Hidden Beer Gem – Ellis Island in Vegas
I recently ventured out to Las Vegas, one of my favorite spots. I’ve been there seven or eight times now and have found some great values. And since Vegas is a huge vacation destination for many, why not share ‘em?!
One of the few things lacking in Vegas is the easy availability of good beer. Just about every casino is only going to serve up the American mega-breweries and some select widespread imports such as Heineken and possibly Stella. You MIGHT be able to find Guinness, but good luck. And even if you do, it won’t be served properly.
There are, however, a few brewpubs around. Main Street Station in downtown “old Vegas” makes some solid beers, but my favorite is by far Ellis Island Casino & Brewery. And it’s not because of just the beer itself.
Simply put, I love this place and am a better man for it. It is such a charming dive in so many ways and probably the single best value in Vegas for your consumption needs.
First, the pertinents. Ellis Island is actually on the premises of a Super 8 hotel. See, it’s already awesome! It sits on Koval Lane about 2 blocks directly behind Bally’s. So it is offstrip, but not far. If around the center strip area, you can easily walk it. If heading north on the Strip, hang a right at the intersection at Bally’s, pass the Westin on your left, and then another right at the next intersection. You’ll see it ahead. If you get lost, simply follow your heart. Or just hop in a cab.
As mentioned, EI is an onsite brewery. They typically have at least 5 selections fresh on tap and the giant brew tanks are within plain view behind the casino’s BBQ restaurant seating area. In fact, choose to sit on the BBQ patio and you’ll walk right through the brewing floor to reach your table.
I have had several beers here over the years and they are all solid. I will say that none have ever blown me away, but they’re perfectly drinkable and a great value. If I were to grade them, they’d probably average around a B- or so. Part of their appeal though is definitely in the price. Walk up to the bar and grab one and it’ll only run you $1.75. Play in the casino, totally free. Can’t beat that with a rubber snake! Oh yeah, they’re 20 oz. pours as well.
On my recent visit, they had an amber ale, a light lager, a hefeweizen, a stout, and an IPA flowing. They also make homemade root beer. The IPA was light on the hops in every possible way, but decent. It would have been better labeled as simply a pale ale. The hef was tasty but had a somewhat odd nutty finish. The stout was the best of the three I tried on this occassion and, while a little light, contained nice roasty coffee notes.
Other factors make this a great place to check out beyond the beer. The casino itself is small but fun. The slot selection is ample, there’s plenty of video poker, and a few table games available including $5 single-deck blackjack 24/7.
The restaurants here are also fantastic and what drew me to try this place out initially. I honestly think this place has the very best dinner value in all of Vegas. I’m a cheap bastard when it comes to food, so I know my stuff here.
There are 2 eateries onsite. The first is the normal hotel restaurant and is known for its excellent steak special. How ’bout a top sirloin steak, choice of potatoe, veggie of the day, AND a beer for $7?! Yep, that’s it. And it’s pretty good quality as well. It’s not on the menu. Simply ask for the “steak special” and you’re golden.
They also have the aforementioned BBQ restaurant on the opposite corner of the casino. This, my friends, rocks. It has two things…ribs and chicken. Opt for the combo and pick up a half rack, a half chicken, and 3 sides for only $10. And frankly, it’s amazing. Believe it or not, but this is amongst the best BBQ I’ve ever had. And this is coming from a big BBQ guy who has spent years in North Carolina and Georgia. The sauce is thick and smoky and the meat is done extremely well. If on the patio, you can see them smoking up the meat right in front of you.
Be sure to sign up for the Player’s Club there – it takes 5 minutes and you’ll get a discount in the restaurant. Also, unfortunately the two are separate so you have the tough choice of choosing either the steak or the BBQ. Have fun with that. Wait times can be somewhat long, so either go early or just prepare for that fact and do a little gambling after you put your name in.
So next time in Vegas, make a point to check out Ellis Island Casino & Brewery. Saddle up to a blackjack table, get some free brewed-onsite beers, mingle with some surly local characters, and get your BBQ on. You won’t regret it! Just don’t expect the Bellagio…
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5 Comments to “Hidden Beer Gem – Ellis Island in Vegas”
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I have not had the beer here but I agree the food is one of the best values in LV, and the barbecue is great. The casino is kind of dumpy and the video poker odds aren’t as good as you would expect. I generally consider the casino as just a place to hang out until I eat.
Agree Rando that the casino is definitely dumpy. I find that part of the charm though. Never checked the video poker odds, good call.
It does have $5 single deck blackjack, that’s virtually impossible to find anywhere remotely near the strip and is some of the best casino odds possible.
However, I’m with you, I’ve never gone there simply to play. It is merely a great timekiller before eating!
I agree that Ellis Island is a charming dive and has great food specials. It has a great location right by the strip.
But the beer? Even though it is cheap, it is worse than mediocre. I was last there in December 2010 and everything I had was way over the top with buttery diacetyl. I could not finish them, especially the IPA.
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I agree to an extent. The beer is mediocre at best. BUT…compared to the regular mega-brews at most of the casinos, it’s a welcomed change. Especially for the price. The stout is solid.