I recently attended a concert at the Orleans Arena and, as I like to do, had dinner at one of the restaurants in the casino.
On this night I went to Canal Street, a restaurant I have been to many times though not recently. I always have to decide whether I want to start with a soup or salad.
Canal Street has two excellent choices. I order the Lobster Bisque almost every time, unless I’m feeling like having their Baby Spinach Salad served with a warm bacon dressing that is prepared table side. At $9 this is a must if you want a salad. I have never been disappointed with the soup or salad.
For my dinner choice I often go with the filet, which is cooked perfectly and tastes great. The 8 oz. Prime filet is just $32, which is $15-$20 less than most steakhouses on the Strip. What I like about Canal Street is they offer a Bone-In Rib Eye and a Bone-In N.Y. Strip.
I prefer my steaks with the bone for the added flavor and both checked in $15-$20 less than most strip steakhouses as the 18 oz. Rib Eye was $41.
Canal Street also offers several seafood dishes. On this given night I went with the Diver Sea Scallops served with a side of Linguine for $28. This was a hearty portion of scallops for the price.
I have had the Chilean Sea Bass on previous visits as well. For me, I just order the Chilean Sea Bass broiled, as this fish is so good it doesn’t need to be done in a fancy sauce.
If you enjoy good lamb I can recommend the half rack, which is a herb crusted rack of Colorado Lamb priced at just $31 and well worth it. Just like most steakhouses Canal Street serves its sides a la carte but they are all big enough to share and priced at $7 per side.
If out for a special romantic evening request a booth so you are facing the wall painting, which is mesmerizing with the little lights in the work.
Next time you head out for a concert or a sporting event at Orleans Arena check out Canal Street where you will get the feel, quality and service of a Strip steakhouse at a very reasonable price. I give Canal Street a rating of 3.50 Forks out of 4.
On a side note, one of the previous places I reviewed in the past will be closing its doors this week. Big Dog’s on West Sahara was recently sold.
It was purchased by Jackpot Joanie’s, a company that has been buying up neighborhood bars, and will be another gaming and spirits bar. I have enjoyed the food and service at Big Dog’s many times and will miss the place.
If there is a neighborhood bar you like, support them. It’s nice to have a place to hang out, enjoy a cold one and grab a bite to eat while watching a game with friends.
Marco D’Angelo is the senior handicapper at Pregame.com. He co-hosts FIRST PREVIEW every Thursday at 10 a.m. on ESPN 1100 AM/98.9 FM. Follow him on twitter: @MarcoInVegas. Contact him at [email protected].