I never go to Vegas without a stop by Ellis Island for a beer (or several) and food. The BBQ is by far the best value near the strip - more food than you can shake a stick at for well under $10. The house brews at the bar are $1.50 and quite tasty. The pizza place makes the best calzone I have ever had.

Sure, the atmosphere is smoky, dark, and glum. The neighborhood, while just a block off-strip, is a bit sketchy. But guess what - it's perfect for what it is. If you want fresh scented air, open ceilings and bright lights, as well as the expensive food and touristy stuff to go along with it, stick with the Venetian. If you like good (cheap) food and beer, chatting with locals, and a bit of an old-timey vegas feel, head off-strip to Ellis.

I love an off the strip casino/barbeque. It is called Ellis Island and is located on Koval Street 2 blocks behing Bally's. They have a great barbeque meal for only $6 and is enough to share and it is also a micobrewery and beers are $1. I have had good luck there gambling also.

Read a lot of reviews, and although they were mixed, visited this place (20th Sept 08) with an open mind. I wish I had'nt bothered. Vegas is meant to be an adults disneyland, a place of excitement and entertainment, Ellis Island has none of this. It has cheap food but when my wife and I went the service was very slow and disorganised, if I had wanted this I'd be better off in a McDonalds. The casino smells of dampness, and is pretty run down. The Karaoke bar seemed to be full of over excited beer swilling women and loud 20 something local boys on stag do's. I really would not recommend wasting any of your time, or vacation, visiting this place.

My husband and I have been going here for three years now. We go for breakfast and ask for the New York strip, 2 eggs and potatoes and toast. Last October it was 3.99. The two years prior it was 3.49. Well worth the price no matter what. It is an older casino but like the other reviews have said food is great and very reasonable. Just make sure to ask s the steak is not on the breakfast menu.We are headed back to Vegas in October and will let you know how it is this year.