Sampling the small-town ambiance of Boulder City’s Arizona Street
The intersection of Nevada Way and Arizona Street in Boulder City is the heart of the little town’s historic district and the center of the historic city itself. Three-dozen works of art, sculptures that are in varying degrees historic, whimsical and clever, populate a street that otherwise could be lifted from Mayberry. Along with the atmosphere of small-town America and the perhaps-unexpected commitment to public art, Boulder City has a commitment to fine food and fun that finds its heart at the intersection.
1. Milo’s Cellar
The cellar, with a small bed-and-breakfast-style inn now attached (opened in 2003) has a large wine selection and serves “Italian-inspired” sandwiches, soups and salads, cheese plates and the like at its shaded outside tables or small interior. It is, says beverage chief Cameron, “cheap and cheerful.” 534 Nevada Way, 702-293-9540, milosbouldercity.com
2. The Dillinger Food and Drinkery
The little bar with the gangster theme has live music nights Thursday-Saturday. There is a full menu. Burgers include, naturally, “The Executioner,” “The Hostage,” and “The Widowmaker.” 1224 Arizona St., 702-293-4001, thedillinger.com
3. Boulder City Bowl
Around the corner from Boulder City Antique Market and next to the American Legion Hall, Boulder City Bowl is an adorable eight-lane bowling alley open “Monday thru Sunday.” It opened in 1947 and hasn’t changed much, fortunately. One note: There’s lots of league bowling. 504 California Ave., 702-293-2368
4. Evan’s Old Town Grille
Evan’s is a family-owned slice of Boulder City specializing in Greek and pasta dishes. There is a full bar. 1129 Arizona St., 702-294-0100, evansotg.com
5. Bicentennial Park and Wilbur Square
Dating to the Hoover Dam construction in the 1930s, Wilbur Square was a recreational area for dam workers and their families, and remains one of Boulder City’s most popular places for families to relax. With the adjoining Bicentennial Park, since 1963 the seven acres of lawn and leafy shade have been the site of the town’s popular annual Art in the Park festival. Arizona Street and California Avenue, 702-293-9256, bcnv.org
6. Boulder Dam Hotel and Museum
This building — on the National Registry of Historic Places — includes a nifty little museum detailing the sacrifices of the men and women who built Hoover Dam. It includes a café open for breakfast and lunch, a small hotel and art gallery. The hotel was built in 1933, and the museum opened in 2000. 1305 Arizona St., 702-293-3510, boulderdamhotel.com
7. The Boulder Dam Brewing Company
For eight years this brew pub and restaurant has offered visitors to the historic district live music, burgers and more than a dozen specialty brews, such as Hell’s Hole Hefeweizen. There is an outside beer garden and the bar features many pieces of equipment from the dam construction. 453 Nevada Way, 702-243-2739, boulderdambrewing.com
8. The Flying Saucer/Area 52
Every town has to have a weird little store selling kitschy items to visitors; this is the mission of The Flying Saucer. Get your photo taken inside a small UFO on the street and meet an animatronic alien named Eak. 443 Nevada Way, 702-293-1823, flyingsaucerarea52.com