No discussion of the history of Las Vegas would be complete without including the influences of the mob. Finally, one could argue that because of the mob era, Vegas looks like it does today. And it all started with the flamingo, who is forever inextricably linked to the famous gangster Bugsy Siegel. This hotel marked the start of the Strip’s glitz and glamor, and while the Strip has changed significantly over the decades, its reputation as a city where anything is over the top and anything is possible has only grown stronger. This is a big reason why visitor traffic remains heavy.
This is also one reason why you should definitely dine at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse at Flamingo. In addition to being a fabulous place to eat, the entire restaurant pays homage to the mob era and some of its most famous personalities, including Siegel and fellow gang member 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 gangsters’ secret back entrances that are used to access clubs and restaurants. (This one looks like a bakery, but everything is fake.) From there you will see pictures of some legendary gang bosses, after which you will see desserts being made through glass and hanging meat. Then you will be directed to the main dining room, which is made up of several different areas, including a whisper bar. As soon as you have selected your dining area, get ready for a very special cocktail experience: your selection of old-fashioned with everything from rum and mezcal to brandy, bitter and of course bourbon. Try a few different ones; This menu is so much fun!
Appetizers like hand-cut prime beef tartare are so good you might want to stop right now. But not. Make sure to use the steak program, consisting of dry and wet-aged premium steaks, from filet mignons to prime ribeyes.
Flamingo, 702.733.3111
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