Piero’s still serving movers and shakers after 30 years

Piero’s Italian Cuisine has been the meeting place for Las Vegas’ high-powered decision-makers for more than 30 years — historic by Vegas standards Since 1982, top casino executives, infamous mobsters, politicians, captains of industry, the city’s founding families and even the Rat Pack put Piero’s on the map as the city’s place to dine and drink.

The who’s who come for the cuisine, but also frequent the Las Vegas landmark for its secluded dining areas away from prying ears and the discreet staff who are attentive without being overbearing.

“Piero’s is the complete package,” said Evan Glusman, operating partner. “It’s one of the only restaurants in town with a five-star menu that’s the same today as it was when it opened. That speaks to the quality of the food and the loyalty of our devoted fans — mainly locals.”

Glusman’s father, Freddie, opened Piero’s on Karen Avenue. Five years later, Piero’s moved to its current location at 355 Convention Center Drive.

Las Vegas locals, some of whom have their own nameplates on favorite booths, marvel at such signature dishes as crabcakes, osso buco, scaloppine Milanese and linguine all’aragosta. The menu is varied and offers daily specials and a wine list.

There is an excellent chance that on any given day patrons of Piero’s will see such celebrities as Jennifer Aniston, Jim Belushi, former President Bill Clinton, Justin Timberlake, Cindy Crawford, John Travolta, Cameron Diaz, Michael Jordan, Roger Clemens and Shaquille O’Neal, along with international and national sports figures and legends of music.

Yet it’s the lore of days gone by that still fills the imagination of anyone who enters the restaurant’s supper club atmosphere.

“You can almost see Sammy, Dean and Frank relaxing in the high-back chairs after a Rat Pack performance,” Glusman said. “Across the room are the likes of such underworld heavies as ‘Fat Herbie’ Blitzstein and Tony ‘The Ant’ Spilotro. You’d swear that the FBI was still renting space across the street to keep an eye on some of the country’s most notorious mob figures.”

According to Glusman, the restaurant has undeniable history. “Not many notable dining establishments in Las Vegas can say they have had major motion pictures filmed here including the quintessential Vegas mob film, ‘Casino,’  ” Glusman said. “This is a family-owned-and-operated establishment. That’s how we try to operate the eatery. From personnel — many who have had a 20-plus year tenure here — to the superior service and delicious cuisine, you won’t be disappointed.”

Visit www.pieroscuisine.com for more information.