text: Okay...anyone who frequents Las Vegas knows that many of the very best chefs in the world have restaurants there. It is literally a city oozing with 5 star sauces. The problem is, many of the restaurants are jammed into smoky casinos, overpriced, and often focus on the show more than the food.  Sure...go to Switch once and watch in awe as the walls change and the roof rotates before your eyes.  It will be entertaining, and take your mind off the fact that you are about to get a $400 bill.  Everyone should experience it at least once. No pain no gain.\n\nFor those of you who consider a night \"off the strip\" somewhat of a victory however, I strongly  recommend that you give The Barrymore a try.  It does not have flashy dancers, crazy lasers, moving walls, ice sculptures, or celebrity chefs.  What it does have however, is old Vegas charm and...oh yeah...excellent food.  \n\nThe ambiance is more Lionel Barrymore than Drew Barrymore in almost every respect.  The dining room is warm and cozy with plush booths and a classy 40's-style movie motif.  One truly feels as if they might just look in the booth next to them and catch a glimpse of Bogey or Grant sipping on a cosmopolitan with a lady friend.  \n\nThe staff is great as well.  From the time we walked in and sat down, we received flawless service.  Our head waiter was dressed in a white dinner jacket and looked as if he could have just finished serving Lionel himself.  He was fully familiar with the dinner menu, bar specialties, and did not hesitate to offer his opinion on wine choices.   The evening manager also stopped by our table, introduced himself, and asked about our experience. \n\nWe dined on NY Strip steak, braised short ribs, and a wonderful risotto. Each dish was well executed, top quality, and very enjoyable. The highlight was a wonderful roasted artichoke, which still haunts my taste buds two weeks later. \n\nSo, if you are in Vegas looking for a flashy trendy restaurant named after some celebrity on the Food Network, you may be happier on the strip eating a $35 shrimp cocktail with the din of slot machines in the background.  If however, you are looking for a classy, elegant, dining experience with a real \"old Vegas\" feel.  Give The Barrymore a try.  The difference is black and white!