Saying Goodbye to a Dear Friend

Note: This report will be in two parts, with the second part coming in the next few days. Major events and location changes will be bolded.




Day 1: Wed. 5/9/18 A Warm Welcome from My Condemned Vegas Home!

It's that time again! With ~$100 round-trip flights w/bag, and “free” weekend nights at Mirage thanks to myVegas, my g/f M and I couldn't help ourselves from fleeing our respective mothers on their day and go back to Vegas! The trip is a bit somber for me, as my go-to bar for craft beer in Vegas, TAG Lounge is closing after Sunday May 20th. I will definitely miss the place and the 100 or so beers I have had there... Future Vegas trips likely will change dramatically for me! If you're interested into looking at more of the beers I drank, don't forget to add me to Untappd! Screenname there is Vman96 though.

This was definitely another frugal trip. A good chunk of my tip money came from here (~$54)!



Checking into nickel and dime airline Frontier, we got upgraded to an emergency row for free (normally $50 per person)! But while waiting for our plane to LAS, apparently there was going to be a delay because there was a lavatory sink on board leaking, and that's a groundable offense. Ugh. With the sink fixed, we are off 45 minutes late with this little buddy flying on the other side of us!



We're here!



Flight was fairly uneventful, but Frontier definitely took their time getting our luggage, and the longest line for the rental car bus we ever saw! Our car was $108 for the week, and thanks to @jenblase, we had free parking at CET and Cosmo as she was there the same time as us and didn't have a car. Thanks again, Jen!

With all these delays we didn't get to Mirage until about 10p. First room. Smelled a ton of cleaner, like they were trying to cover up some version of smoking. M didn't want to chance it with her allergies. So for the bazillionth time in Vegas, we switched hotel rooms. Fortunately, the second room fit our needs.









Been in contact with @Dutch34 at this time, and he let me know he was at Mirage playing double deck blackjack. Unfortunately we were starving so we needed to eat first. Since it was so late, we decided on something easy and quick, @ken2v's favorite, McDonald's! After the meal, I thought it would be one of my few chances to get up to Palazzo because I was curious on the “progress” there. The bad news of the visit: both bars are still closed.







While looking around Palazzo, we see some huge VP machines for couples w/100 Play penny poker. M decides she wants to play for a bit. I let her play, but I sit next to her. I haven't hit Aces in 6 months, the longest of any rank. Look what M does on her money...



I just hope my next Aces are worth more than that!

Walk back toward my “second home”, which is now on the chopping block.

Sorry TI, maybe next time!





Make it to TAG, say hello to Kaliq, who verified the bad news. At least it sounds like the crew is staying on for the replacement venture, although none of them sounded too clear on what that was yet.

Since I was still sober at 12:30am, I decided to jump start things with Dogfish Head Burton Baton (10%; 3.5 sips). Bad rating because unfortunately, think it was well-dated. That's bad for IPAs.



And I'm on the quad board within minutes!



18 minutes later...



Quick breather for another beer...Tanaya Creek Bonanza Brown (5.6%; 3.5 sips). Was better colder.



12 minutes after that...



20 minutes later...it's like a quad?



Another beer, one of my favorites, Kook Double IPA (8.5%; 3.75 sips). Fairly malty at 3.5 months though.



Tens again!



Then the overnight bartender, Jessica, came in, who unlike the shift before, doesn't know me so well. Well, she got chatty with some other regulars, and I began to start slipping, so I slowed my play. I got a bit annoyed when she looked over and had my money out but went back to doing something else. One of the regulars she was talking to heard me muttering to myself, and said, “If you want something tell her.” And whistled for her to get back over here, not my style, but it worked. By that time I had a red light, and she thought I just started betting max, and that pissed me off. I told her I was betting $1.50 the whole time, and said I was green (probably) while she was talking to everyone else. At that moment, she realized she fucked up and did apologize. So as a result...

Another Vegas favorite, Joseph James Hop Box (8.2%; 4.25 sips). Freshest so far.



Now I'm starting to feel it, but I wanted a little bit more, and decided to have this one again because I know it had been discontinued. It's definitely good fresh, but this one was 11 months old.



And why not round out the night at 4:20 am with my third set of quad tens in a row!

 

Day 2: Thurs. 5/10/18 An Evening on Fremont and a Ghetto Positioning System Detour

I get up earlier than I would like of course, and oblige M in going to the Mirage pool. Pools keep M happy, and it helps lets me be more of an alcoholic degenerate later. Lol

View of pool from our room



View of Sigfried and Roy's Secret Garden from our room!





