There are some restaurants you walk into and instantly know you are about to have a great meal. The Old Homestead Steakhouse at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas is such a place. I visited over Memorial Day and got to experience the quality that has been pleasing Manhattan steak-lovers since 1868.
Las Vegas has so many dining options these days, it’s hard to find something really good that’s not really expensive. I think it’s also hard to find a restaurant with a long, proven track record of satisfying their customers. The Old Homestead Steakhouse delivers on both. Any restaurant that has survived since 1868 in New York’s fickle restaurant scene has to be doing something right. Even surviving since 1968 is an accomplishment, thriving since 1868 makes it one of the oldest, continuously serving restaurants in the country. Doing something right at the Old Homestead is serving amazing prime aged USDA beef and pleasing hungry diners over and over again.
The original location is in Manhattan’s famed meatpacking district, and the owners maintain close relationships with many of the meat packers to ensure the best cuts of beef are served on their tables. In New York City, the Old Homestead has been in the same physical location since 1868, and the area has always been the center of the city’s meat industry.
Ambiance
I liked the vibe, kind of a New York City meets Texas with a little bit of Vegas flash. Right inside Caesars, the restaurant is partially open to the Caesars casino and walkway, so you see the action and passers-by look in at the diners. I think it’s good for romantic dinners (ask for a secluded booth), but is also a good spot to take a big family, even kids.
Wine
The restaurant has a big wine list, including some high-end selections in their “Collector’s Cellar.” While there is a deep and extensive selection available by the bottle, I would have liked to have seen more French reds by the glass, as there were none. I went domestic with the a glass of the Costello Napa Valley 2009 Cab ($15), and it was perfect. Rich and full-bodied, it accompanied my steak beautifully.
Dinner
The menu is extensive with steaks, chops, and seafood offerings. Prices are reasonable for a high-end steakhouse. Most of the seafood appetizers are between $15 and $20. Oysters, including Blue Point, Wild Fire Island, Royal Miyagi, and Emerald Cove, are $3 and $4 each.
Steaks and chops range from $45-$55, depending on the cut. They also offer burgers and chicken, lamb, and a few more non-beef options. All the seafood favorites are well represented, as well. At the top end is a 12-oz. Kobe steak at $125. Filet mignon and lobster tail is $68, and lobster is available at 2 1/2- and 4 1/2-pound options. Although the restaurant is based in New York City, the portions in Las Vegas are Texas-sized — they are huge, almost overwhelmingly so.
I had the 14-oz. New York Sirloin ($41), which was perfect. Even for 14 ounces, the steak was big and thick. No seasoning or sauce; it was great just the way they cooked it. To start, I went with the Caesar salad ($12), since I was at Caesars, and this was also delicious. As a side, I went with the creamed spinach ($9), and this was also good, but was more fresh spinach with cream sauce than the traditional, almost soupy, creamed spinach I prefer. Instead of a potato, I requested some steamed broccoli ($9) with the steak.
Service
Service was prompt and attentive — top marks here. Everything came promptly, and the waiter was always close by and asking if everything was good and if I needed anything.
Dessert
For my dessert, I had to go with the Key Lime Pie ($10). It was perfect, with a rich limey custard and a perfectly prepared crust. Other options include their “World Famous” cheesecake ($11), cakes, sundaes, a creme brulee ($9), and mixed berries for two with champagne zabaglione ($16). They also offer a selection of dessert cocktails and wines.
Caesars Total Rewards
As a member of Caesars Total Rewards program, I used Total Rewards credits to pay for my meal and also earn them for my play in the casino and money I do spend at Caesars or any of their 40 related properties around the country. It’s like earning frequent flyer points on an airline. I like the program because most of the year, I earn credits for gambling and the meals I buy and things like that, then a few times a year I go and splurge, spend the credits, and enjoy some more luxurious experiences than I would normally do.
Old Homestead Steakhouse – Caesars Palace
(with locations also in Caesars Atlantic City and Manhattan)
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas
theoldhomesteadsteakhouse.com
Freddy Sherman is a world traveler and editor of the travel blog travel4people.com. You can follow him on Twitter @thefredsherman.
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