Lou's Reviews
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On the Strip
The Las Vegas 'Strip' is an ever growing, ever changing approximately four and a half miles
generally considered running from the Strat on the north end, south to Mandalay Bay.
Bellagio Fountains, Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
The Fountains of Bellagio, the third largest fountain in the world and most popular free attraction in Vegas, are mesmerizing whether you stand in front of the lake or watch from one of the many restaurants and viewpoints. After the show be sure to walk into the resort to take in the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. There are also other attractions inside including the world’s largest chocolate fountain and huge glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling in the lobby. Worth the walk.
Top of the World Restaurant AT THE STRAT
At level 106 of the Strat, over 800 feet above the Strip offers unparalleled views of the entire valley as it slowly completes a 360 degree revolution around the tower every 80 minutes. On levels above are a 360° viewing deck with service bar and one more flight up are extreme rides and outdoor views. Yes, you may get vertigo but the experience and views are worth it.
Level 108 Sky Lounge and Extreme Rides AT THE STRAT
360° viewing deck – enjoy cocktails from the service bar while viewing Downtown, the Strip from the north, and all of southern Nevada from 829 ft. high. Walk up to levels 109 and 112 and experience the extreme rides and views from outdoors.
The 'World's Highest Roller Coaster' was removed in 2005, and the Insanity ride no longer runs, but
Davidoff Cigar Lounge AT FASHION SHOW MALL
If you smoke cigars this upscale lounge with comfortable outdoor seating and a walk in humidor (you can bring your own) offers premium drinks, service and ambience. The daily happy hour features free 'champagne’ for the ladies along with weekly whisky and cigar specials (locals receive the happy hour specials all day).
Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck AT PARIS RESORT
The views are fantastic (although photos are challenging because of the metal grid structure). Be aware that because it’s an open air experience, the half-scale Eiffel Tower’s observation deck, at 460 feet, can be more vertigo-inducing than the Strat and High Roller. There’s also a restaurant below - 11 stories above the ground.
Minus 5 Ice Bars LINQ, MANDALAY BAY & VENETIAN RESORTS
Yes, in the middle of the desert are three bars (Linq, Mandalay Bay and Venetian) that provide an unexpected experience - an environment completely of ice. The walls, the bar, tables, seats… and the glasses don’t need ice because they’re made of it. Prices are now reasonable. They include entry, gloves, a coat and cocktail.
Wildlife Habitat AT THE FLAMINGO RESORT
A peaceful four-acre garden right in the middle of the Strip, with streams, waterfalls, waterfowl, pelicans, fish, turtles, birds and, of course, flamingos! It's out back of the Flamingo resort, with no cost to enter.
Fireside Lounge INSIDE PEPPERMILL RESTAURANT
The bar is separate from the comfort food restaurant and features a lounge area with a legitimate old Vegas vibe in purple neon and a relaxing pit surrounding a flaming pool. Get the corona-rita!
Big Elvis AT HARRAH'S PIANO BAR
You don't have to be an Elvis fan to be thoroughly entertained by this exceptionally talented singer performing Elvis classics, deep cuts and other popular tunes. Down to 280 lbs. from 980 fifteen years ago, Pete Vallee might not be as big as then but his voice still is. Maybe the kindest, most talented singer in Las Vegas who is glad to meet and take photos after every show (3 times a day, 3 days a week). 'Big Elvis' engages his audience during the show (no worries, only volunteers perform with him), and after every show, when you can meet, greet and take photos with 'Big Elvis'.
High Roller Bar Car
A 30 minute ride with fantastic views from two of 28 air-conditioned pods that reach a height of 550 feet on the largest observation wheel in the world overlooking the mid-Strip area. Drinks are unlimited during the 30 minute ride with up to 40 party friends maximum in each podWe’re not sure what the record is but we’ve seen five (with one to go) consumed on more than one occasion (be careful though, the wheel doesn’t stop as you exit and there are stairs back down to the Strip.
