Vegas

[PlayerHader]

Heading there frost for a few days. 2nd time going.

 

2 questions:

 

1) Looking to watch the Badgers game at a sports book and place a few bets. Is this going to be fun? I’ve never spent a moment inside a book.

 

2) My wife wants to see a show. Recommendations?

[tmwiese55]

I go 3-4 times a year so here would be my recommendations. Could be a help to know where you're staying as well.

 

1) I'd say if you want to hang out and have a good time I'd make your bets then go to sportsbar not in the sportsbook to watch the game, get food/drinks mix it up with people, etc. But, there is now places incorporating the two together. My personal favorite is Lagasses Stadium in the Venetian/Palazzo lower level. Keep in mind it'll probably have a minimum spend for your seat, but it won't be a hard minimum to hit as long as you're eating and drinking. They opened a similar place at the Linq as well but I've yet to do it, I'd guess the Linq one is much cheaper. Beer Park at Paris as well is like this with a betting area in it, and I've never seen a minimum spend there. If you just sit in a chair at normal sportsbook frankly it's kinda boring imo. I prefer a bit more atmosphere.

 

Also, I'm assuming you're talking about this weekend's UW game. That will be at 9AM Vegas time. So the minimums probably won't be as bad at Lagesses, and I know they do breakfast there. But you might want to make sure they're going to be open by the 9AM games. I know they have for Bowl games and had breakfast, regular season I'd double check. There might not even be minimums that early in the morning since very few people will be there.

 

2) As long as you're ok with it being dirty I'd say Absinthe at Caesars is the prime show. I've been to most Cirque shows and my favorite was Ka at MGM.

[PlayerHader]

I go 3-4 times a year so here would be my recommendations. Could be a help to know where you're staying as well.

 

1) I'd say if you want to hang out and have a good time I'd make your bets then go to sportsbar not in the sportsbook to watch the game, get food/drinks mix it up with people, etc. But, there is now places incorporating the two together. My personal favorite is Lagasses Stadium in the Venetian/Palazzo lower level. Keep in mind it'll probably have a minimum spend for your seat, but it won't be a hard minimum to hit as long as you're eating and drinking. They opened a similar place at the Linq as well but I've yet to do it, I'd guess the Linq one is much cheaper. Beer Park at Paris as well is like this with a betting area in it, and I've never seen a minimum spend there. If you just sit in a chair at normal sportsbook frankly it's kinda boring imo. I prefer a bit more atmosphere.

 

Also, I'm assuming you're talking about this weekend's UW game. That will be at 9AM Vegas time. So the minimums probably won't be as bad at Lagesses, and I know they do breakfast there. But you might want to make sure they're going to be open by the 9AM games. I know they have for Bowl games and had breakfast, regular season I'd double check. There might not even be minimums that early in the morning since very few people will be there.

 

2) As long as you're ok with it being dirty I'd say Absinthe at Caesars is the prime show. I've been to most Cirque shows and my favorite was Ka at MGM.

 

Good help. I'm staying at the Flamingo. I'm open to going anywhere. Again, only my 2nd time going, and I'm hardly a high roller, but do like to gamble. What kind of cost are we looking at if we settle into a sportsbar and eat and drink during the game?

 

Absinthe was one that came up. My wife mentioned O and Zumanity as ones she'd heard were good and would be interested in.

[tmwiese55]

OK, Flamingo is right next to Linq and basically connected. You could easily pop over there and ask them the deal for Saturday morning, it's called the The Book and it's tough to miss it. You'd get your own couches, waitress, control of the TVs. I'm not sure what they do for breakfast though. You're also not a far walk from Venetian either, 10 maybe 15 mins.

 

I'd guess a normal sports bar type place for breakfast for that game would be about $15 per person for food. Then add on how much you drink, figure about $8/drink give or take depending on what you get. If Lagasses has a minimum spend that early it'll probably be $50/per person, that's a nice place so items are more expensive so as long as you eat you'll hit that easily, since remember you have over 3 hours.

