Vegas is a hot spot for all types of party goers and socialites, but it’s always good to wind down with a drink and just relax. If you’re one of those party animals that is just looking for a cold glass of your favorite drink, a welcoming atmosphere, and a good time, then Yard House is the place to be. Good food and affordability are definitely attractive factors, but Yard House draws the crowd with its huge selection of prime beers that will please anyone. Here, the food is served alongside the drinks rather than the other way around. While you’re waiting for your food you can also check out the back where all the brews are being held in the restaurant.

This is one of my favorite places to visit.  I am always in the mood for Yard House.  Exiting appetizers, awesome entrees, great beer on tap and good music keep me coming back.  This a great place to get flame grilled, blackened or macadamia nut crusted fish.  I’m addicted to the pure flavor of the flame grilled Monchong, when available, accompanied by that delicious mango/papaya chutney.  Reminds me of the seafood I love back home. – Frank M.

For a great time and even better beer, check out Yard House especially during happy hour!

Yard House is located at 6593 Las Vegas Blvd S.  Las Vegas, NV 89119 and can be contacted at 702-734-9273. Find them online at http://www.yardhouse.com/NV/las__vegas/

Good things come in small packages, and sometimes even tiny stores away from the main road. In this case, if you’ve seen a blaring green truck passing by the UNLV campus then you’ve seen the flagship vehicle of Beat the Bookstore, one of the best places to pick up textbooks and other supplies for college. College is already expensive – there is no reason to spend more money than you have to on all of the textbooks and materials you need for your classes. Beat the Bookstore is just down the street from UNLV and offers prices that are unbeatable. With new and used sales, renting, and a superb buyback price, textbooks can feel at home at Beat the Bookstore and students can expect to get a fair deal whether they’re buying or selling their books. Not to mention they’ll help you find your books if you give them a copy of your schedule.

Not the prettiest place, but that’s not the purpose of this store. This is the cheapest place to purchase textbooks for UNLV courses. The service is really good. If they have to ship a certain book in for you, they will call you when it’s ready. Furthermore, a book that was not for rent at either the UNLV Bookstore or Rebelbooks, I was able to rent at Beat the Bookstore. I definitely recommend this place for anyone looking to purchase textbooks for UNLV courses. You shouldn’t spend more than you have to, especially for textbooks. – Ken M.

So before you regret buying your books elsewhere, check out Beat the Bookstore, the best place to get your textbooks!

Beat the Bookstore is located at 4632 S Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89119 and can be contacted at (702) 454-2665. Follow them on http://twitter.com/btblv and find them on both myspace and facebook.

Vegas has a real craving for sushi. You’ll find it everywhere – in your grocery store, down the street at the local sushi bar, or maybe even in a buffet, but finding good sushi is something that takes a little work. Before you decide to try another place and see if it’s any good, try out Xtreme Sushi. Three words sum up this place: convenient, affordable, and delicious. It’s like taking a step into Japan itself for a bite of their famous cuisine. All the classics from ramen to curry to soba, not to mention sushi of all kinds. Handrolls are made to perfection and sushi rolls are made with professional hands. This is definitely a place to order AYCE because you’ll want to try everything that comes out of that kitchen! Everything is fresh and tastes as if they had just caught it themselves. Nothing is to be overlooked here – you’ll just have to try it all to see how amazing it is for yourself.

I love sushi, Xtreme Sushi’s quality in fish is by far the best that I have ever had and I’ve been all over, and still keep coming back for more, because I know every time I go in for dinner, it’s always consistent, and the service is always nothing but courteous. I would have to say that my favorite is the Kayla roll, and the yoshi roll, they are worth the wait and the drive!! I also love the yum yum hand rolls with tempura crunch, the tuna poki and baked mussels, they are all fantastic. I would definately recommend this sushi restaurant to all my friends, and the best part is it’s ALL YOU CAN EAT and are now open for lunch starting Jan 1st……YUMMY!! – Kristina R.

Take a trip down to Xtreme Sushi and see for yourself. I promise you that you will not be disappointed.

Xtreme Sushi is located at 10670 S Southern Highlands Pkwy Ste 104 Las Vegas, NV 89141 and can be contacted at (702) 437-8744.

