In Las Vegas, the last thing you are going to have trouble finding is alcohol but not all cocktails are created equally. Sometimes it is more about finding a place that is your style, somewhere you feel comfortable. Other times it is important that the place you are having your adult beverages also serves excellent food. With this in mind we have collected a few of our favorite spots to grab a drink in Vegas.
Double Down Saloon
At the top of the list is what may be the best dive bar in Las Vegas. Their motto “Shut Up And Drink” is proudly painted on the wall and you can drink and play pool at the Double Down 24 hours a day, 7days a week. It never closes. The self-proclaimed “Anti-Vegas” hosts a “TV Party” night currently hosted by punk rock legend Exene Cervenka of the band X. They’ve got a photo booth, live music and plenty of room. If leather jackets, tattoos or mohawks are (or EVER were) your thing, give the Double Down Saloon a try.
Capos Restaurant
If you love a great (Italian) meal with your drink, Capos Restaurant and Speakeasy is a must. The prohibition and mob eras are clearly a focus when you walk into Capos. Not only do you enter through a back door of the building after being questioned through the door about the password, the lighting is low, the walls are covered in wood and velvet and a singer makes the rounds at dinner crooning Sinatra classics for guests. If you want to make it to dinner at Capos, get reservations as earlier as you’re able to because this place will book up. However, lunches are usually more easily accommodated at short notice if you can’t get in any night for dinner.
Velveteen Rabbit
The sister owned Velveteen Rabbit is a great little spot if you like a little edge on your refinement. Their gin based ‘Mr. Self Destruct’ and the cantaloupe-infused bourbon based ‘Help Me Rhonda’ are just two of the liquid gems on this craft cocktail and beer bar’s menu. Dedicated to quality, all of their cordials, liqueurs and bitters at the Velveteen Rabbit are housemade. Dark lighting and fruity cocktails draw you the Velveteen Rabbit but don’t expect to eat a meal here, all you’re going to find are peanuts (literally, not figuratively). Still, they do what they do well and if you’re looking for a good drink, look no further.
Herbs and Rye
The cocktail menu at Herbs and Rye is a work of art, both visually and sensoriality. It is divided into 7 sections, each one representing a different era in history and each one with a gorgeous illustrated accompaniment. You can order a ‘Widow’s Kiss’ from the Golden Age, a ‘Bee’s Knees’ from the time of Prohibition, a ‘Harvey Wallbanger’ from the Rat Pack Era or a ‘Painkiller’ from the Tiki Boom. They’ve also got some good eats including calamari, New York Strips and the house challenge, a 120 oz Ribeye Steak (which, if completed in 40 minutes or less, earns the diner $200).
Oak and Ivy
Located in the Container Park neighborhood, Oak and Ivy is nestled inside a refurbished shipping container. Consider yourself VIP if you get a stool here, you have scored one of the best seats in town. A ‘craft whiskey cocktail bar,’ with over 35 American Whiskey options on the menu, Oak and Ivy is well known for its personable and skilled mixologists. These bartenders, who should really be referred to as artists, are not only happy to take oddball requests from customers but can also create a specialty cocktail for you on the spot based on your previous drink choices or requested preferences. If you want to grab a good Mule, they have a few of the best.