When the Monte Carlo was transformed into Park MGM, the difference was staggering. Park MGM instantly became a must-visit destination for both its entertainment scene, including a residency for Lady Gaga (which is currently on hold due to the pandemic) and its restaurants, highlighted by Bavette’s Steakhouse & Bar, a French-influenced steakhouse that offers an unforgettable experience.
Entering Bavette’s, you momentarily forget that you’re in Las Vegas; an antechamber with a hostess stand allows you to adjust to the soft lighting while you wait for your table. It’s a classy touch that speaks volumes for the planning that went into this outpost of the Chicago classic. As you’re taken to your table, you can’t help but get excited over the décor—chandeliers, red leather banquettes—and the immaculately appointed servers, who make you feel like you’re the only person in the room.
As you’d expect, Bavette’s offers all the classic cocktails, including negronis, gimlets and Manhattans, but you’ll definitely want to try a few signatures, including the Bavette’s Punch, a delicious combo of El Dorado three-year rum, maraschino and grapefruit. (Spirits fans will definitely want to peruse the huge menu of bourbons, Scotches and other whiskies.)
Begin your meal off with any number of quality starters, including baked goat cheese with red sauce, fine herb and garlic bread, or sizzling shrimp scampi, a great shareable plate served with garlic bread, chilies and parsley. But we’re particularly partial to the baked crab cake, so tender and flaky with blue crab, preserved lemon and remoulade.
Now that your palate is ready for the main course, get ready for a dizzying array of choices. The bone-in New York strip and bone-in ribeye are both dry-aged for 42 days and served with bearnaise sauce and steak salt. At 16 ounces and 22 ounces, respectively, these beasts almost guarantee leftovers! You can also go smaller with a 6-ounce filet mignon petite duchess cut. Make sure to add an enhancement like wild mushrooms, roasted bone marrow or warm king crab Oscar.
Steaks are just the beginning! Bavette’s also serves a killer griddled burger topped with sharp American cheese and Dijonnaise (add a fried egg or bacon for extra oomph) and served with hand-cut fries. You can also opt for a terrific roasted chicken, accompanied by an olive oil potato purée and garlic confit, or honey-glazed salmon.
Whether you go surf or turf, make sure to pair it with a flavorful side like broiled asparagus, with lemon, Parmesan and chives, charred Brussels sprouts covered with Dijon and Parmesan, or truffle mac and cheese, white cheddar providing a tasty tang.
End this perfect night with your choice of classic dessert: chocolate cream pie, carrot cake, lemon meringue pie, ice cream or sorbet. No matter where you’re going after this meal, you’re going to be smiling all night long.
Park MGM, 702.730.6700
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. As part of your subscription, each week via email you will receive the latest edition of Las Vegas Magazine, full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
