Best Restaurants for Anniversaries in Mandalay Bay Resort

The highlight of our recent Las Vegas trip was dinner at Mae Daly’s at the north end of Strip near the Strat. This relatively new restaurant has an interesting backstory and pedigreed ownership, plus a 1920s Art deco vibe and calm, cool design. I loved the tiny black and white tile daisies on the floor and the giant bar with plush, rich green bar stools. Extra points for underbar purse hooks AND charging stations under the bar overhang. We made a last-minute reservation through Open Table because we were in the area—casually dressed (tech pants and plaid button up shirt for him, cropped slacks and a sweatshirt for me). Despite our lack of sharp dress, we were welcomed warmly by Tommy and offered a lovely window table in the bar area, which was less formal than the main dining area. Carrie served us in a genuine pleasant, friendly, warm manner, answering questions about the menu, beef sourcing and the restaurant history. We both enjoyed the wedge salad which came with house-made blue cheese dressing plus a bonus of a bright Champagne vinaigrette which made a fantastic flavor combination. The star of the meal however was the ⭐️16 oz bone-out ribeye, cooked medium and served over fresh herbs. We thoroughly enjoyed the crusty, full-flavor beef. We also shared the au gratin potatoes, served in a hot skillet, and preordered the chocolate soufle, which was just perfectly decadent to top off the meal. I suggest a nice cup of coffee to go with your dessert. You’ll note there’s no salt & pepper on the tables—because the food is presented perfectly seasoned. After our meal, Carrie introduced us to Richard, the owner himself, and we peppered him with more beef questions. He was gracious and knowledgeable. Our personal interactions with the wonderful people representing this restaurant made our night and truly made us feel welcomed. Of note, we’d had pricy Valentine’s Day steak at a prominent hotel/casino the night prior. Hands down we would choose Mae Daly next time!

Day of reservation made looking to try a new place for brunch. We were very happy with the brunch. The view of the strip and Bellagio fountain was very nice. The service was attentive without being pushy. Example: we ordered a caviar dish and the waiter noticed we were running low on bread, and he asked if we wanted more before we could request it (we did want more). That level of attention and detail did not go unnoticed. All the food and drink items were very tasty and well prepared. Keep in mind that this is traditional French dining, meaning don't be in a hurry. We were there >2 hours between the three courses, caviar add on, and dessert, but we never felt like we were rushed out. We plan to go back at some point to try their dinner menu. So far, a great first impression.

Valentine's dinner, we were already expecting to wait, we knew it would be hectic which made it tolerable. We checked in with the host and were directed to the bar for drinks while we waited. We were brought to our table 45mins later which again was fine because it was expected. Drinks and conversation was good and we didn't feel the wait time. Eric was out server, he was amazing, very apologetic and sincere. Our food was also amazing, the steak and lamb cooked to our preference exactly. Prefect dining experience through and through, just come with the right mindset, everyone was working hard and doing their best.

As I told our waiter when he asked us how he heard about Joel‘s. We originally had planned to go to Peter Luger, but the reviews were surprisingly mixed. All the reviews on Joel‘s were much higher. The meal overall was excellent. The food was extremely tasty. Well cooked or weight. Staff was helpful without being intrusive and the only minor thing was my smoked old-fashioned maple bourbon was a little on the low poor side. But my wife’s drink was excellent. We are so glad that we went to Joel‘s to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Always enjoy a night at The Steak House, because the service, food,and atmosphere are second to none. Makes me feel like part of the Rat Pack back in the days of early Vegas. The Spousal unit really enjoyed the Chilean Sea Bass along with the followup of Key-lime pie for a sweet finish. I like to think of The Steak House as my secret place for an amazing meal hidden in old Vegas.