The Untold Truth Of The Golden Steer Steakhouse

When it comes to dining out in Las Vegas, there are restaurants of every type and price range — you'll likely find whatever you're craving. If you're in search of an amazing steak, you need to visit Golden Steer Steakhouse, the self-proclaimed oldest steakhouse in Las Vegas. It may be surprising to many that it's not in the center of the action but in a strip mall that you would have a hard time stumbling upon, according to the restaurant's website.

This restaurant opened its doors in 1958 and has been going strong since, with plenty of famous and infamous folks gracing this fine dining establishment throughout the years (via The D). Curiously, the restaurant has maintained its character and essence with only some minor renovations over the years, and the menu hasn't changed much either since its inception. For those of you who love history, want to experience old Las Vegas, or just love a timeless cut of meat, make sure to go out of your way and dine at this one-of-a-kind steakhouse for a memorable experience.

Celebrities and Las Vegas have gone hand in hand since the city became synonymous with glitz and glamour. It's no surprise that this steakhouse is well-known for those in the know and has continued to be a stomping ground for celebrities throughout the decades. Notable personalities who have graced Golden Steer Steakhouse include Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Muhammad Ali, and Elvis, per Condé Nast Traveler. The list doesn't stop there — celebrities of all types, whether poker champions, actors like Nicolas Cage, artists, or singers frequent this historical steakhouse, according to their Golden Steer Steakhouse. 

Although it's always been a mainstay for celebrities to hang out and enjoy a delicious meal, the eatery is also a restaurant where families and locals celebrate important milestones in their lives. If you're in the mood for a gourmet steak and want to participate in a piece of Las Vegas history, you need to make sure this restaurant is part of your itinerary during your stay.

Las Vegas is known for its flash, but this steakhouse is focused on the food and presentation, not modern decor, per Golden Steer Steakhouse. The restaurant has been renovated since its opening in 1958 but the classic decor is still one of the highlights. You'll find red leather booths, vibrant burgundy chairs and tables, wooden walls, and Western-inspired art, capturing the essence of Las Vegas and the Wild West.

A larger bar was added adding a touch of the Victorian era and San Francisco Gold Rush feel to the space during renovations in the 1970s. More upgrades were added in the 1990s and you'll find a mix of modern and old, such as poker tables in the bar area along with poker screens to keep tabs on your bets while you eat.

For history buffs or anyone who wants to feel connected to their favorite celebrity, many actors and singers maintain a typical spot every time they dined at this establishment, according to VisitLasVegas.com. A small metal plaque at each booth marks where each personality sat and you can literally touch history. If you're a fan of Joe DiMaggio or Frank Sinatra, you can ask for a reservation at their booth where they frequently dined. Depending on the day and time you visit, a celebrity's booth may not always be available but it's worth inquiring when you make a reservation.

Steakhouses are traditionally known to be a fine dining experience and this historical restaurant is no exception. Their menu offers all that you'd expect when it comes to cuts of meat and how it's prepared, along with an array of choices of seafood, and surf and turf combinations. If you're in the mood for Italian cuisine, there is also a variety of possibilities from chicken parmigiana to chicken of the angels, per Golden Steer Steakhouse. If you find it difficult to make a choice, you can't lose with the Caesar salad that is served tableside, according to Condé Nast Traveler. 

Plus, there are ample choices for side dishes, including macaroni and cheese, whipped potatoes, fresh vegetables, wild rice, and more. With an extensive wine list to accompany every stage of your meal, you can't go wrong picking up an extra libation. While the menu hasn't changed much over the years, the wine list has been updated over the restaurant's run. Make sure to save room for dessert, as their flambéed tableside Bananas Foster or Cherry Jubilee can get anyone excited.

The food may be the highlight of Golden Steer Steakhouse, but the decor and presentation are also equally considered. Adorned in tuxedos, servers are attentive and knowledgeable about the food and drink menu, as well as the history of the place, per the restaurant's website. Many of the staff have made a career out of working at the eatery. Naturally, they take their work seriously and are proud to be part of the team and history of this special place, per Condé Nast Traveler. 

Las Vegas is known for shows and performances, so it's no surprise that this restaurant has incorporated a type of show via tableside preparations where patrons watch servers prepare a salad or dessert in front of them. This is a key component for the steakhouse and adds an element of detail, care, and connection that separate this business from others. Bon Appétit mentioned them as a top 10 classic restaurant in August 2009 and the business takes pride in this recognition for continuing to serve the best USDA steaks available.

If you've had the opportunity to dine at this steakhouse and want to return to Las Vegas just to enjoy one of their amazing cuts of meat but you can't take off on a whim, don't worry. Golden Steer Steakhouse offers customers the opportunity to order classic steaks, such as New York, Ribeye, Porterhouse, and more online, per Golden Steer Steak Company. You can order your favorite protein, or even round out your meal with an added side.

If you're wanting the restaurant experience in your own home, they offer the Steer Up that includes Ribeyes and filets as well as twice-baked potatoes, creamed corn, au jus, Maitre D' Butter, and a recipe card to ensure it's cooked to perfection as well as a Spotify playlist. The music playlist is a fun way to create a restaurant ambiance in your own home while sharing a fabulous meal in good company and with an atmosphere like that, you could even skip the whole Las Vegas trip and enjoy this classic dining experience at home.