Travel FanboyJust off the casino floor of Downtown Grand sits the unassuming Freedom Beat. I’ve stayed and gambled at DTG several times but never gave Freedom Beat much of a thought. I’ve been missing out.
The menu, a mix of American classics, was created by Hell’s Kitchen Season 12 winner, Scott Commings. My brother and I settled on Freedom Beat after a particularly famishing day on Lake Mead. We checked in at DTG and simply wanted something close. For once, my laziness paid off.
There are no froufrou food options here, just simple dishes done well. It’s a great spot to appease unadventurous eaters. A stage ready for live music anchors the space. Tunes can be heard on weekend nights. The stages multiple TVs and the unusually bustling casino provided our dinner entertainment.
Needing something quick to remedy our desolate stomachs, we hastily ordered the smoked wings to start. Perhaps it was our desperate need for sustenance, but we both agreed that we could have eaten those things all day. Marinated with a sweet ale glaze and accompanied with blue cheese, they were exactly what we needed.
To wash them down, I ordered the slightly swanky Hanky Panky, a gin and vermouth based cocktail. It was quite good and at $12, much less than similar concoctions priced much higher on the Strip. My brother took advantage of the $6 beer flight special, allowing him to sample four options from a modest selection of draft brews.
After a cursory glance at the menu, the prime rib stood out to both of us. At $18, it didn’t seem like much of a risk. Our cuts, paired with mashed potatoes and vegetables, were juicy and flavorful. The sides lacked depth, but this clearly didn’t carry over to the main dish. The portions were big enough that I couldn’t finish the entire piece of beef.
Since I was staying at the hotel, I received the customary property deal book which included a BOGO 50% off entree, making the bill even more manageable. For once, my languor was my savior, allowing me to stumble into a restaurant I frequently passed but never considered. Freedom Beat offers much-needed quality and fairly priced comfort food for the downtown crowd. If you’re staying at DTG, with Triple George, Pizza Rock, and Freedom Beat all steps away, you’ll have plenty fine options at your doorstep.
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