Destination: NevadaGreat for: NightlifeWhen to Visit: Year-roundGreat for: Food + Drinks
Written By The Exploreist
By Todd Maurer | Updated: October 27, 2023
Las Vegas is known for its fabulous nightlife, and even if you’re not a party animal, there will be something for you. Fancy a quiet pint in a joint with an “Old Vegas” atmosphere? Or maybe you’re a co*cktail fiend who wants to push the limits with some ultra-creative mixology, or you’re looking for somewhere special to take a date. Read on for our list of the top bars in Vegas.
1: Fat Tuesday MGM
Fat Tuesday bars can be found all over the Las Vegas Strip, including The Venetian, Planet Hollywood, Casino Royale, Ceasar’s Palace, and Mandalay Bay. This outpost of a New Orleans-inspired chain is known to serve great beer, bar snacks, and co*cktails — its piña colada with rum is amazing, as are frozen margaritas and daiquiris, a delicious refreshment on a hot summer day. This isn’t the place to go if you want a quiet drink, but it’s a perennial favorite of visitors to the Sin City. Soak up the Vegas atmosphere, hit the dance floor and meet some new people, or immerse yourself in the fun side of the Strip. Drinks start at $11 for a 22-oz cup.
Locations: There are 9 locations in Las Vegas
Happy Hour: Thursday - Monday from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM until the bar closes.
2: Velveteen Rabbit
Another popular option for bar-goers, but the contrast is marked. Velveteen Rabbit, named after the children’s storybook, is a low-key co*cktail bar that’s hipster but not pretentious. We love the wild range of imaginative drinks made with fresh seasonal ingredients and the knowledgeable, friendly staff. The decor is upmarket and complete with vintage furniture. It’s not the place for a loud party — more for an intimate evening or a special occasion. Order the ANANSI co*cktail, a mix of vanilla-rose vodka, lemon, oat milk, and spicy mole bitters. Prices are $15 for a seasonal folklore co*cktail and $8 for a glass of wine. 5:00-7:00 PM is “magic hour,” when you get discounts on most drinks.
Location: 1218 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Happy Hour: Daily from 5:00 PM to 8 PM, except for the first Friday each month. You’ll save $2 on specialty co*cktails, $2 off beer, $4 off good drinks, and $1 off any other items.
3: Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge
Founded in 1972, this bar has a true “Old Vegas” vibe: the lodge, featuring a fire pit fountain and fresh flowers, has served as the backdrop for movies likeCasinoandShowgirls. Today, it’s a bit more modern looking, decked out with flat-screen TVs and a full restaurant. However, it’s still a cozy spot to hang out, whether you’re on a romantic break or looking for somewhere nice to take the family or share brunch with friends. It opens 24 hours, meaning you can stop in anytime. The food and drink don’t come cheap, perhaps because portions are big. Order the Sin City BLT sandwich or one of the delicious Peppermill omelets for an authentic Vegas experience. Their Bloody Mary is awesome, and people also rave about the massive 64-oz Scorpion.
Happy Hour: Every day from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with discounts on good drinks, select beers, and house wines.
4: The Underground Speakeasy and Distillery
Order a refreshing Moonshine Mayhem after perusing the exhibits, videos, and artifacts at The Mob Museum, which takes you through the story of organized crime in the United States. This underground speakeasy has a great range of whiskeys and stories from the Prohibition era, built around a well-stocked bar and a stage for nightly entertainment. It even has “secret rooms” hidden behind paintings! For drinks, opt for Bathtub Fizz served in a bathtub — people also called it “bathtub gin” in the 1920s, which refers to any style of homemade spirit. Whiskey and bourbon lovers will want Underground Old Fashioned or Rattlesnake. Prices start at $7.95 for moonshine sampling and $12 to $14 for a co*cktail.
Location: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101 inside The Mob Museum!
