Serrano Vista Cafe — Restaurant in Paradise

My wife and I were visiting the Palms Casino and Resort on 11 Apr 2025 for an event and while on the property, we entered into the dinner hours. We opted for Serrano Vista Café based on convenience because it was right there and it wasn't crowded at all. When we walked in, we were greeted and immediately escorted to our table. I guess I should've said something right away but I was slightly appalled on the fact that they sat us down at the first table right when you walk in the dining area, instead of seating us at one of those open booths...especially when the restaurant only had five tables filled. But oh well, you snooze; you lose.

The menu was appealing and contained a wide variety of items, suitable enough to satisfy anyone's craving...and yet small enough to not become overwhelmed with a thousand different options. We had a difficult time selecting our food since everything sounded good, but we ended up ordering the Chicken Wings (Buffalo Sauce), Clam Chowder, Indian Curry Chicken & Vegetables, Blackened Mahi-Mahi Tacos, and Grilled Ribeye Steak. Yes, I know that's a lot of food for just two people but I wanted to try several different things. We received our soup first (as expected), and it was remarkable. Unfortunately, the wings (and tacos) didn't arrive until after our main entrées did...after I reminded our server of those missing items. However, when they did arrive, they were outstanding! I was a little bummed that there were only two tacos (I was expecting three); but I suppose I could've asked in the beginning. Regardless, the tacos are worth getting - and I'm not even a fish taco type of guy. Surprisingly, the ribeye was delicious. I mean, let's be real here...this isn't a steakhouse so you have to manage expectations. With that, the steak temperature and seasoning were perfect. The curry was decent but I was disappointed with the flavor because on the menu, it specified, "Indian" curry; however, this entrée was more towards the "Japanese" style curry. Nonetheless, I love curry in general so we ate it the following day (had to take it home - it was too much food for that sitting).

The ambiance was tranquil and the décor was modern with a soft touch. The restaurant was very clean/organized and the chairs were surprisingly comfortable. The prices were very reasonable for the average customer (average meaning, not a competition eater). Also, I highly respect this business for their continued support to the men and women of the Armed Forces, including its Veterans - thank you for that! Aside from the slight hiccup in our order, the service provided by Shawn and the restaurant staff was adequate - I have no major complaints at all. In fact, I could go on and complain about the missing food items during our dining experience, but I won't; instead, I will commend Shawn for acknowledging his mistake and resolving it in a quick manner, without having an attitude. Kudos to that employee.

Overall, I liked this restaurant (café) as depicted in my 4-star rating. It certainly wasn't the best I've had in this city; however, it's a good restaurant nonetheless. As a local, I don't visit this property frequently, since there are several other options that are closer to my house. But chances are, I will visit this property again in the near future and potentially visit this restaurant once more to try their breakfast items. I highly recommend this restaurant...

7.11.25

Food ⁴ Service ⁴, but 5 from your top performers on grave. Ambiance ⁴

The star dropped back down from a 5 to a 4. The music from both Serrano and the Hotel speakers playing two different playlists at different volumes, genres, vibes. It's distracting and bothersome. Palms & San Manuel need to just look around and check these small details because the little things can turn guests away before even ordering. Also there are like a TON of flies. This was a problem from Lucky Penny and before that even. I figure this is a Resort issue and not necessarily a restaurant thing. It doesn't matter if you're at the bar. Or the farthest booth. These huge ol' boys are flying around!

I want to recognize Kdsti! After a few encounters she went out of her way to converse and take care of me. Hosts/hostesses aren't worthy of the title around the country because they don't care anymore. However, she makes it fun, she smiles, and always is lively. Checkin in when the staff are slammed and short. I appreciate gumption and elbow grease.

I've seen the same folks below more than thrice a week since my last review, please shout them out! Not just at the the Cagé, but throughout the Palms as well!

• Rayleigh Evans, Russell, Walter Newman, Tara, Denise Muñoz, Pierre B., Misty, Sunni, Lizzy, Lidia, & Shawn, Richard. should all be recognized if they haven't already! The service is 5 stars every time! Extra napkins, clean silverware/cloths/bottled sauces, cocktail napkins for your beverages, bringing out the condiments beforehand and asking for any additional service. They have so much energy! It is always great dining in on graveyard shifts for a late meal. They are attentive and have a speedy rhythm without making mistakes! They all make lght of a tough day's work. Funny in both English, Tagalog, and Spanish conversation, if something is amiss, they will rectify the issue and make your order come back out correctly! Weekends at Serrano are neat to grab a drink at the bar. It's even entertaining just seeing them serve other guests! I've come in on Day and Swing, and though I enjoy myself, the graveyard staff is still above and beyond! Managers are unsung heroes and usually left with nothing but complaints and issues. They deserves so much praise. Russell leads a great team. I have seen plenty of managers in Food & Beverage, even doing it myself, and he is always busy! Keeping the morale high. Checking in on guests. Making it feel hospitable. Each dine in familial. Please treat the staff named well. Give them paid time off, preferred shift, a raise, and some props for making this spot, and all of Palms Resort worthy of the San Manuel and Vegas status.

3 stars for Day and Swing 4.⁵...

Replacing Lucky Penny with California-inspired “comfort Food with a contemporary twist” Serrano Vista Café opened in Summer 2022, The Palms foray into 24/7 dining outpacing other similar concepts thanks to a diverse menu from Chefs Gonzalo Garzo, Edwin Luna and Marcus O'Brien.

Located at the resort’s east-most end without much signage it is from the podium that the space spans large with grab n’ go choices at the front including Sandwiches, Salads and Pastries from Chef Tammy Alana as well as Purple Potato Bakery.

Decorated in a nondescript style with neon and art, pop music playing overhead from the 80s to now, it is once seated that service proves friendly and clever with the sort of attention to detail many might not expect from this sort of venue.

Offering Breakfast, “All Day” and Late Night menus, PALMS’ sweets specialist Tammy Alana tackling gigantic Cinnamon Rolls served with Chocolate-covered Bacon and a Butterscotch sidecar, additional early options include deep-fried French Toast served with Peanut Butter and Strawberry Compote.

Running the gamut of German, Chinese, Creole and Mexican where “the Golden State meets the Silver State,” a giant Pretzel made properly suspended alongside Birria de Res with lots of Cheese, Beef Brisket Fried Rice arrives in a generous portion for the price as does Gumbo around Rice with both Chicken and Chouriço.

Not forgetting Walnut Shrimp, as inauthentically delicious here as anywhere on Spring Mountain Road, Flatbreads are fairly basic which allows more time to focus on the fantastic smoked Brisket served on a Pretzel Bun with Figs, Onions and Brie.

Happy to try a few new Entrees, Serrano Vista’s Meatloaf tender with hints of Bacon and smothered in Red Wine Gravy, don’t miss Butternut Squash Rigatoni with Sausage that looks and tastes as refined as something one might find at Esther’s Kitchen.

Never missing a chance to try Chef Alana’s Desserts, past or present at Scotch 80, Vegan Chocolate Cake and Cheesecake shout nostalgia in all the best ways while the Butterscotch Pot de Creme and Banana Tiramisu outpace many upscale dinner outposts on the Strip in terms of taste and texture.

More Comfort-Food than the past menu, though the handmade Pecan Candy atop a Turtle Sundae shows Tammy has no interest in dialing it in, fans of Bread Pudding will find no better in town than the steamy Pumpkin version served with Maple Rum Sauce and...