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The deals that follow have all stood the test of time and have a good chance of being there when you are. However, there's never any guarantee in Vegas — and that's not just with gambling — so it's possible that some of the following bargains will no longer be available by the time you get to Sin City. Call first to avoid disappointment.
Steak dinner, Ellis Island, $4.95
Carrying on the tradition of the legendary Las Vegas bargain steak dinners is the 10-ounce "filet-cut" sirloin at Ellis Island Casino & Brewery (702-733-8901). This complete dinner comes with choice of soup or salad, baked potato, vegetable, and dinner rolls for just $4.95. Though it's available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the cafe, you won't see this great dinner listed on the menu; you have to ask for it.
Shrimp cocktail, Golden Gate, 99 cents
The Golden Gate hotel and casino downtown has been home to the best shrimp cocktail in Las Vegas since 1959. Its price was 50 cents for more than 30 years, until it was raised to the current 99 cents. The Golden Gate serves nearly two tons of shrimp per week in an old-fashioned sundae glass (not plastic). There's no cost-reducing lettuce or celery fillers; just shrimp (more than 100 of the little coldwater Bay variety at last count) and the golden Gate's "secret" cocktail sauce. A cocktail with bigger shrimp has recently been introduced for $2.99. Both are available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. in the Deli at the rear of the casino.
Fremont Street Experience, Downtown, free
Don't think you should skip the downtown light show. With 12.5 million light-emitting diodes supplying the overhead images, the crooning-canopy show runs five times per night, beginning when it gets dark.
Mac King, Harrah's, $7.99 or $21.95
With Las Vegas shows going distinctly upscale, it's getting tougher to find a true bargain outside of the lounges and free shows. One exception is the Mac King Comedy and Magic Show at Harrah's. Mac is both funny and a fabulous magician, but the sizzle here is in the deal. The most you'll ever pay to get in is the low retail tab of $21.95. But you can easily get $7.99 coupons from casino representatives in the outside Carnaval Court before showtime or from the Harrah's Rewards Center.
Ham & eggs, Arizona Charlie's Decatur, $2.49
The giant ham and eggs breakfast comes with a cover-the-plate ham steak, two eggs, hash browns, and toast. It's served 24 hours a day, 7 days week, and has been for a decade. If you don't feel like standing in the usual long line, check the 20-seat counter, where seats turn over quickly.
Hot dog, Gold Coast, 75 cents
The best hot dog in Las Vegas is served from a cart near the Sports Book at the Gold Coast (702-367-7111). This all-beef dog is a good one, but it's the extras that set it apart. Load your dog with mustard, onions, relish, and sauerkraut, all for the base price of 75 cents.
Funbook, Stratosphere, free
The best funbook in town is available at the Stratosphere. It comes with three strong gambling coupons that give players an expected win of just above $20, plus other discounts throughout the resort. You can get one per week with a valid ID, out-of-state or local.
Prime rib, California, $6.99
The long-running prime-time special in the downtown California's coffee shop (702-385-1222) is still just $6.99. The prime rib comes with an all-you-can-eat salad bar, vegetable, rolls, and cherries jubilee for dessert. If the lines are long, look for a seat at the big counter. Hours sometimes change, but this one's usually available from 5 to 11 p.m. daily.
Souvenir photo, Imperial Palace, Free
In the tradition of the great free photo, now long departed from the Horseshoe, the Imperial Palace continues to give away free souvenir photos. Get your photo snapped on the Strip sidewalk in front of the IP, then head inside. By the time you walk to the players club in back of the casino, it's ready.
Bonus bargains
Other excellent alternatives include the Bellagio fountains free spectacle; the $7.77 off-the-menu steak and shrimp in Mr. Lucky's at the Hard Rock; fabulous lounge entertainment nightly for a one-drink minimum in the Casbar Lounge at the Sahara; and24-hour 75-cent draft beer and $1.75 bottled imports at Slots-A-Fun.
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