- I indulged in the extravagant $1,000 Beef Case at Papi Steak, a hotspot favored by celebrities located within the lavish Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
- This 55-ounce Australian wagyu, presented in a striking diamond briefcase, has rapidly gained viral fame among food enthusiasts and social media users alike.
- The creation of this unique culinary experience serves as a brilliant business maneuver for a restaurant in the heart of Las Vegas, and I must say, the steak itself was absolutely delectable.
Within minutes of our arrival at Papi Steak, a vibrant EDM track pulsated from the speakers, setting the scene for an unforgettable dining experience. Our server quickly excused himself to join a lively gathering surrounding a nearby table, where waiters and dancers brandished strobe lights and harmoniously chanted “Hey! Hey! Hey!” in unison. A woman enthusiastically left her meal behind to participate, waving her napkin as if caught in the spirit of the moment. We couldn’t help but turn our heads in fascination as a man displayed a glittering briefcase that illuminated with golden light each time he teasingly opened it.
Inside that shining briefcase lay the highly coveted 55-ounce Australian purebred wagyu steak, which was ceremoniously branded upon arrival, enveloped in a cloud of smoke reminiscent of a new pope making his debut at the Vatican. This was no ordinary meal; this was the $1,000 Beef Case, a dining spectacle I was eager to experience first-hand. (Business Insider covered the meal’s media rate.)
Your favorite celebrity’s favorite steak
Every $1,000 Beef Case comes with a wild show. David “Papi” Einhorn, the co-owner of Papi Steak, proudly shared that the restaurant’s record for Beef Cases sold in a single night reached an impressive 78 during the Super Bowl festivities in Las Vegas. During my own dinner which lasted two hours, I counted at least 15 of these extravagant cases being served.
This method of presentation serves as an incredibly effective business strategy in a city renowned for its extravagant nightlife and spectacular offerings. Once one table orders a Beef Case, it creates a chain reaction among others nearby, as high rollers often glance over and think to themselves, “I’ll have what they’re having.”
The concept of the $1,000 Beef Case wouldn’t exist without its predecessor, the original Papi steak, which was once a staple at Einhorn’s star-studded cookouts. His 32-ounce Glatt Kosher dry-aged tomahawk steaks, along with a dairy-free secret sauce, gained massive attention on Instagram and caught the eye of David Grutman, the mastermind behind Miami’s dynamic nightlife with establishments like Komodo and LIV.
Grutman invited Einhorn to grill at his home, where the who’s who of Hollywood gathered, including A-listers like Leo DiCaprio, all of whom went wild for the dish.
After the Papi steak made its debut on Komodo’s menu in 2018, it quickly became a crowd favorite. Einhorn recounted how the Kardashians adored the dish so much that he would frequently be requested to whip it up whenever they popped into Miami.
Their success eventually led them to establish the first Papi Steak restaurant in South Beach, and when the Fontainebleau Las Vegas opened in 2023, they were eager to expand their culinary concept onto the West Coast. Once again, the stars aligned, with DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, David Beckham, and Tom Brady frequenting the establishment.
Food as good as the atmosphere
The ambiance at Papi Steak encapsulates the essence of Las Vegas. With gleaming marble tables, plush red leather booths, and a dazzling blue chandelier at its heart, the restaurant’s decor ignites a vibrant atmosphere. The black wallpaper serves as a striking backdrop, complemented by fresh orchids adorning the space.
The environment is bold, loud, and undeniably sexy. Having visited Vegas over 20 times and experienced a plethora of glitzy dining spots, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Papi Steak offered not just captivating visuals but also excellently crafted dishes.
My boyfriend and I commenced our meal with a $24 Caesar salad that swayed me with its perfect balance of crisp lettuce, a rich tangy dressing, and some of the finest croutons I have ever savored. These croutons possessed a delightful crunch, with each bite unveiling a burst of aromatic herby flavor—a testament to their freshly made nature.