Sphere
You've heard of it, seen photos but that doesn’t quite offer the experience of being up close to the World's Largest Spherical Structure - a 367 foot, 8 story marvel with 1.2 million puck size LEDs. If there is an event available, be sure to experience the futuristic inside, where 20,000 people can experience entertainment that can include vibrating seats and scents.
106 Top of the World Restaurant
This is the quintessential style over substance restaurant. The food is good (it's basically a steakhouse, so keep that in mind), and you can do better for the price, but make no mistake - with a dining area revolving 360 degrees every 80 minutes offering spectacular views of the entire valley and Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for 26 years, this is the must visit dining experience in Vegas. Note: dinner reservations include free entry to the restaurant, bar and extreme rides viewing level.
108 Drinks & Snacks
The less sophisticated little brother of the Strat's Top of the World restaurant, this is your best option to have a cocktail and small bite while enjoying the most spectacular view in the Las Vegas valley.
Bouchon
The almost hidden location of this restaurant within the Venetian provides a private dining experience while enjoying dishes created by the only American-born chef with numerous three-star Michelin ratings. The James Beard Outstanding Chef award winner, Thomas Keller’s Vegas restaurant showcases the multi-award winner’s French cuisine. Featured is a raw bar and specialty wine list, but other than the exceptional food, the best feature is the exceptional friendly somewhat informal service in a very formal environment.
Chandelier Bar
Three levels of stylish bars adorned within a purple crystal glass chandelier of light; this is the quintessential Las Vegas Strip bar. The knowledgeable bartenders deliver drinks with care, not flair. You may want to try the off-menu (not so) secret Lemon Verbena cocktail. It comes with a Szechuan button flower that tingles the tongue and changes the flavor (think margarita and ‘Pop Rocks’ and you’ll get the idea). It affects some more than others, so you decide whether it’s worth the over $20 price tag to find out.
Davidoff of Geneva Cigar Lounge
The best Vegas cigar lounge in Las Vegas. Large outdoor patio overlooking the Strip. Premium cigars, drinks, daily specials and personal attention. Get there between 5-7PM Sunday-Thursday for 50% off drinks and free champagne for ladies.
Hakkasan Restaurant
Not hidden but sometimes overlooked because of the more well-known nightclub on the two stories above is Tao group’s elevated contemporary Cantonese Chinese cuisine restaurant. An a la carte menu, raw bar and dim sum are available but recommended is any of the three levels of prix fixe offerings, all with optional wine pairing. No worries, the restaurant closes before the fun begins on the levels above.
Jaleo
One of five Chef José Andrés' Vegas establishments, this one offers authentic traditional and modern Spanish tapas. Recommended experience is the chef’s tasting menu with Spanish wine pairing. The food, prepared in an open kitchen is exceptional. The mostly sweet wines are not.
Lago
Renowned chef Julian Serrano's Bellagio lakeside restaurant, offering traditional and upscale Italian dishes, enjoyed outside the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining room or on the open-air patio with best restaurant view of Lake Bellagio. Unlike many other premier restaurants, Lunch and Brunch are available.
Ocean Prime
National lover 20 large city steakhouse featuring a wine and seafood centric menu with three bars, outdoor dining on the 2,500 square-foot rooftop terrace overlooking the Strip at City Center. One of the best Strip Happy Hours with a half off lounge menu.
Ski Lodge Speakeasy
A (sometimes) hidden bar in the Cosmopolitan Chelsea tower near Superfrico, with a convincing cozy sometimes lively ski lodge vibe. Serving fresh pizza (must be ‘fresh’ because you’ll wait 2 or 3 drinks time) and, of course, do-it-yourself s’mores.
Peppermill & Fireside Lounge
This place exudes a 70’s Vegas vibe, featured in several notable movie and music videos. The Fireside lounge is a magenta and purple neon infused lounge with a relaxing fireside pit flaming inside a pool of water. The restaurant also emulates a diner from half a decade ago, serving overly generous portions of breakfast and comfort food dishes.
