With more than 200 menu items Grand Lux Café has something for everyone. They pride themselves on fresh delicious global cuisine. The restaurant is owned by The Cheesecake Factory which was founded by David M. Overton. He opened the first location in Beverly Hills, California in 1978. It was a success and it led to a chain of restaurants offering an eclectic menu, large portions, and signature cheesecakes. Today, Las Vegas has two locations and there is also one in Henderson.

Years ago, when Sheldon Adelson was developing The Venetian, he contacted David M. Overton and asked him to create an upscale casual restaurant for his Resort Hotel Casino. Overton took on the challenge he traveled Europe for inspiration taking in all sorts of ideas. Upon his return to the states Grand Lux Café came to fruition. The luxe, but casual restaurant opened inside The Venetian in 1999. It, too, was a great success and there are now thirteen Grand Lux Café restaurants across the country. Two are located on the Las Vegas Strip, a second outlet opened in Palazzo in 2007. Additionally, there is a third location slated for Summerlin.

I first tried the Grand Lux Café six years ago. I’ve dined with friends and family hundreds of times since then. It’s a favorite Strip eatery. I frequent the Palazzo location. I find it to be more accessible than one in the Venetian. Often waits are shorter, as well.

Unlike most cafes, Grand Lux boasts a bar complete with wine, champagne, bottled and draught beers, and specialty drinks including mojitos, martinis and margaritas. There are dozens of non-alcoholic beverages, as well. Such as fruit juices, lemonades, sodas, teas, coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies and fizzes.

All menu items are made fresh from scratch each day, using only the highest quality ingredients. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Breakfast features favorites like waffles, pancakes, French toast, and eggs dished out a number of ways from 6am-11am daily. Lunch specials are available from 11am-5pm. Those offer smaller portions at reduced prices. Other lunch and dinner items can be had from 11am-midnight. Then, a late-night limited menu kicks in afterwards.

Over the years I’ve sampled dozens of menu items, but I’ve hardly made a dent in the expansive selection. However, my top recommendations are as follows… Buffalo Chicken Rolls ($9.95), Cheese Steak Spring Rolls ($9.95), Iceberg Lettuce Wedge ($8.50), Grand Lux Burger Melt ($11.95), Santa Barbara Chicken Sandwich ($11.95), The Reuben ($14.95), Crispy Caramel Chicken ($15.95), Chicken Parmesan ($16.95), and Wiener Schnitzel ($19.95). I’m sure you’ll find your own favorites, as well.

Grand Lux Café also has an on-site bakery where desserts are baked to order. I’ve tried the Molten Chocolate Cake ($7.50) and Fresh Baked Cookies ($6.95). Both are heavenly, if you’re able to save room.

Furthermore, the restaurant strives to please. They will honor special requests and dietary needs with a smile. It is much appreciated that the Grand Lux staff is willing to go the extra mile to satisfy its guests.

Lastly, it is worth a mention that Grand Lux Café at Palazzo has a private dining room that seats 70, and Venetian seats up to 100 guests. It’s a fantastic choice for any special occasion. A friend hosted her event at Venetian, it was great experience. The staff was accommodating, her needs were met and her guests raved over the enjoyable meal.

Delicious eats and delectable treats can be had at Grand Lux Café. Service is warm and welcoming. Not too mention prices are reasonable, especially given the generous portions that are perfect for sharing. Give it a try, it’s likely to become a strip favorite for you, too.

Grand Lux Café inside Palazzo is open Sunday – Thursday 6:00am-2:00am, Friday and Saturday 6:00am-3:00am.

Grand Lux Café inside The Venetian is 24 hours, 7 days a week.