Shrimp Cocktail

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Quick Bite

The Las Vegas shrimp cocktail is chilled shrimp served in a glass with zesty cocktail sauce and a lemon wedge. It is retro, briny, casino-famous, and one of the rare seafood dishes that became iconic in the desert.

History

Shrimp cocktail did not originate in Nevada, but Las Vegas turned it into a legend. In 1959, the Golden Gate Casino introduced a cheap shrimp cocktail on Fremont Street, serving chilled shrimp in a tulip glass with cocktail sauce. It was simple, affordable, and perfect for gamblers who wanted a quick bite between bets.

The price helped make it famous. The Golden Gate’s shrimp cocktail became known as a great Vegas deal, and for decades it was part of the old downtown casino experience: bright lights, slot machines, late nights, and a little glass of shrimp that felt fancier than it cost.

As Las Vegas grew into a major dining city, shrimp cocktail followed two paths. The bargain versions became nostalgic symbols of old Vegas, while steakhouses and seafood restaurants served polished versions with large shrimp, fresh horseradish, lemon, and house cocktail sauce.

Today, the original Golden Gate version is no longer served there, but the shrimp cocktail remains tied to Las Vegas history. It captures the city perfectly: a little glamorous, a little practical, a little over-the-top, and somehow best enjoyed at an odd hour.

Fun Facts

• The Golden Gate’s famous shrimp cocktail helped make the dish a downtown Las Vegas icon.
• The classic Vegas version was served in a tulip glass.
• Shrimp cocktail became famous in Nevada not because of local seafood, but because Vegas knew how to make a deal feel like an event.

Where to Try

Saginaw’s Delicatessen Las Vegas, Nevada
Located inside Circa, Saginaw’s carries on the old Vegas shrimp cocktail spirit with “Sag’s Shrimp Cocktail,” served chilled in a tulip glass with cocktail sauce and lemon.

Golden Steer Steakhouse Las Vegas, Nevada
An old-school Vegas steakhouse where shrimp cocktail fits right into the classic steakhouse experience.

Hugo’s Cellar Las Vegas, Nevada
A vintage downtown steakhouse where tableside charm, seafood appetizers, and old Vegas atmosphere make shrimp cocktail feel right at home.

About the Game

This recipe is part of Van Life Challenge, a travel-themed board game from Gray Dog Games where players explore the United States, discover regional foods, and collect memorable experiences along the way.

Each featured food celebrates a real place, a local flavor, and the kind of delicious roadside discovery that makes every trip feel like an adventure.

Recipe

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Home-Cook-Friendly Las Vegas Shrimp Cocktail Serves: 4 Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 3 minutes Difficulty: Easy Style: Las Vegas / Nevada Casino Classic

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
• 6 cups water
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay or seafood seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Ice water, for chilling
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the cocktail sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, plus more to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

1. Make the sauce: Stir together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and black pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
2. Boil the poaching liquid: Bring water, lemon halves, seafood seasoning, bay leaf, and salt to a boil.
3. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until pink and firm.
4. Chill immediately: Transfer the shrimp immediately to ice water to stop the cooking.
5. Drain and chill: Drain well and chill.
6. Serve: Serve the shrimp in small glasses or bowls with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.

Traditional note: To make it more traditional, serve the shrimp cold in a tulip glass or cocktail glass with zesty sauce and lemon. For old Vegas flair, keep it simple and let the presentation do the work.

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