Ellis Island Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is a local gem amidst the city’s glittering skyline. Nestled just off the Strip, this family-owned establishment has been a beloved fixture in the heart of Las Vegas for decades. “The original Village Pub opened in April 1968, where Ellis Island is located today,” Christina Ellis told us. “What started as a small restaurant eventually expanded into the Casino and Hotel as it stands today. Village Pub was renamed to Ellis Island in 1985, but the Village Pub name still exists as a restaurant inside Ellis Island, as well as the 16 Village Pub locations in the Las Vegas Valley (plus one in T3 of Harry Reid Airport and one in SEATAC Airport).”
Ellis Island Hotel and Casino: A Local Gem in the Heart of Las Vegas
Known for its welcoming atmosphere and personalized service, Ellis Island provides a refreshing contrast to the large corporate casinos that dominate the area. This growth did not come at the cost of its roots; Ellis Island has retained its community-oriented spirit, making it a favorite among locals as well as visitors in the know. One of the factors that set Ellis Island apart is its exceptional value, especially in a city where extravagance often comes with a hefty price tag. “We offer guests something that’s hard to come by in Vegas—value. Our restaurants have generous portions at fair prices,” Ellis explained of the property’s main draws. “Our beer is half the price of what you’d find on the Strip. We don’t charge for parking. Guests can continue to experience what many people say “made Vegas a fun place”—cheap tables, good food, and a fun-filled atmosphere.”
“We also have an indoor/outdoor beer garden, The Front Yard. This venue can operate as a restaurant and a beer garden and host private events. The roof retracts, letting in the warm spring air or allowing for views of the night sky and the Strip. Some of the rotating Ellis Island beers can only be found in The Front Yard. This venue also hosts themed brunches, watch parties for Vegas sports teams and an elevated menu that still keeps true to the incredible value offered by Ellis Island.”
The casino, though smaller than its grander counterparts, provides an intimate and friendly gaming experience that is ideal for both novice and seasoned players. “Our value is our greatest appeal to long-time guests as well as those who come in for the first time,” Ellis said of the property. “We maintain our “old Vegas” charm. We have $5 blackjack with 3:2 odds. We have craft beer starting at $4. By continuing to provide great food and a great atmosphere at a price that doesn’t break the bank, we stand out from the rest of the crowd.”
While visitors can rely on certain aspects of Ellis Island to stay the same, other aspects change frequently to keep visitors coming. “We are always trying to plan events that our guests will enjoy,” Ellis told us. “We have several themed brunches each year, taking cues from other events happening in the city. We try to make our offering unique and something our guests will enjoy. We regularly introduce new slot machines and refresh our casino promotions monthly. We have expanded our table games pit based on guest demand.”
“While it sounds like we’re always changing, there are some things we know that our guests like, and we keep them year after year. One such promotion that is very popular is our Girl Scout Cookie promotion. Casino players can earn points to redeem for a box of Girl Scout Cookies. Our Holiday Nog is another mainstay that people look forward to all year long.”
Ellis Island Hotel and Casino embodies the charm and warmth of Las Vegas’ local culture, continually delighting those who seek an authentic Sin City experience. The property has long partnered with the community, further exemplifying why Ellis Island is local through and through. “Ellis Island participates in a number of activities that benefit and support the local community throughout the year,” Ellis said of the property’s many philanthropic efforts. “Perhaps our biggest event takes place around Halloween when we partner with Candlelighters of Southern Nevada to sponsor a Halloween Bash event for local children battling cancer. Over the past 25 years, we’ve helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the mission of Candlelighters—to provide support and assistance to families of childhood cancer patients.”
Ellis Island promises to be a destination for locals and visitors for years to come. “As Las Vegas continues to evolve and attract new and different visitors, so too will Ellis Island,” Ellis told us of the property’s ability to evolve. “As professional sports grew in popularity, we embraced the hometown spirit and have been voted as one of the best places to watch a Golden Knights game. When Formula 1 came to town, Ellis Island created its own race experience with Turn 4 at Ellis Island. We’ve been very deliberate about taking the ever-changing events in Las Vegas and putting our Ellis Island spin on them. We’ll continue to offer our local guests and visiting guests a great product at a reasonable price point.”
