Plenty of Las Vegas resorts, attractions, entertainers and shows are frequently described as “legendary.” Restaurants are a different story. Because those casino destinations on the Strip are constantly upgrading their offerings to keep visitors coming back for more, the dining scene is forever in flux; even the most beloved restaurants are often transitioned into something new.
But there are legendary restaurants in this city, on and off the Strip, and the best place to begin this discussion is likely at Piero’s Italian Cuisine (702.369.2305), a 40-year-old Italian institution across from the new Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall. Owner Freddie Glusman, who celebrated his 85th birthday earlier this month, has long been one of the city’s most celebrated hosts, known to spend time with Las Vegas leaders, pro athletes and entertainers. But locals and Vegas visitors alike keep coming back to Piero’s, recently enshrined in the Las Vegas Magazine Hall of Fame, month after month, year after year, because of the one-of-a-kind atmosphere and the classic cuisine, especially signature dishes like the Caesar salad, pasta fagioli, linguine and clams, and house-made pappardelle with mushrooms, white wine, garlic and thyme.
Back on the Boulevard, Circus Circus is moving into the future while maintaining its most iconic dining room, The Steak House (702.794.3767), a favorite for more than 30 years. Known for broiling prime Midwestern beef over mesquite charcoal, this restaurant continues a grand tradition of fine service and simple, high-quality cuisine at much more affordable prices than you’ll find at many of the Strip’s other great steak spots. Once you choose your cut and maybe an added lobster tail or king crab legs, your meal comes with all the trimmings, including fresh-baked breads, soup or salad, vegetable and potato sides.
It’s far from fine dining, but the equally legendary Peppermill (702.735.4177) just across the street is still a hot spot for cocktails at its neon-hued Fireside Lounge and satisfying diner fare around the clock in its comfy dining room. Catch some great people-watching in the wee hours here as post-show and post-nightclub revelers flock to the Peppermill to enjoy a late-night nosh on breakfast favorites, mountains of nachos, deli-style sandwiches and juicy half-pound burgers.
Far from the lights of the Strip, the oldest Mexican restaurant in the state of Nevada happily serves great food in a casual environment from its Boulder Highway location in Henderson. First opened in 1975, El Torito Café (702.564.2309) is a different kind of legend, one that has fed generations of local families for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Familiar fare such as enchiladas, chile rellenos, sizzling fajitas and pork chile verde are some of the most popular dishes at this friendly spot.
And as far as family-friendly eateries go, any longtime Las Vegan will point you in the direction of Metro Pizza (702.736.1955), founded by two affable cousins from New York, John Arena and Sam Facchini, in 1980 and now serving slices and pies and a whole lot more at five locations scattered around the valley. This kitchen’s dedication to freshness and quality ingredients shines through, and one of its newest creations, the 86th Street Sicilian-style square pizza, has been awarded at the International Pizza Expo Challenge, which is returning to Las Vegas next month. It doesn’t get any more legendary than that.
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