El Cortez Hotel & Casino

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The El Cortez has been a staple in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada since 1941, so if you're looking for a nostalgic and affordable Vegas experience, the 21 and over only property is the place to be. Located off the Strip in the heart of the Fremont East Entertainment District, the 361-room and suite hotel features 3,200 sq ft of meeting and event space, a spa and a full-service beauty salon and barbershop, and a wide range of restaurants and bars, including two video poker bars, with everything from vintage Vegas flavors to high-quality pizza, including Siegel's 1941.

The casino has a nice mix of gaming machines including about 1,000 video poker, video keno, video reels, and multi-game machines. There are nearly 20 table games for Blackjack, 3 Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Roulette and Craps, a Race & Sports Book (connected to Station Casinos for access anyhwere in Nevada via the app) and a High Limit Room. 

Built at a cost of $245,000 and operated on East Fremont Street, El Cortez was Downtown Las Vegas’ first major resort, before being sold in 1945 to a Mid-West group that included mobster Bugsy Siegel on behalf of Meyer Lansky, a.k.a the "Mob's Accountant." Some twenty years later, in 1963 Jackie Gaughan purchased the El Cortez from John Kell Houssels for $4 million. The property again changed hands in 2008 when Kenny Epstein acquired the Las Vegas icon. The casino's operating company, IKE Gaming, Inc. takes its name from Ike Epstein, a bookmaker from Chicago who relocated to Las Vegas in 1959 to help open the Stardust. Ike was reportedly the current owner, Kenny's father. 

El Cortez Hotel & Casino has been renovated seven times over its storied history, including the most recent in February 2025, when a $20 million property-wide expansion saw the addition of nearly 10,000 square feet to the facility's footprint. Two new bars called the Roulette Bar and Showbar, a new high-limit slots area, an expanded table games area and a noodle restaurant aptly named Hot Noods were added. Prior to that, the El Cortez was expanded in 2021. 

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Dining & Restaurants

The Parlour Bar & Lounge

• Serving: Bar/Pub, Small Plate Appetizers

The Parlour Bar & Lounge at El Cortez is a "Cheers" kind of place where, even if nobody else knows your name, the bartender is glad to learn it, what you like to drink, and how you want it made. Of course if you just want to put yourself into his well trained hands you can order one of the twelve specialty martinis on the menu. This is also the place to see award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist John Brooks channel Elvis every Friday and Saturday night. For eats they offer a good variety of small bites from fish tacos to grilled shrimp, artichoke dip,  chicken and pulled pork sliders, and lollipop wings to name a few.

Happy Hour daily. 

Siegel's 1941

• Serving: Steak, American

Located just steps from the slots, Siegel's 1941 is a club-style, throwback restaurant and bar serving classic dishes, wine and cocktails. Guests choose from an All-Day Menu with breakfast, deli, entrees, salads and starters, with everything from Buttermilk Belgian Style Waffles, NY Steak & Eggs and Smoked Salmon to Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus, Reuben Sandwich, Liver & Onions, the Meyer Lansky Burger and more. Be sure to ask about the weekly special. 

Eureka!

• Serving: American

Eureka! at El Cortez is a laid-back, industrial-style bar and restaurant, serving craft beer and small batch spirits, along with healthy burgers made with California Angus raised - Santa Carota beef, greens, chicken sandwiches and tenders and snacks like Mac N’ Cheese Balls, Truffle Cheese Fries, Crispy Glazed Brussels Sprouts and more.

Sushi Ichiban

• Serving: Sushi, Japanese

Open daily, Sushi Ichiban is a casual eatery with all-you-can-eat Japanese cuisine including sushi, seafood & other Japanese bites, and dessert. 

Hot Noods

• Serving: Noodles

Hot Noodz Noodle Bar at the El Cortez is where bold flavors and fun collide! Brought to you by the team behind Chinglish, this vibrant eatery serves up delicious Asian comfort food, from flavorful noodles to mouthwatering dumplings. But it's not just about the food—it's about the experience! Pair your meal with Sake Bombs and soak in the lively atmosphere. At Hot Noodz, it’s all about good times, great bites, and unforgettable flavors in the heart of Downtown Vegas. Open 7 days a week.

 

Showbar

El Cortez Venues & Hotspots

The Parlour Bar

Open daily, The Parlour Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere to sit back and enjoy something from the great liquor selection and try your luck at bar-top gaming. Happy Hour is daily from 5pm to 7pm at this spot where everyone knows your name. 

Ike's

Located in the Pit on the casino floor at El Cortez, Ike's is a 24-hour bar with 1,300 sq ft of lounge area where visitors can watch the big game on 10 55-inch televisions and three 65-inch TVs or enjoy bar-top gaming. Choose from cocktails, beer and if you're hungry, order from the Siegel’s 1941 menu through Siegel’s Gameside. 

ShowBar

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the vintage charm of classic Vegas at ShowBar in the El Cortez Hotel & Casino. This stylish lounge blends old-school glamour with modern excitement, offering handcrafted cocktails, lively entertainment, and an ambiance straight out of the golden age of Hollywood. With a massive video screen setting the scene and 15 bartop video poker machines for added thrill, ShowBar delivers the perfect mix of nostalgia and nightlife in the heart of downtown Las Vegas.

Roulette Bar

Roulette Bar at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino is one of the most unique spots in Downtown Vegas, where the thrill of the game meets the perfect pour. Step up to the bar and enjoy a delicious cocktail in a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the casino floor. Whether you're soaking in the excitement or testing your luck at the bartop video poker machines, this dynamic bar keeps the action going—just like the game that inspired its name!

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