Looking for Vegas bars with unique flair? While there’s certainly no shortage of fun bars in Las Vegas, there are plenty with especially distinctive atmospheres and unique concepts. Some Vegas bars flaunt their quirky and silly sides and others capture historical elements of Las Vegas culture.
Transport yourself to a different country. Drink your way through opposing climates. Whatever you do, be sure not to miss these eight iconic Vegas bars!
This swanky 6,000-square-foot cocktail bar features decor and libations inspired by the pre-Prohibition era. The dark wood interior walls are covered with exposed brick and the space is incandescently light with pendant lights and elegant chandeliers hanging from exposed rafters. A white peacock greets visitors at the bar of this bi-level Downtown hangout. The movie-inspired cocktail list and carefully curated selection of microbrews can be enjoyed while socializing at the 20-foot-long communal bar or with a little privacy in the alcove hidden booths.
Take a walk upstairs to experience a different cocktail menu and live music on the rooftop terrace overlooking Fremont Street. But what pre-Prohibition themed bar would be complete without a speakeasy and a secret entrance? The Laundry Room, the bar’s semi-secret back room, is accessible via a hidden door, but only by those with a reservation. Plus, Commonwealth is less than a 10-minute walk from Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, making it the perfect stop on your Las Vegas bar hop.
Attribute: Atomic.Vegas
Built in 1945 and originally called Virginia’s Cafe, Atomic Liquors is Vegas’ oldest freestanding bar. The name of this Fremont Street bar was inspired by customers watching atomic bombs at a nearby test site from the roof. It was the go-to watering hole for The Rat Pack, the Smothers Brothers, and many more. Barbra Streisand and Clint Eastwood were also known to frequent this historical hotspot. The walls are adorned with newspaper clippings, signs, and artwork from the era of the mushroom cloud. There are 20 microbrews on tap, ranging from $3 to $7, and an assortment of bottled beers and house wines. Don’t leave without trying one of Atomic Liquors’ unique, signature concoctions!
Attribute: Eater Las Vegas
Frankie’s Tiki Room is one of the most iconic Downtown Las Vegas bars and is known for their cheap drinks, tropical island décor, tiki statues, wood carvings, and kitschy artwork. Bamboo Ben, the well known tiki bar designer and grandson of Eli Hedley, designed the interior. Fun Fact: Eli is remembered as the original beachcomber and created Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. Deeply rooted in tiki tradition, guests can escape to their wildest tropical fantasies at Frankie’s any hour of the day or night. Choose from the menu of tropical rum drinks in the tiki lounge or enjoy traditional cocktails while gambling at the bar.
Attribute: Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas
It’s Oktoberfest all year long at Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas. The building itself is a replica of Munich’s original Hofbräuhaus, which may be an everyday sight in Germany, but is quite the sight in the middle of the desert. With traditional German music and a lively atmosphere, Hofbräuhaus is a great place to feast on Bavarian sausages and pretzels and wash it all down with a giant stein of beer! The bar features long, communal tables for you to seat your whole party or meet a new drinking bud. If you want to combine fitness and beer, try out Hofbräuhaus’ monthly beer yoga class to get your zen on.
Attribute: Mandalay Bay
Minus 5 Ice Bar is quite literally the coolest Vegas bar. If you need a drastic change from the triple-digit heat of Las Vegas, stop by Minus 5, where the whole bar is made entirely of ice. This includes the walls, chandeliers, seats and glassware! Once you decide on your package, you’ll be outfitted with gloves and a parka before you’re transported into a winter wonderland of interactive and ever-changing ice architecture. Enjoy the LED light show and fun tunes as you chill out (literally) in this unique bar.
Attribute: Las Vegas Weekly
Millennium Fandom is a clever Downtown Las Vegas bar where your fandom fantasies come to life! Created specially for cosplay fanatics to grab a cocktail and discuss all things Star Wars and comic books, Millennium Fandom is a hub for all kinds of nerds (and we mean that in the best way possible). Have you been looking for a place to dress up as your favorite sci-fi and fantasy characters? Head to Millennium Fandom to indulge in all of your sci-fi guilty pleasures. The most popular nights feature trivia competitions and Game of Thrones viewing parties.
Attribute: Daytrippen
This iconic Las Vegas bar is the oldest bar in Southern Nevada and has been open for 100 years. Pioneer Saloon was actually purchased through a Sears catalog and is where Clark Gable received word of the death of his wife, Carole Lombard, whose plane crashed into a nearby mountain in 1942. The Pioneer Saloon features decor and memorabilia dedicated to this tragedy. The cozy atmosphere at this Las Vegas landmark contains a rich history of the old mining towns, old world Hollywood, and the Wild West! Be sure to search the walls for bullet holes before you leave.
Attribute: Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Bar is where beauty meets sophistication. This iconic lounge keeps things classy with an impressive space and expansive views of the Las Vegas Strip. The bar’s floor-to-ceiling windows, live jazz music, and delectable cocktails transport you to Vegas heaven. Property mixologist William Perbellini has even created unique cocktails to fit the personality of each of the twelve signs of the Zodiac. Guests can enjoy a complimentary cocktail on their birthday, or at any time during the dates of their Zodiac sign.
Las Vegas knows bars and these iconic favorites can’t be missed. During your next trip to Vegas, visit both Downtown and the Strip to experience some of the country’s most unique bars and lounges!
