Nevada Medical Marijuana Opens in Laughlin

Laughlin, NV

Medical Marijuana has become a reality in Laughlin, Nevada.  Right in the middle of Casino Drive.

On Saturday, December 12th the dispensary Nevada Medical Marijuana quietly opened their doors.

The dispensary is located right on the corner of Casino Drive and Bruce Woodbury.   It is just in front of the Laughlin Event Center and next to the Laughlin Outlet Mall.  Just across from the Edgewater Casino.

The dispensary is available to server any legal MMJ cardholder from any state.  Not just Nevada.

Opinion: 

Putting the merits of MMJ aside, we believe this is a poor location for the dispensary.  In our opinion it should not be front and center in the most visible area for tourists and visitors.  Surely there are other locations in Laughlin that would of been more suitable.  Read more here about how this dispensary came to be. 

Current hours for the dispensary are:

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday  and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.  Check ahead, as they are subject to change solely by the dispensary.  (702) 298-4810

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El Burro Borracho Laughlin

Laughlin, NV

A visit to Guy Fieri's El Burro Borracho in Harrah's Laughlin

El Burro Borracho has been open for about a year now.   Signs proclaim the 1 year anniversary, and not long ago Guy Fieri visited with guests at his eatery in Laughlin.

 

We stopped by a drink and to grab something to eat last week.  There were no lines like we had seen earlier in the year, but this is the "slow season" in Laughlin.

As much as I wanted one, I had to pass on the Jalapeno Cilantro Margarita (show below).  We also passed on the delicious (and highly recommended) Trash Can Nachos so we could try something
different.

Jalapeno Cilantro Margarita

Trash Can Nachos

Pictures courtesy of "Eddie Molera" from the 

Laughlin Buzz Rants and Raves group

 Portions are very big and easily shareable or good to take some of it home for a snack.  We ordered the Drunken Fish Tacos and the Chicken Fajitas.

We normally won't order fish tacos if the fish is Swai or Tilapia, but Guy Fieri's were made with Mahi Mahi so we gave it a try.

  

Menu prices show the non Total Rewards Card Holder price and the discounted price (usually one dollar) for Total Rewards Card Holders.  Cards are free at the Total Rewards Desk so get one. 

We order them baja-style and they were very fresh and tasty. The order came with 3 good sized tacos along with rice and beans.    If you don't particularly like the flavor of lime then it might not be for you.  We, however, thought the Tequila Lime flavor was very good.  Many of the dishes we have tried at El Burro Borracho go heavy on the lime.

Fajitas are a big portion as well.  However, there are only 3 small tortillas included.  There is far more on the to fill them with then there is room.  Perhaps they would give extras tortillas if asked.   These were served sizzling hot and the chicken was juicy and well seasoned.   

Fajitas - Pollo 

El Burro Borracho also has a small bar area where you can sit and order.   Guy Fieri also had a wonderful dedication and tribute to his sister (who passed away) painted on the ceiling of El Burro Borracho.

We skipped dessert as well, even though wanted to try the Churros based on recommendations from others.   Perhaps next time.

Here is a link to the current El Burro Borracho menu (including signature drinks):

https://www.caesars.com/content/dam/lau/Dining/Casual/el-burro-borracho/Harrahs-Laughlin-Dining-Casual-el-burro-borracho-menu.pdf

Service was very good.  It wasn't over the top like the first time we visited.  That time they servers were all using Guy Fieri's catch phrases, which were fun but really not necessary.  We did notice they had (at least on this visit) replaced the very cool cloth napkins with standard Harrah's Laughlin napkins.  The original ones were nice, helped add to the experience.

Before and After Napkins

They no longer used the cute Burro holders to serve the water in.   This was another nice touch that was missing.  Those kinds of things helped make it a unique experience to go with the premium prices on the menu.

Our tab for a beer, a signature drink, and two entrees came to $52 before tip.  It isn't the cheapest Mexican Food in town but it is very good and full of flavor.  Definitely, the best in Laughlin, in our opinion.   

Note: for December of 2015, they are only open on the weekends due to it being the slow season in Laughlin.   

