{"id":22547,"date":"2019-11-25T23:21:20","date_gmt":"2019-11-26T07:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/vitalvegas\/?p=22547"},"modified":"2019-11-30T18:14:50","modified_gmt":"2019-12-01T02:14:50","slug":"front-yard-at-ellis-island-is-worth-the-wait","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/vitalvegas\/front-yard-at-ellis-island-is-worth-the-wait\/","title":{"rendered":"Front Yard at Ellis Island Is Worth the Wait"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It’s taken a minute, but Front Yard at Ellis Island is ready for its debut. The new restaurant and bar opens Dec. 6, 2019.<\/p>\n

Here’s a first look inside. Although, if you follow us on Twitter<\/a>, it’s a second look inside, but let’s not get bogged down by details.<\/p>\n

\"Ellis
You know we like a place if we like it even when sports are on.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Front Yard was announced all the way back in July 2017 and broke ground in April 2018.<\/p>\n

We’re pleased to report it was worth the wait, as Ellis Island’s new venue offers top-notch food, ample booze and great values. So, it’s pretty much Ellis Island, expanded.<\/p>\n

You sort of can’t miss the Front Yard. First, it’s in front of Ellis Island. Second, the exterior of the
\nFront Yard constantly changes colors, a clever marketing tool sure to catch the eye of drivers-by.<\/p>\n

\"Ellis
Ellis Island just got 400% more fleek or whatever the kids are calling it now.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Front Yard is a two-story affair described as an “outdoor dining, drinking and entertainment venue.” It’s a temperature controlled structure with a fabric roof and capacity of about 300 people.<\/p>\n

Front Yard boasts two bars (one with 15 video poker machines) and approximately 4,700 televisions.<\/p>\n

One of the TVs is roughly the size of Lancaster, Michigan and nearly blinded us when hockey was on the screen.<\/p>\n

A cocktail or three helped us recover. The Welcome to Jamrock cocktail features Bacardi Silver rum, Malibu rum, melon liqueur, pineapple and cranberry.<\/p>\n

\"Front
These are better by the half dozen.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The signature cocktails at Front Yard will run $8-12, with big-ass shared drinks (for 2-3 people) a bit more. For context, a Captain and diet in the casino is around $5, a freakish anomaly for a casino on or near The Strip.<\/p>\n

The food at Front Yard continues the Ellis Island tradition of hearty, approachable, old-school offerings including bar food, sandwiches and burgers.<\/p>\n

Nothing fancy, everything satisfying. Yes, Ellis Island, feel free to put that in your advertising.<\/p>\n

We dove headlong into the chicken wings appetizer.<\/p>\n

\"Ellis
Fun fact: The average American eats 90 chicken wings a year. Not so “fun” for chickens, probably, but don’t be a buzzkill.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Front Yard burger was awesome, too, and bacon fanatics will not be disappointed.<\/p>\n

\"Front
Ellis Island’s burger game is strong.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As for the food prices, still being finalized, we’re talking $6-10 for appetizers, $16-20 for main courses, with flatbreads (that’s pizza to us regular folk) in the $12-15 range.<\/p>\n

Ellis Island is known for its beer, much of which is brewed on the premises.<\/p>\n

While we are not a beer person, we know a value when we see it. During our visit, prices weren’t available, but if the cost of beer inside the casino is any indication (in the $2 range for a massive glass), beer lovers are in for a treat.<\/p>\n

And speaking of the casino, Ellis Island continues to offer some of the best gambling near The Strip, and there’s easy access to and from the Front Yard.<\/p>\n

Oh, and there’s free parking.<\/p>\n

\"Ellis
Hit the second floor so you can say you did a stair workout in Vegas.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You know we got a panorama of the second floor, so check it out<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Our love of Ellis Island is fairly obvious, due in no small part to the above-mentioned values, but also the absolutely charming family behind Ellis Island. The Ellis family, in case that wasn’t clear.<\/p>\n

A family-owned casino is a rare breed and Ellis Island’s unpretentious vibe, and commitment to great fun at a great price, make it a Las Vegas must-visit in our book.<\/p>\n

For the record, Ellis Island<\/a> is a block east of The Strip, just off Flamingo on Koval Lane.<\/p>\n

\"Front
Front Yard at Ellis Island is our new favorite hang.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’re excited about the long-awaited opening of the Front Yard and Ellis Island has a winner on its hands. Be strong, liver, be strong.<\/p>\n

Updated (11\/29\/19): We went back to Front Yard and the restaurant is officially open. We got a look at the menu, and you can click here for the Front Yard food menu<\/a> and drink and dessert menu<\/a>. Prices may change, so don’t get emotionally attached.<\/p>\n

\"Front
Please don’t try and read this, it’s for illustrative purposes only. Click on the links.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We also discovered another surprise at Front Yard. The restaurant’s sound system is connected to the Rockbot app. That means you get to be the DJ at Front Yard.<\/p>\n

\"Front
Oh, yes, there was a hell-ton of Duran Duran.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Guests get to add their favorite songs to the queue, and give the whole venue an interactive vibe. Give it a try, it’s free.<\/p>\n

Here are more photos from Front Yard at Ellis Island.<\/p>\n

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