Comedy
by Jason Harris
Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club
» The actor/comedian has been performing in Las Vegas for decades, and his love for the city is evident every time he hits the stage. Attracting top working comics from around the country, Garrett has created a world-class club.
Inside The MGM Grand, shows nightly at 8p, bradgarrettcomedy.com
The Comedy Cellar
» The iconic New York hot spot’s only other outpost opened in Las Vegas in 2018. Using the tried-and-true showcase format, with multiple comics each running 10- to 15-minute sets, the owners took a dead room and brought it back to life.
Inside the Rio, shows 7 and 9:30p nightly, comedycellar.com/las-vegas
The Dirty at 12:30
» A show rather than a venue, this one takes place inside the Grandview Lounge every Friday after midnight. It’s a late-night party created by legendary comedian Ralphie May and emcee Gabe Lopez with a loyal audience following — Dirty Birds — who flock to the anything-goes nature of the event. Celebrities pop in and perform on a regular, adding to the wild time.
Inside the South Point, Fri 12:30a, dirtyat1230.com
Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club
» An eclectic mix — a magic show during the day, residencies from stars and traveling headliners at night — plus a refined and tasty food menu make this club a must-visit. There’s truly something for everyone here.
Inside the Linq, Shows Mon-Tues, Thurs-Sun times vary, jimmykimmelscomedyclub.com
L.A. Comedy Club
» Don’t let the name fool you — this club is a Vegas favorite. The move to the new, bigger room on the casino floor has been clutch to take this club to the next level.
Inside the Strat, shows 6, 8 and 10p nightly, bestvegascomedy.com
Wiseguys
» The only free-standing comedy club in Sin City is a perfect fit for the Arts District and its patrons. The room is wide but pushes all the energy of the crowd toward the performer on stage. It’s a great space to see both locals and touring comics.
1511 S. Main St., open mics Tues-Wed 7:30p, booked shows the rest of the week, times vary, vegas.wiseguyscomedy.com
Concerts
By Eric Duran-Valle
Artifice
» Are you one with the darkness? Drawn to the horrors that lurk in decay? But do you also like to dance? Artifice might be the right place for you. It’s a popular stop for touring and local groups alike and
is known for goth dance parties.
1025 S. 1st St. #100, Tues-Sat 8p-2a, artificebarlv.com
Count’s Vamp’d
» If you yearn for the days of hard rock, leather, and hairspray, then Danny “The Count” Koker, star of reality show Counting Cars, answered your prayers. His venue frequently features cover/tribute bands paying homage to the classic rock era.
6750 W. Sahara Ave., Fri and Sat 6p-close and select show dates, vampdvegas.com
The Dive Bar
» The name tells you everything you need to know. In this dark, rough-around-the-edges joint, you can expect to get launched across the room if you’re in the pit. Pro tip: Have someone keep a lookout when you’re using the bathroom (the stall doors don’t lock).
4110 S. Maryland Pkwy., facebook.com/DiveBarLV
Eagle Aerie Hall
» No, the name isn’t ironic. This venue is indeed an outpost for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, an organization with roots in the performing arts. Concerts here are largely DIY, so bands get creative, making for memorable spectacles. Shows are typically all-ages, so it’s a good place for aspiring rockers to cut their teeth.
310 Pacific Ave., Sat-Mon and Wed-Thurs 10a-10p, Tues and Fri 10a-4p, basiceagles2672.com
Red Dwarf
» Red Dwarf is a dive bar with a twist of punk and tiki. Not only is it home to fabulous tiki concoctions and Detroit-style pizza, but it has also been hosting amazing rockabilly DJ nights, burlesque events, and live music. Weekly events updates can be found on its Instagram. –GR
1305 Vegas Valley Dr., daily 11-1a, sites.google.com/reddwarflv.com/home
Rockstar Bar
» What’s more rock ’n roll than golf? Okay, maybe anything. Perhaps that’s the unique appeal of Rockstar Bar on the grounds of the Las Vegas Golf Center. The high ceilings and spacious layout are reminiscent of a cathedral hall. And you may need a higher power’s help to keep your car’s windshield safe from wayward golf balls.
