Trying Out Siegel’s 1941

Since my most recent visit to Las Vegas included a three-night stay Downtown I decided to try one of the newest restaurants, Siegel’s 1941, located in the El Cortez. Bonus that I got 100 points from Open Table to book it online – there’s that point-whore in me coming out again. Siegel’s is a revamp of the El Cortez steakhouse, The Flame, and they did a remarkable job of transforming the space. The restaurant is named after Bugsy Siegel, the well-known Vegas mobster.

Arriving at the host stand of Siegel’s you’re greeted by a large plate of glass with Bugsy’s picture on it. It’s a nice touch to familiarize yourself with who the restaurant’s namesake.

The space is light and bright, although not coffee-shop bright, with hardwood floors, drum lights scattered about and a recessed tin ceiling. There is a combination of tables and banquets with either parson’s chairs or padded wicker bistro chairs. There is also a wall mounted flat screen showing black and white movies from; I’m guessing… 1941? The effect is a calm environment that was a nice break from the casino and the general hubbub of downtown.

The restaurant is open 24/7 and offers three menus depending on the time of day: breakfast, all day and overnight. I was there for dinner, so I was given the all day menu. The offerings include some items from The Flame days: prime rib ($22 or $28, 12oz/16oz), a rib eye ($28), a strip steak ($26) and surf and turf ($24). There’s also a buttload (that’s the official culinary term) of regional sandwiches from across the U.S. (Miami Cuban, Kentucky Hot Brown, Chicago Italian Beef – you get the idea). There are also burgers, plus various seafood and chicken entrees, salads, and any breakfast items one would want as well as a portion of the menu labeled: Chef’s Dinners. Chef’s Dinners are the daily specials, and all are priced at $11 except for Friday, which is a fish dinner for $12. $11 is a pretty reasonable price to pay for an entree at a Las Vegas restaurant!

Once I was seated, I was greeted by the server with, “How you doing, guy?” Aside: Really? Such a pet peeve when a server is so familiar out of the gate. That’s my server side coming out again, though. I have weirdly high server standards. I could have forgiven his casual demeanor by now if he had been prompt and thorough in his service, but that wasn’t there either. Oh well, I didn’t go to Seigel’s for the service. End of aside. When I looked at the menu online before booking, I noticed the southern fried chicken ($12.50). Since I’m a good Southern boy, I thought that might be what I’d order. But once I looked at the menu after it arrived I saw the Steak Frites Steak Special ($19.41 – see what they did there?). The Steak Frites are sliced Angus top sirloin with their secret sauce (a derivative of the steakhouse favorite, béarnaise, I believe), green salad, french fries and a breadboard. After I placed my order with Guy (I don’t remember his name, but that’s as good as any since that’s what he called me. *Hmph!*) I noticed the fried chicken dinner being delivered to the table next door. For several minutes, I had pangs of doubt about my menu choice, but they were quickly allayed. My salad came first, and it was simple and delicious: some crisp mixed greens, sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, and a really good house vinaigrette.

I had to ask for the breadboard (my logical, carb-defying brain said no, but my inner fatty said “BREAD!”), and it was quickly delivered and was so worth the extra calories. The parker house rolls were warm, soft and yeasty. They didn’t need butter, although ‘when in Rome’. The salad was quickly followed by the entree of Steak Frites, and it didn’t disappoint. The steak (6 oz.?) had a nice char and was sliced against the grain. It was perfectly cooked to my medium-rare specifications and was topped with the “secret sauce.” The fries, too, were perfect: crispy, hot, salty. Mmmm, I want some now!

After my gluttonous rampage, I hardly had room for dessert, so I didn’t entertain the idea. Guy finally noticed I was through eating (he was busy having a conversation with a manager – insert eye-roll) and cleared the table then brought the check. The whole bill including iced tea, tax and tip was $36.98. That’s a little high for one person for dinner, but I felt that it was worth it because it was so good. There’s little doubt in my mind I’ll be back to Siegel’s: that fried chicken is calling my name.

[Images: Bob Z]

Bob Z

Bob lives in Atlanta and loves to travel, sharing his experiences with other folks. Las Vegas is one of his favorites.