VegasChatter

An unsung dining gem since opening 17 years ago, the Palace Station Oyster Bar (yes, we know they have Oyster Bars at Green Valley, Sunset and Texas Stations) is a really just a 20-seat counter, with a fine view of the gaming tables and slot machines.

But, you won’t spend much time eyeballing the aging casino’s aging clientele. You’ll be far too busy watching the chef as he deftly ladles scoops of the ocean’s bounty into the steaming kettles of made-to-order chowders, gumbos and jambalaya.

The combo pan roast ($21.99) is swimming with shrimp, crab and lobster -- a creamy, tomato-based bisque, shot through with cream and brandy.

And, the seafood jambalaya ($23.99) could feed at least two of your Cajun cousins; an enormous bowl of ruddy red rice studded with mussels and clams in addition to shrimp, crab, lobster and andouille sausage. Shrimp or crab cocktails, a raw bar, a couple seafood pastas, Caesar salad and steamers round out the menu. An adequate selection of (mostly) California wine is available, ($6-$9/glass; $22-$42/bottle) as are a handful of draft and bottled brews ($3.75-$5).

Yeah, it’s not cheap. And, customers can expect to probably have to queue up for it. (Just grab an inexpensive cocktail or beer from Jack’s Irish Pub to drink while you wait.) But, it's worth it. Open 24/7, the Palace Station Oyster Bar is located within waddling distance of the casino’s main entrance off Sahara Avenue.