History:

There are those in this town who say that the "old Las Vegas" is no more. They decry the corporate takeover of the strip and fondly remember the days when casino bosses had nicknames like "Joey the Mailbox."

For these people, there’s one familiar face that hasn’t changed much in 25 years -- Carluccio’s Tivoli Gardens Restaurant on East Tropicana. The original (est. 1983) was on Eastern Ave near Tropicana next door to Freed’s Bakery, another Las Vegas main stay. The Carluccio family moved their great reputation to its current location in November 1988.

When the family moved their restaurant they were nervous the customers wouldn’t follow, but the people came. They came in droves. The restaurant was popular both with locals and visitors. People from all walks of life came here, including the Mob.

The restaurant is known for its great prices, excellent service, and generous portions. The restaurant features traditional Italian and Italian-American cuisine, ranging from pasta, alfredos, seafood, and chicken & veal cutlets. There is quite a selection to satisfy your taste for home made Italian food just like mama used to make.

Then there’s the mafia angle. Carluccio’s was a popular location for the representatives of "The Chicago Outfit," including Anthony "The Ant" Spilotro and his brother Michael. "The Ant" was the basis of Joe Pesci’s character in the movie Casino.

Mafia Capos dined in an opulent formal dining room that could be shut off from the restaurant. Today, it’s called, "The Mafia Room".  Anthony Spilotro ordered the calamari and didn’t like it," Hosier said. "So he went in the kitchen. He showed the chef how to clean and cook calamari the Sicilian way. It’s been on the menu the exact same way ever since."

Carluccios has also had their share of celebrities. Sigfried & Roy had a special table where they enjoyed sitting, Frank Marino makes a point to enjoy a great Italian meal as often as he can. They’ve met Joe Pesci, David Arquette, Lance Burton, Pete Rose, and Bobby Knight just to name a few. There’s a wall full of autographs and memorabilia. Ask any of the staff and they will tell you some great stories about famous encounters.

For starters, the restaurant was designed and built by Liberace. That fact alone should put the place on the "Vegas locations that need to be preserved" list.

"Liberace bought the shopping complex in the late 1970s," Hosier said. "First he put the museum in, then in 1983 the restaurant."

Back then, it was called "Liberace’s Tivoli Gardens, he liked the word Tivoli because backwards it spells," I-lov-iT"

John said, "Liberace’s attorney, told me Liberace himself walked around the property saying, ’I want this in this room, and I want this in that room, There are beautiful stained glass art pieces, real mahogany trim, beautifully sculpted statues, fountains, and furniture that I’m sure fetched a pretty penny."

Every room is original and has its own ambiance. The highlight of the dining area is the Piano Room, which contains a bar shaped like a grand piano. It also contains a glitzy, mirrored grand piano signed by Liberace. The notes to his trademark song, "I’ll Be Seeing You," are etched in mirrors that line the walls. The ceiling contains hundreds of twinkling lights. It’s quite a scene. The main bar Liberace had shipped over from England, he bought it from a pub that he frequented.

For four years, Liberace entertained at his restaurant, cooked for his guests and even lived in a private apartment that is now part of the Museum. One of the dining rooms used to be where Liberace privately held dinner parties. The room has a small bar and a separate entrance to the kitchen. According to Hosier, his good friends Debbie Reynolds and Rip Taylor were frequent visitors. Many strip entertainers would frequent the Piano Lounge and perform with Liberace. As a patron for the arts, his complex was frequented by dancers from various reviews and shows to hold rehearsals in a ballroom that is now part of the Museum.

"Liberace had a separate kitchen for private entertaining," Hosier said. The museum sells a cook book of Liberace’s favorite recipes.

Liberace passed away on February 4, 1987. The restaurant stood vacant for more than a year, until the Carluccio family bought the building.