Siegel’s 1941 serves American fare with side of nostalgia at El Cortez

Walking into Siegel’s 1941 inside the El Cortez is a bit like taking a tasty trip back in time.

After winding your way toward the back of the casino, you’ll see a red neon sign. Inside, red leather booths anchor the spacious dining room, which sits under the knowing eyes of the colorful characters from Las Vegas’ past occupying the walls in vintage photographs. Steaks and other classic American fare are the mainstays here, although the menu does venture a bit off the beaten path with selections such as grilled ahi tuna steak with sesame shiitake noodles and Asian slaw ($18), Cajun shrimp po’boy ($12) and the surprising Poutine from the appetizer menu — a generous helping of hand-cut steak fries, smothered in brown gravy and cheddar cheese ($8) — something you might not expect to find on a throwback cafe’s menu.

That menu includes a little something for everyone. Breakfast items (most are around $10) include blueberry, chocolate Nutella or Bananas Foster pancakes; hashes made with corned beef, prime rib, roast turkey or lump crab; omelettes; and eggs Benedict served Florentine (creamed spinach) or Norwegian (smoked salmon) style. There are also potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream ($7), steak and eggs ($14), and chicken and waffle ($11).

The all-day menu includes Breakfast Anytime selections (buttermilk Belgian-style waffle, croissant sandwich, three-egg omelet); a matzo ball soup starter served with challah bread ($8.50); house made turkey Cobb salad ($11.50); and chicken pot pie served with vegetable of the day and potato cake ($12).

The Bugsy Siegel Burger — yes, Siegel’s 1941 is named for Vegas’ favorite mobster — features applewood bacon, grilled onions, sharp cheddar, tomato marmalade, housemade pickles and Dijon mustard ($11.50), while the version named for Italian mobster Lucky Luciano has marinara, caramelized onions, and romano and fresh mozzarella cheeses ($12).

Sandwiches served with choice of fresh-cut fries, chips or homemade slaw include Arthur Avenue Hero with Genoa, capicola and Provolone ($10.50); Monte Cristo with ham and Gruyere cheese on grilled brioche ($11); and Chicago Italian beef with red gravy, peppers and onions ($10.50). The recently introduced 30-minute Express Lunch menu, available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, also offers selections such as Carolina pulled pork sandwich and slaw, half cup of soup and salad, spaghetti and meatballs, and 7 Layer Lasagna Bolognese, all ordered and served within a half-hour window.

The cafe also features weekly specials, including liver and onions, meatloaf on Mondays, pot roast brisket on Thursdays, and shepherd’s pie on Saturdays. Most specials are $11, and you can add a house salad or soup of the day for $3 more.

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to save room for Bourbon bread pudding ($7), made here Southern style with brioche and topped with bourbon sauce and Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream.

Siegel’s 1941 is open 24 hours daily. Call 702-385-5200 or visit elcortezhotelcasino.com/dining/siegels-1941.