The Carousel Bar at Plaza is not just a spot for some great drinks—it’s a fun destination to gather with friends, enjoy some of the best people watching, soak in some history and take those awesome, only-in-Vegas snapshots.
“The bar is a true destination,” said Courtney Allen, director of food and beverage at Plaza. The outdoor Carousel Bar sits right along Main Street, downtown, across from the famed Fremont Street Experience and right in front of the property’s front doors where the porte-cochere used to be. The design is based off the original Carousel Bar in New Orleans, and while this one doesn’t slowly move in a circle, the horses do move up and down the poles—just like on a real carousel!
Roomy booths and bar seating is open for everyone 21 and over. Settle in for some “very fun, vibrant, Instagrammable cocktails,” said Allen.
Start with a refreshing sip and Carousel’s spin on a tiki cocktail, the Soggy & Sandy, a mix of Jameson Orange, crème de banana, coconut cream, pineapple, orange, lime and mint. The cocktail comes in several versions of a tiki mug, and each one can be purchased for an extra cost.
Although the weather is warming up, we’re still technically in winter, and Carousel Bar offers a varied and fun winter menu through the end of March. Our favorite on the list is the Peppermint Mocha with chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, coffee, whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies along the rim. But you’ll also find other warming goodies like an Irish coffee, Mexican coffee, apple cider and hot toddy.
On the menu since Carousel Bar opened last year is the popular Money in the Bank, made with Patron tequila, Aperol, pineapple, lime and Mike’s Hot Honey syrup for a bit of a bite with each sip. The $100 bill attached is edible!
Soggy & Sandy
A star specialty cocktail, perfect for posing with for pics, is the Carousel Grand Pineapple, served in a carved-out pineapple and made with Captain Morgan spiced rum, Grand Marnier and pina colada mix.
In addition to the specialty cocktails, Allen said, “Our beer menu is locally driven; all of our canned beers are from local breweries, and we’re proud of that.” Guests can try Vegas breweries like 7Five Brewing, Bad Beat and Able Baker. “We also have a good selection of shareable cocktails for larger groups of people, they serve about four,” she said. A great shareable option is the Take Flight, a Patron margarita flight with four flavors including traditional, mango, strawberry and passion fruit.
Don’t miss the front of Carousel Bar; facing Fremont Street Experience is the bar’s specially made neon sign—a 14-foot showgirl fans of the Plaza have named Ginger, after the character in the movie Casino. “Ginger welcomes you with open arms to the Carousel Bar,” Allen said.
Tips/Insider Knowledge:
• Craft beers on tap include Shock Top, Kona Big Wave and Salty Crew.
• Game outdoors! Eight bar-top gaming machines are available.
• There’s a secret menu! Try and find the QR code on the bar’s menu and scan it for a special list of rotating cocktails.
• On the back of the Carousel Bar’s menu you’ll find vintage photographs of the Plaza and surrounding Fremont Street Experience venues.
• Did you know that the Carousel Bar sits right under a dome that was once used as the hotel’s pool?!
Perk: The Oscar’s Old Fashion is a nod to past Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman. The cocktail is also served at his restaurant.
Plaza. 702.386.2110. plazahotelcasino.com
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