Best of Vegas List for 2008

Without a doubt, there’s plenty to do and see in Las Vegas. It’s truly the city that never sleeps, and every kind of vice and interest is catered to.

Of course, the level of quality varies, and some diversions are more appealing than others. For the tourist making their first visit to Sin City, it can often be difficult to tell the difference. That’s why the yearly “Best Of” list by Reviewjournal.com is so helpful.

Each year, the website’s staff and readers vote on the best and worst to be found in Vegas. From celebrities to breakfast buffets, it’s the definitive source for what you should see (or avoid) in Nevada’s most famous city.

The following list is not complete. Instead, I’ve chosen to focus on some of the items which our readers at Dare to Gamble might find the most interesting. For a complete list, just visit the Reviewjournal website (which is free, by the way).

2008 BEST OF LAS VEGAS AWARDS

Best Amusement Ride - Desperado - With drops of more than 200 feet, this roller coaster wrapped around Buffalo Bill’s is the most nausea-inducing ride in the entire city.

Best Meal for Less than $10 - In-N-Out Burger - With multiple locations in the Las Vegas area, this burger franchise sells a double-double burger, fries and shake for less than $10. Hard to beat that kind of deal.

Best Coffee/Cappuccino - Starbucks - This famous gourmet coffee chain probably has 100 locations in Vegas. Dunkin’ Donuts came in second place.

Best Singles Bar - Kona Grill - With plenty of aquariums, sushi and a hip patio, this is the finest destination for singles looking to relax and mingle with the opposite sex.

Best Gentlemen’s Club - Spearmint Rhino Adult Cabaret - The chosen spot for visiting (and horny) celebrities, The Spearmint Rhino is considered one of the finest strip clubs on the planet. As expected, the selection of dancers is second to none, but the place is also wickedly addictive.

Best Family Attraction - Circus Circus - There’s something here for everyone, from an arcade and amusement park to clowns and a circus. What more could you want?

Best All-Around Performer - Danny Gans - This well-known impressionist is a favorite in Vegas. You can catch him performing nightly at The Mirage.

Best Bingo - Red Rock Resort - This bingo hall is massive, and smoker’s even have their own section in which to kill themselves without harming others.

Best Blackjack - Red Rock Resort - Red Rock wins again, quickly moving up my list of places to visit on my next Vegas trip. Too bad Bodog isn‘t located in Vegas, as their online blackjack games would have been a cinch to make the list.

Best Male Strip Show - Thunder from Down Under - Since lots of about-to-be-married women go to Vegas to party, it’s only appropriate to include this selection. These Australian hunks knocked Chippendales off the top of the list after a three-year run.

Best Paying Slots - Palms - Catering to the slot machine crowd, there’s no better place to blow your kid’s college fund.

Best Poker Room - Bellagio - Its fourth consecutive year to win this award, the Bellagio is the Vegas destination for big-money poker players.

Best Sports Book - Red Rock Resort - Red Rock does it again. They have three walls filled with giant televisions broadcasting every sport known to man.

Best Video Poker - Palms - With progressive meters and a half-dozen different full-pay schedules, it’s hard to beat the Palms for your video poker needs.

Best Breakfast Special - Station Casinos - From 11pm until 6am, you can get a Denver omelet for $3 or a bacon and eggs skillet for $4.

Most Colorful Character - Oscar Goodman - The mayor of Las Vegas, Oscar Goodman has won this award for eight straight years. Showgirls accompany him on public appearances, and he’s fond of drinking Bombay Sapphire gin. Need I say more?

Entertainer Who Needs a New Act - Wayne Newton - A Vegas icon, Newton has been doing essentially the same act for decades. Some people love that, while others are growing a bit bored. Maybe it’s time to move to Branson for good.

Most Overrated Restaurant - Ruth’s Chris Steak House - High prices and an air of snobbery allow this restaurant to once again dominate the category. Note: just because a place is expensive doesn‘t mean it‘s good.

Most Embarrassing Thing About Las Vegas - Sex Pamphlets on the Strip - This would actually near the top of my “Favorite Things” list. Where else can you go and have people thrust pornography into your hand…for free?! God bless you, Las Vegas.

For more Las Vegas articles, check out the following:

Hard Rock Brings Poker Lounge to Las Vegas

Showboat Chips Sell for Big Money on eBay

Best of Vegas List for 2008