Mae Daly's — Restaurant in Las Vegas

Figured Mae Daly's was close enough to the Fontainebleau walk there for dinner before the concert.

Was greeted most pleasantly by manager Chris Janz, who offered the choice to begin at the bar or go straight to my table. Chose the bar of course, and had me a Lion's Tail ($20) from Nova while admiring the decor and alcohol display. Drink seasonally spiced and sweet, contrasted with a mild tanginess.

Was escorted to my table, introduced to server Vanessa, and began a leisurely indulgent feast.

Complimentary bread-choice of croissant or cornbread, so naturally I asked for both. The pastry was pullapart flakey, while the bread was tender. The flavorful butter was a touch too cold for easy spreading but really neither pieces needed it.

Bacon Tasting ($35): Might seem a bit crazy at $7 a slice, but dang those slices were delicious, the stated flavor profiles distinct while not overwhelming the right balance of lean and fat of the meat. The bacon jam was a fab gooey sticky enhancer.

The Frey Ranch Filet Mignon Au Poivre 8oz ($95): Perfectly done at the requested medium-rare, juicy rich mouthfeel, very peppery. Bonus-got to observe Chef Tomas baste and set my steak on fire.

Truffle Honey Roasted Carrots ($18): About 10 whole pieces, at the perfect (a word I used a lot for Mae Daly's) firm but bite-tenderness, sweet and nutty with a slight countering zip.

While I was at the bar Nova had been kind enough to pour a generous taste of the Mae Daly's Two Barrels 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon. I liked the odd fruity/mineral taste so much I requested a glass at table; fortunately, since a bottle (~$145) was already opened, I was able to receive a full pour ($35) to go with my dinner.

Proprietor Richard went around the room to offer a complimentary taste of A5 wagyu (? I think, I was near food coma by that point). Decadent.

Felt I would be unable to do any of the desserts justice so resorted to my usual expedient of have a liquid treat, chose the Cazes Clos des Paulilles Banyuls Grand Cru 2013 ($16). Nice pour.

Value: A YMMV. Prices reflect and are in line with the experience and quality, in my opinion.

Atmosphere and Service: Very special and over-the-top. Superb, overwhelming warm hospitality given, indulged all my questions, frequent check-ins and table resets. Thoughtful old-school speakeasy/club decor with ornate chairs, bell-shaped speakers, hammered tin half-walls and ceilings, china figures, crystal chandeliers, portraits of the eponymous inspiration. And a monkey is honored with both a statue and portrait.

Notes as of this review: Location is one sketchy but short (or short but sketchy, depending) walk from the Sahara and Strat hotels. Mae Daly's requires all the main food ordered at the beginning, and recommends that the souffle order be placed then as well. Place gets to share the next-door apartment complex's very picturesque pool area for some...

Last night, we checked out a newish restaurant (open a year) near the Sahara and the Strat. Mae Daly’s was a lovely steakhouse with really great and friendly service, cool retro-inspired cocktails, and a fun vibe. They also specialize in a HUGE whiskey selection (so big it is multiple scrolls through an iPad). You MUST get the DIVINE bacon appetizer, thank me later. 😀 This is a “will go back for that dish alone” sort of appetizer—it’s THAT fabulous. Fair warning, eating only half of it filled me up! Next time we think we might sit at the bar, order the bacon tasting app, then work our way through the rest of the yummy appetizer and salad list. The owner Rich sources the beef himself as he worked for the Charlie Palmer steakhouse chain for years. Steaks were of course great but filets were at a higher price point than most for that area of the Strip. We had the wet-aged filets, my husband got the Roses one at the top. We also had the best potato gratin I’ve had in Vegas—creamy but not too rich, cheese crust on the top. Large enough for 3 to share. We opted for the Grand Marinier souffle, which was good, but we wish we would have gone with chocolate instead as the Grand Marinier flavor was lighter than we expected. They did add in some house cannoli, and those were yummy! Wine list was extensive and reasonably priced, something for everyone. We got there early right at opening, and were fortunate the hostess J seated us at their table 24, a private booth with sofa seating and a curtain. Definitely reserve that one if you can for an anniversary or special occasion. If you love a steakhouse and especially if you’re particular about your beef sourcing ans selection, definitely put this one on your list! A few other tips: there is a valet available, the bar is large, it was starting to get busy when we left at 6:45, so probably good to get a reservation if you’re eating during normal...

Had dinner at Mae Daly's for the first time last night and all I can say is that my wife and I were truly enamoured with every aspect of our dining experience, from the moment we were greeted by Richard Femenella (the owner) and his welcoming staff to the moment we left the restaurant in a food coma.

I can see why this establishment is so very popular and considered a Las Vegas hidden gem. Walking into the restaurant, my wife and I were immediately transported to what can only be described as an intimate speakeasy environment worthy of the term.

Our server, Kerry, was attentive and friendly and made our dining experience even more memorable. And throughout the meal, both Kerry and Richard would check in to ensure that we were satisfied and content with our drinks and the dishes we had ordered.

What can be said about the food that others haven't already said before us. As a person who thoroughly enjoys classic steak tartare, it is often rare these days to find a restaurant that does not try to put a unique spin on the dish that often ruins it. Let me just say that the chef at Mae Daly's knows how to prepare an amazing version of the dish that stays true to the original, making the quality of the ingredients stand out while making it a signature plate to the menu.

The rest of the dishes - Oysters Rockefeller, Lobster Thermidor, Mary's Farm Chicken and Wasabi Glazed Brussels Sprouts - were all executed so well and left us content and happy.

As for our cocktail order, the bartender is as skilled as the chef, serving smooth-tasting drinks that went well with our exceptional meal.

Whether you are a first-time tourist to Las Vegas, a frequent visitor or a lucky local, Mae Daly's is a MUST. Our meal was the culinary highlight of our trip and we now have a special local gem we will be...