Make a quick sports bet on tonight's hockey game. Can you say “Win-A-Peg”??



After the pool we hit up the Mirage Buffet, which we got from myVegas. We totally sucked at food porn for this one, but it definitely was the best buffet of three we had this trip! But I didn't forget to take a picture of the beer they had that I never had!

Victory Peach Belgian Blonde w/Coriander (7.5%; 3.25 sips, but 4 sips with spicy food). The spicy food paired very, very well with it!



Then we decide to walk down the Strip a bit and peek into Caesars pool since there is an unguarded entrance by the buffet. So we do and walk around. We think about staying, but one problem, the entrance where you get the towels is the entrance where they will likely check keys!



Then wander over to another place rumored to be condemned, Margaritaville, and have one of their excellent frozen margaritas while we still can.



Then we prep to go downtown to meet up with @Ty from VMB and eat at 2nd Street Grill at Fremont. Even though GPS said I-15, a slowdown on I-15 made it a close call. So to be different, I decide to take us up LV Blvd instead.



Not this time Aztec Inn casino! Apparently at the intersection of Bob Stupak and LV Blvd.



We had a great time talking about all sorts of things with Ty and his lovely wife Kim. VP, the forum, and just general topics. Very friendly and outgoing people! You know I had a good time talking to them because I was the last to finish eating! @jpw711 also knows that one all too well. And it was an awesome dinner. The steak was perfect! The best meal of the trip for us, thank you so much!!!

There is a very good steak under that bed of onions, I promise.



While at Fremont, I also wanted to play full pay pick'em while I was there. One problem. Those fuckers at Boyd took it away!!! Bah. At least I got one quad on them before they went bye-bye.

Per tradition, we also took a picture with the million dollars at Binion's and also visited a souvenir store or two.

We also caught the 9pm light show with Imagine Dragons.





Some views of Downtown







We stopped into the D for a bit. M played some Sigma Derby and VP for myself. M also lost a $25 match play from the ACG. Ouch! Nothing exciting there.

Head back toward MSS where we parked the car.



Play a little bit of “full pay” VP at MSS. Some JoB, Treasure Chest, and a little Double STP sprinkled in. Still waiting for my first “scratch off” there.

It isn't a trip to MSS without a piss on the Berlin Wall.



And a Black Chip Porter (4.3%; 3.25 sips) after about waiting 10 minutes... Very roasty character.



Now it was getting late and we figured it was best to get the car back to the Strip. But there was a closure along I-15, so the GPS did it's thing and sent us through some of Las Vegas's “not-so-hot” neighborhoods. We were about to remerge onto I-15 when we were driving past Palace Station. So, I say to M, “Why the hell not?”

Given the security presence, you know they are concerned about the area. But the inside of the casino was pretty nice. The line for "Pan Roast" ranged from 9 to 15 people...haha The only thing that bugged me was the ceilings were awfully low. It's a dumb reason, I know. But I did like that they had a brand new bar with 8/5 Bonus and craft beer near the bingo room, which also looks pretty nice.



Pumpkin Ale from Barley's Casino and Brewing Co. (5.7%; 3.75 sips)



But once again. I lost at a Stations casino! It's been at least 10 times at this point. Doh!

Getting pretty late, so head back decide to park the car back on the Strip. Donny and Marie aren't going anywhere soon!



Head back to TAG for awhile. I'm still wanting my craft beer!

But before starting, I notice “Animal House” right outside of the bathroom and decide to try it. Glad I did. A 29.6X bonus when it was all said and done. About $15 profit when I quit.









Back to TAG to become "fat, drunk, and stupid", many of the beers were repeats tonight though.

Start with a fresh $20.

First of many “pity flushes” this trip.



And more quads!





This hit pushed me over $100!



Cash my ticket out at $100 and start over.

Won a bit on that $20 too!



The wins tonight were too “Boo-Koo”! (6.5%; 4 sips) A nice balanced IPA.

 

Day 3: Fri. 5/11/18 A Visit to My Future Second Home?

I promised M I would go to bed with her one night. Well, last night was one of those nights. Late last night, at the last minute, I worry that we might need a need a new key for Cosmo pool access over the weekend. It's M's and my favorite pool by far. So I mention that to Jen. She said she could meet us at Cosmo at 10, but it was almost 10 when we got up! Oops. Eventually agree to meet real quick outside of Ballys a bit after 11. I stupidly make M make a wrong turn into Ballys, so Jen and I briefly catch up while M circles the car around. Of course...did the pool really check the key later? No! Lol

Park the car at Cosmo, and then work our way down the Strip for the afternoon.



