A few random observations after a short solo trip

Filament bar at the Fremont: This is a really beautifully done space IMO, with mahogany, real pewter on the bar, and great TVs. Much bigger than I expected it to be. Yeah, I know about the rough VP pay tables, but for me it's not a big deal and worth it for the nice environment. Just not a good place to sit for a marathon VP session. I was there on Sunday night when it was pretty slow...the bartender mentioned that they are thinking the place could be popular for NFL Sundays once the season starts due to the sweet TVs. And the security guard I chatted with that morning, before it was open (yes, they are actively guarding it due to the nice fittings) told me that the primary reason for installing an inside bar, as opposed to the trend of outside bars under the canopy, is that management speculates that the outside bars do nothing to draw players into the casino. So they are hoping it starts to get noticed from the outside, and/or gets enough of a reputation to get some momentum rolling.

Benny's BBQ @ Binion's: Truly good quality bbq (I had the brisket) hidden at the back of the joint, and I was one of three total patrons at the time (Monday night). The experience could easily have been better if they didn't use ultra-ultra-chintzy plates & silverware, and if the bartender had even the slightest clue about any of the microbrews on tap. I would eat there again in a heartbeat if they manage to keep it open.

Does anyone but me think that funky chandelier-ish thing over the bar towards the front of Binion's is pretty flippin' cool??

I'm starting to like the feel of the Downtown Grand casino...very nice, but without the somewhat-snooty vibe going on in the Nugget. Plus they had a quarter VP progressive up over $1650 on the bartops when I was there...I've never seen one that high before. Woulda been a nice place to hit my first-ever royal for sure.

Witnessed a couple bartenders at 4Q do a nice job handing the situation of an extremely drunk girl sitting at one of the bartops very late one evening. Kudos to them.

I stayed at GN in the Rush Tower. It was pretty good, with some minor disappointments -- the main one being that I was shocked at the small number of power outlets for almost-new construction -- but for just me, I probably wouldn't pay extra again for that particular tower. Especially since they sometimes didn't bother to staff the dedicated check-in desk...strange. It might be time to try staying at the DG next time.

Oh yeah...since no downtown thread would be complete without a comment about this -- the Plaza scent is still over the top. Fingers crossed that they make good on their promise to fix that!

And one non-downtown comment. Checked out the SLS for a little while during my one foray to the strip...really cool looking casino. Could be a fun place to play if they ever get a bit of a crowd in there. I still kinda miss the funky old Sahara, though.

 

I keep wanting to try the BBQ at Binion's, but being a Texan, I'm kind of a BBQ snob. But, it does look good.

I like Downtown Grand as well, really nice place. But, last time I was there, it was pretty dead. Hopefully it was just because I was there earlyish.

 

Have eaten the BBQ a few times on seperate trips, sometimes really good others so- so, guess it is kind of spotty. Do love the bar/lounge where it is served and agree about the plates and cutlery.
Everyone complains about the plaza smell, no one ever mentions the smell in the El Co, for me that is much worse than the Plaza. I know I'm in the minority but I don't find the scent offensive at all, actually kind of like it.

 

Thanks for the DT notes. Funny, I don't notice a Plaza smell but I do indeed notice the El Co smell as well; combo of sweat/body order, smoke and cheap room perfume. I don't like it but also have to confess that when I walk into the El Co and first smell it adds to the feeling that I am indeed in Vegas! Don't know if any other building in any other place in any other city would have that kind of smell. LOL.

 

I'm going to put on a disguise (can't blow my rep being seen downtown) and head down to the Fremont later this week to check this Filament Bar out. It really does sound nice!

 

A disguise is fine, but, please don't wear a diaper! Let us know what you think.
Good luck.

 

Ha! I wanna get down there before the rascal scooters and portable oxygen tanks scratch up all the nice wood trim!

 

That thing hanging above the bar in the front of Binion's has been there since the '40s when it was the SS Rex, I believe. And that it came from the ship SS Rex of the Calif. coast when it was a gambling ship in the '30s. Perhaps someone else can verify/fill in the blanks. Tony Cornellos place I think,,

 

"Oh yeah...since no downtown thread would be complete without a comment about this -- the Plaza scent is still over the top. Fingers crossed that they make good on their promise to fix that!"
Come August my friend.

 

That El Cortez stench is remarkable. But I found it was only at one end of the building.

 

I can smell it when I am at the crosswalk at their corner of Fremont St.

 

I was sitting at a slot in Fremont Casino on Wednesday morning in front of the Filament bar. It really caught my eye and agree, it's a beautiful bar. Too bad I quit drinking 15 years ago.

 

Thanks to all for the replies. Extra pleased to get a reply about this tidbit....makes me want to do some research!

 

I've loved that bar ever since I set foot in the place in 1979. I always take my guests in there for a drink and a look at true "vintage" downtown casino décor.

 

Very good nugget of information. I'll have to pay closer attention to it on my next visit. Thanks.

 

This source also states that the Binion's light fixture came from the SS Rex gambling ship (toward the end of this pdf). Lots of other cool Fremont St. history here as well.
http://www.ccgtcc-ccn.com/Fremont%20Street.pdf

And the wiki page on Tony Cornero. He was quite the character, and met his demise under suspicious circumstances while playing craps at Desert Inn.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Cornero

 

Cheers for the heads-up about the BBQ at Binions, hopefully will get to try it out in September.