Locals avoid the strip at all costs... so if it's anywhere *near* LV Blvd, we don't go.

The Orleans is ok, they're still under construction though. the bowling there isn't bad. the food is 'so so'.

The Golden Nugget is just your higher end casino downtown. Nothing special or fancy, unfortunately. It has some of the better restaurants we've been to.

The Rio is *ok*. Traffic is always a pain in the butt near there. The Buffet is 'ok' if you are a tourist, it's not the best if you are a local.

Most of the locals here will hit The Green Valley Ranch.. it's brand spanking new and has some awesome clubs, so you can go there and not feel crowded like the clubs on the strip. The dropbar and Whiskey Skyy are two that I've been to and they're cool. The food @ the GV Ranch is awesome and has a few restaurant choices to choose from. I personally prefer Trophies just because of the relaxed, yet upscale feel.

The Regent up in Summerlin (Rampart and Summerlin Parkway) is one of the places I like to play.. you can actually have a decent conversation with your dealer and not feel like you are being rushed. The Regent (JW Marriott) also has the *BEST* pool in my mind, the rooms are awesome, and it's the least smoke-filled casino.

Next to the Marriott is the Suncoast... a bingo gamer's paradise! The casino also has a really really good buffet (much better than Sams Town, if you want to compare). We normally go to a movie after we eat there... just don't buy any soda or popcorn... will run you at LEAST $8 and you don't get free refills.

BUT if you are stuck on the strip, the buffet at Paris is good and authentic. The Big Kitchen at Ballys was disappointingly small, but good food. Bellagio is overpriced, go figure. NYNY is not worth going to (buffet). MGM isn't too bad, but always crowded. Mandalay Bay has a wonderful buffet, and if the line is too long, go to Raffles Cafe by the guest elevators... you'll get almost the same food, except it's made to order.

A word of advice: the hotels may look nice, the restaurants may look nice, but the food isn't the best. If you really want a culinary experience, plan on going to places that aren't on the strip or in places you wouldn't expect.

A few "local" favorite restaurants on the strip:

PF Changs.. but go to the one @ Paradise and Flamingo, it's less crowded

Raffles Cafe .. mandalay bay

Mon Ami Gabi .. Paris

Michaels Steakhouse .. Barbary Coast (go figure, awesome food)

anything @ the Palms is well liked

even Dennys by the Venetian is good and well priced.

Vegas is here to take your money, in any form... so just remember if you are on the strip, expect to pay a lot for low quality food / gaming / shows.