In a city like Las Vegas, there are some spots that have become an institution. It’s those spots that visitors shouldn’t miss checking out when they come to town—and on that list is The Steak House at Circus Circus, a restaurant that has been operating on the Strip for nearly 40 years. At the helm of the restaurant for 35 of those years is general manager Ron Randazzo.

“Over the years I’ve made relationships with the people that come here,” says the Brooklyn, N.Y., native. “People came with their babies and now their babies are coming in with their kids.”

Randazzo moved to Vegas in 1981 to attend UNLV’s hospitality program. While attending school he got his first job on the Strip as a busboy at the Desert Inn. By 1983, he joined Circus Circus as the assistant buffet manager. One evening he was asked to fill in for management at The Steak House, just until they could find a replacement. “We always say the joke is, ‘They’re still looking,’” he says, with a laugh.

“But more seriously,” Randazzo says. “Sometimes I think to myself, ‘Did I do the right thing staying in the same place in the same position?’ Like I could have moved up the ladder, been director of food and beverage somewhere. Honestly I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

About his role in the restaurant, Randazzo says, “I consider myself like an orchestra leader—making sure everything is in harmony.” The sweet sounds and smells of the wood-burning mesquite grill in the middle of the dining room allowing guests to watch the chefs cook exhibition-style, the throwback sounds of Frank Sinatra, and the sounds of laughter are all important parts, says Randazzo.

“We sometimes say, ‘It’s a dinner and a show,’ ’cause guests walk out laughing ’cause we give them a good time. You can’t last 35 years without the laughter. Come and visit us to revisit the good ol’ days. A lot of old jokes and lots of laughter.”

Photo by: Christopher DeVargas

Libation: Lemon Drop

It’s all about the classic cocktails at The Steak House at Circus Circus. One cocktail that has been on the menu since day one—and even been featured on TV, including shows like Oprah and Rachael Ray—is the Lemon Drop. Served with a sugar rim, it’s mixed with Absolut Citron vodka, simple syrup, triple sec and fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Pair the cocktail with some of Randazzo’s favorite dishes like the crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, French onion soup, lamb chops, prime rib and the to-die-for cheesecake.

Benefit: Get the extra flavor from the marking on the grill. It’s not on the menu, but ask to have your prime rib marked.

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