It’s a terrific question with no definitive answers, but we’re betting you have a few lost favorites of your own…
It’s often said that the one “constant” in Vegas is “change”. To some, that’s not always a good thing. Shock waves swept across social media this week after news got out that iconic “Buck” and “Winnie” had been permanently removed from Harrah’s casino. Say it isn’t so!
Popular radio show MERCEDES IN THE MORNING, which airs on 94.1 FM, recently asked an intriguing question on their official Facebook page: “What do you miss that used to be in Vegas?”
As of this writing, the post has received over 330 responses, several of them lengthy. As you might imagine, a few expected answers were “no resort fees”, “lower crime”, and “free parking”.
Predictable yet justified, those opinions were less gripping than a yearning for attractions, restaurants, entertainers, and casinos that have faded into the past. Let’s explore a few of the ones mentioned in the survey, then add some of our own in the next edition.
WET ‘N WILD Water Park, Las Vegas Boulevard
Photo courtesy of LasVegas360.com
Once upon a time, the Las Vegas Strip had a major waterpark. And according to those who frequented it, WET ‘N WILD‘s original location was far superior to the one that now operates on S. Fort Apache Road. The new WET ‘N WILD was rebranded as Cowabunga Canyon last year.
Perhaps the nostalgia of the original has colored recollections, but there’s no question that the spot, which covered 27 acres of prime real estate, is still fondly remembered.
Photo courtesy of LasVegas360.com
The park opened in 1985 at the cost of $14 million. It was part of an ill-advised attempt to rebrand Las Vegas as a family destination. That led to numerous amusement park rides, child-friendly attractions, and kid-themed restaurants. Most have been closed and dismantled.
Wet ‘n Wild changed ownership numerous times before permanently shuttering in 2004. Plans to redevelop the property have come and gone, yet the persistent rumor of a stadium in that spot continues.
VENETIAN 24-Hour Ristorante
Not to be confused with the massive hotel-casino of the same name, Venetian Ristorante was the kind of place you’d expect The Godfather to dine at regularly. Known for its dark lighting, campy murals, and bright pink facade, this authentic Italian restaurant operated for more than forty years.
Located at 3713 West Sahara Avenue, Venetian Ristorante often had a lengthy waiting list. That is until a modernization by new owners chipped away at its character. After that, the quality of service reportedly plummeted along with the number of guests.
Photo via Herbs & Rye Facebook page
While it’s unclear as to when Venetian actually closed, a former fan posted this to TripAdvisor in 2008:
“Years ago we used to enjoy an off-strip restaurant called The Venetian. It was open 24 hours and hosted the likes of the Rat Pack and other performers after their shows ended. Last time I was there was around 2001.”
Photo via Herbs & Rye Facebook page
If you’re wondering what happened to the space, check out its current occupant. HERBS & RYE evokes the same old-time atmosphere as its predecessor. It’s super popular and operates from 5 pm until 3 am every day except Sunday.
ALPINE VILLAGE INN – German Restaurant, Paradise Road
Photo via Alpine Village Inn Facebook page
How beloved is the Alpine Village Inn? So much so that it has a dedicated Facebook fan page. Situated across from what is now Westgate Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention Center, Alpine Village Inn and its old Bavarian stylings stood in sharp contrast to futuristic neighbor Landmark Hotel, another long-gone favorite.
Fans lament the loss of the Alpine Village Inn‘s distinctive German cuisine, servers dressed in traditional garb, and European decor. Its interior decorations covered the gamut from alp horns and bells to clocks and a miniature train that ran around the top of the dining room. Beneath the main dining room was The Rathskeller, a bar and sandwich shop whose floor was covered in peanut shells.
Vintage postcard image
According to lasvegas360.com, “guests were encouraged to sing along with the piano player where you would attempt to learn German by singing the Schnitzelbank song.” No wonder it’s missed!
LEATHERBY’S Cafe and Ice Cream
Another lamented Sahara Avenue business is Leatherby’s Cafe and Ice Cream. The old-fashioned soda shop, located in a K-Mart shopping center, offered a selection of burgers, sandwiches, and desserts. More importantly, it boasted that all frozen treats were made onsite.
Similar to the now-defunct Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour chain, Leatherby’s had a vintage style and the staff wore period outfits. Customers were challenged to finish giant sundaes and splits, which would earn a spot for their name on the parlor’s walls.
As the years wore on, so did the look of Leatherby’s. Towards the end, guests complained of wobbly chairs, a dirty interior, and surly service. The quality of food became an issue as well, but their ice cream was apparently never less than stellar. The establishment closed in late 2010 or early 2011.
Those who miss Leatherby’s should know that numerous locations continue to operate elsewhere under various banners. You can find specifics on the Sacramento shops by heading here and for Utah stores by clicking here.
SCANDIA FAMILY FUN CENTER – Miniature Golf
Long before TOP GOLF arrived in Las Vegas, the cool place to be was Scandia Family Fun Center. Not far from what is now AREA 15, Scandia was the type of 80s hangout you’d see on STRANGER THINGS.
If you doubt what this place meant to its regular customers, check out what YELP! reviewer “Richard S.” posted in October of 2014:
“This was a really fun place to grow up with in Vegas for all ages. I was disappointed to find out it had been closed down when returning to my hometown after serving in the Marines for 8 years. It seems as if all the cool places that made Vegas great for locals are either gone or run down. It’s really a bummer.”
2006 photo by RoadsidePictures via FLICKR
Scandia Family Fun Center reportedly closed in 2002, but it still echoes in the minds of Vegas locals. It was one of the most frequently-mentioned attractions in the MERCEDES IN THE MORNING survey.
Diehard fans can rekindle memories by visiting Rohnert Park, California, where a still-open Scandia offers two golf courses, rides, a race track, batting cages, an arcade, and Viking Pizza. Click here for more info.
In Part Two, I’ll contribute my own list of long-gone attractions from a tourist point of view. If you have any of your own favorites to offer, just add a comment to this article, email me at samnovak@vegas411.com, or visit our Facebook page.