Our only walkthrough of Aria this trip. @BeeeJay Row 802 DSTP was occupied and well as 804, bah.





Check out the ongoing “improvements” of ParkMGM, or as M likes to call it, “Vintage, Froo-Froo, Throw-Up” Casino. We forgot to take any pics of it. The sports book is lovely and has Bonus, DDB (8/5 quarters and 9/5 dollars!), and TDB STP (not Double STP, sorry @Riders), but one big strike against them. They won't comp any of their ample craft beer selection!!!

We did catch the pool area from the tram. We are not amused.





While at Vintage, Froo-Froo, Throw-Up Casino, we debate on lunch. We were originally thinking of Original Chicken Tender at MGM, but we also had a Nine Fine Irishmen award from myVegas (flat $35 comp for the “Buy One Get One entree”). I question if we will actually get this close to NYNY for the rest of the trip. So we decide to eat it now and exit ParkMGM via the Park.

Pics on the way.















Get to Nine Fine Irishmen, and promptly get seated in the “Lonely Single Diner's Corner” as @Royal Flusher likes to say. Our waitress was friendly, but speed wasn't her strong suit. We decided to share a a Philly Cheese Steak and BBQ Chicken Sandwich. I thought the BBQ Chicken Sandwich was better, but both left something to be desired. Fries also overdone, imo. Toss in a ($5!) Mountain Dew and it only cost us a couple of bucks plus tip. For that price, no problem eating there again, but I would be very disappointed at full price.





Now wander to MGM to redeem some Groupon frozen margaritas and play there a bit.

Heard this song in there as well which had to be the trip “flavor of the month”. Heard it a lot in the car too. “No Roots” by Alice Merton.













M really liked how the Ka dragon looked.



The MGM Lion watching “Virtual Ka”



M is a sucker for “Goldfish”



and Sigma Derby...



And I got to hear some of the sweetest words in all of video poker...”Quick Quads!”



M insisted on getting into the tub after MGM. I think that margarita hit her more than she thought...



Tram it back to Bellagio for requisite conservatory pictures.

Honoring Vegas Golden Knights goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury, at the former Jean-Phillipe Patisserie



Now why is this turtle so happy?



Because he is relieving himself! LOL



Other than that pic, whose M's 8-year old cousin might find funny, she was mostly disappointed in the display.











She takes this pic every time



Now off to our favorite pool at Cosmo. We find it so relaxing.

On the way...

[

The Knights stuff is really plastered over town.



Bye Britney!







Our happy place. This pic is rated NID for “No @irishdave ”.



Now need to get ready for dinner at Le Village Buffet at Paris via another Groupon. We decide to move the car back, and likely was a stupid move at that hour. Took forever. Eventually get to Le Village Buffet about 8 pm!

At least the theme is cute...



I did remember to take one food pic at least.



And M remembered to take one of a crepe. Sadly the highlight.



Totally “Le Meh”. Selection was not in our favor. And I particularly didn't like that most of the dishes I picked were lukewarm from the start. If I would have paid full price, I would probably have bitched.

For the second trip in a row, saw someone luck out while playing stupidly at Paris. This time, the lady got dealt 3's at Super DDB and held a 6 kicker. WTF?!?!

Found this shirt in the gift shop that totally is me.



After the buffet, we decide to hit up M Resort because I wasn't sure where else would be a good place to fit it plus we could avoid the busy strip for a couple of hours.

Walk back to the car.



Decide to start with a Joseph James “I'm Out Stout” (9.3%; 4 sips)



A hit for M early on “Pompeii”.



Pity flush instead of my first “handy”.



And even though I shared a bottle of this with @wanker751 meeting up with him at Joliet, I thought I needed to get this because it's usually $22/4 pack in a beer store. But it's “free” at the bar! The bartender was impressed that I didn't call it “KBS” like the tap hints.

Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout (12.3%; 4.25 sips) with pity flush still showing (one minute of gap in pics *wink*). Bartender blew the pour though. Haha



A 41X hit for M.



Thought about another KBS due to value, but also thought I should try something new to me. Mikkeler's take on a New England IPA, “Windy Hill” (7%; 3.5 sips). Not as “juicy” as I hoped.



Another pity flush...ugh!



M eventually moves over to the bar and definitely does better than me.



I definitely could stay here for a handful of hours if M wasn't around...lol But 2 hours worth and 3 quality beers for a $20 loss. I'll take it!

