MT CHARLESTON INN & RESTAURANT
Restaurant Review
Reviewed: 10/17/98

Great gourmet get-away! Mt Charleston Inn & Restaurant is best kept secret for get-away dining. Nestled among the firs and evergreens, this dining establishment shows up many Las Vegas dining venues. The evening begins with a conscientious and skilled maitre d, who makes every attempt to seat you in a perfect dining spot. Whether you are at a table by the huge picture windows overlooking the mountain scenery or cuddled in an oversized booth watching the fireplace, you'll feel at home. The menu choices, although limited, make up for it in taste and presentation. Soup or salad comes with each entree. The homemade dressings or a bowl of warm soup on a cold evening is a tough choice. I ordered the petite filet. Petite obviously does not apply to the size on this steak! It was cooked to perfection and was so tender it melted in your mouth. The fresh vegetables were al dente. And you have a choice of baked potato or rice pilaf. A loaf of hot bread accompanies your meal. But beware, the cold, hard butter is tough to spread on such soft bread.

Dessert is another matter. If you're a chocolate lover, try the cheesecake. Rich dark chocolate with a hint of raspberry. The portion is large enough for two to share...if you'll share your chocolate. A perfect ending to a great meal.

The service was very good when busy but can be impeccable at times. The beautiful knotty pine covered ceiling supported by the biggest pine tree truck you've ever seen in captivity lends an open air feel to the room. Quiet, cosy and romantic...a great getaway from the neon of Las Vegas. PS: You may want to try their package deal. It includes dinner for two, a guest room with balcony overlooking the forest, and breakfast for two the next morning for just over $100.