Jackie Franklin: My “Vegas Musts”

Vegas Bright reader Jackie Franklin shares her “Vegas Musts”

Hash House a Go Go @ the Linq Hotel – When in Vegas you’re supposed to go big or go home and here you can only go big and go home full. Many items on the menu are great especially their Sage Chicken Waffles, Gravy Biscuits, Cheeseburger and Tangerine Juice. Of all things in Vegas, I’m quite fond of something that does not have alcohol in it. It’s open 24 hrs and the food is not only good but the wait staff has been amazing at all times. The food is massive, so come hungry or plan to share. There are other locations in Las Vegas along the strip but this is our go to because it feels like “home.” It’s also easy to get to with the walkway through Harrah’s.

Ghostbar Nightclub at the Palms – How can you not enjoy the view 55 floors up? Not as stuffy and pretentious as some of the other nightclubs. The folks here are of varied ages, not just interns fresh out of college. Get on a guest list with a promoter and get in for free. Chris @ Free Las Vegas Club Passes is amazing and have been using him for 6 years. It’s not all techno but a mix of Top 40 and mash-ups. Always a good time here.

Fat Tuesday’s – I often wonder why folks spend $40-$60 bucks on a souvenir cup when you get the same here for much less. They let you sample which is a plus when one can be so indecisive. You can mix and match flavors and add “floaters” which are little shots that you can pour into your drink or drink first before you start to guzzle. My tasty mix of Strawberry Pina Colada was only $13 bucks. I added a Malibu shooter for 3 bucks. I can rarely go any stronger than coconut rum. Again there are several locations but this one is right in the mix of it all at Casino Royale hotel (awesome hotel by the way) right on the strip. No need to walk miles inside of a casino looking for it. And if you need something to fill your belly as you drink so you don’t get too wasted, White Castle is a few steps away. They also have a few tables you can sit at in Fat Tuesday to discuss all the debauchery you intend to get into while on vacation.

Omelet House- (Yes spelled Omelet House) We have only gone to this location inside of a strip mall on Charleston and Rancho. As you can see we are creatures of habit. Same location over and over. They have 6 egg omelets (whole eggs or egg whites). The hash browns are like little chips…divine. They also give you WARM banana nut bread for FREE. It’s a little hole-in-the-wall mom-and-pop shop but it’s so yummy. I really lucked out with this place. No better value, not even for a breakfast buffet if you ask me. My fav is the Mile High, Ham, Bell Pepper and Onions and you can add cheese (pretty much a western omelet) for no charge for only a few bucks… $10-12. They too have Gravy Biscuits. Living in NY you do cannot find gravy biscuits anywhere so I get very excited when I see them on the menu.

Twin Creeks Steakhouse – If Omelet House is my and my husband’s go-to for breakfast than Twin Creeks at the Silverton Steakhouse is our go-to for dinner. Found on yelp a few years ago and definitely a must for every trip. My father used to use to say “if you want a good steak you have to pay for it.” He was right, but here you will not spend your entire poker budget on it. Sides are amazing as well–not just the steaks. Twin Creeks is owned by an older gentleman who looks like my own grandfather. It’ s very home-like feeling, without all the hoopla. Great vibe, great drinks and great happy hour. The reviews speak for themselves.

Day Parties – Again look for a promoter and get a cabana comped. Rehab @ the Hard Rock Hotel is one of the best day parties for the age range of guests and music. You will find more than your typical tanned and toned bodies here. Folks who have bodies on the normal side, not plastic-infused. Also, the food is quite good. They have swim-up casino games as well. They have lots of guests, hosts, and it’s bigger than places like Tao Beach and Marquee Day Club. Vegas Chatter a few years ago ran a story on Cabanas for A Cause and I was able to get a Cabana at the Palm for $100 for THE WHOLE DAY! It went to a local charity so everyone benefitted.

Excursions – Scoot City Mini cars, ATV’s, Mini Baja Sunbuggies or 2 Wheel Scooters. You must do one while you’re in Vegas. Where else can you let loose and do something out of the norm? Make sure you get Groupons for all. Never pay full price. Do your homework and leave with some money in your pocket. Next on my list are Trikes or Segways.

Side Note – Take a visit to the guys @ Tanked. They are from Brooklyn so you already know they are super cool (a little plug for other NEW YAWKERS) There is a Groupon for them as well. Amazing, amazing guys!!! Great tour.

[Photos: Jackie Franklin]

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