View of the outskirts on the way back to TAG.



Back on the Strip



Open up the night at TAG with a Swami's (6.8%; 4.25 sips) with one of the best bartenders on the Strip, Stan!



M gets a bit bored and wanders to Harrah's for a bit. The new “Winnie and Buck” slot.



Looking for something new to try. Nick (aka “Fred Savage”) suggested this. Okay for the style (Belgian Dubbel), but not my cup of tea. (6.5%; 3.5 sips)



Jessica hooked me up with this beer. A bit stronger and more flavorful Guinness? (5.2%; 3.75 sips)



It had been a rough night at TAG as quads have eluded me so far. But finally a glimmer of hope.



Around this time, a group of people were buying drinks at the bar, and not all of them were well versed in VP. So they were curious about the game, and I was explaining VP to this one guy named Viddell. Now obviously other hardcore VP players might be overly annoyed by this while playing, but hell, teaching generally slows my ass down from losing like tonight. When he and his friends leave to wander around the casino, he actually blessed me when he said goodbye. I didn't expect that, but it was a nicer gesture than you normally expect in Vegas. Well, ten minutes later I hit this while this song was playing. I always think of the World Series of Poker with this song as it was its intro for awhile. haha



As for the hit at 4:12 am...this wiped away the losses at TAG tonight!!!



I leave it up on the screen for a bit, and see one of his group. I tell him, “Tell your buddy Viddell that I hit something good!” Well, Viddell was nearby, so he gave me a high five. A nice drunken Vegas moment.

Around this time, I think I should be “wrapping it up” for the night. Get to Harrah's but the drunk in me thinks, oh you could have one more Guinness. (4.2%; 3.75 sips) Yeah that cost $20 at least. Then I move to the unit with 8/5 DDB w/STP. And the bartender said a girl abandoned a Modelo, and he preferred not to waste it. Feeling bad I take it. (4.5%; 3.5 sips)



I did hit this though to right the ship a bit. One more ace though, please!!!



About this time, a guy who was an Indians fan was at the bar...that was another 30 minute drunken conversation. First time I went to bed when the sun came up...won't be the last!

 

Great trip so far. Sounds like you 2 are
really getting around and enjoying it.
I always like to wander around too. Thanks
for sharing!!

 

I had to laugh looking at your pix of the DT light show.....I never saw one during my 4 night stay 2 weeks ago! Pretty degen, so thanks for posting!

 

Sorry for your loss, @tringlomane!



Great start! Thanks for sharing part 1.
I'm looking forward to part 2.

RICHARD

 

Thanks, appreciate all the pics. Looking forward to part 2.

 

Nice part one. Waiting to see 4 aces in part two. Did I get this right. You had exit row seats and there was a dog across the aisle in the other exit row?

 

Ditto, looking forward to MORE

 

Wow the beers from the craft place at the M are crazy, KBS and a Mikkeler NEIPA comped. I need to hit this place up.

You may have already posted from there before but have you been to Pub 365 in the Tuscany?

 

Wow, what a great trip report. Thanks for taking the time to share it.

 

Great report so far; have you tried all the Cosmo pools?

 

You went to 9FI and got cheesesteak and bbq chicken? You missed out on some great stews and their shepherds pie is the bomb not to mention Guinness from the mothers tit!

 

Nah. The dog belonged to the lady in the row in front of us. The row with only 2 seats, iirc. So the dog had room near the window.

No I haven't. I thought about going there this trip, but ran out of time. If they still freely comped most beers, I would have been there already. But they don't afaik.

We did Chelsea once, but we failed to find the hot tub then (I'm sure there is one though) and was a bit bored by the quieter atmosphere actually.

Oh I know, we are terrible foodies. I would hope they do their Irish specialties better!

Thanks for reading everyone!

 

Really enjoying the TR. Love the beer reviews and what is available where!
Looking forward to more!!!

 

Can't wait to read more! And thanks for all the beer pics!

 

You take amazing pictures...where was that pretty hot tub located?

 

Awesome report so far; we both Vegas very similarly. Full tilt VP and beer. Hoping some of those flush teases finally turn to a more royal fashion. Best of luck!

 

You like beer, so many I never even heard of . Are you ever tempted by gin or bourbon?
Nice report thanks. Best wishes for a royal on part 2.

 

Great report. Love the detail about VP and beers. So sorry Mirage threw me for a loop...should have just went to Tag and met you (and save X $$ at Mirage).