Happy Hour: All craft co*cktails, draft beer, and wine by the glass are $2 off Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
5: Casa Fuente Cigars
This South American-flavored cigar bar boasts a club vibe and is a popular hub for people who smoke or are looking for a different bar experience. The Opus X cigar line comes highly recommended, as does the exclusive Casa Fuente line — close your eyes, listen to the music, and pretend you’re in Cuba! Casa Fuente offers an extensive list of whiskeys, and fine craft co*cktails start at $14. If you’re looking for a classic South American drink, opt for the delicious house specialty mojitos or the red sangria. Located in the Forum Shops at Caesars, Casa Fuente can be tricky to find, but it’s a groovy place to chill and watch the world go by.
Happy Hour: From 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, daily
6: Atomic Liquors
Atomic Liquors, on Fremont Street, prides itself on being Las Vegas’s oldest freestanding bar. During the nuclear bomb testing in the 1950s and early 1960s — the test site is only 65 miles from Vegas — patrons would go up to the bar’s roof to watch the mushroom clouds rise with special Atomic co*cktails! The bar continued to be a popular watering hole in the latter half of the 20th century and has appeared in several movies, includingThe HangoverandThe Gauntlet.
Decors are pretty relaxed, with an old-style jukebox along with plenty of reasonably-priced drinks that start at $10. It’s not the most glitzy place, but guests come for the history and the old-school feel. The bar food is also great, and diners recommend the burgers. For co*cktails, opt for Strawberry Fields or In the Nuclear Fashion, made from rye, amaro, ginger, and orange bitters.
Location: 917 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Happy Hour: Sunday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM; Monday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM; Thursday to Friday: 2:00 PM - 3:00 AM; Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 AM.
7: Downtown co*cktail Room
Now operating with sister venue Mike Morey’s Sip’n’Tip, this establishment is located in the heart of Las Vegas and has a retro, funky atmosphere and speakeasy vibes. Don’t miss the “halfy hour” between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM, when you can get co*cktails for half of the price! Among some of the most popular drinks is Irish coffee with coconut whip and the gingerbread-flavored Do You Know the Muffin Man? Winter Sangria, made with apricot brandy and peach liqueur, is also a great option that gives you a warm glow. co*cktails are $12 to $14. If you’re feeling curious, head to Mike Morey’s for even more interesting drinks and comfy setting.
Happy Hour: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday
8: House of Blues
This Mandalay Bay bar is New Orleans-inspired, and as the name suggests, it’s known for amazing blues and jazz music. Grammy Award-winning Carlos Santana played here and will be returning from November through May next year. Check outtheir calendar, as there is often a wild range of touring musicians passing through, with big names including The Darkness and Hombres-G. On a side note, this joint is also known forgreat breakfasts— Rock and Roll Breakfast is a popular item. In the evening, order the New Orleans muffuletta and fried catfish sandwich for a taste of the Big Easy. Popular specialty co*cktails include Hound Dog Mule and Memphis Blues Sangria. Most drinks range from $12 to $15.
Happy Hour: Daily between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
9: Parasol Down
Bar Parasol at Wynn Las Vegas is a great vantage point for the 3-acre Lake of Dreams framed by a 90-foot performance waterfall and 1,500 pine trees. There’s also a terrace if you’re looking for Alfred dining in good weather. We love The Lake of Dreams, a raspberry-flavored co*cktail made from rosé wine and vodka, and for food, the lobster roll and pretzel are not to miss. Signature co*cktails are on the expensive side at $17 to $19. Cigars are available, too, starting at $30. If you want to stretch your legs, head upstairs for another drink at the newly renovated Overlook Lounge, formerly known as Parasol Up — it also has excellent views over the lake.