Peter Luger
The only locations outside New York can be found in Vegas and Tokyo, featuring select prime steaks and signature dishes like tomatoes and onions, extra thick bacon, potato salads, and of course Luger’s own sauce. Everything is the same as the famed original location, except credit cards are accepted here (and that’s a good thing, because you get what you pay for and this is simply the best steakhouse in Vegas.
Scarpetta
Scarpetta serves bold Italian flavors in four countries including some of the best elevated Italian on the Strip. With views of the Bellagio fountains below from many tables this may be the most overlooked but best Italian restaurant in Vegas.
Spago
Wolfgang Puck's Spago opened in 1992 at Caesars, beginning the celebrity chef restaurant growth on the Strip. In 2018, Spago moved to the Bellagio where ‘seasonal new American fare’ can now be enjoyed along with fountain views from the bar, restaurant or outside terrace.
Beer Park, Brew Dog, Ole Red, Jason Aldean’s & Bottled Blonde
Outdoor views of the Bellagio fountains can be enjoyed from the upper floors of the outside patio of any of these restaurants serving bar type food. Beer Park is closest to the fountains, Brew Dog biggest, Aldean’s and Ole Red feature live country bands. Food, drink and views are similar.
Chickie's & Pete's
This Philadelphia based chain is the best sports bar in Las Vegas. With over 50 TVs and an exceptional menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizza and seafood, and the best wings in Las Vegas. There’s also a great happy hour and adjoining sports betting.
minus5 Ice Bars
Now with locations at Linq Promenade, Caesars and Mandalay Place. Over 90 tons of ice create a ‘chill’ environment where everything is made of ice – sculptures, bar, glasses. Best during the hundred-degree days in the Mojave Desert. No worries though, admission includes use of a parka.
Foundation Room
Because of the sweeping strip view from the south on the 43rd floor outdoor terrace and reputation as a nightclub, the restaurant and bar are often overlooked. They should not be. However, if you are interested in a loud but smaller night club, get on their website and register for the guest list to avoid the entry fee.
Fuel Bar
Featured on numerous TV special, this relatively unknown flair bar is small but always high energy and fun - maybe because of the generous pours and 2 for 1 drink special. You’ll need the need the 2 for 1 drink card, but it’s always being handed out near the entrance to the bar. They wouldn’t want anyone to miss out! Tip: don’t do the nerf basketball ‘win the entire bar a shot’ game. It’ll be costly and the shots aren’t worth it.
Nine Fine Irishmen
Serving traditional Irish food and drinks, along with Irish inspired fusion dishes. Whether dining inside in the A legitimate Irish pub that was built in Ireland and rebuilt on the Strip or outside patio in front of NYNY casino (where you can sometimes enjoy the band on stage there). The traditional Irish dishes are excellent and huge, as are the American offerings. Recommended are the best fish and chips on the Strip (possibly with the exception of Ri Ra), and steamed clams.
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Near the Strip
Walkable distances from points on the Strip
Double Down Saloon NEAR UNLV
The definitive punk rock dive bar. Serving, in the darkness, ass juice (a sweetened mixture of unknown liquors), bacon martinis (real bacon, evidenced by the greasiness) and crazy videos. There’s also a great happy hour when everything is the same price, even top shelf.
Area 15 ROUTE 15 BEHIND CAESARS
A self contained destination of fun, amazement, rides, food, drinks and more. Omega Mart is a once in a lifetime experience (OK, maybe twice), but there are more than 20 other things to do.
Joel's Chophouse
On the second floor of the unusual boutique Ahern Hotel is the steakhouse that rivals its next-door neighbor Golden Steer. This steakhouse, however, offers a menu that includes special pricing on various days. You’ll experience premier cuisine, great service and seats with a view of the north Strip.
Stage Door
This small dive bar casino just off the Strip where Frank Sinatra and his entourage often visited in the 1970s is now known for serving $1 Bud & Bud Light and the best $2 hot dog you’ll ever have. It’s recently cleaned-up but you’ll still be proofed and ‘wanded’ at the door - all part of the vibe here. There’s also an adjoining convenience store, well-stocked with remarkably reasonable prices.
