The Best Bars in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada

The Neonopolis is a night-out in itself and no trip is complete without going all-in on the geeky goodness that is the Nerd. This bowling alley bar is where cosplay meets cocktails. Your cup will runneth over with a nostalgia for the 80s and 90s that spills into every corner of this bar. There’s always a chance that a stormtrooper or Harley Quinn could stroll by when you’re jiggling your joystick on the old-school arcade games. Order a shot of Pickle Rick, neck it back and play it cool.

You don’t need to roll up to Hogs & Heifers on a Harley-Davidson Softail, but you’ll be in good company if you do. This popular Big Apple import is one of the best dives in the desert. The ladies holding all the liquor dance on the bar to live country and blues music. Though it may seem a little imposing, Hogs & Heifers’ rough-and-tumble exterior holds a mighty soft heart that welcomes patrons of all backgrounds and lifestyles.

Intimate and upscale with a low-key yet larger-than-life vibe, Downtown Cocktail Room, or DCR, is one of the most respected cocktail bars in Las Vegas. And locals keep it a secret for good reason: the constantly refined seasonal menus feature DCR originals, classic cocktails, and a respectable selection of absinthe. Conversation is never an issue, even when the DJs hit the stage. Searching for a space where you definitely don’t need to speak up? Play your cards right and you’ll stumble upon the Sip ’n’ Tip speakeasy.

Banger Brewing begins with a fairytale ending: it was born out of five Las Vegas natives’ dreams of going into business together. Though it’s one of a select few local breweries downtown, Banger sets the bar high by constantly revising its beer list to offer up the freshest ingredients. We recommend spicing up your go-to draft with the roasted jalapeños in the El Heffe or the fruit-infused Haze & Loathing that will send you to bat country.

The Strip may be home to Paris and the Venetia, but a uniquely European experience can only be found at Berlin Bar in the Arts District. Say “Guten Tag” to an impressive beer list running the gamut from the streets of Berlin to around the bend in Henderson – they will have you drinking like it’s Oktoberfest. Pour through the extensive menu while munching on Bavarian treats such as a pretzel with beer cheese or a knackwurst with fries.

The folks at Three Sheets certainly won’t judge you for sampling as many of their craft beers as your head, hands, and hangover can handle. Whether you’re coming in to watch the game of the week or getting in on a cornhole tournament, you’ll want to explore the 30 ever-rotating taps. Cali ciders, interstate IPAs, and local lagers will settle nicely alongside Thursday-night trivia. There’s no better way to spend a Las Vegas evening than on the outdoor patio with a pint in hand and your pup by your side.

Dino’s Lounge has been loosening up Las Vegas locals since 1962. This storied dive is relatively quiet in the afternoon hours, likely because those in the know are resting their pipes for the world-famous karaoke nights. You’ll quickly make friends in the close quarters as you down beers and sink shots in 50-cent games of pool. Even easier on your wallet are the graveyard happy-hour specials that stretch a few dollars all the way to sunrise.

That’s no moon; it’s Millennium Fandom Bar. Board games, trivia, and karaoke are on tap for members of every fandom. The local art on nearly every inch of wall space is like an Easter egg hunt as you try to keep count of endless pop-culture references. Themed nights bring out the cos-players who are more than happy to have a friendly debate on everything from Disney and Doctor Who to Marvel and My Little Pony. You’ll be so busy geeking out that your BB8 butterscotch cocktail might just overheat.

A dimly lit 24-hour bar in a strip mall on the north end of town, Huntridge is the very embodiment of a Las Vegas dive. The locals playing video poker and sipping cheap drinks with heavy pours add just as much to the aesthetic as the off-key karaoke and paper trays of popcorn. Duck in for a drink no matter where the sun or moon sits in the sky and get to know the historic Huntridge District, one Jack and Coke at a time.
Want to fill up with some food before sampling cocktails and beer? Check out these wallet-friendly restaurants. While in Las Vegas, why not explore its top museums and art galleries? Not sure where to stay yet? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered from boutique hotels to budget stays – all bookable on Culture Trip.

Shyla Watson contributed additional reporting to this article.

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