Bad Rep Venues

martamax

I have noticed there are a lot of MB and Wynn brides with receptions usually at Maggiano's.... and the reviews are fabulous, do not get me wrong...

...but it makes it seem like all other venues have a bad rep doesn't it... which brings me to ask... I have been looking at the following venues... are they one of those bad rep places?

Envy Steakhouse
Hank's Fine Dining and Martini's
Flamingo Garden Terrace
Alexis Park Terrace
TJ's Steakhouse

What are some other noteworthy restuarants?  I am from Canada, specifically in Toronto - and I wish there was one from here that I can relate to in LV since I have never been...(Not counting Ruth's Chris, Planet Hollywood (which closed down btw) and Hard Rock Cafe...

wiwicaty

A bad reputation is something a given venue gets for providing poor services, I don't think the presence of reliable [popular] venues puts anyone else in a bad light automatically.

I can't help you with the places you mentioned, sorry.

Good restaurants I can think of right now are Lavo, Canaletto, Botero and Bartolotta.

vegasgroom

I haven't had personal experience with those either.  The restaurants I've eaten at numerous times, could accommadate a wedding reception, and I think are worthy of mentioning include:

N9NE at the Palms (best surf n' turf I've ever had)
Mix at Mandalay (great food, got married there too lol)
Hussong's Cantina (great cheap food, had rehearsal dinner there)

I've eaten at a lot of other places I think are great, but have characteristics that would make me not mention them for a reception recommendation.

ebonyivory10

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_bad-rep-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:196f9aa6-01b1-4737-9ebd-d5ff53395757Post:70daba91-c24a-4588-866f-fff143b1764e">Bad Rep Venues</a>:
[QUOTE]I have noticed there are a lot of MB and Wynn brides with receptions usually at Maggiano's.... and the reviews are fabulous, do not get me wrong... <strong>...but it makes it seem like all other venues have a bad rep doesn't it</strong>... which brings me to ask... I have been looking at the following venues... are they one of those bad rep places? Envy Steakhouse Hank's Fine Dining and Martini's Flamingo Garden Terrace Alexis Park Terrace TJ's Steakhouse What are some other noteworthy restuarants?  I am from Canada, specifically in Toronto - and I wish there was one from here that I can relate to in LV since I have never been...(Not counting Ruth's Chris, Planet Hollywood (which closed down btw) and Hard Rock Cafe...
Posted by martamax[/QUOTE]

Just my 2 cents .... I think a lot of knotties use some of the same vendors because they are common and reliable, but just because you haven't heard of it here, doesn't mean a vendor has a bad reputation.  Las Vegas is a major city, and there are hundreds of vendors; the ones mentioned here barely even scratch the surface.  Research, research, research. It's your best friend. 

<img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-tongue-out.gif" border="0" alt="Tongue out" title="Tongue out" />

stinkerbell6879

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_bad-rep-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:196f9aa6-01b1-4737-9ebd-d5ff53395757Post:de2eea70-22be-4bd0-bab9-ded41dbe6a5a">Re: Bad Rep Venues</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Bad Rep Venues : Just my 2 cents .... I think a lot of knotties use some of the same vendors because they are common and reliable, but just because you haven't heard of it here, doesn't mean a vendor has a bad reputation.  Las Vegas is a major city, and there are hundreds of vendors; the ones mentioned here barely even scratch the surface.  Research, research, research. It's your best friend. 
Posted by ebonyivory10[/QUOTE]

THIS! I found 2 of my vendors by thinking "out of the box" and now they usually get frequent mentions on here. 

wallacje

Ditto PP.

My family stayed at Alexis Park for a few days after our wedding and they actually saw 2 weddings while they were there, both were outside and really nice.  It's a nice place just depends on what you are looking for.

By you thinking outside the box and having a great experience where ever you choose could help many other future brides in their planning too.  There are so many options in Vegas its hard for all of us to have seen and reviewed all of them.

My reception venue wasn't widely used but I figured I would take a look at it as well as all the other places previous brides have used too!  You never know!

murphanzo

I've contacted tons of restaurants that haven't been mentioned before looking for places to hold my reception.  Albeit that it is nicer and more calming to have my reception at a place that has good reviews, but a place not being reviewed didn't scare me off.

The way I did it was go to the hotels website, write down all the restaurants that I would be interested in, and call/email each one.  It took me about 2wks to go through them, but I have a list of about 20 good restaurants that I'm looking into.  Right now I'm also exploring an insuite option.  It's like PP said, research, research, and more research.

And Google Docs is your best friend

direy25

Re Hank's - are you talking about the steakhouse at Green Valley Ranch? If so, I highly recommend it. DH and I just went there last month and I can honestly say it's probably the best dining experience I've ever had. If you subscribe to Station Casinos' We Luv Locals program, You might be able to get a slight discount there; we bought a $50 GC for $25.

germeseh

Wallacje, did you have your reception through the hotel?

