Low-End Las Vegas 2014

[Chris Hennes]

I'll be in Vegas in a few weeks and I've no interest in the high-end scene this time around: price is an object. What are my low-end dining options? Food trucks, diners, roadside carts, etc.

[Lisa Shock]

I used to visit Gandhi at least once per trip, but, I notice that their prices appear to have doubled in the past couple of years and the buffet appears to be gone. It's probably still a decent option, and it's just a block off the strip, but the days of getting dinner for two for under $20 are apparently long gone.

[Hassouni]

I know a delivery driver for Papa John's there, but I'm guessing you want slightly better than that 

[Alex]

Chada Thai & Wine

 

Raku

[HungryChris]

In-N-Out Burger (we prefer the one on West Sahara) is always one of the first stops we like to make.

 

HC

[David Ross]

Raku is very good, as is Raku Sweets in the same complex.  But I wouldn't really say that Raku is low-end in terms of price.  Yes, it's far cheaper than say Nobu at Caesar's Palace, but still fairly expensive compared to other great Asian restaurants in Las Vegas.  Hopefully you'll have a car and a good GPS system, (Vegas cabs are terribly expensive), so I'd recommend a trip out to Spring Mountain Road and the large Asian shopping and dining malls.  You'll come across some hidden gems that don't look like much on the outside but serve very good food at low prices.  A few I'd recommend:

 

Yunan Gardens

District One-Vietnamese

Ping Pang Pong-in the decrepit Gold Coast Casino but fabulous dim sum served old-style from carts

 

Las Vegas has a growing community of pizza restaurants.  My friends who live down there say these three are very good:

Dom Demarco's

Due Forni

Novecento Pizzeria 900

 

There are many a good restaurant in Las Vegas at decent prices with decent service.  Unfortunately, the focus is always on the over-priced frou-frou on the Strip which sometimes falls short of one's expectations. 

[annachan]

Bouchon Bakery @ The Venetian - baked goods and simple lunch items (sandwiches, salads, quiche). Jean Philippe is another option for pastries and sandwiches.

[catdaddy]

I love the concept of "Low-End Vegas". Some of the most fun I have had there were in the corners and bottom floors of downtown casinos playing quarter video poker and chatting up the veteran cocktail waitresses......they have seen it all and if you get them at the right time (and tip them properly) they tell great stories.

 

Haven't heard much about the food truck scene there but I would suggest looking for big construction sites of maybe near government buildings around lunch. Gotta be some good cheap tacos anyway.

 

Love to hear how your trip turns out.

Edited April 19, 2014 by catdaddy (log)

[barolo]

I found this link (http://roaminghunger.com/lv ) to a LV food truck site on 2014 eGullet chocolate and confectionary conference topic.

[Derek J]

I much preferred Fatburger to In-N-Out Burger when I was in Vegas a couple years ago.

[HungryChris]

I admit to never having tried Fatburger. I think I have been put off by the name, don't really want a big burger (could not finish the regular sized burger at my local Five Guys and have to go with the small) plus we never stay right on the strip so a trip to In-N-Out on Sahara can be combined with a stop at Trader Joe's on Decatur for "supplies" without much trouble.

 

 

HC

[weinoo]

I think Lotus of Siam would be a good addition to any low-end Vegas visit.

[HungryChris]

I could not agree more about LOS. We always pay at least 2 visits per trip. I am a lightweight when it comes to heat and I will never forget asking for "5" for some dish. It was quite good, but I could not inhale over it without coughing uncontrollably. I love the Nam Kao Tod and have even made a decent version myself. It is a must do!!! I also cannot do without a few pounds of crawfish with the garlic butter at the Boiling Crab on Decatur. I have been craving them ever since our last visit and will be there again in September, without fail!!! 

 

 

HC

Edited July 12, 2014 by HungryChris (log)