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 wondering where a cheap shrimp cocktail can still be found in Vegas.
I took it upon myself recently to sniff out the remaining affordable shrimp cocktail options in town, with one being as low as $2.
While many claim that “cheap” and “shrimp” don’t belong in the same sentence, I decided it was worth risking my well-being for the mission.
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 $2.99 shrimp cocktail – The cheapest on Fremont Street.
Lanai’s shrimp cocktail was what one would expect at the price point. It consisted of tiny shrimp in what I deemed to be an overwhelming bath of cocktail sauce.
The fact that the shrimp cocktail was served in a plastic solo cup with tin foil covering the top didn’t add to its appeal.
Was it worth $2.99? Yes. Will I buy it again? Probably not.
If you’re looking for some cheap protein, this could be a good option. Personally, I plan 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.
On The Strip
Slots A Fun
Recently, John Mehaffey tweeted exciting news that Slots A Fun was serving a $1.99 shrimp cocktail as part of an effort to reinvigorate the property.
For those keeping score at home, Slots A Fun’s shrimp cocktail is now the cheapest in Las Vegas.
While I have yet to try it, just know that it’s an option that exists on the north end of the Strip!
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 $8.99 shrimp cocktail on the Villiage Pub and Cafe menu that I found to be worth the price.
This shrimp cocktail mixed larger chopped celery 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 $14 in their City Cafe. While I 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 Shrimp Cocktail that doesn’t break the bank.
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.
See Also: Let us help you find the loosest slots in Vegas by leveraging data from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
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.