Barry's Downtown Prime — Restaurant in Las Vegas

A Decadent Time Capsule: Barry's Downtown Prime

In the epicenter of the lively heart of Fremont Street, Barry's Downtown Prime stands as a vibrant testament to the allure of Las Vegas. More than just a steakhouse, it is a delightful portal to a glamorous bygone era, evoking the mid-century heyday when sophistication and indulgence reigned supreme. This establishment is a culinary vision and design triumph, skillfully blending vintage charm with contemporary luxury to create an unforgettable dining experience long after the last morsel has been savored.

As you step into Barry's, the ambiance envelops you like a carefully curated film set. Soft, warm lighting plays off sleek metal accents, bathing the space in a golden glow that beckons you to linger. Retro-inspired furnishings, adorned with deep velvet upholstery and polished wood, pay homage to the elegance of the 1950s and 60s, establishing an atmosphere that marries nostalgia with a modern flair.

The evening commenced with the delectable Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls—an inventive and upscale reinvention of a beloved classic. The crisp, golden exterior lies tender filet mignon, flavorfully seasoned and harmoniously paired with a lavish aged cheddar sauce that heightens each bite. This delightful starter served as a palate teaser and a promising introduction to the indulgent feast that awaited. The upscale reinvention of classic dishes at Barry's Downtown Prime is sure to intrigue and excite even the most discerning of palates. Following the starters, the French Onion Soup arrived as a heartwarming delight. Its savory broth was rich and intensely flavorful, topped with a lavish blanket of bubbling, gooey cheese that created a comforting contrast to the rich flavors within. Each spoonful warmed the body and soul, setting a cozy tone for the upcoming main courses. The rich, intense flavors of the French Onion Soup at Barry's Downtown Prime are sure to comfort and satisfy even the most discerning of palates. The “Real” Garbage Salad, a riot of vibrant greens and tangy, textured accompaniments, delivered a symphony of flavor enhanced by plump Gulf shrimp and a champagne-Dijon vinaigrette.

As the centerpiece of the dinner, the 12 oz Wet-Aged Rib Cap—Barry's signature cut sourced from the esteemed Creekstone Farms—proved to be a sublime revelation. The steak was a masterpiece of marbling, cooked to perfection and bursting with rich flavor that redefined indulgence. Each tender slice practically melted in the mouth, exuding an earthy essence that only high-quality beef can provide. Alongside this carnivorous highlight, the Whole Maine Lobster Mac 'n Cheese added a touch of opulent marine decadence; with succulent lobster intertwined in creamy, cheesy goodness, it was a lush accompaniment. A side of creamed spinach rounded out the meal beautifully, offering a rich, earthy counterpoint that perfectly balanced the other dishes' luxuriousness, while the creamed spinach balanced richness with earthy nuance.

The grand finale of this exquisite dining experience was the theatrical spectacle of the Banana Flambé, expertly prepared tableside. The intoxicating aroma enveloped the senses as the flames danced and caramelized the sugar while the spectacle delighted onlookers. Each bite was a warm embrace of sweetness.

To enhance the evening further, a visit to The Cart beckoned, where expertly crafted cocktails added an extra layer of enjoyment. An Old Fashioned smoked with High West Rendezvous Rye was prepared right at the table, allowing for a sensory experience as each cocktail engaged the palate, eyes, and nose. The rich, smoky essence of the drink paired seamlessly with the meal, leaving guests thoroughly captivated by the cocktail craftsmanship.

Barry's Downtown Prime transcends the conventional dining experience, a meticulously curated journey through taste, time, and elegance. A culinary dreamscape where every detail invites celebration, it is an unforgettable venture that dances on the line between nostalgia and modernity—a place where every visit demands...

I was visiting Vegas, September 1-6 on a solo vacation, visiting friends and enjoying my fav City. Heard good things about Barry's so made a res, although that was an issue, as they didn't seem to accept online reservations for 1, this is a BIG issue in much of Las Vegas. I did call, and they were kind enough to do it. Arrived Sunday September 1st around 730 for my reservation. Had to wait a few moments, as the hostesses, all young ladies dressed to the nines, but lacking in real spirit, finally sated me in a back area of the restaurant, away from the bar, facing TV's, and an areas where dirty items are piled up to be cleared. I assumed they thought as a single, I might want to watch TV, but as a solo traveler, I actually enjoy watching others, and enjoying atomsphere. Again, a conceit of many restaurant with regard to single travelers, they don't really understand us, and they also expect "poor" tips. My waitress was nice, pleasant enough. I knew what I wanted, their "supposed" excellent Lobster Bisque, and the 12 oz Rib Cap steak. I also added the truffle parmesan fries as a side. Plus a recommended old fashioned as a beverage. All seems good to go. But, uh oh, never assume. The waitress said bread will arrive quickly. The drink came, smaller than imaginable for $18. Less than even 2 shots of bourbon, and basically what I would call a mouthwash, a joke. If I had even took a real sip, it would have been over. Not happy. The soup arrived, they bring it in a small cup style, and show you the lobster at the bottom, a few slivers, probably not even an ounce, and then they pier from a separate container the bisque into it. Should be great, right. NOT. $22 for less than 1 oz, if that of lobster, and the temperature was Luke warm at best..if even that. I was able to eat it without blowing on it one time. I admit the bisque taste was nice, but it shouldn't be warm, it should be hot. Again, not too thrilled. And yes, no bread yet, after this rushed 1st course. Oh, and finally the bread arrives, almost 30 minutes after I was seated, not by my waitress but by the help staff, who seem less than helpful. And then, just as I start to have a piece of bread, here is the steak!! Yup, right there. No time to even enjoy the bread, which should have some with the soup, but NO. As for the rib cap, it was good, cooked to medium as the chef likes, it was tender and tasty and I did enjoy it. But as for the parmesan ties, they were not goo, not at all. Just basically crinkle cut fries you could do yourself, with a bunch of cheese sprinkled over them. Overly sprinkled but no pleasant taste. Generally those fries, the cheese is melted but not here. Just plain fries with cheese sprinkled, for $14.00. I ate about 2 or 3 and then gave up. I finished the steak and enjoyed it, but not the fries. The waitress came back and seeing my displeasure, she asked about the fries. When I told her they were not good, she did remove them from the bill, that was proper and excellent service, I must commend her. And then I went for the check, almost $145.00 for a small bowl of like warm soup, and 1 -12 oz steak and a small (very small) drink. I paid the bill, tipped the waitress 20% as she did her best, and left. It was a BIG disappointment, but my troubles were not over. And this is a MAJOR issue.