LilMissScareAll

Agree with what the other posters said, just b/c its not mentioned on here doesn't mean its a bad place.

When I started posting last year, no one (on here) had used Platinum Hotel for a wedding. I booked them based on what they offered (letting us bring some of our own vendors, including our friend to officiate), the promptness of responses, and the fact that they were willing to work with us. Since my booking them, a lot more knotties have looked into booking them. Maybe it was me talking them up, maybe not. Anyway, they were awesome, delivered fabulously, and I'm happy to try to throw business their way.

The point being, Vegas is a fluid city. People want to book based on reputation and ability to deliver. I've read many horror stories about people booking restaurants only to have them close down with in months, weeks, days of the persons wedding. Fear of that is another reason for people to stay with the front runners.

There are many resources out there besides the Knot. Use them!

downtownbebebrown

my 2 cents (which i find are always not the norm)

I looked at Maggianos and the prices seemed high to me for "Ok Pasta". I decided to stay at the Wynn, for the same price per person and have a much, MUCH better meal... 

Of course i am skipping a traditional  DJ reception & dance, but i still have Travis Allen as a sort of entertainemnt and 1st dance host... I figure later we can hit the club or not...

easy peasy!

wallacje

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_bad-rep-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:196f9aa6-01b1-4737-9ebd-d5ff53395757Post:e367291f-effe-4d63-8cf5-a8f65b808ae5">Re: Bad Rep Venues</a>:
[QUOTE]my 2 cents (which i find are always not the norm)<strong> I looked at Maggianos and the prices seemed high to me for "Ok Pasta".</strong> I decided to stay at the Wynn, for the same price per person and have a much, MUCH better meal...  Of course i am skipping a traditional  DJ reception & dance, but i still have Travis Allen as a sort of entertainemnt and 1st dance host... I figure later we can hit the club or not... easy peasy!
Posted by downtownbebebrown[/QUOTE]

Totally agree with you, but I still love their food, mainly their appetizers.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_bad-rep-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:196f9aa6-01b1-4737-9ebd-d5ff53395757Post:d8b4d741-6e73-4a93-8eaf-f4c5e523b005">Re: Bad Rep Venues</a>:
[QUOTE]Wallacje, did you have your reception through the hotel?
Posted by germeseh[/QUOTE]

I had my reception at The Orleans in the Stardust Suite - Worked great for us and the atmosphere was just what we wanted, laid back but still nice!!

smokeybailey

I was definitely off the beaten path when I chose the Golden Nugget for my nuptial needs. You need to think about what you want and how you want it to feel. There are lots of options. Don't assume you are in a box and have to plan accordingly.

verucasaltytoo

you gots to do yoru scouting aka research. Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to try different options. Every option was unreviewed until someone reviewed them. I have been to several Maggiano receptions in Ca, NV, and Texas and love their food, think it's better than ok. But I would never have an Elvis or an insuite recption. But these are all good options based on what you like. Keep an open mind and shop around.

martamax

Thanks for the input everyone...

I guess what I was trying to do a comparison to Toronto.  In Toronto, there are so many wedding options as in LV and truthfully, you are able to pretty much find some sort of wedding review in a way,shape or forum!  

I mean there are the staple places that ppl do get married, but at the same time there is a TON of variety.

I guess since I have never been to LV, I am really blind when it comes to chosing a reception venue, hotel ,etc.  And it seems a lot of ppl go with the tried, tested and true, which there is nothing wrong with, it just makes everything in comparison that I look at more critical.

I chose the wrong words when I said "bad reps"... it is just that, when a venue is great in the greater toronto area, you know about it!

Don't mind the crazy canadian

direy25 - yes! that is the one I meant - lovely to hear it would exceed my expectations!

smokeybailey - I am looking at/considering the GN... is it pricey?

I am also looking at the Plaza... I understand it went through renos.

As for Maggiano's... I would love to eat there bc I love Italian foods, but the FI not so much, he is a meat and potatoes kinda guy... mostly meat!  Love them Cdn East Coasters!!!

smokeybailey

What do you consider pricey?  They have buffets starting at $36 PP, I think, with a minimum of 50 people.  They have wedding packages starting at $295 for a weekday wedding and going up to $2295 (which is the package we got).

One man's pricey is another man's bargain so an idea of the budget that you have to spend on F&B would be helpful.

nycheryl

You may want to check Joe's Seafood (is that what it's called?).  They seem more of a meat and potatoes type place.  We were considering them, too, but went with Maggiano's   I don't like Italian, but figured it would be the most "basic" food for our guests.

