Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars Palace is part of a long tradition of meat. It’s the only outpost of the New York City original, which has been operating in the city’s Meatpacking District since 1868.

At the helm of the Las Vegas location is general manager Gary Nelson. “It comes down to the quality of our product,” Nelson said. “Our meat is Pat LaFrieda meat. It comes from New York; each steak travels about 4,000 miles. It makes eating here even more special.” The restaurant receives up to three deliveries per week from the East Coast, delivering the “select prime” steaks that Nelson says are dry-aged for 30 days, seasoned with nothing more than salt and pepper (no marinades) and broiled at 1,200 degrees. “People leave here saying it’s the best meal they’ve ever had.”

You can hear the pride Nelson has when he speaks of the restaurant, the glitzy, Vegas version. Nelson has a long history of working in upscale environments; the UNLV graduate managed one of the city’s most exclusive country clubs before he joined the steakhouse. And he says it’s his longtime passion for service and interaction with guests that makes working at Old Homestead a perfect fit.

“The entire staff comes to work with a passion every day. They make a connection with the guests, and that type of service is priceless,” said the Pendleton, Ore., native. “I’m just thankful to be a part of it all.”

Elyx Mule

Elyx Mule

Elyx Mule

Classic cocktails pair perfectly with the classic steakhouse eats and ambience at Old Homestead. “Our food is top-notch, so our cocktails have to match that,” Nelson said. Many of the classic cocktails get a flavorful twist, too, like the ABSOLUT.® Elyx Mule, a riff off the 1940s classic cocktail, the Moscow Mule. Traditionally served in a copper mug, this version mixes vodka, Fever-Tree ginger beer and fresh-squeezed lime juice or lime-flavored syrup for a sweeter taste. There’s also a boozier version available, too, with an alcoholic ginger beer. Whatever mixture you order, the cocktail is very crisp and refreshing, perfect for the season.

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