J R.
Yelp
BOA Steakhouse Las Vegas returns after more than a decade, this time to The Venetian Resort, which apparently wants to corner the steakhouse market on the Strip (seriously; as of this review it houses Delmonico Steakhouse, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Smith & Wollensky, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, BOA, and COTE).
Through 23 October, BOA is offering Vegas locals 50% off the entire bill. Such a generous offer could not be ignored.
Full menu prices are listed.
Food
Wagyu Cigars ($28): Two hefty cylinders, presented in a cigar box, then snipped tableside to a still-substantial four pieces. Wrapper not too thick and well fried. Stuffing hella rich; one bite and I almost quit then and there. Dip rather mild but very good paired with the cigar. A bit messy to eat, shed phyllo flakes and meat morsels everywhere.
Petite Filet ($68): Reported as 8oz (the menu very oddly did not list the ounces for any of the non-waygu Turf offerings). Good sear. On the very low edge of medium-rare throughout the beef, giving a quite soft texture. Subtle seasoning, meat stood up well on its own, and pretty straightforward, which is fine.
Loaded Baked Potato ($17): Champion spud, as it ought to be at that cost. Potato at the perfect firm/fork tender consistency. Toppings weren't enough for the entire interior, but the potato tasted good anyway; like the steak, sometimes a straightforward preparation is all that is needed. Appreciated that the skin was not turned into a salt bomb.
Goat Cheese Baklava ($22): Four stacks. Uneven flavor distribution; some bites the truffle was overpowering, and cheese a bit scanty. Some phyllo layers, particularly the bottom, were a bit underdone, resisting the fork, and leading to a gummy bite. Frisee side was light citrusy deliciousness.
Drink
BOA 405 ($19x2): More fruity than savory, fresh strawberry forward. A light beginning, and I began twice.
Smoke Show ($21): Tableside pour presentation from the smoke-filled bottle. Smooth, fantastic woodsmoke scent, good contrasting maple influence to the noticeable assertive whiskey bite.
Golden Hour ($20): Foamy, enough honey and slight zest to produce a balanced soothing sipper.
Value: Above average for the food, even at full price, for the relatively sizeable portions, quality ingredients and, for the most part, preparation and resulting taste. Cocktails, though very enjoyable, got the Strip casino markup and volume was a touch light.
Atmosphere: Lounge/bar area observations only. Energetic. Loud, but manageable, and crowded most of the evening. Booth seating for shorties required a small hop up/shimmy to settle in, but did have a rail for heels. Bar had two well-positioned TVs tuned to sports.
Service:
*Minor opening issues first. Pacing was uneven and refills from the water person spotty.
*Manager(?) circulated frequently to check on guest experiences.
*To end on a happy note, staff were professionally delightful starting with the welcoming hostesses to the wonderful and helpful server Araceli.