Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of people complain about Las Vegas being a cultural wasteland. While gambling and spectacle tend to hog the spotlight, and we do run light on traditional cultural touchstones like art museums and theaters, I beg to differ (and FYI, I’m not the only one). But appreciating the culture of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada can require reframing your concept of what culture is. With that in mind, let’s head to the Springs Cafe at the Nevada Springs Preserve and State Museum.
Atmosphere
Upon arriving at the Springs Preserve, you know you’re somewhere unique. Drought resistance landscaping winds along the drive to a parking lot covered by large swaths of solar panels. While the Springs Preserve does charge for entry, there is a separate elevator and stair access to the Cafe.
I arrived right around lunchtime, and the line for walk-up ordering was thick with families and retirees. Even so, it didn’t take more than a few minutes to place my order with the efficient, friendly staff.
In many restaurants, long lines at the counter mean you’re going to have trouble finding a seat. Not so at the Springs Cafe, where the indoor dining area alone rivals a lot of high school cafeterias. There were probably 15-20 parties in the restaurant, and I still had my pick of tables. Thanks to the counter ordering, I sat completely uninterrupted except for when a server dropped off my food. If you like being checked on, this might not be for you. For me, as a person dining alone with a book and a computer, it was perfect. Warm and animated, yet unintrusive.
Food and Drink
Since I hadn’t had breakfast, I went to the Bacon Egg and Havarti Breakfast Sammich. Yes, that’s the correct spelling. Yes, I pronounced it that way when I ordered it. Yes, it did make me hate myself a little.
My favorite part of the plate was the hash, composed of potato, sweet pepper, and red onion hash. Well-seasoned, flavorful, and not the least bit greasy, I wolfed it down without needing additional salt or condiments.
The “sammich” was filling and tasty, but I’ll be honest: it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had. Part of it was my fault–for some reason, I assumed the egg would be runny, but it was actually scrambled. That’s a real shame considering the puffy pretzel bun would be perfect for soaking up the yolk. A pile of rough greens on top made the sandwich difficult to eat at first, but it was easy enough to remove. Plus–free salad!
I don’t know if it was the egg, the lettuce, or simply a lack of salt, but I did find the “sammich” a little bland. However, some strategically placed red onion and hot sauce (of which there were many to choose from) helped quite a bit. I may order it again, but with the number of special requests I’d consider making, I’ll likely try something else next time.
How Did The Writing Go?
Or: Atmosphere, Part II.
I ate my meal at an inside table, leisurely enjoying my food and reading a book on my Kindle. Afterward, I took my iced tea onto the outside patio that wraps around two sides of the cafe. At another quiet corner table, I enjoyed the views overlooking the Preserve, as well as the skyline of both the Strip and Downtown, before settling down to write.
It was lovely. The day was a cool 78 degrees, sunny with a slight breeze. The wind and sun did make it a little challenging to see my computer screen, but that didn’t stop me from hitting my daily word count goal in one sitting. No one bothered me, I didn’t feel like anyone was hovering around me to get me to leave, and when I needed to think or take a break, I had the gorgeous landscape to reinvigorate me.
Final Thoughts on The Springs Cafe
Welcoming yet laidback with beautiful and inspiring surroundings, the Springs Cafe is a perfect place for a writer looking to be out among people while still being able to remain productive. I could even see this as a good spot for informal critique meetups as well.
Once you’re done with your meal and your work, consider taking a jaunt through the Preserve itself to enjoy the natural flora and fauna of the American Southwest in the Botanical Gardens and the Butterfly Habitat. If history is more your speed, check out the Origen Museum or take the trolley to the replica pioneer city of Boomtown. It may not be Broadway, but it’s what we have. And it’s awesome. If you don’t believe me, check out a few pics I took during my last visit. That’s right–I’m a member, and it’s easily one of the best purchases I’ve made:
Springs Cafe is located in the Springs Preserve and the State Museum at 317 S Valley View Road. For more information, visit https://www.springspreserve.org/visitor-information/cafe.html
