Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Friends With Benefits:

Going south of the border with Stephanie Peck

Stephanie Peck

Steve Marcus

Pablo McFaddens waitress Stephanie Peck

Click to enlarge photo

Were they calling us fat when they suggested we shoot the Slim Rita? Nope, it turns out it's one of Pablo McFadden's most popular drinks (nice save) with one-third of the calories of a regular margarita and a low glycemic index (for drinkers looking out for their blood-sugar levels). So that means it's OK to have this mix of Casa Noble Crystal tequila, organic agave nectar and fresh-squeezed lime juice three times as much as you normally would. That is what that means, right?

Men of the world, look out. Stephanie Peck is one of those bartenders Las Vegas is famous for — attractive and outgoing, with that ace in the hole that has jaws dropping and tongues spilling out like Jim Carrey in The Mask. Peck digs sports.

"I am a huge football fan," she said. "We get a lot of guys in here, and they're often surprised because I strike up conversations as far as, 'Hey, where are you from?' and wherever they're from, I associate that with their football team."

Of course, Peck, a Baltimore native, loves her Ravens — and her gig at Pablo McFadden's at the Rio, the Mexican-themed offshoot of the Irish pub next door, which has developed quite a reputation for its beer- and shot-fueled debauchery, and will no doubt continue to do so this St. Patrick's Day. Guests at Pablo's can expect something a little less ... out of control.

"At night, we still have music and people can dance, but it's a little more relaxed (than McFadden's)," she said. That said, there are still 36 different kinds of tequila, plus mojitos, margaritas, frozen drinks, fish bowls and a menu of light fare should those late-night hunger pangs start creeping in. And best of all? No cover and no line.

"There is a lot of competition in Vegas as far as nightclubs, lounges and bars, but you can be yourself here. You can be as dressed up as you want, or you can come here in jeans and tennis shoes and still have a great time."

— Originally published in Las Vegas Magazine

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