Within 2 hours, as I returned to the Strip where I was staying, I was in agony with stomach cramps, which left me for the remainder of that night, and even into the next 2 days, trying over and over to find the closest mens room I could find. Not sure the issues, but I suspected food poisoning. From Sunday night, through all Monday and into Tuesday, I was battling stomach disorders, and Think it is all related to this meal, probably that luke warm soup. Soup not served piping hot, can form bacteria, and I can't say for sure, but it is what I suspect happened. Very unhappy customer, and I will never return nor shall...

I really wanted to like this place as it was recommended by a friend.

This is located in the basement of the Circa casino. After making it down the escalator, you are met with the sign emblazoned above the entrance of the restaurant. It felt classy up until you meet the three hostesses, with their boobs practically spilling out of their black dresses. I thought we were going to be met with Old Vegas vibes. Nope, not classy at all.

We were escorted by one of these girls to our table. She could barely walk with her heels and was taking calculated steps to ensure that she doesn't fall. Yikes! I started to wonder if this was a precursor to our experience.

Our waiter, Daniel, got to our table shortly afterwards. He immediately started to ask if we wanted any drinks after he handed us the menus. Like, dude. We just barely got the menus. We looked at the menus and focused on what food we would order. He came back within about 10 minutes and asked, yet again, about what drinks we wanted to order. We apologized and said we were first timers, which is why we were soaking up our time with the menus. He said he would come back in a few minutes.

It was as if this man had a timer because he came back in 5 minutes asking if we wanted to order drinks. My husband and I figured that we had enough time to get going. The bread and butter were served while he was getting our orders. He, of course, asked if we wanted any drinks to start. Not food. Drinks. Sheesh!

We ordered the philly cheesesteak egg rolls and the cocktails. My husband got an Old Fashioned and I had the Fields Forever. Daniel recommended it and I decided to give it a try. It was okay and super sugary.

The philly cheesesteak egg rolls were served with a season ketchup that tasted like cocktail sauce and a cheese sauce. It was good. Weird that it was served with a ketchup/cocktail sauce.

We ordered the 12 oz wet aged rib cap for him and I had the 14 oz dry aged boneless ribeye. We opted for the whole Maine lobster mac and cheese. My husband said his was a good cut of meat, cooked right, and lacked seasoning. My steak was okay, cooked well, and also lacked any seasoning. The lobster mac was good, but had small chunks of lobster throughout.

Mind you, while eating our meal, Daniel asked if we wanted another cocktail. I said I would think about it. Not even five minutes later, he was back. I was convinced at this point that this man had a timer on him. I told him I wasn't sure and probably opting not to have another drink as I was feeling full. The man kept pushing that I was interested in another drink. Look, guy, I'm starting to get stuffed and I was started to get annoyed with him.

We waited about 15 minutes at this point for anyone to notice that we wanted to pack up the meal and maybe order dessert. One of the support staff came by, asked if we wanted to pack up, and we agreed. He came back with gloves and took our plates away to pack. Another 5 minutes passed until Daniel finally made it to our table asking if we wanted dessert. He left and was back in another 5 minutes with the dessert menu and gave us his suggestions. We read the menus, and he was right back. We opted for the sticky toffee butter cake. It got to our table shortly afterwards, cake piping hot with the Happy Birthday etched in chocolate on the plate. He handed us two shot glasses with espresso and vanilla flavored vodka (?). Both were delicious and it was demolished.

When it came time for the check, he handed us a small plate of tiny cookies. Cookies were okay.

Would we go back? No. Why? We have been to better steakhouses in town that match the ambiance they say it evokes. This is not one of them. It's so confusing for fine dining and is super loud in there. The music is loud, so people are talking over the music, which prompts others to speak louder.

TL;DR: There are better steakhouses in Vegas. As a local, I'm not going back.

Edit: you have to pay for your...