Cleaver: Best Off-Strip Steakhouse Las Vegas
Cleaver, Butchered Meats, Seafood, and Classic Cocktails is the best off-strip steakhouse in Las Vegas.
- The bar at Cleaver
- A fabulous steak
- Chris Farley painting at Cleaver
I’m having cocktails with my local friends and colleagues at Todo Bien, a Tequila bar in Uncommons, a local hangout. I mentioned Herbs & Rye, how I found their new sister restaurant, Middle Child, and had brunch the morning before. Megan then proceeds to comment about Cleaver and how good it is. Megan is part of that same group of friends that led me to Herbs & Rye, where we met for cocktails and dinner when I was in town. Is Cleaver the best off-strip steakhouse in Las Vegas? I think it quite possibly is. It turns out it is also part of the Nectaly Mendoza family.
The following evening, after a long day at the Convention Center, I made my way to Cleaver. It is not far from there. I could have walked if it wasn’t 108 degrees outside.
I parked right out front; there was a large sign on the shopping strip above a break between the buildings. At first, I thought I missed it. I had to double back, soon realizing I needed to walk through that break between the buildings, under the sign, to the door, slightly hidden from view. I almost had a déjà vu moment. Opening the door from the bright Las Vegas sun and entering into darkness. Again, I saw the bar. This time, I made my way to a seat at the bar.
Cleaver is reminiscent of the classic Vegas steakhouses, with plenty of wood, a fully stocked bar, and vintage charm. I particularly enjoyed the quirky touch of the large Chris Farley painting in the bar area. There are apparently more large portraits in the other dining areas, but I didn’t explore beyond the bar where I was enjoying my cocktail.
The cocktail menu is extensive, which I’ve come to like about a Nectaly Mendoza restaurant. It’s very cocktail-centric, organized by era or influence, such as “Post War 1945-1965” or “European Influence 1910-1935.”
- A custom cocktail
- The interior of Cleaver
- Porn Star cocktail at the bar in Cleaver
I was still determining what I wanted. Yes, an Old Fashioned or Manhattan would have seemed appropriate, however, I’d just spent eight hours walking in the convention center and it was 108 degrees outside. Plus, I still had a work event to attend after dinner. The bartender offered to make me something. He asked me my preferences and viola, I had a refreshing light cocktail to start my evening. I can’t argue with that.
Moving to the steak, of course, I ordered a New York Strip steak—it is a steakhouse, after all—and it was fantastic. And don’t forget to pile on an addition. Believe me, you’ll love it.
The restaurant fills up fast, so be aware—this is a popular eating joint off the strip. Cleaver is the best off-strip steakhouse in Las Vegas, after all!
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