Comedian Avi Liberman Says His Blackjack Skills Get Him Recognized in Vegas

We've enlisted comedians, some based here and others who spend their time on the road and come through Vegas, to share their recommendations on great places to dine in Sin City for a feature dubbed Comedian Confidential.

Avi Liberman's quirky style has made him a favorite in comedy clubs from Los Angeles to New York. Liberman has performed stand-up comedy on CBS's Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, on Comedy Central's Premium Blend and Make Me Laugh as well as NBC's Friday Night! He performs at the Improv at Harrah’s through Saturday night. Here he tells you where he likes to dine in Las Vegas, how his blackjack play gets him recognized and his memories from his first trip to the city.

How often do you get to Las Vegas?
I'm there about three to four times a year. Always enjoy it!

Do you remember your first trip to Vegas?
Sure! My Dad took me as a 21st birthday present and aside from playing blackjack poorly, all we basically did was go to one comedy show after another. It's surreal to work with a lot of the guys today that I saw back then when I was 21.

Do you have any favorite restaurants you like to visit here?
Tough to go wrong with any of the restaurants along the Strip. The new food court in Harrah's is great, and I also like Haifa Restaurant on Twain Avenue.

Do people approach you while you're dining out?
Yes. Usually it's to make fun of me for staying in a poker hand with something stupid. They then thank me for dinner being on me, even though I didn't mean to pay for it.

What about nightlife? Do you ever go out after a show to unwind?
Depends on which comics, family or friends are in town, but I enjoy playing poker at various poker rooms around town, getting frustrated, then going back to my room in anger and not being able to fall asleep. 

What was the first thing that shocked you in Las Vegas?
That first time I wasn't carded.

What can we expect at your show?
Tons of stolen material from John Caponera's act.