Also, I'm marrying a Canadian... Canadians are cool

martamax

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_bad-rep-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:196f9aa6-01b1-4737-9ebd-d5ff53395757Post:2de69e18-8d12-4680-84f1-67511df42780">Re: Bad Rep Venues</a>:
[QUOTE]What do you consider pricey?  They have buffets starting at $36 PP, I think, with a minimum of 50 people.  They have wedding packages starting at $295 for a weekday wedding and going up to $2295 (which is the package we got). One man's pricey is another man's bargain so an idea of the budget that you have to spend on F&B would be helpful.
Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]

I am not sure of what sort of budget to expect.  I am inviting 25 ppl, expecting approx 14-16 to be able to go, so I want to budget I guess for the 25ppl.  I am not sure what sort of prices to expect, I am used to all incl pricing, and haven't really been to a place where meals have not been included... and although I have planned many corporate events, this is my first wedding planning ever.

Corporate planning is easy b/c the budget is virtually limitless! lol

My bargain is that the Cdn dollar is doing top notch when I go LOL

martamax

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_bad-rep-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:196f9aa6-01b1-4737-9ebd-d5ff53395757Post:3b7bc65f-c19b-4198-be92-634b927a3605">Re: Bad Rep Venues</a>:
[QUOTE]You may want to check Joe's Seafood (is that what it's called?).  They seem more of a meat and potatoes type place.  We were considering them, too, but went with Maggiano's :)  I don't like Italian, but figured it would be the most "basic" food for our guests. Also, I'm marrying a Canadian... Canadians are cool :)
Posted by nycheryl[/QUOTE]

Oh Joe's - yes I was considering them, my fear was that they would force me to take the smaller room b/c my party is smaller but we still want a dancing option!

smokeybailey

It's not what you expect, it's what you want to spend.  How much do you want to spend PP for F&B? 

I dont' think a ballroom reception makes sense for a group as small as yours.  Get married in the GN chapel and then head over to Vic & Anthony's for dinner then upstairs to Gold Diggers for dancing.

However, you need to budget for the number you invite.  Does your 25 include all guests and plus ones?

If you had 25-30, you can most def do a ballroom and plated dinner.  Dinners start in the 30's and go up to $67 for a lobster/filet duo.

You can expect to spend from let's call it $700 for a dinner at a buffet for 14 people to unlimitless amounts depending on what you do.  If you let people know what your budget is, they can help you better.

martamax

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_bad-rep-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:196f9aa6-01b1-4737-9ebd-d5ff53395757Post:cde5a11d-ab39-49b4-bd74-4ebf26dff09a">Re: Bad Rep Venues</a>:
[QUOTE]It's not what you expect, it's what you want to spend.  How much do you want to spend PP for F&B?  I dont' think a ballroom reception makes sense for a group as small as yours.  Get married in the GN chapel and then head over to Vic & Anthony's for dinner then upstairs to Gold Diggers for dancing. However, you need to budget for the number you invite.  Does your 25 include all guests and plus ones? If you had 25-30, you can most def do a ballroom and plated dinner.  Dinners start in the 30's and go up to $67 for a lobster/filet duo. You can expect to spend from let's call it $700 for a dinner at a buffet for 14 people to unlimitless amounts depending on what you do.  If you let people know what your budget is, they can help you better.
Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]

Good point, thanks.  The 25 includes plus 1s... and okay, with tax, sc, tips, etc, I think $80 PP sounds fair. 

smokeybailey

You can do something at the GN for that.  My PP cost was about $115 before tax and tip (I think).  That included passed appetizers (4-5 per person), 4 course meal (soup, salad, dessert and a choice of filet or sea bass), and premium open bar for 5 hours.  Our total F&B minimum was $5625.  That included food, beverage, cake, and champagne toast.  None of my other costs (flowers, linens, etc.) went towards that minimum.  And I went a bit over my min. 

If your $80 includes tax and tip then you need to find a place you can spend $62 PP for booze and food.  Pick some places and read some reviews and ask people questions about their venue.  I don't see tons of restaruarnt reviews other than Maggiano's so I am not sure if there are too many restaruant receptions.

Decide what you want and go from there.  You can do a wedding any place for just about any price...it just depends on what you want to spend. 

fceccacci

My daughter had her reception at the Flamingo Garden Terrace in October.  It was a night reception and it was excellent!  I was very worried about how it would turn out but they do a great job.  The food was excellent and it was set up very nice.  We had a dance floor in the middle.  We only had 40 people and there was enough room for everything.  The only thing I might change is ordering the cake from somewhere else.  I was not too impressed with the cake but, like I said above, the rest of the food was delicious.

martamax

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_bad-rep-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:196f9aa6-01b1-4737-9ebd-d5ff53395757Post:2ffe0282-a84e-4236-9b61-22b6a647f607">Re: Bad Rep Venues</a>:
[QUOTE]My daughter had her reception at the Flamingo Garden Terrace in October.  It was a night reception and it was excellent!  I was very worried about how it would turn out but they do a great job.  The food was excellent and it was set up very nice.  We had a dance floor in the middle.  We only had 40 people and there was enough room for everything.  The only thing I might change is ordering the cake from somewhere else.  I was not too impressed with the cake but, like I said above, the rest of the food was delicious.
Posted by fceccacci[/QUOTE]

Thank you so much fceccacci!! This is great to hear :) I appreciate the feedback!