Golden Steer
The oldest continually operating steakhouse in Vegas has been serving since 1958 what they trademarked ‘The Best Steaks on Earth’. There’s a history of regular customers 'back in the day' such as the Rat Pack, Elvis Presley, Nat “King” Cole, Joe DiMaggio and the more infamous Tony Spilotro. If you can’t get a reservation, don’t worry, there are better steakhouses in Vegas these days, albeit without the storied history and ambience.
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South Strip
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Douth of Mandalay Bay by the 'Deuce' Bus Line:
Ride $4 / Two Hours $6 / 24 hrs $8 / 72 hrs $20 / (5 or younger free)
Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
The sign is one of those things you must do once. There are other city signs that you may have taken a photo with but this is Vegas - it’s different. Go at an off-time or you’ll see how different it is. The Deuce bus line stops here.
Town Square
The easiest way for the typical Strip visitor to get adventurous is by riding the Deuce and going north to Downtown, south to the Outlet Mall or to Town Square, a not so hidden gem where reasonable food, drinks and shopping can be found. We recommend checking out C&R Public House & Eatery, Double Helix for exceptional small plates (get the arancini) and outdoor cigar lounge. Excellent happy hour appetizer dishes and drink specials. Order the arancini.and Brio for two of the best Happy Hours in Vegas. There’s also the Triple Crown cigar lounge and Blue Martini nightclub, Pop stroke adult mini golf, Stoney’s country rock bar and much more.
South Outlet Mall
This mall offers brands, some designer, at noticeably lower prices than usually seen at malls of this type. The problem is, if you don’t need clothing or shoes there’s little reason to take the trip. Also, be ready to say ‘no thank you’ to the sales persons outside the stores (you’re already experienced that though if you've been on the Strip for any length of time).
Double Helix
Tucked away at Town Square mall is this restaurant and bar with a cigar friendly outdoor lounge. Some of the best small and shareable plates rivaling anything you can find anywhere on the Strip can be found here along with daily and monthly food and drink specials.
Primarily Prime Rib
Unknown to most visitors, tucked away upstairs at Southpoint casino is the best prime rib available at long forgotten old Vegas prices. The dinners come with bread (unfortunately less common these days), soup or salad, potato choices and vegetables. Also always available is an often surprisingly good bottle of wine for $20.
Silverado Steak House
A ‘Strip quality’ steakhouse with off-strip prices, this pretty but unassuming restaurant offers top quality service, ambience and exceptional steak dishes all of which include bread, a salad tossed tableside, potato options and vegetable accompaniments. As with ‘sister’ restaurants Don Vito’s and Primarily Prime Rib, the red or white ‘wine of the month’ is always available for $20. The real hidden gem however is the amazingly top quality holiday prix fixe menus and service.
Mermaid Aquarium Bar
Mermaids and thousands of saltwater fish in a huge 117,000 gallon aquarium at Silverton are free to view up-close. Adjacent to it is the bar serving pizzas burgers, wings, tiki bar cocktails and a $2.50 Modelo. Get a seat near the aquarium and enjoy a relaxing drink or meal. There’s also live entertainment most nights, a mermaid school and at holiday time Santa has also been seen swimming among the mermaids.
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Far South Strip
Slightly farther south than final Deuce drop off point. Other transportation preferable
Equestrian Arena AT SOUTH POINT RESORT
In the back portion of the South Point Casino Resort is the Equestrian Center and Exhibit Hall. It isn't small as evidenced by its 1,600 horse stalls. Even if you don't like the rodeo events or even horses this facility offers an unexpected, unusual, and fun environment just a few miles south on the Strip (there's even a 'saloon' overlooking the arena. Check the website for other events such as concerts, spotting events and automobile auctions in the 4,400 seat arena .
Mermaid Aquarium AT SILVERTON CASINO
Another of the best albeit somewhat hidden free attractions in Vegas. A 117,000 gallon aquarium with mermaids who swim through the thousands of tropical fish and interact with visitors outside the tank. (There's also a Mermaid School which we haven't experienced but we have seen Santa in the water!
