The $16 Caesar Salad Scam (And Why I’m Done Defending Oscar’s)
I was just singing this places praises
Let’s talk about Oscar’s Steakhouse.
Last week, I was literally singing their praises, telling people to book a patio table in September (pro tip: ask them to hold the heaters). I even made a reservation for some downtown fun with some friends. It’s fantastic people watching with a view down Freemont Street.
Then? They drop this culinary crime:
A $16 Caesar salad. Made in 30 seconds (maybe). With what looks like a $4 Amazon paint brush for tossing.
Breakdown of the crime scene: (I’m being generous on my math here)
🥬 Romaine: $0.50 (wholesale, max).
🧀 Parmesan dust: $0.75 (generous).
🥄 Dressing: $1 (if they’re using the good stuff, which… doubt).
⏱️ Labor: 30 seconds of a line cook’s time.
Total cost: $4. Price to you: $16.
That’s a 300% markup for the privilege of watching someone aggressively stab lettuce with a paintbrush, and by the way, you have to cut it.. 😄
What The Fuck Oscar’s?
That’s not hospitality, that’s a hostage situation where the ransom is croutons.
Here’s why this pisses me off:
I just defended this place. Now I look like a shit.
Vegas thrives on scams… but this is lazy. At least pretend to care.
Tourists will pay it, which is why they’ll keep doing it.
The Irony
Their happy hour is legit. (Same Salad $8) Their view? Killer. But this paintbrush fiasco proves even good spots get greedy with low-hanging fruit (literally).
Honestly, they’re a victim of the Neon Circus, they can charge it, so they’ll do it. I guess this is just capitalism at it’s finest, however I always feel the need to throw out some honesty, they do have a pretty bad ass happy hour, and a great view.
And no, I’m not canceling my reservations. I’ll definitely skip the lettuce, or should I try it again and see if the ingredients make it worth the insane margins? The last time I had it, it was good, but I seem to remember saying it wasn’t worth the price, and now……
Final Thought:
Oscar’s, you’re on Vegas Uncomped probation. One more stunt like this and you’re in the “Hall of Shame” next to the $27 “artisanal” hot dog at Beer Park. I’ll give you one chance to redeem yourself.
-Jason
P.S. Found a worse Vegas food scam? Reply to this email- I’ll investigate.