New Steakhouse Signals Continued Revitalization at 85-Year-Old Casino El Cortez Hotel & Casino will open Alex Prime, a New York-style steakhouse, in early fall 2026 at its Downtown Las Vegas location on Fremont Street. The 150-seat restaurant represents the latest investment in the property's ongoing transformation under owner Kenny Epstein, who acquired El Cortez in 2008. "There is nothing quite like a truly great dining experience, and that's exactly what we're bringing to Downtown Las Vegas with Alex Prime," said Bart Mahoney, vice president of hospitality for El Cortez. "We have assembled an exceptional team with a singular goal in mind: to set a new benchmark for luxury dining in Downtown Las Vegas."
Menu and Culinary Direction Executive Chef Joe Swan, whose expertise is rooted in East Coast kitchens, will oversee the menu. The program centers on USDA Prime beef cuts and slow-roasted prime rib, alongside fresh seafood selections, Italian-rooted pasta dishes, and what the restaurant describes as "showstopping desserts." David Robins, cited as an authority on fine dining with a career spanning acclaimed culinary destinations globally, is leading the restaurant's development. "From the caliber of service to the quality of cuisine, we are creating Alex Prime to bring the vision Kenny Epstein has for a luxury steakhouse to life," said Robins.
Design and Beverage Program Designed by Kenneth Ussenko Design with architecture by Jive Architecture, the dining room blends El Cortez's 1941 origins with contemporary sensibility. Features include emerald green banquettes, cognac leather seating, richly paneled walls with gold detailing, arched mirrored cabinetry, and coffered ceilings. The beverage program includes a curated wine collection centered on New World varietals and classics selected to pair with the menu's USDA Prime beef and premium seafood. The cocktail menu balances steakhouse standards—martinis and old fashioneds—with signature creations rooted in El Cortez's history. The restaurant will be situated steps from the casino's main entrance with complimentary valet parking. Alex Prime will open daily at 5 p.m.
Why It Matters
For operators in Las Vegas's competitive dining landscape, Alex Prime's positioning underscores the continued shift toward elevated, chef-driven dining in Downtown—historically a more casual market segment. The investment signals confidence in Downtown's recovery and suggests renewed demand for premium steakhouse experiences tied to historic properties and local lore.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