Jayde@16 ASIAN
Perched atop the M offering picturesque unobstructed views of the Las Vegas Strip from a distance, best viewed from the outdoor rooftop terrace. The Asian fusion dishes include tasty, artfully prepared favorites like sashimi, ramen and dim sum. This may be the best kept secret Asian restaurant in Vegas.
Anthony's Sunday Brunch at M Resort
Lobster tails, crab, prime rib, lamb, Beef Wellington and a huge selection of fresh prepared brunch items. This is the best buffet in Vegas, but you’re not going to get in, unless you make a reservation at least two months in advance (or ‘take care of someone’).
The Bootlegger Italian Restaurant
This is a legitimate old-school Vegas establishment with a full menu of authentic ‘red sauce’ Italian. The food is good, but the ambience is better, with sophisticated entertainment, live dinner music and the separate ‘Copa Room’. The Bootlegger has been featured on Food Network and Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and in 2011 was named "Best Bar in Vegas" by Playboy Magazine.
Steiner's Pub
'Nevada style' locals hang out. We’re still trying to figure out what ‘Nevada Style’ means though. It’s sort of a sports bar, or more accurately, sports restaurant. Maybe it’s the genuine 2 for 1 happy hour special, where you get two drinks at the same time (don’t worry, the second beer comes in a bucket of ice). Maybe it’s the rewards programs or the raffles held during football games or maybe it’s the over the top service you don’t usually find at a local’s gaming bar.
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Fremont Street & 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.
Free Concerts and Buskers AT FREMONT STREET EXPERIENCE
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!
Healing Garden
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 15 states and Canada who lost their lives that terrible night.
Mob Museum
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
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.
Zac Bagan's Haunted Museum
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 & Rick's Rollin' Smoke
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 name or likeness imprinted on it. Go next door to Rick’s Rollin’ Smoke, right next door where owner Rick Harrison tends bar on occasion (usually Ladies' Nights!)
Shark Tank Pool AT 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 trry to get in.
Oscar's Restaurant AT PLAZA HOTEL
Named for the mob lawyer and later mayor of Las Vegas , Oscar Goodman (who still makes occasional appearances). The restaurant features classic photos of 'Hizzoner' with famous (and some infamous) celebrities and one of the best happy hours downtown.
Atomic Liquors
An old Vegas celebrity favorite known for rooftop atomic bomb viewing. You can’t watch atomic testing, or go onto the roof anymore, but there is an outdoor patio, elevated drink menu, craft beer and restaurant. It's also very cigar-friendly.
Hugo's Cellar
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
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
A modern, rotating bar with views of the Fremont Street Experience and stage from the second floor at Binion’s. Scratch kitchen. The rotating bar is 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). The advertised ‘scratch kitchen’ delivers typical bar fare.
Pizza Rock
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).
Rick's Rollin' Smoke BBQ & Tavern
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 that 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. That's 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).
Top of Binion's Steakhouse
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.
The Underground at Mob Museum
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.
Oscar's Bar / Steakhouse
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, who today recounts his experiences at 'Oscar’s Dinner Series, held at the restaurant periodically. The steakhouse is similar most other steakhouses but with much better views, from the dining area inside as well as the new outdoor terrace. There's also 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'.
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Fremont East District
Fremont Street, cross Las Vegas Boulevard (past Hennesey's / Slotzilla / Neonopolis area)
Container Park
Enter the Park greeted by a fire spewing 40 foot tall Praying Mantis whose flames reach six stories high every night at sundown,awakened by a drum and music celebration. You’ll experience open-air boutique shopping, restaurants, and live family friendly entertainment. There’s also an interactive playground for kids.
Whiskey Liquor Up AT BINIONS CASINO
Whiskey Licker Up, the only revolving bar in Las Vegas, overlooks the Fremont Street Experience adjacent to the first Street stage. If you are lucky enough to get a seat at the revolving bar its a great place to watch the Fremont Street Experience show above along with the people and buskers below. The food and drink are good. The view is better.