6730 Las Vegas Blvd. S., daily 11a-close, rockstarbarlv.com
The Space
» A self-described “community-driven” arts complex, The Space is slightly more than a mile west of the Strip. Hosting acts ranging from indie darlings to Grammy Award winners, burlesque to film screenings, The Space offers something for everyone. It’s also home to Mondays Dark, an event that donates $10,000 to a charitable organization every other week.
3460 Cavaretta Ct., days and hours vary, thespacelv.com
Latin Dance & Music
By Gabriela Rodriguez
Embassy Nightclub
» Just before Chinatown on Desert Inn, you’re bound to drive past the mansion-like nightclub Embassy. One of the veteran Latin nightclubs in Las Vegas, this is the place for those who want show up and show out. Fog machines, circus-like acts, and of course hours of dance music make this club perfect for your Instagram story.
3355 Procyon St., Fri-Sat 10:30p-5:30a, embassylv.com
Lucky Day
» Sounds of reggaeton, cumbias, and bachatea beckon you from the sidewalk into this intimate mezcal y tequila house on East Fremont, at dead center of the street’s hottest bars. The music draws you through gallery walls, under a canopy of glowing lights, and onto the quaint dance floor. The house DJs give plenty of opportunity to work on your merengue or indulge in the beautifully crafted elixirs at the bar.
516 E. Fremont St., Mon-Fri 7p-close, Sat-Sun 12p-close, luckydaydtlv.com
Mango Tango
» For a rowdy night out without the parking hassle of the Strip or Downtown, Mango Tango is the place to go. Located on the west side, this unassuming club has ample space for dancing, booths for reserve, and a designated stage for DJs and performers. Pro tip: Check the website for bottle service and ladies nights.
2101 S. Decatur Blvd. Ste. 1, Sun-Thurs 10p-5a, Fri-Sat 10p-6a, closed Tues, mangotangonightclub.com
Oddfellows
» Oddfellows has established itself as the go-to alternative club downtown, and with its recent expansion, the secondary bar in the back is becoming known for its Sábado Gigante (Gigantic Saturdays). Crowds of 20-somethings pack into the small space to dance and sing along to rock en espanol, latin alt, and more.
150 Las Vegas Blvd. N. Ste. 190, Tues-Sun 8p-3a, oddfellowslv.com
LGBTQ+
By Mike Prevatt
Charlie’s
» The former gay country dance bar with the wild Sunday beer busts and drag queen bingo has pivoted to a fleetingly gay country dance bar with wild drag shows (my jaw hit the Bud Light-soaked floor when I saw one performer do Bjork’s “Army of Me” recently) and go-go-dancer shower performances. But don’t fret: The Sunday busts and drag queen bingos remain.
5012 S. Arville St., no cover, daily 4p-5a, charlieslasvegas.com
Fun Hog Ranch
» Every gay friend in your phone has a Fun Hog story, and if this were a different magazine, I’d share one of mine. Anything goes at this fetish-friendly dive, where it’s hard to say what’s stronger: the drinks or the bears drinking them (at ridiculously cheap prices, no less).
495 E. Twain Ave., no cover, 24 hours, funhogranchlv.com
The Garage
» The Garage’s if-it-ain’t-broke approach has served it well over a very busy 12 years, as the UNLV-area bar has stuck to budget-friendly drink specials (I mean, only $13 for its import beer bust?), on-point bar game offerings (shuffleboard: actually fun), and a welcome combo of music videos and sporting events on its many TVs. In recent years, the Garage has introduced a much-needed patio and even bimonthly Saturday DJ events. What’s next, a sexy dark room? (Haha, just kidding, Gaming Control Board.)
1487 E. Flamingo Rd., no cover, 24 hours, the garagelv.com
The Garden
» With its inviting, sizable front patio, the Garden has adopted the South Beach indoor/outdoor model to much success. If you’re over the RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties dominating every gay bar’s schedule, grab a table outside. Conversely, if you need even more queens in your life, we hear its bottomless drag brunch is a must (and a must-Uber home).
1017 S. 1st St. #180, no cover, brunch prices vary, Thu-Fri 6p-2a, Sat 11a-2a, Sun 11a-5p, thegardenlasvegas.com
The Phoenix
» Inclusivity is little more than lip service at most gay bars, but not at the Phoenix, where the entire queer alphabet, in all colors and shapes, is well-represented. The central-westside hang is so welcoming, its regulars also include straight allies, gamer/trivia geeks, the local Burning Man community and, well, anyone else seeking a truly non- discriminating vibe. Another selling point is its various dress-up parties — and a highly underrated bar kitchen.