Guy Fieri will also be adding another location for El Burro Borracho in Las Vegas.  The new and even bigger restaurant will be going in at The Rio Las Vegas in the space formerly occupied by Buzzio's.   Watch for it in 2016. 

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only.  The review is based on our own experience and yours may differ.  Dates, menus, times, events, times, are the sole responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

Laughlin visitor numbers flat for October

Laughlin, NV




Statistics from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority show visitor volume in Laughlin for October was virtually unchanged compared to the same period last year. 

There were 162,028 visitors during October of 2015 compared to 161,974 in October of 2014.

Other stats:
Room Occupancy was up 2.5% to 61.7%
Average daily room rate was up 3.7% to $43.22

Gross gaming revenue for the same period was also about the same.  It was up slightly by 0.6%.  

See more details on the Laughlin October Gaming Revenue here.

Graphic from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Website at
http://www.lvcva.com/includes/content/images/media/docs/ES-Oct-2015.pdf

*Numbers are comparisons based on the same month for the previous year.

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All content is presented for informational purposes and are based on data from the  and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority    We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein.    

Laughlin Gaming Revenue Up; Vegas Declines for October 2015

Laughlin, Nevada

Casinos in Laughlin, NV posted a slight gaming revenue increase for the month of October 2015, while the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and the Boulder Strip declined. 

The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported gaming revenue in Nevada (statewide) was down 2.9% in October, compared to a year ago.  Statewide gaming revenue was $887.6 million in October. compared to $902.6 million in September 2014.   Locally, Laughlin Casinos showed a strong increase of 7.9 percent.

The breakdown by area was as follows:

Las Vegas Strip     -  down -5.12% 
Downtown Vegas  -  down -6.5% 
Laughlin                -  up 0.59%
North Las Vegas    -  down -3.96%
Boulder Strip          -  down -6.55%
Mesquite                 -  up 2.87%

Clark County (where Laughlin and Vegas are located) had an overall gaming revenue decrease of  -4%.for October.

Chart excerpt above taken from the Nevada Gaming Control Board Press Release which can be viewed in it's entirety at:  http://gaming.nv.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=10627

Gaming numbers are comparisons based on the same month for the previous year.  

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All content and pictures are presented for informational purposes and are based on and taken from the Nevada Gaming Control Board Press Releases. Laughlin Buzz is not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein

3rd Quarter Revenue up at Aquarius Casino Resort

Laughlin, Nevada

American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (“ACEP”), the operator of Aquarius Casino in Laughlin, and the Stratosphere and two Arizona Charlie's properties in Vegas, reported financial results for the 3rd quarter of 2015.

Of local interest, in Laughlin, at the Aquarius Resort, Net Revenue increased 4.5% 
in 2015 compared to the same quarter in 2014.

At the Aquarius:
Hotel Revenue was up  6.0%
Casino Revenue was up 3.3%
Food and Beverage Revenue was up 8.0%

To see the entire press release and numbers for the other properties, visit:

http://www.acepllc.com/InvestorRelations/Investor/PressReleases

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Statistics were taken from the American Casino & Entertainment Properties quarterly press release of November 16, 2015 and can be viewed at: 

http://www.acepllc.com/InvestorRelations/Investor/PressReleases

All content and pictures are presented for informational purposes. Time, events, data, and dates are subject to change by the property responsible for them. Number are quoted and taken from ACEP Press release referenced. We are not affiliated with, nor receive any compensation from any of the properties or entities mentioned herein. 

Laughlin Hidden Gem? Great BBQ, Pool, Beer and more...

Laughlin, NV

Old Town Saloon 
Blaze N Blues BBQ

Hidden (in plain sight) Gem?   Or just undiscovered?

In what was just our second and third trip to the Old Town Saloon and Blaze N Blues BBQ--we loved it.  Except for one thing (details at the end of this article).

We visited once during the week and once on the weekend.  The Old Town Saloon has two pool tables ($1 a game, free on Wednesdays), darts, plenty of space at the bar, tables to eat at and even a small dance floor area.

Bands or DJ's are featured at times on weekend nights.  A modern "juke box" is on the wall as well. Country music is the theme.

Really good BBQ comes out of the small kitchen off to one side of the bar where Blaze N Blues is located. All you do is check out the menu, go up to the window, place your order and 20-30 minutes later they will call your name or number.  It is so good, it is worth the wait.

