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Brad A. Johnson

Food & Travel

Brad A Johnson
  • Blog
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  • Photography
    • Food Photography
    • Travel Photography
    • Restaurant Photography
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Las Vegas’ Best-Kept Secret: The Oyster Bar

  • July 27, 2012
  • Brad A. Johnson
Pan roast and gumbo at the Oyster Bar at Palace Station Las Vegas (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Pan roast and gumbo at the Oyster Bar at Palace Station Las Vegas (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Oyster Bar at Palace Station Las Vegas (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)
Oyster Bar at Palace Station Las Vegas (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)

In a city filled with splashy, high-profile celebrity chef restaurants, it’s refreshing to discover something more low key, unexpected and off the traditionally beaten path. Chances are you didn’t even know there was a casino in Las Vegas called Palace Station. And chances are even better that you’ve never heard of that casino’s Oyster Bar. The locals would like to keep it that way.

Blink and you’ll miss it. The entire restaurant is merely a kitchen counter with about 16 bar stools. It’s open 24 hours, and there is always—always—a line (no reservations), almost entirely made up of regulars. The menu is tightly focused on shellfish: freshly shucked oysters, clam chowder, gumbo, jambalaya, bouillabaisse… The gumbo is as good as anything in New Orleans, but the best dish on the menu is something called a “pan roast,” which is a lot like gumbo, only better.

For dessert, they serve what they call profiteroles. Brace yourself. It couldn’t be farther from the traditional definition of profiteroles. But adjust your expectations accordingly, and you’ll devour every last bite. You might even lick the bowl.

The Oyster Bar is definitely worth a detour. Seriously. You won’t be disappointed.

For more travel inspiration and photos, I invite you to follow me and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

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Las Vegas’ Best-Kept Secret: The Oyster Bar
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Brad A. Johnson

Brad A. Johnson is a writer and photographer specializing in food and travel. His work has been honored by the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards, James Beard Awards, World Food Media Awards, Food Photographer of the Year Awards, Society of Features Journalism Awards and others. Based in Southern California, Brad currently serves as Editorial Director of the new luxury consumer travel magazine of the Global Travel Collection (launching Spring 2023).

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Hey, OC. FYI in case you missed it, @ryegoods has opened a new location on Red Hill in Tustin, just down the street from Flight/Mess Hall. Same incredible breads and pastries as the original on the peninsula. No lines here, plus a huge seating area. #sourdough #pastries #coffee #orangecounty 322 9
One more post from our lovely stay at @fstokyo. Delicious lunch at @maisonmarunouchi, the casual sibling to @sezannetokyo. Excellent all around. And clearly popular with Tokyo's ladies who lunch: the clientele during our visit, almost entirely women. Quite the see-and-be-seen crowd. 57 1
I’m not sure which I liked better about the @fstokyo, the valet greeter and escort from the train station, the view of the trains from our room, or the super comfy pajamas. Excellent service all around. #Tokyo #Japan #hoteljunkie 79 3
I think @sezannetokyo ⁠has a #footfetish, and I’m ok with that. Truly fantastic lunch. Impeccable service. ⁠ 63 1
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Well, that was interesting.  A toast to 2022. And looking forward to ‘23. Cheers, and safe travels to all. 81 1
Brad A. Johnson
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Writer. Photographer. Traveler. Restaurant Critic.

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