We decided to indulge in the $18 latkes, inspired by Einhorn’s Jewish roots, which offered a memorable combination of lightness and firmness along with a satisfyingly crispy exterior. Each latke was a savory delight paired perfectly with crème fraîche and fresh apple sauce.
After thoroughly enjoying both plates, the moment we were waiting for arrived: it was finally time for the $1,000 Beef Case.
What’s in the Beef Case?
When Einhorn’s butcher initially offered him the 55-ounce Australian wagyu for Papi Steak, he was at a loss for how to present it. The wholesale cost of the cut was on par with the priciest steak on his menu. However, a light bulb went off when he remembered a dazzling gift he’d received—a diamond briefcase emblazoned with the Papi Steak logo in gold. This inspired him to house the luxurious wagyu inside the briefcase, successfully crafting a show that embodies a classic Las Vegas moment without the typical bottle service.
Einhorn understood that patrons crave a spectacle without necessarily wanting to step into the nightlife chaos, thus creating an experience with the right vibe, energetic music, and a sense of importance tied to an exceptional meal. The Beef Case delivers on every level, transforming the dining experience into a veritable celebration of flavors.
Our sumptuous Australian wagyu—capable of serving a party of six—was cooked to absolute perfection after being branded with the signature Papi Steak logo, before whisking back to the kitchen amid the show. I relished every bite, with the perfectly charred edges paving the way for the tender, flavorful meat. The secret sauce provided an unexpected hint of sweetness that paired beautifully with the fresh tanginess of chimichurri.
Every bite was sheer bliss for my boyfriend and me, and it proved that while it’s easy to feign a good time in a city famed for its glitz, Papi Steak managed to surpass expectations with culinary excellence. The ambiance and service rivaled what one might experience at Michelin-starred establishments. Even if you find the Beef Case beyond your budget, Papi Steak ensures an outstanding meal and a memorable experience.
Just don’t be surprised if, amidst the excitement, you casually lean over and utter to your waiter, “I’ll have what they’re having.”
**Interview with a Papi Steak Guest: A Taste of Extravagance**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today! I heard you recently had the chance to indulge in the famous $1,000 Beef Case at Papi Steak in Las Vegas. Can you tell us about your experience?
**Guest:** Absolutely! It was an unforgettable night. From the moment we walked into Papi Steak, the vibrant EDM music set an energetic mood. The whole restaurant was buzzing with excitement, especially when the servers began the extravagant presentations for the Beef Cases.
**Interviewer:** The Beef Case has gained quite a reputation. What made it such a spectacle during your visit?
**Guest:** Oh, where do I begin? When they brought out the Beef Case, it was like a scene from a movie. The 55-ounce Australian wagyu was in this stunning diamond briefcase, and it was ceremoniously revealed with smoke billowing around it. It felt like a real event, and you could see everyone in the restaurant turning their heads in awe.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredible! What did you think of the steak itself?
**Guest:** The steak was delectable—just meltingly tender and packed with flavor. It was definitely worth the price tag. I’ve never tasted anything quite like it. The experience was as much about the show as it was about the meal.
**Interviewer:** It seems that this kind of presentation actually helps boost the restaurant’s business appeal. Did you notice that happening during your dinner?
**Guest:** Definitely! Once one table ordered the Beef Case, I could see other diners glancing over and whispering to each other. It creates this kind of FOMO (fear of missing out) atmosphere. It was fascinating to watch how it sparked interest in other tables; it’s a brilliant marketing strategy!
**Interviewer:** It sounds like Papi Steak really captures the essence of Las Vegas. How would you describe the overall ambiance of the restaurant?
**Guest:** The decor is striking—plush red booths, marble tables, and an eye-catching chandelier. It really exudes that bold, extravagant Las Vegas vibe. The energy was electric, and it made our meal feel like a special celebration.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, would you recommend trying the Papi Steak experience to others?
**Guest:** Absolutely, yes! If you’re in Las Vegas, it’s a must. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with delicious food, vibrant atmosphere, and a bit of celebrity magic. You won’t regret it!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights! It sounds like Papi Steak offers a truly unique dining adventure.