Rewind the time and take yourself back a few years to the era of soda jerks serving you up malts in their clean, crisp white outfits. This is the golden age of ice cream where it is handmade and everything is deliciously thick and tasty. Ice cream is not mass produced, but handcrafted to create that perfect consistency and wonderful flavor. Now fast forward to the present and you’ll find yourself at Nielsen’s Frozen Custard, one of the best places to chill out during the Vegas sun. This place brings you back to the past without being too far from home. Everything along the walls brings the golden age of the 50s back to the present while offering the best ice cream it had to offer. Nielsen’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to custard – they keep it fresh, frosty, and full of flavor. Toppings just make each bite that much more amazing. A sundae is the most complex thing you’ll find here; everything is simple. Whether it’s a scoop in a cone or cup, a concrete, or a float, these frozen treats are simply delicious. Best of all service is done with a smile, making this seem like less of a ice cream shop and more like being at home with some friends.

My go-to place for frozen custard in Vegas. PERFECT, silky, rich and delicious in flavor and texture. Their vanilla is utterly addictive (i’ve been getting it once a week! Ouch!) but I think the best part might be their hand-made waffle cone. The batter is rich and has just a dash of cinnamon to make you stand up and take notice.

Atmosphere inside is cute, and the people working there are nice. There is a daily special flavor, but i’ve never gotten it. I stick to vanilla, but when cashew caramel is made fresh next time i’m there, I may just have to try it! – Lisa K.

Taste it, try it, and love it. Nielsen’s is the premier ice cream shop in all of Las Vegas, and rightly so. With some of the best frozen treats this side of the Mississippi, who can argue?

Nielsen’s Frozen Custard can be found at 9595 S Eastern Ave Ste 120 Las Vegas, NV 89123 and contacted at (702) 451-4711. Check their full menu out at www.nielsensfrozencustard.net

This isn’t the first or only hot dog and burger joint in Las Vegas, but you can be sure that it’s one of the best. Few places serve up food as great as this. Warm, tasty, and fairly priced, these burgers and dogs have all the flavors from across the nation. Dogs come with a variety of flavors and toppings that will remind you of grabbing a street dog off the streets of New York or ordering up one in your favorite city and finishing it off with local toppings. Best of all, each of their dogs has that great snap when you bite into it, making each bite more delicious than the last. Their grille isn’t to be forgotten either, offering delicious sandwiches and burgers that will make your mouth water. Grab a small side of fries, maybe a root beer or milkshake, and you’ll have that classic meal that will curb your appetite and still leave your taste buds wanting more.

“Words do no justice… this place serves out of this world hot dogs with all kinds of fixings.  It was seriously hard to choose which one to order!  But no problem, since hubby and I will definitely be going back to sample more!   This time, I ordered the New Yorker – topped with onion sauce, sauerkraut and spicy mustard.  The casing snapped when I bit into it.. heaven!  My husband tried the Chicago style and it disappeared down his gullet in seconds!   In addition to hot dogs, they also offer bratwurst, Italian sausage, chicken sausage, kielbasa, (+ more but I can’t remember all the types now), also crisp fries with all kinds of toppings, burgers, fried shrimp, fish and chips, salads, etc.  The place was hopping when we visited, friendly staff, happy eating people – a winning combination!   For me, a real Northwest Vegas hidden treat!” – Raqi R.

Next time you’re in town swing by Famous Uncle Al’s Hot Dog and Grille for juicy burgers, delicious hot dogs, and crisp fries that will make your next meal a memory.

Famous Uncle Al’s Hot Dog and Grille has three locations:

10690 Southern Highlands Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89141 (702)-823-3647

6010 W Craig Rd Las Vegas, NV 89130 (702) 877-3647

7835 S Rainbow Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89139 (702)-385-3647

When you’re out and about, food is usually one of the first things to come to mind. Before you head to a fast food restaurant or one of those all-too-common casino buffets, take a drive down to one of Las Vegas’ highly rated restaurants: Pin Kaow. This premiere restaurant has an atmosphere that places you at ease while having Thai flare. With dimmed lights and wonderful decor, this is a great place for a nice lunch or dinner for a night out with the family or with someone special.

