Citizens Kitchen & Bar in Las Vegas was not our first choice of restaurant in which to dine one evening earlier this year. We were not in the mood to go outside of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas property as we were all tired after a long day of business. Unfortunately, all of the other restaurants either had long lines at which we could not eat for hours; or they were closed down for private events due to a large conference. We were all too hungry to wait any longer.
Citizens Kitchen & Bar in Las Vegas. Restaurant Review.
Tables were available without waiting at Citizens Kitchen & Bar, which is known for offering “American comfort food at its best”. Citizens Kitchen & Bar also offers a vast selection of beers; as well a full-service bar to complement the food.
The bowl of chicken noodle soup contained roasted chicken, cavatappi pasta, and carrots and other assorted vegetables. Packets of saltine crackers were served along with the soup; but they were not needed, as the soup was delicious and filling. $12.00.
I have no idea what is a “Succo” dip; but it comes with the roast beef sandwich — as does horseradish crema and profumo del Chianti herb salt. $20.00.
By the way, the hand that is shown in the photograph above is that of my late friend. The world is not better off without him in it.
The shrimp and lobster roll did have chunks of shrimp and lobster in it; but the ratio of roasted lemon aioli sauce was a bit much — as was the butter on the roll itself, which was greasy to handle. Celery and shallots rounded out this dish, which was served with a side of malt vinegar kettle chips and a roasted lemon wedge. $27.00.
The Pescado Limón tacos were quite good. Consisting of chile lime cod, corn tortillas, shredded lettuce, onions, cilantro, and salsa verde, this was my favorite of the entrées that were served that evening. A side of cilantro lime rice accompanied this dish. $24.00.
I did not partake in the small bowl of macaroni and cheese; but I understand that it was quite good. It used the same shapes of pasta that were in the chicken noodle soup. $12.00.
Final Boarding Call
We did not order any desserts or alcoholic beverages, as none of us were interested in them.
Keep in mind that the prices that are listed in this article do not include a sales tax of 8.375 percent. All parties of a minimum of eight people will have a suggested gratuity of 18 percent added to their check…
…but the fine print at the bottom of the menu has this message:
To help defray the rising costs of the restaurant industry, a 5% surcharge will be added to your check. If you would like this surcharge removed, please let us know. Thank you for supporting a healthier and happier restaurant staff.
For that reason alone, I do not recommend dining at Citizens Kitchen & Bar in Las Vegas. That is a purposely deceptive practice. Just include that extra five percent in the prices of the menu items and let diners know what they are really expected to pay. To request that the surcharge be removed creates an uncomfortable situation for the patron who does not wish to pay that surcharge.
The food was good overall; but certainly not worth the base prices. Three fish tacos and a bowl of soup should not cost $36.00 before taxes, the surcharge of five percent, the gratuity, and parking, in my opinion.
No reservations are necessary to dine at Citizens Kitchen & Bar in Las Vegas; but they may be recommended when a large convention is in town.
Citizens Kitchen & Bar
Located inside of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas property
3950 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
702-632-7447
Operating Hours
Monday through Wednesday: 7:00 in the morning through 11:00 in the evening
Thursday and Sunday: 7:00 in the morning through 1:00 in the morning
Friday through Saturday: 7:00 in the morning through 4:00 in the morning
Self parking costs:
- First 60 minutes: no charge
- Up to a maximum of four hours:
- $15.00 Monday through Thursday
- $20.00 Friday through Sunday
Valet parking costs:
- $35.00 Monday through Thursday
- $40.00 Friday through Sunday
All photographs ©2023 by Brian Cohen.
