Best Restaurants for Anniversaries in Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino

The highlight of our recent Las Vegas trip was dinner at Mae Daly’s at the north end of Strip near the Strat. This relatively new restaurant has an interesting backstory and pedigreed ownership, plus a 1920s Art deco vibe and calm, cool design. I loved the tiny black and white tile daisies on the floor and the giant bar with plush, rich green bar stools. Extra points for underbar purse hooks AND charging stations under the bar overhang. We made a last-minute reservation through Open Table because we were in the area—casually dressed (tech pants and plaid button up shirt for him, cropped slacks and a sweatshirt for me). Despite our lack of sharp dress, we were welcomed warmly by Tommy and offered a lovely window table in the bar area, which was less formal than the main dining area. Carrie served us in a genuine pleasant, friendly, warm manner, answering questions about the menu, beef sourcing and the restaurant history. We both enjoyed the wedge salad which came with house-made blue cheese dressing plus a bonus of a bright Champagne vinaigrette which made a fantastic flavor combination. The star of the meal however was the ⭐️16 oz bone-out ribeye, cooked medium and served over fresh herbs. We thoroughly enjoyed the crusty, full-flavor beef. We also shared the au gratin potatoes, served in a hot skillet, and preordered the chocolate soufle, which was just perfectly decadent to top off the meal. I suggest a nice cup of coffee to go with your dessert. You’ll note there’s no salt & pepper on the tables—because the food is presented perfectly seasoned. After our meal, Carrie introduced us to Richard, the owner himself, and we peppered him with more beef questions. He was gracious and knowledgeable. Our personal interactions with the wonderful people representing this restaurant made our night and truly made us feel welcomed. Of note, we’d had pricy Valentine’s Day steak at a prominent hotel/casino the night prior. Hands down we would choose Mae Daly next time!

Always skeptical about a steakhouse, we opted to try Vic and Anthony’s on a recommendation. Had a 10:45 reservation and arrived 30 minutes early thinking we would enjoy a cocktail at the bar. To our surprise, they were able to seat us right away. Our waiter Hector was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable; providing recommendations when I was being indecisive. The wine list read like an encyclopedia and the bottle prices were very reasonable. We shared a life changing crab cake as a starter. The sauce was so incredible we soaked up the deliciousness with the homemade bread. The wedge salad was very flavorful and more than enough for two people to share. My husband ordered a ribeye which was cooked to absolute perfection and had that crust most restaurants can’t achieve without a grill. Tender and delicious!! I ordered the wagyu carpaccio which was amazing. Cut paper thin, the carpaccio was like butter. Every bite was pure perfection. We couldn’t possibly fit another bite in, but Hector wanted us to try dessert and brought us two bite sized cheesecakes which were amazing. The only ding against our experience was the table we were seated at. It was sandwiched between two four tops along the windows. We were definitely close to the folks next to us, making it feel like we were at a family dinner. Which was fine, everyone was very friendly. It made our dining experience cozy but not unpleasant. The rest of the tables appeared to be spaced out okay.

Valentine's dinner, we were already expecting to wait, we knew it would be hectic which made it tolerable. We checked in with the host and were directed to the bar for drinks while we waited. We were brought to our table 45mins later which again was fine because it was expected. Drinks and conversation was good and we didn't feel the wait time. Eric was out server, he was amazing, very apologetic and sincere. Our food was also amazing, the steak and lamb cooked to our preference exactly. Prefect dining experience through and through, just come with the right mindset, everyone was working hard and doing their best.

Review of Maggiano’s Restaurant Maggiano’s provided a truly lovely dining experience. The ambiance was warm and inviting, making it the perfect setting for a special evening with a dear friend. The food was not only plentiful but also exquisitely prepared—every bite was full of rich, authentic flavors. What truly set this experience apart was the exceptional service. Our waiter was among the best I have ever encountered—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to making our meal memorable. From start to finish, everything exceeded expectations. I highly recommend this restaurant and this particular location for anyone looking to enjoy delicious Italian cuisine in an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. Whether for a special occasion or simply a great meal, Maggiano’s does not disappoint!

As I told our waiter when he asked us how he heard about Joel‘s. We originally had planned to go to Peter Luger, but the reviews were surprisingly mixed. All the reviews on Joel‘s were much higher. The meal overall was excellent. The food was extremely tasty. Well cooked or weight. Staff was helpful without being intrusive and the only minor thing was my smoked old-fashioned maple bourbon was a little on the low poor side. But my wife’s drink was excellent. We are so glad that we went to Joel‘s to celebrate Valentine’s Day.