Tourists travel to Las Vegas to have a good time at the Strip, but don’t forget about downtown Las Vegas, which is always buzzing with activity. Read our list to discover 10 of the best bars in downtown Vegas.
Insert Coin(s) is more than just a bar; it’s a full-on arcade. This cool venue has 55 retro arcade games available for patrons to play, like Pacman, Donkey Kong, Frogger, and Tetris. There are also resident DJs around to keep everyone pumped up. With a wine menu, a red bull menu, and a specialty cocktails menu, everything about this place is fun -dance, drink, and play at this quirky downtown find.
Located in the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District, there’s a reason that ‘art’ is in this bar’s name. The lounge houses a main area and three separate rooms for a more intimate experience, and each room features different art and photography from local and national artists. Museums can be stuffy and overwhelming, but don’t let your thirst for culture go unquenched. Visit Artifice for a cool, local hangout and some art appreciation.
This bar is located in Gold Spike Hotel and Casino. Guests will definitely enjoy playing giant Jenga, life-sized beer pong and chess, and other games like shuffleboard and ping-pong – plus, they feature live music and DJs Thursday through to Sunday.
A seamless mid-century throwback, stepping into Wayfarer is like stepping into 1950’s America. The space is cozy, with wooden paneling, dim lighting, and plaid and leather seating. Curl up in a booth with a scotch or bourbon and enjoy a low-key evening out.
This not-so super secret speakeasy is tucked away in the Downtown bar Commonwealth, and is only accessible by a hidden door and with a reservation. You’ll need the secret code to get in, but its worth it. No wine or beer is served here, only cocktails. Patrons can only stay for up to a maximum of two hours and photos are strictly prohibited. It sounds like a lot of rules, but that’s part of the fun!
Escape to the South Seas at Frankie’s Tiki Room – the carved art on display here was created by the same man who helped design Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. This island getaway is extremely unique, all the way down to the drink names. Try fun drinks like the Thurston Howl, a character from the Gilligan’s Island television show, or the Three Run Scrum and Polynesian driver. Be sure to purchase a souvenir mug on your way out.
Known for their uniquely crafted cocktails, Velveteen Rabbit is a great place to start the night or finish it with a nightcap. This hip environment offers occasional pop-up brunches, a live DJ, and a weekly pub quiz all in a hip, funky environment. The menu changes seasonally, so be sure to return often to try all that they have to offer.
The Griffin is everything that a bar should be – it’s not overly complicated and doesn’t need a theme, but just serves good drinks and plays good music. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, with two circular fire pits, and the jukebox is a local favorite, but you should definitely also dance to the live DJ if the mood strikes. The Griffin is a cool and casual addition to the historical Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas.
Don’t Tell Mama is full of cabaret fun – everyone sings, whether you’re good or not! The wait staff sings wonderfully, and there’s an open mic for brave patrons. Listen to Broadway show tunes and jazz, but also rock and roll and country. If you like listening to music, performing, or anything in between, Don’t Tell Mama is the perfect place to discover your inner rising star.
A microbrewery in the Arts District, Hop Nuts serves premium craft beer. Whether you sit inside the funky bar or out on the patio, it’s a perfect gathering spot for friends or co-workers. Support this local business by purchasing some of their merchandise, including shirts and mugs.