 

Off the top of my head right by you in the Linq Ferris Wheel area there is a Tilted Kilt sports bar. There's lots of options for places like that though, all should be good. but I'd be surprised if a big chain like them isn't open and doing breakfast and likely would put the game volume on. I was there for a Packers/Lions night game a few years ago and they had the volume on.

 

O is the Cirque that's all in the water. I'd guess most people like that best due to the water spectacle. I just liked KA better as it has a story. Zumanity is fine too and likely a cheaper alternative to the others, but be aware it's basically all sexual stuff. For your location, O and Absinthe are the most convenient as you can just pop over the bridge and be to Caesars and Bellagio. Zumanity and KA are way down on the end.

[wallus]

I have seen quite a few shows in Vegas and Absinthe was the best one by far.

[PlayerHader]

OK, Flamingo is right next to Linq and basically connected. You could easily pop over there and ask them the deal for Saturday morning, it's called the The Book and it's tough to miss it. You'd get your own couches, waitress, control of the TVs. I'm not sure what they do for breakfast though. You're also not a far walk from Venetian either, 10 maybe 15 mins.

 

I'd guess a normal sports bar type place for breakfast for that game would be about $15 per person for food. Then add on how much you drink, figure about $8/drink give or take depending on what you get. If Lagasses has a minimum spend that early it'll probably be $50/per person, that's a nice place so items are more expensive so as long as you eat you'll hit that easily, since remember you have over 3 hours.

 

Off the top of my head right by you in the Linq Ferris Wheel area there is a Tilted Kilt sports bar. There's lots of options for places like that though, all should be good. but I'd be surprised if a big chain like them isn't open and doing breakfast and likely would put the game volume on. I was there for a Packers/Lions night game a few years ago and they had the volume on.

 

O is the Cirque that's all in the water. I'd guess most people like that best due to the water spectacle. I just liked KA better as it has a story. Zumanity is fine too and likely a cheaper alternative to the others, but be aware it's basically all sexual stuff. For your location, O and Absinthe are the most convenient as you can just pop over the bridge and be to Caesars and Bellagio. Zumanity and KA are way down on the end.

 

This is all great information. Thanks. The Book sounds intriguing. I'll have to take it easy on my drink consumption, though, at $8 a pop.

[PlayerHader]

I have seen quite a few shows in Vegas and Absinthe was the best one by far.

 

This is good to know. Thanks.

[PlayerHader]

Will it be cheaper to buy tickets ahead of time or wait and pick them up at a kiosk on the strip? We will probably check out a show Sunday night, but Saturday is also a possibility.

 

I've heard all good things about Absinthe. If my wife is on board, I'm leaning that way.

[wallus]

Will it be cheaper to buy tickets ahead of time or wait and pick them up at a kiosk on the strip? We will probably check out a show Sunday night, but Saturday is also a possibility.

 

I've heard all good things about Absinthe. If my wife is on board, I'm leaning that way.

 

We got ours from a discount ticket place on the strip. If your wife is easily offended or very conservative, there might be some uncomfortable parts in Absinthe. Just thought I would throw that out there.

[PlayerHader]

Nope. She's all about it. Thanks for the heads up, though.

[reillymcshane]

I'm going to Vegas next May, so if people advice on pretty much anything, I'd love to hear it. My wife and I aren't gamblers (other than some simple games here and there).

[tmwiese55]

For the $8, Just normal domestic beers are less than that. Probably averages around $6, I mean beers are 4-5$ in WI now too so it's not bad. For a game like that you can probably by a bucket of beer to chop it down too. Basic mixed drinks like vodka/soda/lemonade too probably come in under that. But tack on some Bloody's, specialty cocktails or good hard liquor and it's going to go up. That's why I threw out the give or take a few. If you're interested in some cost savings though you can have your cab stop at liquor store and pick up your favorite things, there's fridge in your room. So at least you can pregame a bit in the room and/or take one or two with you when you leave the room to put a dent in the cost. There's also a Walgreens right there by the Linq you can buy and keep in your room.

 

Since you're staying right there I'd say there's no reason not to do the Ferris Wheel at night. It's not expensive at all. I'm not saying it's some amazing experience or anything, but you're right there and the views are cool. Everyone might as well do it once. Probably getting a bit too cold to bother with the pools now. Almost any steakhouse or fine dining place you go is going to be great.

