Who better to tell you how and where to enjoy the city once the sun goes down than the people that help run it? We’ve gathered some great recommendations—dining, drinking, entertainment and more—from people in the know to help put Las Vegas visitors in the know.
“I love going to FUHU because it’s perfect for a romantic night out. The venue itself is upscale, vibrant, and intimate dining with a party vibe. They serve modern Asian cuisine and have some of my favorite specialty cocktails, including the Heart of Fire. … When it comes to the menu, be sure to try the crispy tuna and wagyu beef pot stickers.” –Brittany Ashton, bartender at Ayu Dayclub at Resorts World Las Vegas
“So one amazing place that comes to mind is CliQue Bar & Lounge inside The Cosmopolitan. It’s pretty centrally located on the Strip, which is nice. … CliQue has these awesome shooters, my favorite being the Don Sandia—they are super fun and unique because they come in a hollowed-out cucumber! It’s a refreshing watermelon-forward tequila shot. … CliQue has a really great ambience for starting a night out or capping it. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to have a memorable time.” –Dionica Hinkle, model cocktail server at Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay
“Best Friend at Park MGM is one of my go-to spots for a late-night experience in Vegas. When you first walk in, it gives off this cool speakeasy vibe because the restaurant is tucked behind a throwback classic Korean convenience store, adding a sense of mystery and fun before you even sit down. Once inside, the vibrant, party-like space blends Korean flavors with L.A. street culture, creating an atmosphere that feels both casual and upscale. My personal favorites are the short rib tacos and the medjool date cake with sticky toffee and caramel ice cream.” –Tricia Alorro, cocktail server at Easy’s Cocktail Lounge at Aria
“I love to stop by Juniper Cocktail Lounge at Park MGM after a show. The craft cocktails are unique and delicious, and the music is incredible, which, as a professional dancer, is a must for me. It is a beautiful place to grab a drink while listening to a fabulous DJ. My favorite is the lavender lemonade—it is as delicious as it is beautiful, and it even has edible glitter in it!” –Ashton Bray, performance director and dancer in Fantasy: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease at Luxor
Casa Playa inside the Encore stands out for several reasons that contribute to its exceptional reputation: the unbelievable Mexican food, the fresh margaritas, the lively ambience, and the exceptional service. It is a must-visit when family and friends are in town.” –Alexis Warren, VIP services manager at Legacy Club and Stadium Swim at Circa Resort & Casino
“I love to visit Nomad Library at Park MGM. It is a stunning, library-themed restaurant that is perfect for date night or a cozy gathering with friends. The cuisine is amazing; you can enjoy tableside favorites such as tuna tartare or baked Alaska. I love the ginger mocktail, but this can easily be made into a cocktail, and you cannot leave without having the Mohave honey dessert.” –Joni Torres, director of spa services at Golden Nugget
“Hwaro 2 is a fantastic spot for Korean barbecue, offering a wide variety of options. They also serve a massive tomahawk steak that’s perfect for sharing with friends. The appetizers are definitely worth trying—my friends and I always make sure to order them, as each one is uniquely delicious.” –Kurt Sanchez, jumpmaster at SkyJump at The STRAT
“My favorite dive bars after long workdays are Hard Hat for a quick smash burger and tater tots. … It offers great people-watching and karaoke. I also frequent Moondoggies Bar, which I’ve been visiting since I moved to Vegas. For late-night eats, I love 8oz Korean Steakhouse and Bar’s half-off special after 11 p.m.; and to satisfy my late-night pho craving, I head to Viet Noodle or Pho Kim Long.” –Nicole Brisson, chef at Brezza at Resorts World Las Vegas
“The Golden Tiki—it’s a call back to Elvis meets Trader Vic’s meets island vibes. … They take their drinks to the next level with exotic ingredients and a ton of ‘flare’ including flaming lime wheels and flaming cocktails made with high-proof rum. You must get there in the wee hours of the night, it really doesn’t start to ramp up until after 1 a.m. or later. There is often a wild, live band playing an array of genres from surf classics to emo. My go-to cocktail is the Navy Grog, a masterful blend of three different kinds of rums with grapefruit and lime juice.” –Peter Vitolo, general manager at The Beast at AREA15
“My favorite place in town would definitely be the original Sand Dollar off Spring Mountain. It is the best combination of dive bar meets cocktail bar. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft beer and a shot or you want to class it up with a Bees Knees, this place has you covered. As a New Yorker, I will also say they have the best bar-style pizzas in town. The vibe is classy, and there is live music every night.” –Pete Miceli, bartender at Bar Prohibition! at Golden Gate
“If I were to choose any one spot to grab a drink after work, without hesitation, it would be the Sand Dollar off of Spring Mountain. It is a staple watering hole amongst the food and beverage crowd. I have spent many a night (and into the morning) hanging with friends and colleagues here. They have an amazing cocktail program and beer list, live music, pool and pizza!” –Destyn Hamada, general manager at Brezza at Resorts World Las Vegas
“Herbs & Rye. A great cocktail menu, great mixologists. The best part is they do an after-hours happy hour after midnight that features their whole menu, including their amazing steaks!” –Alvin Smith, bartender at Velvet Bar at Westgate Las Vegas
“A favorite late-night, go-to place would have to be Herbs & Rye. It’s definitely a great place to go for late-night dining!” –Buck Hewlett, pilot at Maverick Helicopters
“Downtown Cocktail Room, or D.C.R., is my go-to place for grabbing a drink and relaxing. It has both an intimate lounge that has a DJ spinning music and a speakeasy for those wanting a more laid-back night. The bar serves a seasonal drink menu crafted by master mixologist bartenders. Tip: When browsing through the menu, keep an eye on cocktails that may be returning from a previous season. It is a great indicator of those drinks being fan favorites.” –Rodrigo Carrillo, beverage operations at Planet Hollywood, Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas
“Stray Pirate in the Arts District. My experience there was great; the bartenders were super nice and full of personality. The atmosphere is really cool and laid-back but fun and upbeat. I love all the art and décor. The cocktail and beverage menu is awesome, and I love the tropical vibe of their drinks.” –Lindsay Palumbo, bartender at Overhang Bar at Circa Resort & Casino
“Located in the dynamic Downtown Las Vegas Arts District, the Majestic Repertory Theatre is a must-visit venue and has become a favorite date-night spot for my wife and I. Since the theater opened in 2016, Troy Heard and his team have gone from strength to strength with versions of established classics such as Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Inherit the Wind paired with original productions like Dismayland and the viral hit musical parody Scream’d.” –Joseph Kent, director and curator at Atomic Museum
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. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