4213 W. Sahara Ave. no cover, 24 hours, the phoenixlv.com
Piranha Nightclub
» It opened during the reign of pioneering gay nightclub Gipsy and Strip-adjacent danceoplis Krave. And yet Piranha has outlived them both, now unchallenged as the valley’s most popular gay dance spot for nearly a decade. Hot go-gos and cold-stare queens dominate the marketing, but you’re really there for the clientele and of-the-moment bangers.
4633 Paradise Rd, Mon-Thu free, cover varies Fri-Sun, 10pm to closing, piranhavegas.com
LOUNGES
By Kristen DeSilva
Bootlegger Las Vegas
» No cover, no minimum, and a free place to park? This south Strip staple has been a go-to old school Italian joint since 2001. From big-band to piano to a master harpist on the rotation, they’ve got something for everyone (and a full Italian dinner menu worth taking a bite of).
7700 Las Vegas Blvd. S., shows nightly at 6:30p, bootleggerlasvegas.com
Coop’s Cabaret and Hot Spot
» Coop’s recently took over the short-lived Vegas and Nevada Rooms in Commercial Center, and you’ll now find a much more eclectic mix of live entertainment here. Some nights are ticketed, so check their calendar, but there’s no cover on karaoke Fridays with Shiela (see p. 22) or Wednesdays for Keith Thompson’s Piano Party.
953 E. Sahara Ave., prices and times vary, coopscabaret.com
Piazza Lounge
» A three-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip, the Piazza features free live entertainment every night of the week, ranging from crooners to jazz standards to pop and rock. Get there early especially on Friday nights, as Kenny Davidsen’s Celebrity Piano Bar fills up fast.
Inside Tuscany Suites & Casino, free, show times vary, Tues-Sun, tuscanylv.com
Rhythm & Riffs Lounge
» Looking for a fun stop on date night? Take your partner dancing at Mandalay Bay’s lounge, located in the center of the casino. You can regularly see the Roxy Gunn Project, a classic rock and alt rock cover band, as well as Live Music Society, guaranteed to get you on your feet.
Inside Mandalay Bay, free, shows at 10 p, Thurs-Mon, mandalaybay.mgmresorts.com
Rush Lounge
» There are no nights off at this classic Fremont Street lounge. With rotating country, Top 40, dance, oldies but goodies, and more, they call themselves one of Vegas’ best kept secrets. Don’t let the location scare you; you’ll find a lot of locals here.
Inside Golden Nugget, free, shows at 8p nightly, goldennugget.com
Vic’s Las Vegas
» Vic’s is new to the live music scene, but walking in, you feel like you’re stepping back in time to old Las Vegas. Leather booths, an elevated menu, and award-winning jazz acts prove this newbie could be here to stay. Plan to stop by next time you head to The Smith Center.
355 Promenade Place, live entertainment nightly at dinner time,vicslasvegas.com
SPEAKEASIES
By Lissa Townsend Rodgers
33 Speakeasy at Gambit
» Gambit lets you visit three distinct bars within one building: the posh Gatsby’s Supper Club, chilled-out Vault Bar, and, behind a large, gold-framed mirror near the entrance, 33 Speakeasy. The bar is decorated in Dia de los Muertos chic — unfinished wood and velvet, snakeskin, and chandeliers — and offers a menu focused on tequila and mezcal. Sip a spice-tinged take on the paloma, mezcal negronis, and tequila flights, secure in the knowledge that no one will look for you here.
2031 W. Sunset Rd., Thurs-Sat 6p-12a, gambithenderson.com
Easy’s at Speakeasy Donuts
» Aria’s Proper Eats Foods Hall features burgers, pastrami sandwiches, sushi, and donuts. But those donuts come with something stronger than coffee: A door off to the side of the counter leads to Easy’s, a glamorous little jewel box of a jazz club. Lean back into a tufted sofa to enjoy torch-song versions of pop hits and drinks ranging from elegant Old Fashioneds and Manhattans to Instagrammable concoctions garnished with dry ice and candy cigarettes.