[nate82]

 

Since you're staying right there I'd say there's no reason not to do the Ferris Wheel at night. It's not expensive at all. I'm not saying it's some amazing experience or anything, but you're right there and the views are cool. Everyone might as well do it once. Probably getting a bit too cold to bother with the pools now. Almost any steakhouse or fine dining place you go is going to be great.

 

If you are going to do the Ferris Wheel look on groupon for a discount for that. There is always one on there and I think it saves about $5-10.

[homer]

Probably getting a bit too cold to bother with the pools now. Almost any steakhouse or fine dining place you go is going to be great.

 

I'm in Vegas right now and it's low to mid 80s all week.

[homer]

I used to go to Vegas like five times a year when I lived in Arizona. It's changed a bit since then but generally speaking...

 

- if you are in a big hotel the food at the restaurants is almost always good. We are at The Mirage which is an MGM hotel and every place has been amazing (the bar food place was ok).

- if you are at an MGM property download their app and check in that way. Potentially saves a ton of time when you arrive. I assume the other big chains have something similar.

- get a players card (like a points rewards card) at the place you are staying as soon as you arrive...or before if that's possible and show it every time you spend money (food, shows, check in, gambling). If you spend enough they might comp you a meal or something. I feel like comps are hard to come by on a single trip but you never know.

[PrestigeWorldwide]

I have seen quite a few shows in Vegas and Absinthe was the best one by far.

 

Agree 100% with this. One thing to note in case you or your wife care about this is that it is not set in a big auditorium with comfy seats like some of the other shows. It is in a tent (to keep with the circus theme) and you sit in small wooden chairs, and in some areas there might not be a lot of space between you and the person next to you.

 

We also enjoy comedy shows/clubs when there. Carrot Top and Penn & Teller were worth doing once, and we have been to Brad Garrett's a few times (he is not always there; the tickets are cheaper when he isn't but it is a better show when he is because he is the host and does some of his routine).

 

I enjoy watching games in the sportsbook when there are a lot of them going on because you can watch so many at once (when I had Redzone I used to love it when they would split the screen to show a bunch of the games). I find it a lot of fun to follow a bunch of games on big screens.

 

You didn't mention food but I'll throw this out there as well. We have done most of the big buffets on the strip (Caesars, Mirage, Wynn, Bellagio, MGM) and they all have their pluses and minuses, but on our most recent trip we tried the Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan and thought it was better than all the others.

 

As for tickets, we always use Tix 4 Tonite, which has locations all over the strip. The pro is that you usually get a pretty good deal, the cons are you don't know your plans until the day of (sometimes you can get them one day ahead of time though) and you have to pick up your tickets from the show's box office by a certain time. For example, if a show starts at 8 you might have to pick up your tickets from their box office by 6. Not a big deal if you planned to be in that area for dinner before the show, but it can sometimes be a bit of a pain.

[PrestigeWorldwide]

I'm going to Vegas next May, so if people advice on pretty much anything, I'd love to hear it. My wife and I aren't gamblers (other than some simple games here and there).

 

Just noticed this so thought I'd add some more general tips.

 

If it is your first time, you're going to want to walk the strip (and you should), however you should not try to walk it all at once, especially if it is hot. Split it up, and maybe head down one side and then take an uber/lyft back. There is also a bus that runs the whole strip called The Deuce that I think is $1 per ride. Our first trip we were so excited to see everything that we pushed way too hard on that first walk and wore ourselves out right away.

 

There are several Walgreens and CVS along the strip, so easy to stock up on water/beer/snacks for less than what you'd pay in your hotel.

 

Some will say you have to go downtown (i.e. Fremont Street). I have been there twice and I just prefer the strip. The people that like it enjoy how the casinos are close together, the gambling odds seem better, and the food is cheaper. I realize my sample size is small, but I have not experienced good luck gambling there and maybe we chose more expensive food options but they were not any cheaper. And when I'm gambling I prefer to stick to one spot rather than roaming.

