Go back to the Old West period of Las Vegas history at Binion's. When Benny Binion bought the property in 1951, he fostered a true saloon and gambling hall atmosphere amid the excitement in downtown Las Vegas. Today, the western-themed resort is still in the heart of action, with a prime position on Fremont Street Experience, underneath the Flightlinez ziplines.
At one end of the casino, you'll step inside and find a gaming pit with sexy cowgirl dealers and go-go dancers in Daisy Duke shorts. At the other end, you'll discover the pièce de résistance: Binion's Hall of Fame Poker Room. It has a legendary reputation in Las Vegas, being the original home of the World Series of Poker. Although the tournament has moved, poker is still played here. There are 10 tables in a contemporary setting, complete with an upscale concierge/check-in area.
Be sure to head to the center of the casino, where you can have your picture taken with $1 million in cash. The display has been longstanding tradition at Binion's. Visitors love the chance to get up close and personal with all that green paper -- and the souvenir photo is free!
The resort's premier fine dining restaurant is the Top of Binion's Steakhouse. It provides the quality and service of a classic American steakhouse in a sophisticated atmosphere. The succulent menu includes filet mignon, prime rib of beef, chicken-fried lobster, mustard-encrusted rack of lamb and world-class wines. The Top of Binion's Steakhouse is located on the 24th floor of the hotel tower.
Down on the ground floor are two other dining options that are just as delightful as the casino itself. There is always a line at Binion's Café because the prices are so appealing -- and if you have a Club Binion's card, you'll get even bigger discounts! Chomp down on amazing burgers -- instead of being frozen, each patty comes freshly made from Binion's Butcher Shop. Binion's Deli is famous for sandwiches piled high with things like pastrami, corned beef, brisket, turkey, smoked ham and tuna.
Binion's recently opened a new outdoor bar called Whiskey Licker. Situated near one of the concert stages at Fremont Street Experience, it has a patio with a convenient cocktail ledge that serves up a variety of drinks -- including the signature "Whiskey Licker" (made with an ounce of Jack Daniel's Honey) and several coffee favorites.
At the back of the casino, next to the sports book, you'll discover Benny's Bullpen Sports Bar & Cigar Lounge. This upscale bar with leather sofas, armchairs, high tables and a solid wood bar is the best place to enjoy a variety of sporting events on high-definition TVs. An old-fashioned hot dog and condiment cart is parked there, while a menu offers handcrafted beers and a delicious assortment of snack-style foods, including the quirky "Garlic Lipper" chicken wings, prime rib sliders and Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Guests who don't have a cigar ready to light can purchase one at the Vato Cigar Shop, just a few steps away.
The décor at Binion's is truly amazing. You'll see ornate chandeliers and intricately carved dark woodwork throughout the property. Currently, the resort's room tower is closed for renovations. Its reopening date has not yet been announced.
Although you can't stay here, you should definitely visit this vintage Vegas gem. As in the past, Binion's still provides patrons with a world of excitement in an unforgettable atmosphere.
-- By Renée LiButti
