The Best Bars & Lounges in Las Vegas
Velveteen Rabbit- Arts District
1218 S Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89104 - 702-685-9642
Not all that glitters is gold, and not all the coolest bars lie on the strip. In a tiny corner of Fremont, an area known as the Arts District holds a multitude of bars, lounges and craft breweries that will keep you entertained for hours. One of our favorite is the Velveteen Rabbit; From the moment you walk inside, dark mood lighting and aromas of soothing incense greet your senses. Victorian style chairs and couches give the feel of an intimate space where customers can sit and talk or simply enjoy one of the many seasonal cocktails or craft beers this bar is known for. A mystical air hangs about the small but lively space, and without the distraction of televisions or loud music, Velveteen Rabbit is the perfect place to enjoy the company of friends while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the strip.
Blue Martini Lounge- Town Square
6593 S Las Vegas Blvd L, B214, Las Vegas, NV 89119 - 702-949-2583
Nestled in the upscale Town Square Shopping Center, which lies just beyond Mandalay Bay and the infamous Las Vegas sign, Blue Martini is a well known cocktail lounge and club frequented by locals. As this spot is one of the only bars that plays Latin music throughout the week, it has become a destination for anyone looking for a little spice in their night. Their specials and daily happy hours keep their regulars coming back for more, while first timers will enjoy everything ranging from their large outdoor patio area, to their optional Hookah services and culturally inspired music. Great music, dancing and drink specials- what else could a person want? Oh, and don’t forget to try one of their various martinis that gave this place it’s name.
The Golden Tiki- Chinatown
3939 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102 - 702-222-3196
If time allows during your visit to Vegas, a trip to Chinatown is always worthwhile. However, even if you can’t find an afternoon or evening to peruse the amazing coffee shops and restaurants that fill every nook and cranny in the tightly packed strip malls, you will want to make time for The Golden Tiki. Great for a pregame spot or a good place to spend most of your evening, this bar was voted the best bar in Vegas by the Vegas Weekly Magazine. Walking in through the nondescript front door, you’ll find yourself whisked away to a pirate’s wonderland. A full tiki bar sits under an artificial starry sky, complete with an extensive tropical themed drink menu, while private booths wrapped in bamboo make you feel like you’re smack in the middle of paradise. Make sure to take a picture on the giant clam couch- nothing says ‘wish you were here’ like a drunken photo in a giant clam!
The Peppermill Restaurant and Lounge
2985 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 - 702-735-7635
The Seventies was an iconic era that really pushed the boundaries of society while embracing the changes of a new youth culture- leaving an impression that resonates to this day. We believe this is why Peppermill Restaurant and Lounge has been, and continues to be, such a popular spot for celebrities, locals and visitors alike- to touch a part of history is to be brought back in time. This cocktail lounge gives one the feeling of traveling back to a time and generation filled with bell bottoms, funky music and refreshing ideals. Since 1972 this bar has been serving it’s customers with delicious food and beverages while giving them an atmospheric backdrop to enjoy both in; not to mention it has featured in huge Hollywood films such as Casino, and hosted some of the biggest names in history like Dean Martin. There is something refreshing about leaving the present behind and letting yourself be transported to another time completely- especially one with such good music and amazing parties. A Great place for a date, a few drinks with friends or a big night out, this is one of the best cocktail bars on the strip.
107 Sky Lounge- Stratosphere Hotel
2000 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104 - 702-380-7777
If there is one thing more exciting than taking in the sights of Las Vegas while sipping a refreshing cocktail, it’s sipping a cocktail and taking in the sights 107 floors off the ground in the highest cocktail lounge on the strip. Located in the Stratosphere Hotel, this panoramic bar offers views of the entire city, all while serving amazing and inventive cocktails. Live DJs make sure to keep the tempo upbeat, while optional table service delivers a ‘clubbing in the clouds’ experience sure to impress anyone- except anyone who is afraid of heights, that is.
Commonwealth- Fremont Street
525 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101 - 702-445-6400
Prohibition taught us that even the simplest looking bars can hide the best drinks and ambience in town. Now, don’t get us wrong: Commonwealth could not and should not be described as ‘simple’. In fact, this bustling bar is beautifully decorated to look like a lavish 1920’s Prohibition Era Bar, with a balcony terrace that has been known to have a wait time and create lines of patrons who are eager to drink under an open sky while live DJs play fresh sets. As if the cocktails and scenery weren’t enough to tempt you, the hidden Speakeasy located within Commonwealth is reason enough to visit this Vegas hotspot. To enter, visitors need to text a number that can be found online, and then await further instructions- but be warned: entry is not as simple as it sounds. Like all things during Prohibition, the best bars are well hidden and harder to get to than you think- not just anyone can waltz in, but the experience is worth the work.
There are so many famous and highly rated cocktail lounges in Las Vegas, and we couldn’t begin to list them all. We hope that you have time to visit these and many more, but mostly we hope that they will transport and captivate your imagination, all while leaving your tastebuds tingling.
