Las Vegas Restaurant Reviews (Part 1) — Summer 2025 Update
LAS VEGAS RESTAURANT GUIDE (SUMMER 2025 UPDATE)
I promised to share my impressions of several local restaurants that I’ve tried during the last few months. Here’s the short version, though some of these places shall receive the full treatment of a complete review, later on. Listed in no particular order:
BESO Restaurant (on S. Buffalo) — Bulgarian food, shockingly good. Been three times, all the meals were excellent and affordable. Oversized dining area, which never seems to be crowded. Friendly service. Rainbow trout was outstanding (had this twice) and the full meal was $20, a steal for good fish. Soups are also wonderful. Didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as we did. Would have returned more times, but they close for a month in the summertime (presumably to return to Bulgaria). Don’t be put off by the exotic cuisine that’s probably unfamiliar to most people. This is definitely worth a try, either for lunch or dinner.
Grade: 8.5 (on a 10 scale) <see photo above>
Sin Fronteras Tacos y Mas (Lake Mead and N. Rampart) — Former executive chef at one of the major Strip casinos opened this small local’s place, located near Smith’s grocery store (same mall as the German Bakery). Been twice, and both meals were very good. Traditional Mexican fare, but the ingredients tasted of higher quality than usual, with the chef (who appears to be a one-man show as the server and cashier) adding his own touch and willing to concede to individual tastes. Terrific house Margarita, served at Happy Hour which starts at 3 pm daily. No frills, but this is one of the better Mexican places I’ve tried on the west side of town (and most are boring and mediocre).
Grade: 7 (on a 10 scale)
Zippy’s (Hawaiian Food) (Hualapai in South Summerlin) — A culinary gut punch. This is the WORST restaurant I’ve been to in at least five years. Maybe worst the last decade. And, it’s not even close. The food truly took my breath away, in a bad way. I mean, I couldn’t fucking breath. Astoundingly awful. While driving, saw a sign that said. Grand Opening,” so how bad could it be? Breaking out in a cold PTSD sweat thinking back. For lunch recently, we ordered three dishes and couldn’t eat any of them. No, not FINISH. I said, EAT THEM. I just starred down out the food and cried. How does a restaurant screw up stew? Really? Canned ingredients, horrible sauces, a mind-boggling experience. I admit to not being a fan of Hawaiian food anyways, but since this place just opened we decided to give it a try. Never again. Hawaiian food — never again. I’m done! Flabbergasted, we boxed up the scraps of our $60 meal, later dumped them in a park for the birds, and the pigeons wouldn’t even touch it. Heretofore, one of the great mysteries of the universe shall forever be how this shit-hole was jam packed with Hawaiians mostly, and seems to be doing well despite my horrible experience. I’m trying to think of a worse meal in this city, and can’t — so this should get some kind of warning from the health department. My gawwwwd, this place was awful. Did I make this clear enough?
Grade: 0 (on a 10 scale)
The Great Greek (Sunset near the Ikea Store) — This local chain has multiple locations (4 or 5, I believe–check that). Prior to this location opening, I don’t recall visiting any of them ever before. Well, the Great Greek turned out to be a wonderful discovery! Fresh ingredients, wide variety of menu items, and very, very affordable. for what we’re getting Counter service, with clean expansive seating area. A terrific $40 lunch for two — done this five or six visits since they first opened. Greek salad, lemon potatoes, rice, gyro, chicken skewers, fresh cucumber lemonade…yummy! — all are outstanding. Meraki is also very good by comparison, as well as Yassou (other Greek places nearby). However, The Great Greek might be the best value of any place on the west side. BTW, stay away from the Freed’s Bakery (next door). Wow, has that place done downhill in the last few years, or what?
Grade: 8 (on a 10 scale)
Big B’s Texas Barbecue (Sahara and Cimarron) — Wow, what a crushing disappointment! Serious inquiry–must they put SUGAR in everything? Baked beans were so sweet they were inedible. Potato salad was bland (how how how….do they screw that up?). We ordered two brisket sandwiches. First, why a Hoagie Roll? I hate Hoagie Rolls! The meat was dry and even somewhat tough (for a brisket). House sauces were shocking bad–hot sauce seemed to be overpowered with vinegar). I don’t know how this place stays in business (what do I know—–it was packed on my one visit a few weeks ago–and the reviews have been solid, which I’ll never trust again on Yelp). I think I have this right that “Big B’s” used to have a location on S. Fort Apache, which I tried a few years ago and was very good (I don’t know if that’s still there). I assume this is the same ownership, but the food was a baffling mix of disappointment and confusion. $45, for two plates. Counter service. Will not return. Probably irredeemable at this point. Will only go here again if I’m starving and the only other option in town in the Hawaiian joint. On second thought, skip the meal and put me on a fast.
Grade: 2 (on a 10 scale)
Ciao Vino (Boca Park) — This is the best new Italian restaurant to open up in my area in years. This previous location with cursed with bad food, service, and mismanagement. About 6 months ago, someone new took it over and the results have been stellar. We’ve dined four times, including with a group, and received 5-start food and service each time. For value, you can’t beat the three-course price-fixe (Calamari as an appetizer–as good as any I’ve had, wonderful breading, luscious Chicken Francese, fluffy Panna Cotta, plus TWO glasses of decent house wine)….all for $35 a person! That’s an incredible steal. Indoor and outdoor seating, which is nice despite the heat (water misters). Affordable cocktails at Happy Hour. Opens at 3 pm daily. This is an exceptional restaurant in every way. Shocker!!! It’s still possible to enjoy a great meal with drinks for under $100 (for two). This proves it. May highest recommendation. Ask for Lucio, the GM. He’ll take care of you.
Grade: 9 (on a 10 scale)
NOTE: More to come in Part 2Â
