Lou's Reviews
Downtown
North of the Strip is Downtown or 'Old Vegas'
The following are accessible on the Deuce bus going north, some require a short walk from drop off point.
Healing Garden CASINO CENTER BLVD
On October 1, 2017, 60 people, from 15 states and Canada lost their lives in Las Vegas in the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the United States. This memorial, located six miles north of the tragedy, is a serene remembrance of the visitors from fifteen states and Canada who lost their lives that terrible night.
Mob Museum STEWART AVE
What more appropriate location for a mob museum than in downtown Vegas? A complete history of organized crime of all sorts, housed in the actual building where the U.S. Senate Kefauver Committee held organized crime hearings, with a show in the actual courtroom. If that’s not compelling enough, there’s a speakeasy and distillery on site in the basement.
Neon Museum LAS VEGAS BLVD NORTH
A bit of a walk from the comfortable tourist areas downtown but worth the trip. Self guided or expert tours of Las Vegas history presented with the actual neon and other signs, many restored to original quality, all displayed outdoors on 2.62 acres. Don’t miss the immersive show Brilliant!, a laser light mapped experience that re-animates 40 vintage signs with sound produced from 24 speakers and eight projectors creating a 360-degree audiovisual experience. The Neon Museum is scheduled to move to a larger space near the Arts District.
Zac Bagan's Haunted Museum CHARLESTON BLVD
A truly creepy museum, even for skeptics. The building itself lends an uncomfortable feel with things like the staircase from Indiana’s ‘Demon House’. If that don’t affect you, maybe the real Doctor Jack Kevorkian VW death van or the ‘Propofol chair’ Michael Jackson died in will.
Gold and Silver Pawn Shop LAS VEGAS BLVD
You’re not going to see any of the show’s stars wandering around the store, but you will see t-shirts and other memorabilia with their likeness imprinted on it. If you really are interested in meeting one of the show's stars your better bet is next door at Rick’s Rollin’ Smoke Tavern, where you might see owner Rick Harrison who tends bar on occasion (usually Ladies' Nights).
Rick's Rollin' Smoke BBQ & Tavern LAS VEGAS BLVD
Rick Harrison, from the popular Pawn Stars television show, owns and sometimes serves as bartender here, just steps away from the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. It's is a small bar with an outside balcony - and it might be the friendliest in Las Vegas. The food here is not 'bar food'. It's Southern style hickory smoked barbecue and it's the best in Vegas - a big statement, especially with Soulbelly a short walk away in the Arts district. The ribs are excellent and the menu includes a beef rib that is huge and among the best meat available in Vegas, including many steakhouses. There's also a great happy hour available weekdays (that locals may enjoy all day every day).
The Underground at Mob Museum NEAR DOWNTOWN GRAND
A distillery, speakeasy and private room in the basement of The Mob Museum that's surrounded by artifacts from the time of Prohibition, including a working 'still' that produces moonshine on site, used at the bar to re-create cocktails that were illegal in the 1920's. Small plates that also reflect the food of the time are also available. Entrance to the speakeasy can be accessed through inside the Mob Museum or from down the small staircase out back. Get the password of the day from the Mob Museum website.
Fremont Street Experience
Free Concerts and Buskers
Viva Vision Light Shows on the world’s largest digital display, nightly starting at 6:00 pm. SlotZilla Ziplines 12-stories high under the Viva Vision canopy. Live Music Every Night of the week from Las Vegas musical acts and concerts from national acts during the Downtown Rocks Concert Series. Talented and well... other buskers performing on the Fremont Street Pedestrian Mall between 3:00 pm and 1:00 am. All free at the Fremont Street Experience!
Shark Tank Pool GOLDEN NUGGET
The most unique pool in Vegas. A 200,000-gallon shark aquarium, 3 stories tall with a 300-foot water slide inside. Educational tours 1:30 pm Wednesday and Sunday. You don’t have to stay at the Golden Nugget - but you'll probably be unable to get in.
Hugo's Cellar FOUR QUEENS
The basement entrance and brick-lined walls presents a classic, classy atmosphere but after that it’s somewhat arguably contrived with its a long-stemmed rose greeting for the ladies and weary tableside Cesar salad cart presentation. But it is Vegas, and it is about the food, which is excellent (just don’t get the Beef Wellington).
Legacy Club CIRCA
If you’re looking for an… elevated cocktail experience (advertised as located on the '60th' floor but ‘only’ 35 stories high), this rooftop lounge, with its panoramic view of downtown is a must visit. Be aware that most of the time there are seating packages for the patio, at sunset, the fire pits, and private rooms, but the minimums are not difficult to meet. Keep in mind that this is a premium experience. Note: cigars are welcome on the outdoor patio.
Whiskey Liquor Up BINIONS
Whiskey Licker Up has the only revolving bar in Las Vegas, overlooking the Fremont Street Experience adjacent to the first Street stage. It's indoors so views can change from good to fair, but as might be expected, seats there can be difficult to get. There is an overlook seating area that’s equally good but less likely to subject one to vertigo (especially after a few drinks) where you can still view the people and buskers below. The advertised ‘scratch kitchen’ delivers typical bar fare. The food and drinks are good here. The view is better.
Pizza Rock THIRD STREET NEAR DOWNTOWN GRAND
Tony Gemignani, 13-time World Pizza Champion's restaurant offers a variety of Italian and American pizza styles, many winners of various competitions including Neapolitan, Classic Italian, Classic American, Sicilian, Roman, and Gluten Free. All pasta is made fresh on-premises, as are Sicilian and Calabrese sausages. New York style slices are also available, as are some of the best meatballs in Vegas. In addition to the great pizza you'll experience, as the name indicates, rock music, fun friendly service and a semi-truck in the dining room (I don't know why either).
Top of Binion's Steakhouse FREMONT STREET
Binion’s casino was founded in 1951, but the hotel closed in 2009 (except for the 'haunted' boutique Hotel Apache). However, on the 24th floor, at the top of the hotel tower, 'Top of Binion's Steakhouse' remains. Completed in 1965 it offered spectacular views of downtown Vegas. These days the views have changed but the atmosphere hasn't. It will take you back to old Vegas with its vintage decor, atmosphere and food. The entrees are large, steaks charbroiled over open flame and, unlike most other steakhouses in Vegas, all dinners come complete with bottled water, fresh baked bread, special butters and salts, vegetables and choice of mashed potatoes, risotto or mac 'n cheese. Because of the (too) many steakhouses in the Vegas valley these days, this one is often overlooked. It should not be.
Oscar's Bar / Steakhouse FREMONT STREET
This restaurant is named for Oscar B. Goodman, 3-time Las Vegas Mayor and former mob attorney, known for representing crime figures Meyer Lansky, 'Lefty' Rosenthal and Tony 'the Ant' Spilotro and others. Today he recounts his experiences at 'Oscar’s Dinner Series, held at the restaurant periodically. The steakhouse is similar most other steakhouses with better views, from the dining area and new outdoor terrace. There's a daily happy hour offering shrimp cocktail, oysters, meatballs and more - all in a sophisticated yet friendly environment. If you like spicy, try the Hizzonor martini, signature drink of 'the mayor'.