DOWNTOWN. Locally renowned shrimp cocktails and 24-hour dining: this place just screams "Vegas." Located at the historic Golden Gate ­ the city's oldest hotel ­ Bay City Diner introduced shrimp cocktails to the casino scene as early as 1959. To this day they offer them in old-fashioned sundae glasses for 99 cents. For $2 more, try the "Big Shrimp" cocktail, which features ­ you guessed it ­ bigger shrimp!

NORTHWEST LAS VEGAS. North meets Southwest in this local hangout. A lively, loud sports bar and brew pub, Big Dog's welcomes all types. When it's football time, locals and visitors gather to root for their beloved Packers. In addition to cheering (and booing), customers take on the practice of eating bratwurst, walleye, hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups. They've also been known to order a few drinks from time to time. Breakfast is served all day for convenience, and video poker machines let you test Lady Luck at your leisure.

DOWNTOWN. Fremont Street is renowned for being one of the most interesting places in Vegas to simply sit and watch the world go by. If you get a hankering for good cheap food and laid-back atmosphere while you're doing just that, tuck into Binion's Original Coffee Shop. It's a little secluded, located in Binion's basement, but that lends it a cozy, out-of-the-way feeling that's much-appreciated by patrons.

HENDERSON. Exhibiting all the charm you'd expect of a bistro that specializes in an amalgam of French and American cuisines, Zinc is eminently warm and accommodating. Boasting lake views, it's an ideal spot for indulging in dishes reminiscent of New Orleans, including jambalaya, étouffée, po'boys, and gumbo. Other choices range from chicken piccata to crab cakes and duck a l'orange. Adding to the atmosphere is live zydeco music and an adjacent bakery that emanates the aroma of baguettes and beignets.

THE STRIP. If you're out along the Strip and find that your sweet tooth needs attention, make a beeline to this fabulous confectionery shop. Throughout the day, they create decadent items from cream, chocolate, nuts, and pastry dough, tempting passers-by with the sight and scent of superbly crafted goodies. Indulge yourself with cakes, pies, tarts, cheesecakes, cookies, eclairs, and even chocolate-dipped fruit. Coffee drinks and wines are available.