Sierra Gold

When Golden Gaming announced the hiring of Chef Johnny Church to head up Stratosphere and several other properties in their diverse portfolio it was obvious change was afoot, the subsequent acquisition of Chef Scott Green from Robert Irvine’s Public House to head up their PT’s Entertainment Group branch another bold move that on Wednesday proved worthy of a closer look.

Sporting some fifty-seven locations across the Valley, concepts ranging from PT’s Ranch, Pub and Brewing Company to Sean Patrick’s and Sierra Gold it was at “SG Bar” or “Sierra Gold Elevated” that two friends met for Happy Hour, the space at 9580 West Flamingo Road apparently once owned by Andre Agassi far more attractive than the average 24/7 spot both in terms of décor and layout.

Spacious and virtually smoke-free, a location just off the 215 offering convenience and ample parking, it was immediately on entry that a smiley waitress offered greetings and seats in a rounded booth overlooking several televisions, some tuned to national news and others displaying World Cup highlights or the College World Series.

No stranger to 24/7 eateries on-Strip and off, expectations hopefully gauged appropriately despite having never visited a member of the PT’s family, it was with Iced Tea poured and refilled frequently without request that dinner began with $6 Special Sriracha Chicken Bites and “Loaded” Potato Skins, the former featuring tender White Meat and modest heat for a sizable portion of fourteen while the Skins were nice and crispy on the surface with plenty of Pork packed beneath the Cheese.

Next departing the 5p-7p and 12a-2a Happy Hour for one regular menu item, a $12 Bavarian Pretzel indeed living up to its “Giant” description and on par the best of its kind thanks to a fluffy interior plus plenty of thick Beer Cheese, it was next in two $7 selections that diners indulged, the Chicken Parm Sliders a good idea marred by Tomato Sauce in desperate need of seasoning while the Half-Pound Pub Burger may just be the best in town for such a low price as the finely-ground Patty had plenty of flavor on its own with Aged Cheddar, fresh Vegetables and Sauce not far from a Big Mac adding even more.

Finding Fries a bit limp, Chef Green noting that his first order of business when he begins retooling the menu will be adding Hand Cut Fries to certain locations including SG Bar, it was as a conclusion to savories that two $8 Flatbreads were presented, a 33% off discount during Happy Hour yet another great deal whether one chooses the Vegetarian 3-Cheese or “Meat Fest,” though PT’s signature Gilroy with White Garlic Sauce was the clear winner on this night and would have been even better with a slightly darker Crust.

Closing out the early-evening with three Desserts, each $8 and all served in sharable portions, suffice it to say that SG’s Cheesecake in a Jar would have been more “elevated” had it been thawed longer and not so thick as to be poorly mixable with crumbled Graham Crackers while the Caramel Apple Crunch and Fried Oreos fared better, the former actually a very respectable old-school Crumble with a touch of salinity playing well off the Fruit while diners will get what they expect in the Cookies, but in a larger portion size with light Batter and appropriate frying time leaving the insides intact rather than the typical oily mess.

FOUR STARS: Approached with appropriate expectations, places like Four Kegs, Born And Raised or Aces & Ales plus several others also competing for 24/7 Food, Beverage and gaming dollars, SG Bar delivers the elevated experience it suggests in terms of service and décor while the new Happy Hour menu offers some excellent deals.

More food selections then the normal PT's. Paninis are great and build a burger is nice too; almost like a low class build your own burger, in a good way of course.

I've been here a few times for networking events and the bar is clean and spacious. Parking is easy. Food is what I would expect and I've always enjoyed my meals, including the mozzarella sticks. My Mai Tai was yummy too. Service is friendly, but can be challenging because we recently had a big party and it's hard to keep track of everyone and the orders. I don't really like how they keep my card while I drink and eat. I would just rather order and pay up front than have my card held. Next time I'm there, I'll just recommend that instead.

The chicken fried steak with eggs was amazing! The portion is huge.

Bar doesn’t smell of smoke. Food was pretty good. Only had appetizers while watching Knights game.

Nice spot...I was there for a banquet meeting and it was nice. Service was great as well. Food served was chicken, stuffed peppers, asparagus, salad, lemon bars and cookies. A lot of people enjoyed the meal but I did not enjoy the chicken. It was over cooked and dry. But everything else was great 👍🏼.

Came for lunch! Had the Italian sandwich with fries and a beer. Good atmosphere and got in right before the lunch rush hour. Wouldn't recommend the Italian sandwich though, try something else