This year marks 70 years that the southeast corner of Sahara and Las Vegas Boulevard has welcomed guests, although Sahara Las Vegas has changed names, owners and design throughout the years. It opened in 1952 as Sahara, hosting stars like The Rat Pack and The Beatles. In 2014, it rebranded as SLS Las Vegas, but, by 2019, had been sold and the storied Sahara name was restored. This incarnation saw upgrades of posh bars, delicious restaurants, cool pools and more. Here, we’ve picked three of our favorite things at the reimagined resort and casino.
1. Reckless in Vegas
Bringing vintage Las Vegas back to life, and back to the Strip, Reckless in Vegas offers entertainment that defined the city in the 1960s. The group, a three-piece band with lead singer Michael Shapiro, performs inside the Sahara Theatre, where great names like Louis Prima and Bobby Darin once took the stage. The music is a combination of contemporary and classic tunes, and the group puts its own musical spin on songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Johnny Cash, Sonny & Cher and more. Think of the bygone lounge act days where music combined with beautiful showgirls, comedic banter, strong cocktails and a lot of fun. Catch their show Thursdays and Fridays at 8:30 p.m.
2. Azilo Ultra Lounge
From inside the casino, Azilo Ultra Lounge is hidden. Hint, there’s a door leading into the space from inside Casbar Lounge. Oozing Mediterranean-meets-bohemian vibes, this ultra lounge is a cool spot for cocktails and conversation. The space also spills out on to the Azilo Ultra Pool deck. Friday nights, those that love Latin beats will get the chance to shake their hips, and every Saturday night the musical format is a mash-up of ’80s, ’90s and Top 40 songs. We’d be remiss not mention the cocktail menu here. One of our faves: the pineapple margarita with Patrón Silver tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, chipotle pineapple syrup, coconut syrup and a Tajin rim.
3. Chickie's & Pete's
Since the late 1970s, the Philadelphia-born brand Chickie’s & Pete’s has served up its signature Crabfries—crinkle-cut fries with a side of creamy cheese sauce. Now Vegas guests can enjoy the classic treat along with sports viewing and a menu of upgraded bar food that mixes both land and sea on a plate. Throughout July, try the featured surf-and-turf burger with an 8-ounce smashed burger patty and fried shrimp. Other highlights include shrimp po’boy, Lisa’s blonde lobster pie and jumbo lump crab cakes. Or feast on snow and king crab legs, mussels, clams and oysters. There’s also a sports betting station and VIP pods for privacy.
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