Brad A. Johnson
  • Blog
  • About
  • Photography
    • Food Photography
    • Travel Photography
    • Restaurant Photography
    • Hotel & Resort Photography
  • Writing
  • Contact
Brad A. Johnson

Food & Travel

Brad A Johnson
  • Blog
  • About
  • Photography
    • Food Photography
    • Travel Photography
    • Restaurant Photography
    • Hotel & Resort Photography
  • Writing
  • Contact

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. 

More from Las Vegas
    • Travel: United States
Photo of the Week: Las Vegas High Roller
  • Brad A. Johnson
  • May 25, 2019
    • Travel: Culinary
    • Travel: United States
America’s Best Chinese Food is in Las Vegas
  • Brad A. Johnson
  • November 14, 2013
    • Travel: Culinary
    • Travel: United States
4-Star Review: Blossom, Las Vegas
  • Brad A. Johnson
  • November 14, 2013
    • Travel: Culinary
    • Travel: United States
Las Vegas: Best Place in the World for Steak. Period.
  • Brad A. Johnson
  • July 31, 2012
    • Travel: United States
Must See: Las Vegas’ Best New Show
  • Brad A. Johnson
  • July 28, 2012
    • Travel: Culinary
    • Travel: United States
Las Vegas’ Best-Kept Secret: The Oyster Bar
  • Brad A. Johnson
  • July 27, 2012
Share
Tweet
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).

Previous Article

How to Cook an Octopus, Mexico-Style

  • June 24, 2012
  • Brad A. Johnson
View Post
Next Article

Must See: Las Vegas’ Best New Show

  • July 28, 2012
  • Brad A. Johnson
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Travel: Asia
  • Travel: Culinary

Where (and What) to Eat in Bangkok, High and Low: 11 Must-Visit Thai Restaurants

  • Brad A. Johnson
  • January 1, 2023
View Post
  • Travel: United States

First Look: Upper Stories at Thompson Central Park, NYC

  • Brad A. Johnson
  • October 1, 2022
View Post
  • Travel: Adventure
  • Travel: Asia
  • Travel: Culinary
  • Travel: Europe

R.I.P. Crystal Cruises (Update: Returning in 2023!)

  • Brad A. Johnson
  • February 6, 2022
View Post
  • California Hotels
  • Travel: United States

Motel Review: White Water, Cambria CA

  • Brad A. Johnson
  • February 6, 2022
View Post
  • Travel: Adventure
  • Travel: United States

Photo of the Week: Rocky Creek Bridge, Big Sur, California

  • Brad A. Johnson
  • December 14, 2021
View Post
  • California Restaurants
  • Travel: Culinary

Review: Addison, San Diego

  • Brad A. Johnson
  • December 4, 2021
View Post
  • California Hotels
  • California Restaurants
  • Travel: Culinary

Quick Review: Valle, Oceanside CA

  • Brad A. Johnson
  • November 19, 2021
View Post
  • Travel: Culinary

Food Photographer of the Year Exhibition at the Royal Photographic Society in Bristol, England

  • Brad A. Johnson
  • October 29, 2021
Cancún’s original grande dame changed its banner from The Ritz-Carlton to Kempinski during the pandemic, but little else has changed (except maybe some upgraded furniture in the rooms and a fresh coat of paint). Posh as ever. Lovely beach. Same staff. Same owner, whose classical art collection alone is worth a look if you've never seen it. You would wander the halls for days looking at art at this hotel. Old-money Cancún at its finest. ⁠ 44 3
Serenity. Checked into the new @waldorfastoriacancun on the outskirts of Cancún for a little pampering. It's lovely. A world away from the hectic hotel zone. I felt like I had the entire hotel to myself. ⁠ 68 2
Cochinita pibil with black-bean soup and wood-fired tortillas at @kinichizamal. Tasty detour. ⁠ 61 3
Nobody walks more than a block or two in Espita. Hardly anyone drives. Motorized trishaws are the preferred mode of transport. That last photo is the country road to Espita, which is located about halfway between Merida and Tulum in the Yucatán. ⁠ 54 0
Is this the prettiest avocado toast you've ever seen or what? That tiny spoonful of chile oil on the right side is more than enough. A perfect breakfast by @chef.jorgeildefonso and chef @_josehauvidal at @casonadeloscedros_restaurante in Espita, Yucatán. ⁠ 45 0
In the middle of seemingly nowhere in the Yucatán jungle you'll find the small, traditional pueblo of Espita, and that's where you'll find @casonadeloscedros_restaurante, an incredible little restaurant by @chef.jorgeildefonso (with chef @_josehauvidal on the pass), tucked inside an amazingly charming inn. This is essentially the only restaurant in town, and it is the very reason to make the journey. ⁠ 116 5
Brad A. Johnson
  • Blog
  • About
  • Photography
  • Writing
  • Contact
Writer. Photographer. Traveler. Restaurant Critic.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.