Big Al's Oyster Bar

Tucked inside Palace Station off the Strip, Big Al's Oyster Bar is one of those old-school Vegas spots that refuses to die—and thank god for that. While everyone's losing their minds over the latest Strip openings, this place keeps slinging oysters and seafood like it's still 1995, and honestly, that's the whole appeal.

The Oyster Situation

Big Al's does what it says on the tin: oysters, and a lot of them. The bar setup is classic—grab a seat at the counter, watch the shuckers work, and knock back some fresh ones while you're still deciding what else to eat. They rotate varieties depending on what's good, so you're not stuck with the same sad East Coast options every casino seems to default to. If you're into the whole mignonette and lemon thing, you'll be happy. If you just want to chase oysters with beer like a normal person, that works too.

Beyond the Shells

Sure, it's called an oyster bar, but the menu goes deeper into seafood territory. We're talking clam chowder, shrimp cocktail (the real kind, not those pathetic three-shrimp situations), fish and chips, and usually some kind of catch-of-the-day situation. It's not fancy, but it's solid. You're at Palace Station, not Joel Robuchon—adjust expectations accordingly and you'll have a great time.

The Vibe

This is a locals' spot through and through. You'll see regulars posted up at the bar who probably have their own designated stools at this point. The crowd skews older, the atmosphere is chill, and nobody's trying to impress anyone. It's refreshing as hell compared to the peacocking that happens on the Strip. Come in jeans and a t-shirt, order a bucket of Coors Light, eat some oysters, and blend right in.

Why Bother?

Because sometimes you don't want to deal with Strip traffic, surge pricing, and bottles of wine that cost more than your car payment. Big Al's is the antidote to all that bullshit. It's affordable, unpretentious, and the seafood is legitimately good for being in the middle of the desert. Palace Station has free parking, the casino's not a total nightmare to navigate, and you can hit Big Al's before or after dumping money into video poker. That's a solid Tuesday night right there.

If you're looking for Instagram moments and craft cocktails with fifteen ingredients, keep scrolling. But if you want fresh oysters, cold beer, and zero attitude, Big Al's has been doing it right for decades.