Before Michael Shaw moved here in 2017, the Erie, Penn., native had never even been to Las Vegas—and now he’s the general manager for one of the coolest spots in town, Beerhaus at The Park. “I only knew what Vegas was from TV, movies, magazines, but I knew it was the mecca of the hospitality industry,” Shaw says. “And hospitality was an industry that I always knew I wanted to be a part of.”

In fact, after high school Shaw worked his way up from busser and server to bartender and, by 2013, management roles at various corporate restaurants in his hometown. Two years before he moved to Vegas he became manager of Lavery Brewing Company in Erie, an almost serendipitous move, because now he’s helping to run Beerhaus.

Shaw joined Beerhaus in March 2018 as the assistant manager, and by March of this year he was made general manager. “I’m a huge hockey fan and Beerhaus is just yards away from T-Mobile Arena where the Golden Knights play,” he says. “Plus, managing a brewery, it just seemed like the perfect fit.”

Not only does Shaw help run the German beer hall-inspired venue, “My role here is to make sure that I give my staff and my managers the tools they need to succeed,” he says. “But the favorite part of my job is getting to know our guests. I’ve always been friendly—I’m Irish, so I’ve always had the gift of gab.”

It also worked out perfectly that Shaw’s favorite drink of choice is beer. “I’ve always had this quote when someone asks me what my favorite beer is: ‘Whatever beer I have in my hand,’ or ‘I hope I haven’t found it yet,’ because I’m always willing to try something new,” he says.

Surrounded by beer and being in the world’s top city for hospitality, what more could Shaw want? “It’s amazing to be here—I feel very lucky and fortunate,” he says. “I should have come out here sooner!”

Libation: Big Dog’s Las Vegas Lager

Fans of beer will delight in Beerhaus’ 36 beers on tap, everything from local brewery selections to domestic and imports. A popular pick is local brand Big Dog’s Las Vegas Lager, a nice, clean, crisp lager that’s not too sweet, says Shaw. Another fun part of Beerhaus is its game selection—board games, giant Jenga, shuffleboard and more. And don’t worry about getting hungry, because Beerhaus offers a walk-up food counter with a whole slew of tasty options. Ask about the chef’s special for the day.

Benefit: The food menu at Beerhaus offers an assortment of vegan and vegetarian hot dogs and hamburgers.

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