Former three-term Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will open Oscar’s steakhouse this fall in the street-level iconic dome of the recently renovated Plaza Hotel and Casino overlooking Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas.
Goodman, whose initial claim to fame came as an attorney for mob-implicated Las Vegas executives, has long stated that he wanted to create a steakhouse with premium gin martinis. Now that he has left public service, he was able strike a deal with Poju Zabludowicz, chairman of Tamares Real Estate, the company that owns the hotel.
“I can’t wait to open Oscar’s, my own steakhouse, that will have the charm and glamour of the Las Vegas that I love,” said Goodman. “Many people may remember that I once called for the Plaza to be torn down, but the much-needed investment by its committed owners has transformed it into the coolest place in Vegas.”
The decor will incorporate memorabilia from Goodman’s 12-year tenure as mayor and classic photographs of Las Vegas over the years. Goodman’s wife, Carolyn, now serves as the city’s mayor.
Adjacent to the steakhouse will be a new Italian restaurant and speakeasy – paying homage to Goodman’s years as an advisor and private attorney representing high-profile clients that played a role in making Vegas what it is today. Serving the customers of both restaurants will be a new bar and lounge that will serve a variety of cocktails, including martinis, the former mayor’s signature drink.
Approximately US$35 million has been invested into The Plaza’s renovation. The hotel and casino is slated to reopen next month with investors hoping it leads a resurgence of the downtown Strip. In its previous incarnation, The Plaza was a hotel where Goodman was featured in the movie “Casino.”
