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of a “drive,” it’s worth it. The thoroughfare carves a swath through neighborhoods where some of the valley’s most authentic Mexican food is being served. Options are numerous; however, I suggest beginning with an order of tripa tacos “crunchy” with tortillas heche a mano at Taqueria El Palenque (2722 E. Lake Mead Blvd., 504-3216). Next up: Rubalcaba’s Taco Shop (5185 E. Lake Mead Blvd., 452-5832), where they’re serving California tacos — a mixture of beef and potatoes — from a very Roberto’s-esque locale. If you can, end at La Hacienda after 4 p.m. (5482 E. Lake Mead Blvd.), where on weekends you can order al pastor in the park-
Reader’s Choice
Knishes
I love the knishes at the Carnegie Delicatessen at the Mirage (791-7310). There are no clumps in the potatoes, and the thin, golden-brown crust is great. It’s huge and filling, but doesn’t sit in your stomach afterwards. It’s a knish unique to Carnegie Deli. And while you wait, you can snack on complimentary half-sour or super-sour pickles. — Alan Pesin
ing lot. There’s hardly a more authentic dining experience in town. — Jim Begley
Best Italian when you’re tired of Italian It doesn’t seem right to describe an Italian restaurant from the Maccioni family dynasty on the Las Vegas Strip as “overlooked,” but some-
how, some of these CityCenter eateries haven’t received the love they deserve. Sirio, in particular, is an invigorating experience. You could make a meal out of the incredible cured meats, Italian cheeses and vegetarian antipasti alone. We all love Italian food, but it doesn’t need to be heavy. Lighten up, come to Aria, and eat prosciutto-wrapped roasted rabbit, lobster ravioli and yellowtail tartare with avocado and asparagus. — B.R. Inside Aria, 877-230-2742, arialasvegas.com
Best steakhouse when you’re tired of steak Everybody’s got amazing aged beef these days, so how to choose between steakhouses? Go for the one with the wildest non-beef dishes. CUT is a beautiful, sleek room and Wolfgang Puck’s name is on the door, but check this stuff out: Bone marrow flan with mushroom marmalade. Mapleglazed pork belly with sesame orange dressing and plum compote. Veal tongue with artichokes and salsa verde. The challenge is to eat all this stuff and save room for some of the best beef on the Strip. You can do it. Don’t forget the parmesan polenta. — B.R. inside the Palazzo, 607-6300, wolfgangpuck.com
Best bar off the Strip The Freakin’ Frog has transcended its identity. You can’t limit the place by calling it our best college hangout bar, though it’s true. The intimate and accessible Whisky Attic, 600 bottles strong, is a rarity for any Vegas venue, especially off the Strip. But it all boils down to this: the Frog is the best place to drink beer, ever. Whatever’s on tap is infinitely more interesting compared to your neighborhood pub, and there are hundreds of different, exotic suds hiding in the cooler. Stuff you’ve never heard of. Stuff that’ll change your religion. Whatever you like, the Frog has it, and three other beers you’ll like more. — B.R. 4700 S. Maryland Parkway, 597-9702, www.freakinfrog.com
Best downtown food development Downtown resurgence shifts into hyperdrive this year, but the original Vegas neighborhood is still lacking in diverse, high-quality eats. Bar + Bistro at the Arts Factory is downtown’s most complete restaurant, having morphed into an innovative Latin-fusion tapas joint with a killer weekend brunch and plenty of Arts District attitude. With lively
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