Dive into the offerings at this wonderful off-Strip eaterie…
There are dozens of traditional steakhouses along the Vegas Strip and countless more in the outlying areas. The dining possibilities are nearly endless. So how does one choose? The simplest picks are ones near where you are staying. But perhaps you’ve gotten a recommendation from a friend. Maybe you saw a TV special about the latest celeb-chef establishment. Or, you just want to revisit a romantic old favorite.
That last option is the one closest to home for this writer. The Flame at Downtown’s El Cortez was closed a few years ago and the subsequent Siegel’s 1941 failed to win me over (three strikes and it’s out). Since then, I’ve been hopping around the Valley searching for a new “old friend” to fill that beef-and-asparagus void.
So far, each and every steakhouse I’ve visited has been wonderful. Chart House at Golden Nugget, while seafood-centric, offers a gorgeous dining room with excellent service and reliable selections. Ron’s at Arizona Charlie’s is a great budget offering worthy of the drive. Edge Steakhouse at Westgate Las Vegas has “edged out” every other in terms of sheer deliciousness and impeccable…everything. But why stop searching when there are so many wonderful meals yet to try?
Gold Coast entered the elevated dining arena in summer 2016 with the addition of Cornerstone Steakhouse. Moving into a space previously occupied by long-time (and low profile) locals favorite Cortez Room was a bit of a daring move. A high-end restaurant sharing the casino floor with Subway and TGI Fridays seemed like a shift for Gold Coast, which is known for value and unpretentious offerings. I learned after dinner that this was painstakingly thought out, but more on that later.
Cornerstone Steakhouse is easily accessible if you’re visiting just for dinner. It sits on the northwest corner of the property, reached via the far left entrance of the building’s front. A two-story parking garage with elevator makes for easy in-and-out when driving.
The frontage of Cornerstone is contemporary and inviting. The welcome counter is next to a gorgeous circular lounge and bar area that offers a daily “Social Hour” from 4-6pm. Specially-priced selections from the Social Hour menu include $5 draught and select wines, $8 appetizers/salads, $6 on select craft beers and $7 call drinks/shots. You can see the full wine/beer/small bites lounge menu by clicking here.
The footprint of the lounge and dining area haven’t changed, but the atmosphere is night and day. Attractive furnishings, fixtures and wall coverings in creams, slate blue and shades of black have replaced bland and dated decor. The lighting is slightly brighter than I’d prefer, casting more light than necessary to allow for an intimate experience.
My guest (a food-loving Dallas tourist) and I arrived early in the evening, so there were few diners at the time. It was significantly busier by the time we finished 90 minutes later. Our server recommended a few Prohibition-Crafted cocktails like the Sazerac (New Orleans) or Cucumber Southside ($10 each).
We both went with a Hollywood & Vine, their version of a Moscow Mule with fresh lemon and berries ($10). My companion ordered an alcohol-free variety and I went full-throttle. They were delicious enough to opt for a second round instead of post-dinner coffees.
Our server Michael, who was personable, knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive, suggested a couple of starter plates (while we sampled the attractive fresh-baked bread platter with olives and baby vegetables).
Kobe Beef Meatballs in tomato gray with parmesan creme ($9)…
We went with an addictive Steak Tartare ($10 – filet mignon, egg yolk, arugula, capers, parmesan and creole aioli) and a scrumptious, firm and meaty pair of Crab Cakes ($14 – lump crab, cajun lobster sauce, dijon, mayo and roasted lemon).
Aside from two soups (French Onion and Craft Beer & Cheese, both $7) and four small salads, the remainder of the appetizer list was seafood-themed. It includes Oysters On The Half Shell ($12 – with citrus, horseradish and cocktail sauce), Escargot ($10 – in a pastry shell with white wine sauce) and a shareable Seafood Platter ($35 – lump crab, prawns, oysters, mussels and clams) that would make a great entree dish.