 

If you like table games, it is becoming harder to find $5 tables on the strip. You can sometimes find $5 tables in the morning at places like the Linq and Excalibur. On a weeknight Casino Royale had the only $5 craps table I could find.

 

If your trip is a ways off, play the MyVegas game on Facebook. You collect chips and play the game to acquire "LPs" which can be redeemed for free stuff. The key is to make sure you are going on every day to collect your chips. You can buy chips but you don't have to. If you collect enough LPs you can get free tickets to Cirq shows like Love, Ka and Zumanity (I think they may have now added something like a $15 fee so maybe not completely free, but still way better than regular price), or dining credit for certain restaurants. Read the terms and conditions before redeeming, for some you have to be staying at an MGM property to redeem the reward. The game also has a mobile app so you can play both on Facebook and on the app and your LPs get banked together.

[Dean Machine]

Carrot Top is always good. People dog him but there is a reason he is the longest standing headliner. I also really love "Love". If you like the Beatles at all it's worth seeing.

[FVBrewerFan]

Def Leopard

[DHonks]

Best book on the Strip is the Mirage. Place some bets and have some fun. If betting win sports lines, don’t bet $20 on a game. If you win, you’ll get like $18 and change in profits. Instead either bet saying “to win $20”, meaning it’ll most likely cost you $22, factoring in the -110 juice.

 

For shows, I’ve loved Ka and O. I didn’t get LOVE...I guess at 38 I’m too young. I’d check out Terry Fator if there on a weeknight.

[nate82]

The summer concerts on Freemont are fun though they ended last weekend.

[wallus]

I enjoyed Fremont the first couple of times I went and not so much the last time. The last time it was filled with junkies and people obnoxiously drunk.

 

One spot to consider is the Neon Lights Museum at night. I took three people that thought it would be lame (it was my idea) and they all enjoyed it.

[tmwiese55]

Other non partying and sports related things that are cheap options and a good chance a wife would enjoy would be the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Basically a big indoor aquarium including small sharks. Possibly the Titanic museum at Luxor as well if your or her are into that history type stuff at all.

[stoutdude04]

I 3rd or 4th Absinthe. We also enjoyed the comedy club. Small setting and had some good laughs. Though, it obviously depends on who is on for the night.

 

My wife is not a big gambler, so I try to break off one day and play poker/blackjack, but she started to love roulette...I mean, LOVE it. She also liked playing the computerized version of blackjack for 3$ minimum bets. There are a few rooftop spots where you can get a relatively cheep beer and just enjoy the people and the view.

 

Finally, try to collect all the escort cards. Kidding of course, but I am always amazed that the ground has hundreds of them and then when I wake up at noon the ground is cleared.

[Patrick425]

My wife and I went to Vegas for our anniversary about 7 or 8 years ago and have now gone every year since. Going again this year towards the end of November. In all the years we have gone, we have only seen one show, Love, thought it was great. We are not really into shows, but have seen Love and really enjoyed it. With all the accolades about Absinthe, we may have to check that one out. To me just walking around an people watching on the strip is enough of a show! I'll also agree with others regarding Freemont street. Wife and I went downtown for the first time a year or two ago and were not that thrilled with it and not planning to back anytime soon.

 

Some interesting things mentioned on here that I was not aware of. One thing that I don't think I saw mentioned were the trams. There are few free trams on the west side of the strip. One that runs from Ex Calibur to The Mirage. Also one that runs from MGM Park to the Mirage. On the East side of the strip there is a tram that runs all the way from MGM Grand to the Sahara that is you have to pay for but it's reasonable.

 

One of the places we like to go to at night is Carnival Court, located just outside of Harrah's. Cheap cover (free if you get there early enough, otherwise I think it $5), casual, and on Friday's and Saturday's they have a house band called Mr and Mrs Smith that is pretty entertaining. Bartenders do a lot of entertaining things as well (bottle flipping, walking on the bar giving shots, etc). Mixed drinks are not cheap though. We also discovered a really cool band, David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra, at Cleopatra's barge in Cesar's Palace. I forgot what the cover was and again drinks are not cheap but I thought it was well worth it. Large band (18 members?) with horns and string section.