Keeping It Heavy

By the time FireHouse gained mainstream appeal, the hard-rock band from North Carolina was already facing an uphill battle—grunge was about to change the rock landscape. FireHouse not only took full advantage of its brief pre-grunge window—beating out Nirvana and Alice in Chains for the 1992 American Music Award for favorite new heavy metal/hard rock artist—they’ve continued to slog up that hill, consistently recording and touring throughout the 1990s and into the new millennium.

The secret to FireHouse’s endurance? Relying on the same formula that first attracted fans nearly three decades ago (catchy rock songs, electrifying concerts), and sticking together (three members have been around since the beginning). –Matt Jacob

Golden Nugget, 8 p.m. July 5, starting at $29 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster

Oscar's Steakhouse

Oscar's Steakhouse

Old-School Vibes

When it came time to redesign a restaurant space inside the Plaza’s iconic second-story dome, three-term mayor Oscar Goodman was approached about attaching his name to a restaurant, and Oscar’s Steakhouse came to life in 2011. Start off with Goodman’s preferred powerhouse libation, The Hizzoner, to get a kick from his favorite gin, Bombay Sapphire, then dive in to appetizers like Johnny Quinn’s crab cake and No Nose’s Mob Meatballs, served with kitchen-made ricotta.

The multiple options for the main event complicate the decision-making process, from Spilotro's 10-ounce prime flat iron steak to Nicky’s roasted chicken, served with fingerling potatoes and arugula, but if you’re looking to go big, you can’t go wrong with Jonny’s 44-ounce tomahawk chop. Sheriff Ralph’s mashed potatoes and Dragon Lady’s crispy Brussels sprouts or sautéed jumbo asparagus complete a great first meal here. –Las Vegas Magazine Staff

Plaza, opens at 5 p.m. daily, lounge opens at 4 p.m. daily. 702.386.7227

Sparkling Spot

The Classic Jewel is disguised as an urban lounge, but really it’s a bridge—one that tips its hat to our Rat Pack past with Sinatra & Co. memorabilia drinks like the Blinker (rye whiskey, grapefruit and grenadine) and the Hotel Nacional (white rum apricot brandy and pineapple and lime), followed by several locally produced, high-quality beers. –Las Vegas Magazine Staff

353 Bonneville Ave., Suite 111, opens at 4 p.m. daily. 702.722.6750