Atomic Liquors
Down the street from Fremont East is the “oldest freestanding bar” in Vegas, where locals viewed atomic testing from the rooftop, boasts the city’s first ‘tavern license”, it is also famed for being an off-Strip hangout for the Rat Pack and other celebrities. A Twilight Zone episode and parts of the movie Casino were filmed here, as was the car crash scene in The Hangover. In 2012 a group purchased Atomic and remodeled the dive bar to its current 50’s style cocktail bar (it’s still definitely not a ‘lounge’), with an outdoor patio.
Commonwealth and Laundry Room
“A neighborhood bar for locals and visitors alike” since 2012 - one of the most beautiful, classic environments in Las Vegas. Hidden inside is The Laundry Room – a nostalgic speakeasy that offers tailored craft cocktails, prepared by the best mixologists in Las Vegas. Admission is by reservation only (see website) with only 22 guests admitted. At night enjoy drinks and sweeping views sweeping views of the Fremont East district from the rooftop patio, with lively entertainment provided by world-class DJs.
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Arts District
Between the North Strip and Downtown
Esther's Kitchen
Named in the NY and LA Times, Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure and more, local chef James Trees offers a seasonal menu of elevated Italian food in a casual environment. You will find meatballs and spaghetti but, as with other dishes, prepared unlike you’ve had before. Get the house made sourdough bread with one or more toppings and create a bruschetta you’ll never forget - before enjoying a main dish equally unforgettable.
Arts District Brewery Row
Starting at the south end of main street walking less than a mile north are four on-site breweries: Able Baker, Nevada Brew Works, HUDL Brewing and Hop Nuts Brewing. Farther up the street toward downtown is the unique Cin-Cin Brewhouse & Seafood Bar and along the way you’ll pass three brewery tap rooms: Servehzah, Voodoo Brewing and CraftHaus, along with two ‘beer-centric’ bars: Silver Stamp and Atomic Tavern. If that’s not enough there are dozens of other bars serving beers in the Arts District
Pepper Club
A sophisticated Marriott boutique hotel in the Arts District is not what you might expect, but the English Hotel is exactly that. Inside (with outside access) is a culinary gem - The Pepper Club, by Chef Todd English. True to its location though, the restaurant environment is 'artsy', with its high ceilings and glitzy décor, lighted by the vibrant colors of the bar, serving as centerpiece of the restaurant. Adjacent to it is an open display sushi bar. There's a brunch that's been called the best in Vegas and a happy hour offering reduced prices on many of the exceptional Asian fusion dishes available on the regular menu. Note: the environment and accompanying prices are disparate from the rest of the Arts District.
Soulbelly BBQ
With its huge smokers welcoming you from outside in front, this restaurant features central Texas style barbecue from Founder and 'Smoker', Chef Bruce Kalman - a James Beard 'Rising Star Chef' nominee and Food Network 'Chopped' champion who also 'Beat Bobby Flay' and was a top five finisher on Top Chef. All those credentials speak to the culinary expertise of chef Kalman, but are contrary to the ambience of this establishment which is a real 'down-home' ultra-casual environment, often with live bands performing on the dining area stage.
Velveteen Rabbit
Modern craft cocktails served amid vintage decor. One of the founding establishments in the fast-growing Arts District. This celebrated cocktail lounge has an interesting, comfortable indoor space featuring local art, vintage furniture, and a new, playfully designed outdoor patio - adorned in pink. Featuring creative seasonal drink menus and a rotating selection of eight specialty beers on tap, this is among the best cocktail bars in Las Vegas - a bold statement to be made in a city full of mixologists but well earned. Note: There is no food available, and you can't bring any in.
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Outside the City
Worth the 30 to 45 minute drive.
Dillinger’s AT BOULDER CITY
A half hour from the Strip, Inside the historic Bank of Nevada building In Boulder City, is an establishment designed with bank robber John Dillinger in mind (including shotgun door handles and bullet encased table tops) – an intimate bar/restaurant that is dark yet friendly. Serving some of the freshest, tastiest pub fare in Vegas. It's been voted "Best of Las Vegas" (even though it's technically not in Vegas).