The saying “add a little spice to your life” is something that we’ve all heard one time or another. In this case though, a little bit of literal spice doesn’t hurt in the least. With heat on a scale of 1 to 10, you’ll be able to test your taste buds while giving them a taste of masterfully prepared Thai cuisine. The curry is superb as are all of the dishes, and with fair prices for the portions, this is one restaurant that will fill you up without draining your budget. Dishes are served family style so if you’re looking to share your food or sneak a taste off your friend’s plate you can. And I guarantee you’ll be trying a bit of everything because the flavors are so diverse but at the same time so delicious.

If a Thai restaurant can be comfort food for two white bread Americans, this is the place. I first  tried this place almost about 3.5 years ago because the wifey worked just up the road. I had eaten Thai food before, but wasn’t sold on it. After my first visit to the PK2 my mind was changed forever. I can’t count how many times we’ve been back, but its in the 10′s for sure.

The service and staff are super friendly, very kind and willing to make the substitutions you want. I wasn’t always a vegetarian, but they are willing to make substitutions for both my wife and I that can verge on the weird (pad thai with no meat and only broccoli as veggie for example). Having tried many Thai and Chinese places throughout Vegas, I’ve not found better veggie spring rolls. I only wish I could make them this good at home.

- Jacob M.

Whether you’re a fan of the heat or looking to stay cool with a deliciously satisfying meal, Pin Kaow is the destination for your Thai desires.

Pin Kaow has three locations in Vegas and can be reached at these numbers or at the website below:

1974 N Rainbow Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89108 (702) 638-2746

7835 S. Rainbow Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89139 (702) 614-4805

9530 S Eastern Ave Ste 100 Henderson, NV 89077 (702) 407-1188

http://www.pinkaowthai.com/

College has officially started up for the fall semester and everyone is busy getting ready for their classes. If you’re one of the thousands of other students who didn’t prepare for college to start up again, then you will probably be heading to class without the books, materials, or gear that you need. Before you start crying as you spend hundreds of dollars at the campus bookstore, take a walk across Maryland Parkway to find Rebelbooks, your one-stop shop for everything you need for college. Supplies, UNLV merchandise, and those outrageously expensive textbooks can be found at deep discounts in this little store hiding across from the In N Out. Even when the campus bookstore is finally buying back textbooks, they still don’t compare to Rebelbooks, who buy back at higher prices and are always accepting books.

They always have prices cheaper than UNLV. They have the same books and if you go with your class schedule they will help you get the books you need. They have sales all the time and even the UNLV gear is cheaper than at the campus bookstore. There is usually no line and its cleaner and way more organized! -SaraLee A.

Going to CSN? Rebelbooks II is the College of Southern Nevada’s equivalent of Rebelbooks, so expect to find the same amazing selection and discounts as the UNLV Rebelbooks store. There’s no shortage of school spirit or academic supplies here either, and everything you need to be a CSN student and supporter is available at very affordable prices. So before you set foot into class again, be sure to stock up on everything you need at Rebelbooks!

Rebelbooks is located at 4702 S Maryland Pkwy Las Vegas, NV 89119 and can be contacted by phone at 702-891-0276. Their website is http://www.rebelbook.com/

Rebelbooks II is located at 6250 W Charleston Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89146 and its phone number is (702) 877-2821. Their website is http://www.rebelbooks2.com/

All You Can Eat (AYCE) is something that you’ll see everywhere in Vegas. Should the typical buffet not exactly whet your appetite, there’s plenty of AYCE sushi places that you can try, but Kobe Sushi is one that you should try first. One thing you can expect just from walking in the doors – speedy service. From the door to your table there is virtually no wait, and the same is true for your food. Sushi is prepared and at your table almost as fast as you order it, and before your plates are empty your next round of orders is carried to your table. Most of the menu from salads to entrees is included for AYCE during dinner, so there’s no shortage of options on this menu. Throw in a few drinks, alcoholic or not, and you’ll have quite the feast coming to your table with the only limit being your appetite. Despite how much there is to order and try at Kobe, the food is definitely top notch and well worth the price.

I just ate here for the first time the other weekend with some of my friends and I had a great experience. We went at 1pm on a Sunday and got great service and the rolls came out at a good pace. The all you can eat menu is extensive AND there’s no time limit, so you can sit as long as you like. It also included dessert at the end!! I would definitely return here again. – Rachel G.