Inside Aria, daily 5p-2a, easysvegas.com
Ghost Donkey
» Discreetly tucked at the back of the Cosmopolitan’s Block 16 food hall, Ghost Donkey is a pocket full of confetti and a shot of Tequila turned into a bar — tiny, but festive. A mixture of pink bulbs and Christmas light bestows a perpetual glow on the bar even before the drinks kick in. The menu sticks to agave spirits and nachos, but the limitations only seem to spark creativity. Espresso martinis are made with reposado, old fashioneds with mezcal, and nachos with truffles or steak. Step in for a quick cocktail, and you may suddenly find yourself three drinks in next to a new friend.
Inside the Cosmopolitan, Sun-Thurs 4p-12a, Fri-Sat 4p-2a, cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
Mas Por Favor
» The front is a purveyor of tacos both traditional and exotic in a bustling Chinatown strip mall. To find the “secret” bar, walk down a dim hallway toward the bathroom — and right before you get to the door, look for the hidden door in the wall to your right. It leads to a technicolor tequila treasure cave where guests lounge on vivid plush couches or under an archway of fake skulls framing the bar. The mixology is polished, such as the tequila-cucumber-mint-Proseco Jardin, or wild, such as a tequila shot served in a hollowed-out jalapeno. Pro tip: There are discounted drinks and bites during happy hour.
3879 Spring Mountain Rd., daily 3p-close, masporfavorlv.com
The Underground at the Mob Museum
» Slip down a side staircase, knock on an unmarked door, and have the right answer when the guy barks “Password?!” The Underground at the Mob Museum offers an appropriately Prohibitionesque vibe. Bartenders in vests and sleeve garters shake up Tequileros Coolers and Bees Knees in a red velvet-wallpapered room featuring a fascinating gallery of historic photos and ephemera from the ’20s and ’30s. Off to the side is the in-house distillery, where a brass-and-glass stills drip the house brand of moonshine, available both in cocktails and the gift shop.
300 Stewart Ave., Mon-Wed 12-10p, Thurs-Sun 12p-12a, themobmuseum.org
BAR BACKROOMS: Three bar tsars on the quirkiest aspects of the Vegas nightlife scene
By Anne Davis
Amanda Payan
Q: What celebrity would you most want to see sitting at your bar?
A: We’re waiting for Nic Cage to one day make an appearance! We actually have a beer that we call Pick-olas Cage. It’s a cucumber sour that we make. Our brewers are really big Nicolas Cage fans when they are home brewing, so all of their home recipes are named after either his movies or lines in his movies. We also have a big ol’ poster of him by our merchandise (in the brewery). So every year we brew this beer for him, and it’s just a funny thing we do.
Payan and her brother, Matt, are the owners of North 5th Brewing Co., a local craft beer brewery and bar. When it opened to the public in 2021, North 5th became the first brewery in North Las Vegas. It currently distributes its brews to 20 locations around the valley.
Russell Gardner
Q: What’s a bar song you wish you never had to hear again?
A: I worked at Margaritaville for seven or eight years, and anytime a Jimmy Buffett song comes on, I can (identify and) change it within the first like three notes … I’m not a fan of most things pop and most things country … (But at) Red Dwarf, we have a very curated playlist here … And I think that’s important for a lot of bars to have — like an identity almost.
Gardner opened punk rock- and tiki-themed bar Red Dwarf in 2021, after having been involved in the craft brewing space for over a decade. His second property, Fat Cat, is scheduled to open in the Downtown Grand Hotel and Casino at the end of summer 2023.
Ryan Doherty
Q: What’s the biggest tab you’ve ever seen in one of your bars?
A: We’ve definitely had people that have come in and bought out the whole bar and done a party for just themselves where they paid for it … We’ve had people come in and do divorce parties like that, or even just their own birthday party like that … It doesn’t happen often, but we’ve definitely had six-figure tabs that have been handed to one person.
Doherty is the founder of Las Vegas-based nightlife company Corner Bar Management, which owns and operates Commonwealth, The Laundry Room, Park on Fremont, Lucky Day, DISCOPUSSY, Peyote, Cheapshot, We All Scream, and La Mona Rosa.