Barry’s Downtown Prime

Old meets new is the theme for Barry's Downtown Prime, located in Circa, the new – and most upscale – hotel in Las Vegas' downtown Fremont Street. Barry's can be found downstairs, which is pivotal to setting the stage for its experience. You enter through a set of huge doors and are immediately met with a dark and secluded feel. This is what people go to steakhouses for, and Barry's knows it. The dining room is labyrinthian, with twists and turns, and small and quiet nooks where you can be doted upon or ignored, depending on your need. Be sure not to skip the bar – the sheer selection of brown spirits is worth the journey.

The menu fits most of the expectations for a steakhouse in Las Vegas: plenty of wet and dry aged steaks, king crab, lobster, truffles galore. Sides here are unique, with tater tots and potato gnocchi making appearances regularly.

The list is expansive and caters to those who just won big at poker or blackjack. That is to say, they have some special things and they price them accordingly. The big names from every region are present but Zack, the lead sommelier, also features lesser-known brands to introduce some discovery.

As expected, the list focuses on big red wines to go with the steaks. Three full pages of Cabernet and red blends are the highlight but not to be overlooked are the large format section, where some amazing bargains can be found.

Corkage is offered on two bottles maximum, with no exceptions. Be sure to ask for a cellar tour – who knows, you might end up on the Instagram of the sommelier, who has one of the largest followings in all of Las Vegas.