Primm Valley Resorts, Bonnie & Clyde Car, 7 Magic Mountains
40 miles, 40 minutes Two interesting but brief attractions to break up the typical Vegas day. The Bonnie and Clyde car has 112 bullet holes, along with a small museum display currently located at the Primm Valley Casino about 40 minutes from mid-strip. You’ll drive past the ‘Seven Magic Mountains’ to get there - a curiously intriguing photo op stop (soon to be moved to northern Nevada). One of Primm Valley Resorts’ three casinos is Buffalo Bill’s, home of the Desperado roller coaster, now closed for four years but said to be operational. Once the world's tallest and seventh longest , it was also among the fastest, attaining a maximum speed of 80 mph. On your way back, stop at Pioneer Saloon.
Pioneer Saloon GOODSPRINGS - PRIMM AREA
Said to be haunted and 38 minutes from center Strip is the oldest bar in Southern Nevada (1913), the search base for the Carole Lombard plane crash (with a memorial museum), bullet holes where a card cheater was shot, and an 1860 potbelly stove that still heats the saloon . The highlight these days though is the weekend band party atmosphere.
Hoover Dam & Lake Mead National Recreation Area
35 miles, 45 minutes from the Strip - Hoover Dam is the highest in the United States at 900 feet, forming Lake Mead, the country's largest man-made lake. The National Recreation Area provides 550 miles of outdoor and water related activities. Near the Dam, on the boundary between Arizona and Nevada, is the 1,900 foot long Bypass Bridge, 890 feet above the Colorado River includes a pedestrian walkway, which is open to the public. The bridge offers unparalleled views of the dam and the river below. And if you think all of that is terrifying, you're right!
Water Street District
15 miles, half hour away. Think of the Arts District of a few years ago for locals and you’ll get the Water Street vibe. 18 small shops, 21 places for food and drink, two local’s casinos, the Silver Knights practice facility all on a mile long strip. It doesn’t call out for numerous visits but is a fun, memorable day visit.
Lake Las Vegas & Yacht Cruise
20 miles, 40 minutes from mid-strip is the little known Lake Las Vegas, a residential and resort destination on a privately-owned 320-acre lake. There are two large hotel resorts - Hilton and Westin together offering 11,000 hotel rooms close to championship golf courses, dining, and water activities. A master-planned community offering a laid-back escape. There is a casino, but it’s been closed since 2013 and there is a guest shuttle service from the Westin near the Strip to the Westin on the north side of the lake. Tthe Hilton anchors the village area and near the marina where you can find the 84 foot fully equipped yacht that offers various events and charter services.
Boulder City, Museum & Dillinger’s
Boulder City is one of only two places in Nevada that prohibits gambling (Panaca). Built in 1931 as housing for Hoover Dam workers. Today it’s an inviting small city of just over 15,000 with an old time small town feel. On the 1st floor of the historic Boulder Dam Hotel is the Boulder city/Hoover Dam museum - FREE to the Public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the year! Inside the historic Bank of Nevada building is a bar/restaurant with a John Dillinger motif (including shotgun door handles and bullet encased table tops) serving some of the best pub fare in Vegas. It's been voted ‘Best of Las Vegas’, although technically not even in Vegas.
Capo's Italian Restaurant & Speakeasy
Not sure if their claim that Al Capone’s actual recipes are used is real but the ambience of this old school speakeasy seems to be. While most places are simply hiding a door and calling it a speakeasy, everything about this place takes you to a time during prohibition as you’ve imagined it. Give the secret password in the empty room, tip the maître d’ and enjoy the excellent old world Italian food, drink and entertainment.
AYCE Buffet at Palms Lobster Night
This isn’t the best buffet, but its quality rivals Bacchanal, Wicked Spoon and Wynn, at a more reasonable price. In addition to the daily offerings, Wednesday & Thursday is the Lobster Dinner followed on Friday by Prime Rib & Snow Crab night. Fortunately, the much-reported hours long wait is a thing of the past as online reservations now accepted (be aware there is a 1.5-hour dinner time limit, but you can eat a lot of lobster and crab in that amount of time). Special Note: Considering how many buffets were permanently closed after the 2020 pandemic, a 'shout-out' to the Palms’ new owners, the San Manuel Tribe is appropriate.
