Ellis Island Casino & Hotel has always been a local favorite for its low-limit tables, bargain brews, and that legendary off-menu $9.99 steak. Now, the off-Strip landmark is taking things up a level — literally — with the debut of The Deck, a new outdoor rooftop bar perched above its freshly expanded casino floor.
“We just opened at the end of August,” says Christina Ellis, the property’s Vice President of Development. “On top of our casino expansion sits The Deck. It’s open air — truly a rooftop bar — with incredible views of the Strip and of Koval [Lane], especially for F1. It’s just a great vibe, a great place to hang.”
The Deck is part of the first phase of a $35 million expansion and renovation that combines the laid-back character of Ellis Island with a sleek new look.
Guests can sip on wine, craft beer, and seasonal cocktails such as the Full Deck (Elijah Craig Bourbon, Luxardo Del Santo, lime, and simple syrup) or the Poker Face (Flecha Azul ‘Blanco’ Tequila, Italicus, lime, and grapefruit soda).
A small-plates menu includes Cicchetti Toasts (with toppings ranging from burrata and tomato jam to smoked salmon or mushrooms), focaccia sticks, charcuterie boards, and bar snacks like popcorn and nuts. Three VIP booths offer bottle service and a semi-private perch above the action.
Even as Ellis Island climbs skyward, the family hasn’t forgotten its roots.
“We’re really dedicated to keeping that off-Strip, old-Vegas style that we’re known for,” Ellis says. “We still have our $5 blackjack and our really competitive multipliers. Even the steak special is still $9.99 — we’re just giving the restaurant a little bit of a facelift.”
That steak deal — a 10-ounce top sirloin with potato, garlic green beans, and soup or salad — remains one of the city’s best values, available with a players-club card and a quick $5 play.
Between its nostalgic charm and its new rooftop views, Ellis Island is proving that a Vegas classic can still surprise you — without losing the local touch that made it special in the first place.
