Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville brings a taste of the islands to the Flamingo
Parrotheads, unite! Renowned singer Jimmy Buffet has created a daily presence in Las Vegas by displaying one of his many “hats” — that of successful restaurateur. And he’s done it with a multi-level fun venue that gives people plenty to happily squawk about.
From the moment guests enter Margaritaville, they're greeted with the sights and sounds of a festival-like atmosphere. Named after Buffet’s 1977 hit song, this colorful place, is as much a state of mind as anything else.
The 27,000-square-foot tri-level eatery and entertainment venue boasts a saucy island feel and two patios that overlook the Las Vegas Strip. Stilt-walkers roam throughout the Caribbean-themed restaurant creating Parrothead balloon hats for the crowd, while hand-painted Adirondack chairs invite guests to relax with a refreshing — what else? — Margarita and listen to their favorite Jimmy Buffett songs. There's also live entertainment nightly — indoors and outdoors — as well as a 3,000-square-foot retail store.
There's no guessing what's in a name where Margaritaville is concerned. This is a place where guests can live, breathe, drink — and even watch a pretty girl slide into — margaritas, if they choose. Six bars, including an outdoor Tequila bar on the third level, all serve margaritas made with Buffet’s own brand of Margaritaville tequilas, in addition to an ample selection of other cocktails, including island drinks.
For those looking to blow off some steam, however, the centerpiece of the Marina Floor is a volcano that's a replica of the one on the island of Montescrat and also the inspiration for Buffet’s song “Volcano.”
Two giant 300-gallon blenders flank the Volcano Bar; as margaritas are sold to customers and the level in the blenders goes down, the volcano erupts (approximately every hour), spilling margaritas into the blenders, filling them back up.
The display includes a special ceremonial “sacrifice” in the evening when a Volcano Girl slides from the volcano into the blender, which ends with the creation of the perfect margarita. Day or night, the eruption is followed by Buffet singing “Margaritaville” on video on a large pair of sails that serve as the screen.
It’s so much fun, it’s like having a Cheeseburger in Paradise — the award-winning signature item that gets right to the meat of the Margaritaville menu.
Culled from Buffet’s island travels, entrees include a grilled sirloin steak topped with a Hawaiian Butter and fresh seafood offered daily, including salmon, tilapia and mahi mahi prepared several ways. The extensive menu offers everything from appetizers to sandwiches, salads, entrees and desserts. Paradise it truly is.
- by Bobbie Katz, Las Vegas Reporter for HelloMetro
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