We tried many of the items, especially the second time when there was a group.

The Baby Back Ribs were among the best we have had in Laughlin.  On both visits they were hot, fall off the bone tender, with a really good homemade bbq sauce.  

In addition to the ribs we also sampled the

☆ Pulled pork sandwich

☆ Zucchini Spears
☆ Mac N Cheese Bites
☆ Tri-Tip Bruchetta

All of them were very good and we highly recommend them.  They a couple dozen other items too, including Burgers, Sliders, Tacos, and even Wings.  Wings appear to be served only during NFL games only.

Monday is Burger Madness, price starts at $5 and you build-your-own.  Free hand-cut fries with each burger ordered.

Wednesday is Free Pool Day  and  Thursday is Thirsty Thursday featuring $1 domestic draft beer.

  

We found the prices to be very good for the quality of BBQ and the beer and drink prices very fair, with specials during the Sunday football games.

The best part is they are not too busy.  At least all three times we have been there.  Perhaps the pace picks up later in the evenings or on the weekends when the DJ or Bands start.

It is sort of surprising that the Old Town Saloon hasn't caught on yet.  That's alright with us though, let it remain semi-undiscovered for as long as possible!

The Old Town Saloon is located on Casino Drive between the Laughlin Rivr Lodge and Harrah's.


***  Keep in mind you must be 21 and older to enter.  So, if you have people in your group who are under 21 and want to try the BBQ, it will have to be to go!  ****

The one thing we didn't love?
The bartender was friendly, the drinks were comped and fast, but the machines on the bar weren't very kind to us. Granted, we only played a short while while we ate.   At least on the first visit.  The second time we did break even.  In other words, no luck. We didn't go there for the gambling anyway! Maybe next time.

Update:   See the new Blaze N Blues BBQ Menu Here

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only.  The review is based on our own experience and yours may differ.  Dates, menus, prices, times, events, referred to are the sole responsibility of the establishment and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

Saltgrass Steakhouse - Golden Nugget Laughlin Early Dining Special

Laughlin, NV

Golden Nugget Laughlin
Saltgrass Steakhouse

Early Bird Special - Review

Earlier in the month we dropped in the Saltgrass Steakhouse at the Golden Nugget in Laughlin.  We realized we were just in time for the Early Dining Special.   Early Dining sounds much better than Early Bird.

We had already ordered an appetizer of the Zucchini and drinks but the early dining choices looked like a really good deal.  Especially when compared to the rest of the prices on the menu. 

We went with the 6 oz. Gulf Coast Steak and Shrimp.   The steak (top sirloin) was very tender and cooked perfectly. In the past when we had the sirloin special it seemed to be hit or miss, but this time it was excellent.   The 3 shrimp were good and were made better by the very zesty cocktail sauce.   You can swap out the garlic mashed for other choices like a Baked Potato for a $1.50.     For the price of $14.99 it was a good price and nice meal.   Because it was earlier and not the weekend, the restaurant was not excessively busy or loud.   Service was fast and professional.   

The Lemon Pepper Zucchini were very lightly battered and fried.  They were among the best ones we have had in Laughlin.   For $8.49 it was a big enough portion for 3-4 to share.  

There are several other choices on the Early Dining Menu for ranging from $12.99 to $14.99.  Available only Sunday-Thursday from 4-6PM*

Hint:  Watch the drink prices, like so many restaurants now they often do not put the prices on the menu. Ask so you don't get surprised when the check comes.   Unless you don't care the price, then drink up!  

Saltgrass won the Best Steak award in the Laughlin Buzz 2015 Best of Laughlin.  

We recommend the early dining menu if you want a good steak at a good price.

*The Early Dining Menu and prices mentioned here were current as of the posting of this review and are solely subject to change by the restaurant.  

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only.  The review is based on our own experience and yours may differ.  Dates, menus, times, events, times, are the sole responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

Boom Box Parade, Winter Fest, and Tree Lighting

Christmas and Holiday Events in Laughlin and Bullhead City

Even though Christmas items have been in the stores since August and Thanksgiving hasn't even happened, Christmas events in the area are gearing up.