Brick-grilled Organic Chicken with mustard marinade and rosemary ($24)…
For the main course, we decided to pick one steak and one seafood dish. For me, it was the New York Cut ($30), a 14-ounce certified 1855 Angus beef seasoned with herbs, butter, and sea salt. I had it served medium temperature with complimentary peppercorn sauce (Bearnaise, Diane and Cabernet Mustard sauces are also available free of charge…and six chef toppings at various prices). The steak was wonderfully tender, bursting with flavor and cooked perfectly to my liking.
Other USDA-certified Choice 1855 Angus beef entrees include a 9-oz. Prime Rib Crown Steak ($31), 10-oz. Filet Wagyu Coullot Sirloin ($31) and carved-to-order House Prime Rib ($28 for 14 oz, $32 for 22 oz.).
Pork Porterhouse with polenta and greens ($26)…
Single-bone Colorado Lamb Chops ($33), Pork Porterhouse with polenta and greens ($26) and Roasted Garlic Chicken with citrus marinade and Brussels sprouts ($24) round out the meat selections. A lobster tail can be added to any steak or chop for an additional $23.
My guest’s seafood dish was Sauteed Scampi ($26 – in lemon, white wine, butter, garlic and pasta twirls, served with artisan bread). He proclaimed it to be the best he’s had, and the various sighs and moans he uttered while consuming the dish left little room for doubt.
Baked Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprouts with balsamic and shallots (both $6)…
To me, a steak is incomplete without a nearby mound of Sauteed Mushrooms ($6). Our other picks for shareable sides were Jumbo Asparagus Spears in Butter Sauce ($7) and the server-lauded Lobster Mac & Cheese ($11). While the Texan enjoyed the Lobster Mac, I found it to be bland and unmemorable. I’d recommend one of their various potato dishes or Sauteed Spinach with Garlic ($6) in its place.
Other shareable dinner add-ons include Roasted Root Vegetables, Cauliflower with panko and parsley, Crisp Bacon Green Beans, Brussels Sprouts with balsamic/shallots and Cream Herb Mashed Potatoes. All of those are $6.
I’m not the type to order sweets after a meal…or anytime, actually. But I’d be negligent to not try something from the brief but satisfying-looking dessert menu. Each selection is $8, and can be paired with one of seven ice cream flavors (they can be ordered as a trio sampler for $6).
Yours truly took a few satisfying nibbles of Limoncello Cake, served with berries, cream and a shot of Limoncello liqueur. A tiny scoop of almond praline ice cream brought my meal to a satisfying and refreshing close.
My guest was drawn to the house specialty of Plantain Fosters ($8). It’s served in a hefty bowl of almond praline ice cream, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum and banana liqueur topped with whipped cream and plantain crisps. A little too rich for my blood, but the Texan polished it off with ease and smiled the entire time.
After a table-side visit by the General Manager, we headed over to the lounge to meet Head Mixologist Brandon St. Claire. After we complimented him on our cocktails, Brandon shared a little background on preparing the cocktail and spirits selection for Cornerstone’s opening.
The idea was to bring in the best and most inviting choices without pricing them to discourage current Gold Coast patrons. Brandon believes that Cornerstone’s lounge will become a go-to destination for guests desiring a well-chosen selection of whiskeys, curated beers and specialty cocktails without the shocking prices. He hopes their offerings become a new favorite with locals as well.
Many of Boyd-owned hotels have added new restaurants, sports books and lounges into the mix. California Noodle House at “The Cal” and Alder and Birch Steakhouse at The Orleans immediately come to mind. While I haven’t tried that steakhouse yet, if it’s anything like Cornerstone, that one will be worth a visit as well.
I’ve always had an affection for dining at many of Boyd’s properties and am glad they are adding to (and improving) their portfolio while keeping prices from skyrocketing out of control. Our meal for two, minus cocktails, tax, and tip, was $120.00.
If you’re tired of paying outrageous amounts for a meal on the Strip, I highly recommend visiting Cornerstone Steakhouse at Gold Coast. You’ll feel pretty rich without breaking the bank.
Cornerstone Steakhouse is located at 4000 West Flamingo Road. It operates daily 5 pm to 10 pm. The lounge opens one hour earlier. Reservations: 702-367-7111
This review originally appeared in fall 2016 on another site. It has been updated with more information and photos after a recent revisit.
VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak 
Looks fantastic!
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