It only makes sense for the Strip’s oldest hotel and casino to house a bar and lounge that gives off old-school vibes. In a nod to one of the original owners of the Flamingo, mobster Bugsy Siegel, guests can make a reservation at the property’s steakhouse Bugsy & Meyer’s and step back in time. The entrance even gives off mob-days vibes by taking guests through a faux bakery and leading them through the kitchen (the way many mobsters entered establishments back in the day).
But did you know there’s a cool modern speakeasy under the restaurant’s roof? The Count Room is a special, intimate spot with its own entrance and cocktail and food program. You could call this place sexy and upscale, too, where the handcrafted cocktails are on point and the ambience is swanky.
There’s open seating to lounge with a larger party, or club chairs so you can cozy up to your date. Or take a seat at the bar and talk with one of the knowledgeable bartenders and ask them about the new signature cocktail menu. “The menu is a mixture of classic recipes and (modern) mixology,” says general manager Tyler Olson.
Olson suggests sampling a few of the new popular sips, like The Beverly Hills martini. “This one’s a crowd pleaser,” he says. “It’s a take on the Hemingway daiquiri.” It’s mixed with Ketel One Botanical vodka, grapefruit, lime, and Luxardo Maraschino cherries.
A Spot of Tea
Try A Spot of Tea, a take on an Arnold Palmer, mixed with a tropical-infused rum, lavender simple syrup, and lemon juice. “You’ll get some tropical notes and a nice lavender finish,” Olson says.
For a real classic cocktail experience mixed with The Count Room’s creativity, try the Japanese Old-Fashioned with Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, simple syrup, Angostura bitters and orange bitters. “It’s much lighter than the classic,” Olson says. “It’s very smooth and on the finish, you get a nice sense of orange. It’s kind of like a multisensory cocktail—you get the taste and smell of the orange.”
In addition to this Old-Fashioned, four other versions are available, says Olson, with their own distinct spirit as the base. “All five are unique and all with their own flavor profiles,” he says.
Repeat visits to The Count Room are certainly suggested, as the cocktail menu changes seasonally, and special recipes pop up occasionally.
For those that need a little sustenance with their booze, The Count Room also offers elevated small plates from executive chef Luis Contreras, who runs the Bugsy & Meyer’s kitchen. The dishes offered at The Count Room are not offered inside the steakhouse, so take advantage of the specialty factor. The small plates include decadent wagyu short rib sliders served Montecristo-style, oysters Rockefeller and a Louie lobster roll on a brioche bun, served with house-made, sliced potato chips.
Olson, who joined The Count Room recently, says, “When I walked in here for the first time, I just saw unlimited potential. It’s a place you come to hang out. It’s a throwback to the old-school days of Las Vegas. You have to come check The Count Room out—it’s just really cool.”
Flamingo, 702.733.3111
Perks:
Live jazz music Friday and Saturday nights.
To find the entrance to The Count Room, search the casino floor. (Hint: It’s near the theater that houses “X” Burlesque).
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. As part of your subscription, each week via email you will receive the latest edition of Las Vegas Magazine, full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
