese and risotto. Everything here is bursting with taste and personality.
The presentation also extends to the dessert menu, especially the crème brlée, which is flambéed at the table. If you really feel the need to get in touch with your inner John Snow, you really can’t do any better.
3542 S. Maryland Parkway, 702.620.5103
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