El Cortez Hotel & Casino

El Cortez Hotel & Casino Review Jump to comments

Update: Announced in May 2024, the El Cortez Hotel & Casino will undergo a $20 million property-wide expansion that will include a new high limit lounge, a new roulette bar, a new show bar that will play black and white films and live sports, a new Asian restaurant called Hot Noods by Chinglish, and a Starbucks coffee shop. Also included in the project is the expansion of the casino's footprint by 10,000 square feet and the renovation of 4,000 square feet of the existing casino floor. The new Starbucks is expected to open in June and the restaurant is scheduled to open in early 2025.

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, 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 six times over its storied history; most recently 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. 

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. 

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