Las Vegas Mixtape v4: A Gloriously Old-School Diner, a Hellbound Show, and More

Track #1: Vickie’s Diner, at Commercial Center

When the world becomes too much to bear, it’s wise to head to Vickie’s Diner on Sahara Ave. That’s where the waitresses will calm your nerves by soothingly telling you things like, “Are you doing OK babe?” and “Do you need a box to go, love?” Dropping in on a recent Sunday morning to this bustling eatery—which is accented with a pink-and-gray theme, right down to the salt and pepper shakers—the world felt less cruel, less apocalyptic.

Owned by Vickie Kelesis, this blessedly old-school diner opened two years ago in Commercial Center, having moved from the now-defunct landmark White Cross Drugs on Las Vegas Blvd South. Because of its history, Vickie’s bills itself as “the oldest diner in Las Vegas and landmark and a tradition.” Her uncle Pete Kelesis is said to have opened the very first Vegas diner, Tiffany’s, once upon a time.

I thoroughly enjoyed Vickie’s three-egg Greek omelet with feta cheese, home fries, and toast. It was tasty in a down-home way, not like the elegant breakfast choices at the dreamy Sadelle’s at the Bellagio. But that’s OK—sometimes, “simple” gets the job done.

**Early bird alert: Vickie’s Diner opens daily at 6:00 am and closes at 2:00 pm.