Barry's Downtown Prime

It's not easy for a steakhouse to stand out from the crowd in Las Vegas, which makes the success of Barry's Downtown Prime especially impressive. The restaurant by Barry Dakake (formerly of N9NE and later Scotch 80 Prime at the Palms) is on the basement level of Fremont Street's Circa resort, commanding its own unique energy as a dark, seductive space that twists and turns throughout multiple semi-private dining areas.

Fortunately, the menu matches the stylish atmosphere. A mix of dry and wet-aged steaks (and the occasional wagyu cut) are complemented by fresh seafood, the selective use of pastas (seen as both an appetizer and side) and the occasional surprise (like Asian-style lobster and shrimp potstickers). Everything washes down easy with a glass of red wine or a whiskey cocktail.

“I like Barry’s because I like the chef, and it reminds me of N9NE. Some people loved N9NE and some people hated it, but I was one of the people who loved it," says Las Vegas Advisor Publisher Anthony Curtis. "And I like some of the creativity. Sure, you pay the price, but the lobster mac n' cheese is just better than what you’re going to get at most places. And it fits right in with Circa.”