Hotels - Park MGM

Park MGM.

Aka: The Monte Carlo.

This has become my defacto go-to spot in Vegas.

There's just something about it I love.

Maybe it's being smoke-free? (Near) Centrally located? Opened in 1996 (one of the best years ever)?

Who knows.

All I know is it's a top spot in Vegas for me, for sure.

Favorite Memory: Make 'Em All, Baby

Went for New Year's Day 2026.

Felt compelled to play craps.

Bought in at the table for $40, and I told the dealer "That's a lot of money isn't it?"

He said, "I've seen more."

I put $5 on the MTA.

Dude rolling throws a straight heater. 

My wife walks up and I tell her he only needs 4-10-11-12 for the MTA.

He proceeds to roll 12, 11, 4, 10 on his next 4 consecutive rolls. I knew he was going to make it. Hits the 2nd Make 'Em All I've ever won on.

I also had $20 on the 10, which was the final number he rolled - even though when someone has one number left for the MTA, I don't usually ever bet that number. My confidence meter was 100% on this guy though. Big fat guy in a Green Polo shirt with White Stripes. That last roll was about $800 for me. 

The guy rolling had $20 on the MTA, so he got like $3,000 himself. 

Being an experienced gambler, I knew that's the best thing that could happen, so time to walk away. 

When we were walking away from the table, he said he needed it bad, that he lost pretty much that much the previous day. 

Always glad when the scales re-balance and you can get back to even in Vegas. 

Other than being up (like I was - $40 to $800), it's the 2nd best place to be!

Favorite Memory: Bubble Game

They used to have this here and at the Linq.

There was a time it would always bonus at both places, every time we played it. 

And it had this whole hula thing going which was fun too.

Favorite Memory: Eataly

Lots of great food, lots of great memories, lots of great snacks and drinks. 

Eataly has it all!

$36 Cacio e Pepe.

Glad I can check the box to say I've done it!

Tiny Desserts are the best desserts.

Got the calamari mix one time, now it's like $40. Safe to say I won't be getting it again at that price!

Salty meat, salty cheese - delicious!

Sweets and treats galore.

Sweets and treats galore.

With desserts, it's all about the presentation.

Favorite Memory: Hotel Stay(s)

It's a pretty basic room, but it's got everything I need!

One time we stayed here and could hear the group in the room next to us talking all night about what they were going to go out and do, but they didn't end up leaving to go anywhere.

And then rinse and repeat for like 4 straight hours. WTF?

Just ignore whatever that is that she's doing.

That is not typical.

The most underrated aspect of staying in a hotel - Room Service!

It's like a hotel room lottery when you check in - will you get Green or Red?

Favorite Memory: Crack Shack

Pro tip - split a sandwich and fries, it's a ton of food.

Best potato product I've ever had.

And the Pineapple Mustard. That's mustard you could drink.

Everything I've ever had from here has been stellar. And trust me, I've had a lot!

This is the Spring Beak sandwich.

The Firebird.

Not the Friedbird. 

Although I could see how easy it would be to think that.

California Drip.

California Drip.

The more you eat at Crack Shack, the progressively more Pineapple Mustard you start getting each time.

As it should be.

Crack Shack - like Shaq - get it?

Coop Deville.

The only machine I'd ever recommend giving your money in Vegas.

Lady Gaga's Bass.

Very metal.

Favorite Memory: Bavette's Steakhouse

Probably the singular best meal I've ever had in Las Vegas.

And that's saying something!

Must try dishes:

Salmon Caesar Salad (heavenly)

Warm Baked Bread

House-made Steak Salt

Dijon Brussel Sprouts

Mashed Potatoes with Garlic Confit

Any cut of meat - I think they even have some Vegan options, you really can't go wrong with anything here!

One time we saw a group of influencer girls ordering a ton of high-end stuff and not eating any of it for clout.

They would do like bone marrow shot drinks and then film it, hoot and holler, and by the time they were done, they didn't actually touch any of the food they ordered.

Idiots.

Remember back when slots in Vegas had themes?

This is kind of all slot machines in a way, isn't it?

Favorite Memory: Primrose

One of the best little date spots in Vegas!

Top notch Bagel & Lox.

Who doesn't love little jars of jams & jellies with their brunch?

Favorite Memory: Monte Carlo

Park MGM used to be the Monte Carlo - I even went here when they were doing the construction to make it over to Park MGM. 

I liked the theme back then, and I still like it now!

Elvis-Pig

Favorite Memory: The Library

If you do date night here, your chances go up significantly.

You know exactly what I'm talking about.

She likes when there's food.

Hot Take: Overall I didn't find the food to be particularly well executed (especially for the price).

For example, the Scallops were very large (not delicate), not particularly well-balanced, and came with a sauce that was a bit of a miss for me (conflicting flavors, overly foamy texture, etc.)

The food seemed like a bit of an after-thought to the place, honestly. 

Now I haven't been there in while, so hopefully they dialed it in a bit better, but it's still a fun eating experience, regardless!

Milk and Honey.

A destination dessert.

Megbucks or Megabust?

Should just call it $10 million dollars or nothin'!

But where's the Cacio e Pepe?

Favorite Memory: Lala Noodle

Soup - but in dumpling form.

The Beef Brisket is probably the best broth based noodle dish I've ever had.

Very complex, flavorful broth, and the bok choy - so crispy and delicious.

The Coconut Sorbet - another destination dessert.