Once just a dusty water stop on the trip West, Vegas has a special place in its heart for all cowboys. From Helldorado Days in the '50s to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) today, there are plenty of options to satisfy your inner John Wayne.

Q: What hotels can you recommend for the cowboy crowd?

A: Built by an old cowboy himself, Binion's is a fine choice for you Western types. Another is Sam's Town, whose decor recalls the Wild West. The Hard Rock is a popular choice for 30-something cowboys. The Gold Coast and the South Point – which features a complete Equestrian Complex – are hot spots during the NFR and PBR. They offer a wide variety of country entertainment and also play host to a number of professional cowboy appearances. Other good choices include Texas Station and the Silverton for their Texas-style hospitality.

Q: Where can I go for a nice steak and some barbecue?

A: Urban cowboys can rustle up some grub at Gallagher's, modeled after the popular establishment in New York City. Some other great steak houses are Smith & Wollensky,Delmonico and Lawry's. The Golden Steer Steak House is an old Vegas favorite with its homey feel, but the younger crowd may want to check out AJ's Steakhouse at the Hard Rock. If some good barbecue is more to your liking, be sure to venture off the Strip and grab a bite at Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que. Also stop into RUB BBQ at the Rio, where the Kansas City Baron of Barbecue, Chef Paul Kirk, cooks up juicy chunks of meaty goodness. For those with a huge, Texas-sized hankering, The Salt Lick Barbecue at Red Rock Resort is just the place. If none of these suggestions got your mouth watering, take a look at a complete list of steak houses and barbecue joints in the area.

Q: I want to get some new gear. Where should I start?

A: The Boot Barn, near Las Vegas Outlet Center, stocks boots, hats and other Western wear. Find it at 7265 S. Las Vegas Blvd. If it's boots you're looking for, though, make Cowtown Boots your first stop -- the store carries more than 10,000 pairs of boots. It's at 1080 E. Flamingo, or call (702) 737-8469. D Bar J Hat Company specializes in service, renovation and repair of Western hats; they designed the U.S team's hat wear for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Call them at (702) 362-4287 or visit them at 3873 Spring Mountain Rd. And let us tell you, that Shepler's store on East Tropicana is what our lady friends would call a "cowboy's paradise." The store can be reached at (702) 898-3000. There is also a Shepler's inside Sam's Town Hotel Casino. You'll want to check out the West of Santa Fe store at the Forum Shops, the ladies in particular. There are also two gift shows that run through NFR season -- the National Finals Rodeo Gift Show and Cowboy Christmas.

Q: What are my entertainment options?

A:Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill is a great place, located right on the Strip. Enjoy down home country food and drinks as well as live entertainment and dancing. You might even get lucky and spot the bar's namesake. If a little gambling is in order, head downstairs to Harrah’s Toby Keith-inspired gambling pit, decorated with a country-themed décor.

Another country bar in town is Dylan's Dance Hall at 4660 Boulder Hwy. or call (702) 451-4006. Dylan's claims to be the No. 1 honky-tonk in the nation. A Western-theme is sure to be found at the numerous Roadrunner Saloons about town. The gay bar, Badlands’ Saloon, has a Western motif and country on the jukebox. For more information on bars, check out our bar guide.

You'll also find that pretty much any strip club is cowboy friendly. For shows, during NFR the options seem limitless -- acts pop up most often at the Las Vegas Hilton, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and the Fremont Street Experience.

Q: After a long day on the range, where can a cowboy go to let loose?

A: Stoney's Rockin' Country is a cowboy's home away from home in Vegas. Complete with a mechanical bull, huge dance floor, and all-you-can-drink draft specials, it's a huge place, brimming with fun, so bring your whole posse.

 

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