Location: 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109 inside Wynn Las Vegas
Parasol Down doesn’t have happy hour
10: Fuel Bar Las Vegas
At the entrance to Bally Casino, Fuel Bar is a small but busy co*cktail joint where you can get 2-for-1 deals on lots of crowd favorites. You wouldn’t want to have your birthday party here — unless you only have one friend to invite. We love their reasonable prices, good music, and great party ambiance — flair bartenders will even show glass-tossing and bottle-flipping tricks as they mix creative co*cktails. It’s a good spot to stop by before heading to the Strip, but perhaps not the joint to go for a quiet drink. For co*cktails, Brazilian Margarita and Mai Tai are highly recommended, but be aware that drinks here are strong! co*cktails start at $14.
Fuel Bar doesn’t have happy hour
11: Frankie’s Tiki Room
Frankie’s Tiki Room on Charleston Boulevard makes a refreshing break from the Strip. The decor is south seas exotica, with wooden carvings and traditionally woven walls and ceilings, designed by Bamboo Ben, the world’s foremost tiki bar designer and grandson of Eli Hedley. The bar also carries artwork by modern artists like Shag and Crazy Al Evans and serves a range of eccentric co*cktails to match. Try Malekula with coconut rum, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice, or Kahiki Kai, served in fun tiki glasses. If you want to replicate some of their drinks at home or aspire to be a mixologist, they also sell recipe books. Drinks start at $11.
Happy Hour: Every Friday between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM
12: The Chandelier
Inside the always-quirky Cosmopolitan, The Chandelier is a three-story bar, as its name suggests, housed inside a massive crystal chandelier! You can see the chandelier’s delicate silver webs loop down from the ceiling, and once inside, the crystal-studded ropes shimmer around you like falling rain. The “secret” Verbena co*cktail, which doesn’t appear on the menu and features an edible flower, is a popular option, and other specialties include Whiskey Business, Finishing School, and We’re All Mad Here, a gin-based drink inspired byAlice in Wonderland. The space is comfortable and fun, with excellent service. co*cktails start at about $17.
Happy Hour: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, daily!
13: Radius Wet Lounge/WET24 Pool
Radius Wet Lounge is an adults-only pool bar at The STRAT. It’s free to hotel guests, while others can access it with a small cover charge or a two-drink minimum. Reviews rave about the peaceful, private atmosphere and describe it as a great place to unwind. The Radius also boasts fantastic views of the city, and it’s a bit quieter than your average Vegas pool bar. Ladies can bathe topless if they want to, but the attitude is more European than spring break. There’s also a large-screen TV if you want to check out a match without a screaming crowd around you. For drinks, we love their Radius Pool Punch and Tipsy Peach Tea. co*cktails start at $15 for a 16-oz glass.
Happy Hour: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, daily!
14: The Piano Bar at Harrah’s
This upbeat, casual co*cktail lounge at Harrah’s has karaoke parties and live jazz, blues, and classic rock, so let loose and hit the dance floor or belt out some tunes. If you’re an Elvis Presley fan, stop by and listen to the Strip’s iconic Elvis impersonator, “Big Elvis.” This local legend can be heard performing — with no cover charge — at The Piano Bar on Thursdays and Fridays. Don’t miss the music and comedy sister act by twin dueling pianists, who appear later in the evening, Tuesday through to Saturday. For drinks, we love their Piano Bar Long Island, and when hunger strikes, head to PizzaCake by Buddy Valastro or Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
The Piano Bar doesn’t have happy hour
15: Herbs and Rye
Don’t let the dark exterior fool you. Herbs and Rye, on Sahara Avenue, is a gem where drinks are taken very seriously. If you’re interested in the history of mixology, this is where to be! The co*cktail menu features booze from the last 200 years, and it even tells you which era your co*cktail is from! First-timers? Opt for Weekend at the Waldorf. The bar also serves good-sized steak and pasta. The filet mignon with a blue cheese crust is very popular, as is the French onion soup and clams linguine. The atmosphere is quiet, and it’s a great spot to spend an evening away from the hubbub of the Strip. Contact the venue for drinks prices.
Location: 3713 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Happy Hour: Monday - Friday from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM and Sunday - Wednesday from 10:00 PM until the bar closes.