Panevino
Ambience, airport views and some of the best elevated Italian food In Vegas. Not inexpensive, but reflective of the quality and service you’ll enjoy. There’s also an expansive happy hour with over 20 items found on the main menu to sample. You’ll be back for the dinner portions.
Sgrizzi by Chef Marc
The long awaited return of Chef Marc Sgrizzi’s East coast elevated Italian menu. The kitchen is always not only always personally supervised by the chef but with many dishes prepared by Chef Marc. There’s also a lunch menu, chefs table and dry aged meats that rival the best Vegas steakhouses. Tip: Get the ‘Utica greens’, where that means sauteed escarole, not a salad.
Marche' Bacchus
Located in the Desert Shores residential community on tranquil Lake Jacqueline, this premier restaurant with lake views from both indoors and the outdoor patio serves traditional and contemporary French dishes as well as James Beard Award winner Bradley Ogden's new American classics. In the front of the house, on full display, is a hidden gem for wine lovers - the 'Wine Cellar at Marché Bacchus'.
Mastrioni's
Since 1999 this neighborhood restaurant has served an extensive selection of seafood and traditional Italian dishes in an intimate, welcoming setting. Using only the freshest ingredients, all sauces and entrees are prepared at the time of order by chef Pete Mastrioni and his team. Chef Pete has an extensive background in Italian cuisine, having learned from a long line of family chefs from Naples, Italy, moving to Vegas from Brooklyn, New York to open his first restaurant here in the 1990s.
Pioneer Saloon
The oldest bar in Southern Nevada and made a historical landmark in 2007. The saloon, built in the 1800’s, has a storied history including that of miner who in 1915 was caught cheating and shot dead over a game of poker. The newspaper headline, coroner’s report and tin wall with the bullet holes are on display in the bar. That miner is one of several ghosts said to haunt Pioneer Saloon where customers and employees alike have recounted ghostly occurrences at the property. These days there's live music on the weekends, ghost hunting events and one of the best burgers in southern Nevada - the Ghost Burger.
Canyon Restaurant at The Retreat on Charleston Peak
With the iconic Mount Charleston lodge having burned down in 2021, the ‘Retreat’ is currently the best option on the mountain and this restaurant inside the beautiful rustic lodge, located at 6,700 feet, provides gourmet meals and surprisingly delicious comfort food, with unusual offerings like elk and buffalo burgers, surrounded by mountain vistas out of every window. Definitely worth the 45-minute drive from the Strip.
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Double Down Saloon
Shut Up and Drink is the slogan for this iconic dive bar (although it isn’t very easy to hear anyway, particularly at night with a punk rock band playing). Darkness and almost contrived tawdriness surround you while drinking a bacon martini (much worse than it sounds) or its famous ass juice (much better than it sounds). Perhaps intimidating at first, this is a sociable place with a great happy hour is frequented by locals, UNLV students and curious tourists.
Golden Tiki
Seemingly a tiki bar is out of place in the center of Chinatown Plaza but this bar has become so popular with locals and tourists alike that you’ll probably be standing if you arrive during happy hour (every day 4-7 pm). However, the entertainment, festive atmosphere and curious surroundings make the discomfort worth it (or maybe it’s the strong rum-based drinks that help you not to care). Either way, it’s worth the trip to Chinatown to experience. If you can’t get in, try the similar but less traveled Frankie’s Tiki Room or Stray Pirate in the Arts District.
Partage
The restaurant Partage ('sharing' in French) is housed in a relatively small but modern environment in the unlikely location of Chinatown Plaza. It offers only three tasting menus with available add-ons and wine pairings. The menu is curated seasonally by 'Chopped' television show winner Yuri Szarzewski who learned his craft in Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and Courchevel, prior to moving to Las Vegas in 2015. This is a premium culinary experience that surpasses most of the French offerings on the Strip.