Kobe Sushi Bistro is a great place to get your sushi fix and share a great meal by yourself or with some friends. Just be sure to leave room for dessert!

Kobe Sushi Bistro is located at 6375 South Rainbow Blvd Suite 102-104 Las Vegas, NV 89118 and can be contacted at (702) 898-9998 for information and reservations.

Being Vegas there’s always food just around the corner. A buffet at the casino, a high end restaurant on the strip, maybe even a fast food place down the street from your hotel – no matter where you go food is never far away. Sometimes though, that one little restaurant off the beaten path is the one that will definitely be the one that makes your dollar go the extra mile and truly make your meal amazing. If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy a meal off the strip without the frills to drive up the price, Hot N Juicy Crawfish is the perfect place to be. With a simple homey atmosphere and the aroma of fresh seafood lingering right when you park, you can be sure that great tasting food and a wonderful eating experience is waiting just inside the doors. Whether you’re ordering shrimp, king crab legs, or the namesake crawfish, you’ll be sure to be stuffed to the brim with some of the best tasting seafood in all of Vegas (and maybe even the world!).

Hot N Juicy Crawfish places the focus of the meal on what really matters – the food. Simple plastic table covers and lobster bibs make this seem like a normal family crawfish boil, but this is definitely something on a totally different level. When you see a steaming bag full of crawfish and corn soaking in a bath of sauce placed onto your table, you’ll realize the bibs and paper towels are completely necessary. It may be a little messy, but all the effort and mess is worth it when you taste how amazing the perfectly cooked seafood is. Cooked in the Hot N Juicy seasoning and served alongside a few potatoes and some corn, and you’ll have a feast that will feed the masses and satisfy the food critic in you.

“I go to Vegas FOR this place’s crawfish. I have nothing but good memories. I always eat too much and border on destroying my stomach but i mean… look at what you’re eating. There has to be some enormous bag of cayenne pepper somewhere in the kitchen. I never regret it though and I even wake up the next day wanting to do it again.” -Quentin T.

With the backing of the Travel Channel’s Man v. Food, you know this place is one to try. Hot N Juicy Crawfish has portions big enough to satisfy Adam Richman’s virtually insatiable hunger and enough flavor to make him say , and you can be sure that they will go beyond your expectations and make your meal a memory not soon to be forgotten. If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, go take a seat and dive into a pile of crawfish at Hot N Juicy. I guarantee you that you will be coming back for more.

Also check them out at http://hotandjuicycrawfish.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/hotnjuicy_crawfish for a glimpse of their menu and what their restaurant has to offer.

Tired of the generic frozen yogurt places popping up all over Vegas? “There’s less fat! But you can add all those great toppings! It tastes just as good as ice cream!” There are endless arguments for how good frozen yogurt is, but if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth with something a little more substantial than this “soft serve substitute” then you need to go to Sheridan’s Frozen Custard. This cold treat needs no toppings to make it amazing. Sheridan’s frozen custard is already phenomenal before you throw in a mix-in, and adding that bit of fruit or chocolate makes your frozen custard that much more decadent and delicious. Every day fresh frozen custard is made in house, with a flavor of the day joining vanilla and chocolate. Orders are made by the scoop or mixed together with great toppings to make their signature concretes. No matter what though, all their offerings are mouth-watering. Not to mention their old school theme, which adds a bit of flare and makes the restaurant a sight in of itself.

Once you have had Sheridan’s – you CRAVE it like crazy!!! Sooooo good!!! You pick your fav flavor combinations or choose one that they have created and cleverly named. The custard is sweet and creamy. The service is always fast and friendly. The store is VERY clean. Tons of add in’s to chose from! You cant go wrong.  Way better then the DQ!!! -Erin B.

Whether you’re ordering a concrete or a malt, Sheridan’s is the destination for your frozen fix. Word to the wise – show up early because you never know when the custard will run out.
Chill out with a concrete at Sheridan’s Frozen Custard located at 10385 S. Eastern Ave Henderson, NV 89052. Give them a call at (702) 558-3344 and see their menu at http://www.sheridansfrozencustard.com/default.asp