Bullhead City will kick off the Holiday season with the 18th annual Boom Box Parade on December 4th.  The parade is along Hancock Road in Bullhead City, AZ and begins at 6pm*

The parade route is:
East on Hancock, starting at River Gardens, to Trane and then right on Trane to City Hall. .

The Boom Box Parade theme this year is “The Spirit of Giving”.

The Bullhead City Winter Festival is part of the Holiday events on December 4th as well.  The Winter Festival takes place at the Riverview Mall and this year's theme is  “Frosty the Snowman and Friends.”  Santa will light the Christmas tree, and will be handing out Cookies, and Cocoa, along with a small gift for each child. Santa will also be reading "Frosty The Snowman".

Officially, the Winter Fest is listed as 5-9PM*, but most activities such as Santa's arrival happen after the Boom Box Parade.

The Riverview Mall is located at 2350 Miracle Mile in Bullhead City

*The times listed for the parade and festival are Arizona Time (MST) and are one hour ahead of Nevada and California.

In Laughlin, the annual tree lighting ceremony takes place on Sunday, December 6th at 4:30PM (Nevada time) The event takes place at Mountain View Park on Needles Hwy.

Festivities will include a visit by Santa Claus, performances by local school bands and chorus, and the movie Arthurs Christmas will on an outdoor screen. Hot chocolate, cookies and coffee will be served.


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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only.   Dates, details, times, events, are the sole 

responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, 

events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them. 

A visit to Bubba Gump's in Laughlin

Laughlin, Nevada

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Located on the Riverwalk level of the Golden Nugget Laughlin

In addition to the inside restaurant and bar they feature a covered outdoor deck and dining* right on the Colorado River.  

After a long period of seldom playing at the Golden Nugget Laughlin we recently revisited it.  One afternoon we stopped in to Bubba Gump's to grab a bite to eat.It was Happy Hour but we didn't take advantage of it.  If we had our tab would of been a bit smaller.   

Happy Hour is only offered at the bar area. 

We ordered two Coronas, a shrimp cocktail and a Forrest's Seafood Feast to split.  

  

The shrimp cocktail was good, the cocktail sauce was even better.  

6 shrimp instead of 4 or 5 as is normally seen now in most restaurants.  

The feast was a good sampling and was also very good.   

The hush puppies were excellent and the Remoulade dipping sauce was very good.  

Coronas were only $4.50 each, not a bad price.  Caution, watch the drink prices for some of their specialty drinks.  Especially those that don't have prices listed.  If the cost is a concern to you be sure to ask first before you order.   Some of them can be very pricey--even if you do get to keep the souveneir cup or glass.   Drinks could easily exceed the food if you have more than one. 

With a tip our bill was over $50 for two.  Not exactly a bargain considering we had one main entree to split and one appetizer, with two beers.     Next time we will check out the Early Bird Menu.  

Or better yet sit at the bar and have a couple appetizers and drinks during happy hour. 

Service was good and fairly fast, although the staff no longer seems to do the "tourist" 

Forrest Gump style routines they did when it first opened.  Which is fine with us.  

Outdoor Deck on the Colorado River 

*In the summer on the deck they have misters and in the winter a firepit and outdoor heaters. At times the caddis flies are a bother, they have been more this year than any other we recall.  Birds like to visit too but the staff does a good job of keeping them away and the area clean.

  

There are some good choices on the early bird menu.   

Early Bird Menu

(subject to change, check ahead)

The Happy Hour is in the Bar area only.  

(subject to change)

  

Link to the regular menu

http://www.bubbagump.com/pdf/menus/BGLN.pdf

Hours (currently listed on their website, always check ahead).

Dining Room:

Sunday - Thursday:  11am - 9pm

Friday & Saturday:  11am - 10pm

Bar Area Happy Hour:

Monday - Friday:  3pm - 7pm

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*All content in this blog post are presented for entertainment and informational purposes only.  The review is based on our own experience and yours may differ.  Dates, menus, times, events, times, are the sole responsibility of the entity who provides them and is subject to change solely by them.  We receive no compensation from the properties, events, sponsors, groups, organizations, or restaurants mentioned or pictured in this blog post and are not in any way affiliated with them.