Black Bear Diner
I’m a sucker for breakfast all day. I’m also a sucker for the romanticization of the American Frontier and the great outdoors. That’s why I’m allowing a chain restaurant on this list. Where else will the menu be printed on a black-and-white broadsheet? Diners hold a special place in American culture — probably because they’re one of few places left where you can loiter guilt-free, so long as you’ve got a full cup of coffee next to you. Bonus: watching the orange juicer at work.
6a–10p, 7 days, multiple locations, blackbeardiner.com
Gäbi Coffee & Bakery
On a hot summer day, I reclined ’neath a cottonwood tree, wanting for mirth and whimsy. In the hazy plane between awake and asleep a stray gust whispered into my ear, “Gaaaabbiiii...” An ivy vine beckoned, and I followed it to a strip mall on Spring Mountain Road. There, a large wooden door with iron bracings — I opened it and stepped into a wonderland. An eclectic arrangement of chairs and tables ’round the perimeter, greenhouse in the center, delectable confections and refreshing lattes on the menu. And best of all: Korean lessons over the restroom speakers. Bliss is mine!
8a–10p, 7 days/week, 5808 Spring Mountain Rd #104, gabicafe.com
The MadHouse Coffee
This is the only place on this list that’s open 24 hours, and it’s got a name to match. Many scrambled nights on deadline have been spent in the MadHouse. Among its most striking features is the prominent display of artwork from provocateur Recycled Propaganda, whose pieces are literal, yet poignant, commentaries on politics, human behavior, and social dynamics. It reminds us of what The Cafe was meant to be from the beginning: a place for reflection, innovation, and conversation.
24/7, 8470 W Desert Inn Rd, madhouse.coffee
Meepleville
If your pandemic hobby of choice was board games, and your shelf is now precariously full, then it may be time to consider outsourcing the playing field. Meepleville welcomes all with its relaxed vibe, offering all manner of board games for perusal and enjoyment. For a nominal entry fee ($10), one can stay and play for as long as their heart desires. Memberships are available as well. Play old favorites, explore new games, and should someone fall in love with something, they can take it home; Meepleville also sells games — along with drinks and food in the cafe.
Noon-11p M-Sat, noon–7p Sun, 4704 W Sahara Ave, meepleville.com
Pinball Hall of Fame
Part museum, part arcade, all fun, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a Las Vegas treasure. Housed in a gargantuan facility are state-of-the art pinball machines alongside classic machines from the midcentury, as well as ’80s arcade games and more advanced challenges. My favorite is the Vegas-themed pinball game featuring a blonde bombshell poker dealer in the artwork. The environment is eerily similar to an overstimulating casino floor, but at least there’s no pretense here of making your money back. And if you’re lucky enough, you might see a few cats roaming around.
10a-9p Sun-Th, 10a-10p F-Sat, 4925 Las Vegas Blvd S, pinballmuseum.org