Rampart Casino, 221 N. Rampart Blvd.; 507-5900

Probably the thing we liked most about the Carmel Room was its way of melding Old Vegas and new in food, atmosphere and even service. We loved it all, which included oysters Rockefeller, an ahi tartar trio, pan-roasted Chilean sea bass, beef Wellington, mashed potatoes with Cheddar cheese and a souffle that was half chocolate, half Grand Marnier. (5/4/07)

Overall: A $$$$

CJ'S TEXAS BARBEQUE

7865 W. Sahara Ave.; 233-0190

This is no-frills barbecue that might remind you of those Texas roadside places with the picnic tables and stock tanks of soft drinks and meats ordered by the pound and served on paper. The barbecue includes very good brisket, ribs and turkey; as for the sides, the macaroni and cheese was the best of the bunch. Oh, and we liked the Shiner Bock. (11/23/07)

Overall: B+ $

HOFBRÄUHAUS LAS VEGAS

4510 Paradise Road; 853-2337

An experience at the Hofbräuhaus has much to do with the room in which one is seated. The rear "indoor beer garden" is almost too quiet, but the raucous front room is more in keeping with the atmosphere of the Munich original. As for the food, the Sauerbraten was a tad on the dry side but the Nürmberger Rostbratwürstl, Bavarian Liver Mousse and Obazter, Swiss cheese with radishes, butter and rye bread, and Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte would make Oma proud. (12/17/08)

Overall: B+ $$

RAO'S

Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South; (877) 346-4642

We had to reserve well in advance to dine at Rao's; in keeping with the New York original, this is a tough table. Was it worth it? For the most part, yes. Clams oregonata had been overbrowned, but we liked the Insalata Caprese, fettucine alla Bolognese, Uncle Vincent's Famous Lemon Chicken and ricotta cheesecake. (6/1/07)

Overall: B $$$