16: Petrossian Bar
This Bellagio bar has an interior that looks like the drawing room of a Victorian mansion — with live classical music. Pianists who perform regularly include David Osbourne, who has played at the White House for several presidents. If you want a break from the casino, Petrossian Bar is a nice place to relax and grab a drink — we love The Bellagio Martini, Manhattan, and The Emerald. One of the stranger offerings here is Poof!, a glass of smoke that dissipates to reveal a mix of smoky whiskey, brandy, and Vermouth, served with duck confit croquettes. If you come during the day, try their afternoon tea service, which comes with sandwiches, freshly baked scones, Baxter’s preserves, and assorted pastries.
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday between 2:00 AM to 2:00 PM
17: Bar at Times Square
A traditional wood tabletop and barstool-type bar, Bar at Times Square in New York, New York, is known for great music, including what may bethe best dueling piano showin Vegas, and an extensive list of beers, wines, and co*cktails. Since the pandemic struck, it has been a lot quieter but still has good reviews and vibes — You can even request songs from the pianists for a small charge! You have to make reservations, which was surprising to us, and there is a cover charge. When hunger strikes, opt for snacks like onion rings and roast beef sliders (people also bring stuff in from the neighboring restaurants). For drinks, the Irish coffee and Cadillac Margarita are what to order.
Happy Hour: From 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM and again 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM 7 days a week
18: Vesper Bar
The opulent, eclectic Vesper Bar at The Cosmopolitan boasts a contemporary flair, with mirrored tiles and waves of gilded gold hanging from the ceiling, comfy leather sofas, and intriguing co*cktails. The drink menu is separated into two styles: classics and reimagined. The classics are a traditional rendering of the drinks, while the reimagined add a modern twist to the original. We love Penny Black, and if you’re feeling adventurous, opt for Elysian Field and The Spy Who Loved Me. The bar is smoker-friendly, and it stocks a variety of Scotch, Japanese, American, rye, and bourbon whiskeys. Prices start at $17 for a classic co*cktail.
Location: The Chelsea Tower, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S Level 1, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Vesper Bar doesn’t seem to have a happy hour
19: Skyfall Lounge
With multiple awards from hotels and magazines, Skyfall Lounge makes you feel like you are a James Bond character the moment you step inside! This 64th-floor bar boasts panoramic views of the city — you can watch the desert sunset in the evening or gaze across the lights of Las Vegas at night. Skyfall is upscale yet laid-back, with a great dance floor, easygoing tunes and eclectic beats from resident DJs, creative plates and artisan co*cktails, and a patio for fine weather. We love their tiki-inspired bittersweet beer co*cktail, Half Light, and the three-rum blend, Dust Storm. There is also a small, upscale snack menu. co*cktails start at $18.
Happy Hour: Between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, daily
20: Double Down Saloon
Double Down Saloon, on the outskirts of the University District, boasts quite a different vibe from most other Vegas bars — gather by the motto “shut up and drink” and the logo, a skeleton brandishing a co*cktail. It describes itself as the “anti-Vegas” and is the proud home of Bacon Martini. Chaotic, psychedelic murals covering every inch of walls and ceiling provide the backdrop, while disturbing videos come at you from all directions. Patrons have consistently given this bar great reviews despite the slightly intimidating look. If you’re here in summer, try the Frozen Jameson Irish Coffee, and the bar’s Bloody Mary is also great.
Location: 4640 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Happy Hour: Everyday between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM
A few other good bars that we haven’t had a chance to visit are:
The Laundry Room (4.6/5; $$$)
Commonwealth (4.2/5; $$)
The Dorsey co*cktail Bar (4.3/5; $$$)
Lucky Day – Tequila & Mezcal House (4.2/5; $$)
Kickers Gaming & Sports Bar (4.6/5; $$)
Alright, these are the best co*cktail bars in Las Vegas for a fun night out. Hope you enjoyed this post, and if you know other good ones, let us know.
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