Worth the Drive: Atlantis Steakhouse
Sometimes you need a great steak. Well, maybe not everyone, but, for us meat-eaters – when the crave hits, the steak better be good.
Sometimes, you’ve got to get out of town, too. And when you’re out of town, sometimes that craving does indeed hit, and you’ve got to think fast.
Sometimes you find yourself in Reno, Nevada, when this craving strikes.
That happened to us on a recent getaway weekend to Reno, where we stayed at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
I had won a two night stay at the Atlantis during an auction at last year’s Rotary of Sonoma Valley Applause! fundraiser. During the trip, we had a raucous good time playing the tables, sleeping in, and chilling at the indoor pool.
We had read great things online about the Atlantis Steakhouse, located in the heart of the property – it had rave reviews from locals and tourists alike, and when the craving for steak hit us, we had the best steakhouse in town at our disposal.
It’s unlike anything we have in Sonoma Valley – it’s glitzy, it’s contemporary, it’s glamorous, and the dining experience is one that I expect in New York or Las Vegas, not the “reasonably priced” biggest little city in the world.
Upon arrival we were greeted in front of a giant fish tank and escorted into an elegant dining room with cozy booths and dim lighting. Our table was in the center of the room, prime real estate to oversee our fancy domain for the evening.
The waitstaff welcomed us with warm towels for our hands and still or sparkling water. An iPad serves as the award winning wine list and fresh bread, including the best brioche I have ever had in the US, is delivered to the table.
Our server, Keith, one of the best servers we have had the pleasure of dining with in our eating-out lifetime. He’s a class act, with that old school “professional” server vibe, and a great sense of humor – both which are hard to find these days in hospitality.
We ordered a bottle of Chilean Malbec (sometimes you’ve got to step out of our California comfort zone), even though we were tempted by the classic cocktails that they offered.
The menu is expansive, and Keith walked us through it, helping us select what best fit our cravings. Great appetizers include old school Oyster Rockefeller ($19), Prawn Cocktail ($19), and California Red Abalone (MP).
Most entrees come with a choice of soup or salad. The house salad is great, with fresh in-season greens and veggies, such as radish and tomato, and an absolutely fabulous vinaigrette that made the simple salad even better.
There is something for everyone, not just us meat eaters – vegetarian Spring Vegetable Risotto ($26) and a classic Shrimp Scampi prepared tableside ($39).
But, we were here for meat, and we got it. I opted for an 8 oz. Filet Mignon ($46) and Jeff opted for the decadent, over the top 22 oz. Kansas City Bone-In Ribeye ($58).
All the steak is from Allen Brothers, the best steak provider in the country. (Locals may have enjoyed their steaks at Cole’s Chophouse in Napa or the Rutherford Inn in Rutherford.)
Each steak came with a side of sauteed button mushrooms and just to make sure we were overstuffed, we ordered garlic mashed potatoes ($9) and sauteed Brussels sprouts (with bacon added) ($9) to share.
Our craving had been satisfied – our steaks were cooked perfectly, tender and moist. Keith de-boned Jeff’s ribeye tableside, which was a fabulous surprise.
After we had eaten our weight in amazing veggies and steak, it was dessert time.
First off, the “Famous Manhattan Deli New York Cheesecake” ($12) was most epic. It is the perfect New York style cheesecake and upon first bite, with the graham cracker crust, I flashbacked to my childhood and the cheesecake my mother used to make. Absolutely delicious and a labor of love.
We also enjoyed 321° Below Ice Cream ($16), which is prepared table-side using liquid nitrogen. It was, hands down, one of the coolest and most awe inspiring foodie moments of my life. Science and dessert? Yes, please!
We had originally intended on heading down to the casino to play a bit after dinner, but, we were full to the brim with amazing food and spoiled with great service – instead, we slowly meandered (and I mean, slowly) our way back to our room and fell asleep with full bellies.
Atlantis Steakhouse is worth the drive – and the splurge. Reservations recommended. It’s located inside the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa at 3800 S. Virginia St., Reno, Nevada. 800-723-6500. atlantiscasino.com.
