In Las Vegas, there never seems to be a shortage of unique experiences. Walk up a flight of stairs, or simply turn a corner, and you can discover a place that has been there for years but is totally new to you. Then after having had a good time, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been going there all the time.
Here are seven unique venues that are the “hidden gems” of the Las Vegas nightlife scene…
1. Level Up
Level Up inside MGM Grand is wedged comfortably between Hakkasan Nightclub and the MGM Grand Race and Sports Book. This tech-savvy adult playground features great games, good times and a social atmosphere where it’s hard not to meet new people and make friends. If you’re feeling macho, try the arm wrestling table.
2. The Dorsey
The Dorsey inside The Venetian offers a diverse mix of handcrafted cocktails in a relaxed and sophisticated locale. Enjoy a shareable punch bowl, or try the Penicillin, a concoction that The New York Times named to its list of 11 essential drinks of the “modern cocktail revival.”
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3. The Parlour
The Parlour, inside El Cortez on Fremont Street East in Downtown Las Vegas, has a classic, cool vibe. The staff has been here long before many of the casinos were even built on The Strip, and are happy to have a chat and swap stories about days gone by. Or you can ask about recommendations from the extensive wine and cocktail list, and enjoy the live jazz.
4. Goose Island Pub
Goose Island Pub at the Hard Rock Hotel features a vintage pub-style atmosphere. Choose from an extensive selection of craft beers combined with pub favorites that pay tribute to Goose Island’s Chicago roots, and of course it’s a great place to get a Goose Island beer, a line of IPAs, ales and stout.
5. The Barrymore
The Barrymore at Royal Resort Hotel has one of the best Happy Hours in town, and the bar is a great spot to enjoy the live music on weekend evenings. The decor is a step back in time, to an era of cool chic and indulgent glamour.
6. Laundry Room
One of the rules about Laundry Room is, you don’t speak about Laundry Room. This tiny speakeasy, located inside The Commonwealth in the trendy Fremont East District, is accessible only if you make reservations, and those reservations must be made by sending a text. Why all the fuss? Because as you worked hard to get in, they will work hard to make you happy to be there. The cocktails, which they describe as “labor intensive,” are spectacular.
7. The Garage
A rollicking gay bar just blocks from The Strip, The Garage is open 24/7 with nightly drink specials, video poker, slots, keno, pool tables, shuffleboard and darts. Every day happy hour from 11 am – 7 pm with two-for-one drinks. Beer on tap, your choice of bottled beer, and full cocktail and wine selections. Great pizza and snack food as well.
