The Golden Steer may just be the reason why the phrase “if walls could talk” exists. This Strip Mall steakhouse, the oldest continually operating in Vegas, has seen it all. It hosted the biggest movie stars, the headliners of each residency, and of course, the members of the Rat Pack.
And while many huge names dined here, maybe one beats them all. The Golden Steer was Elvis’s favorite restaurant in Vegas, and each trip to Sin City included a stop here. However, the restaurant didn’t win the King’s heart with a steak – but with the only burger they’ve ever served.
A brief history of The Golden Steer
The Golden Steer has been serving ‘The Best Steaks on Earth since 1958’. In the early years, the menu included a couple more things, like game, rattlesnakes, or even turtle soup.
When the steakhouse opened, it was just a small restaurant: a bar and dining room. Throughout time, they annexed the neighboring shops, and in the ’70s they added in a larger bar with an old Victorian ambiance. Another redecoration followed in the 90s to reflect the new style, but reminiscent of ‘Old Vegas’ – when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and more similar names were just regular costumers.
If you’re trying to picture what a regular Friday night looked like at The Golden Steer back in those days…simply watch Casino. Scorsese’s movie was highly inspired by actual conversations and late-evenings spent at the restaurant. The Golden Steer’s website says: “The dining scenes immortalized in “Casino” were, in fact, real-life episodes within our walls.”
Elvis at The Golden Steer, and his famous first order
It’s no secret that Elvis loved Sin City – after all, the whole world knows the words “Viva Las Vegas”.
By ’65, the Strip Mall steakhouse was the place to be for musicians, movie stars, and Mob Members. Elvis was no exception – he loved this spot, and visited often – usually sitting in the same spot. The star became a regular during his residency at the International Hotel.
Another thing we know about Elvis is that he was a true foodie. The King loved Southern Comfort food, a banana sandwich, and a great burger. And so, his first order was something that wasn’t one the menu…not then, not now. He wanted a burger. Now, if you or I would head to a steakhouse and order a burger, we’d probably be told that’s not possible. But since Elvis was…well, Elvis…the chefs figured out how to make his wish come true. The only burger ever sold at The Golden Steer was his, made from filet trimmings.
His legacy remains at the restaurant, and not only through his unique order. Booth 4 is named in his honor where you can find 2 gold records, from his personal collection.
Curious about Elvis’s last meal? The King of Rock’n’roll had dessert: vanilla ice cream and six chocolate chip cookies.