Shimp cocktails have been a staple dish in Las Vegas for a long time, and historically, have been offered at rock-bottom prices.
Famously, Du-Par’s at Golden Gate served a delicious and inexpensive shrimp cocktail for decades before closing in 2017. Since the closure, many have been left asking where a cheap shrimp cocktail can be found in Vegas.
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I took it upon myself recently to sniff out the remaining cheap shrimp cocktail options in Vegas, with one being as low as 99 cents. Here’s where to look:
Cheap Shrimp Cocktails on Fremont Street
Lanai Express at Fremont
Lanai Express serves a wide-ranging array of both Asian and American fare making it quite the jack of all trades.
Among their most popular items is a 99-cent shrimp cocktail – The cheapest in all of Las Vegas.
Lanai’s 99-cent shrimp cocktail amounted to what one would expect at the price point. The dish consisted of very small shrimp in what I deemed to be an overwhelming bath of cocktail sauce.
The fact that the shrimp cocktail was served up in a plastic solo cup with tin foil covering the top didn’t add to its appeal.
Was it worth 99 cents? Yes. Would I buy it again? Probably not.
If you’re looking for some cheap protein, this could be a good option. Personally, I’m going to spend up on a higher quality product in the future. Unless I’m intoxicated, of course.
Saginaw’s Deli at Circa
Reviving an old classic, Saginaw’s Delicatessen at Circa has brought back the original Du-Par’s shrimp cocktail recipe.
Although the restaurant once offered the shrimp cocktail for 99-cents between 3-5 am with the purchase of an entree, they recently ended that promotion. At $12 bucks, the shrimp cocktail at Circa no longer qualifies as overly cheap, but I found it to be worth the price.
The cocktail was served in a glass dish and the shrimp were much larger than those used at Fremont.
What made the dish though was that signature spicy kick provided by the cocktail sauce. It was honestly fantastic.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the deal gets revived.
Other Fremont Street Shrimp Cocktails
Other restaurants on Fremont Street also offer shrimp cocktails, although at a higher price point.
Options include Oscars Steakhouse $19, Andiamo $26, Top of Binion’s $21, Hugo’s Cellar $23, and Triple George $22.
Cheap Shrimp Cocktails Near the Strip
The Villiage Pub at Ellis Island
Located behind Horseshoe just off the Strip, Ellis Island is a short 10-15 minute walk from the Strip.
While I typically choose to visit Ellis Island for cheap craft beer, lower table game limits, or to watch karaoke, they also have a relatively cheap $7.99 shrimp cocktail on the Villiage Pub and Cafe menu that I found to be worth the price.
This shrimp cocktail mixed larger chopped celery in with chopped shrimp, all topped with a cocktail sauce that was tasty, although lacked the spice I enjoyed at Circa.
While I don’t particularly enjoy celery and fully understand it’s being used as a cost-saving filler, I actually enjoyed its cool, crunchy, refreshing presence in the cocktail. If you stop into Ellis, it’s worth a try!
Sterling Spoon Cafe at Silver Sevens
Located off the Strip on E. Flamingo, Silver Sevens serves a Shrimp Cocktail for $11.99 in their City Cafe. While I personally have yet to consume this one, I look forward to the day we meet.
Hopefully, I was able to help point you in the direction of a cheap Shrimp Cocktail in Vegas that will fit your needs!
Of the options above, Circa’s cocktail which borrows the original Du-Par’s recipe served up at Golden Gate for so long takes the crown, even if you have to spend $12 on it.
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I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.