Some restaurants across the Las Vegas Strip have a secret: From steak and sushi to Italian and American, the cuisines run the gamut, but what they all have in common is a cool factor—they each offer a hipster hidden lounge where the art of cocktailing is thriving, and the ambience and décor is wonderfully bougie. Make a reservation at Luchini at MGM Grand, Caramella at Planet Hollywood, Nomikai at The Venetian Resort and Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse at Flamingo—dig into the delicious dishes, but when done ask the hostess or your server to point you in the direction of the hidden lounge and begin your second journey.
Nomikai
The Venetian Resort, 702.414.3474. venetianlasvegas.com
Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
By day, guests can sit at Nomikai’s sushi bar, but when the sun sets, look for the door to the left and a small hostess stand. You’ll need to make a reservation for Nomikai’s speakeasy, but it’s so worth checking out. Besides wickedly good cocktails with Japanese influences and ingredients, you can order sushi here, too. With all the rage of espresso martinis, Nomikai puts its delicious spin on the classic with the Ube Espresso Martini (it’s to die for!) and the twist on the margarita, the Salted Plum Air Margarita with Olmeca Altos blanco, Cointreau, umeshu, lime, plum and Yukari Shiso salt foam.
Cocktail: Ube Espresso Martini
Tito’s vodka, coffee liqueur, cold brew, ube and sweet milk
Caramella
Planet Hollywood, 702.785.5551. caesars.com
Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
Caramella has quickly become a favorite among Vegas insiders for its delicious Italian eats, the expansive patio overlooking the Strip, its weekend brunch and the cocktail specials at the front lounge. But behind the candy shop that’ll you’ll spot before you hit the main space of the restaurant, you’ll notice one of the walls opens to reveal a hidden lounge, styled in a funky and opulent ’70s style. The cocktails are a treat in mixology, like the Vice & Virtue and the Set Me Fredo with frozen Gran Coramino reposado, cola, Angostura bitters and a pistachio gelato.
Cocktail: Vice & Virtue
Código 1530 blanco tequila, pinot grigio, lime, strawberry and piña colada foam
Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse
Flamingo, 702.733.3111. caesars.com
Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
This classic steakhouse inspired by mobsters Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky is a throwback to classic Las Vegas and Miami vibes with décor decked out in flamingos and foliage. The entrance to the speakeasy, The Count Room, can be accessed from the casino floor; look for the kitschy door to Bugsy’s office, or enter through the restaurant (just ask a hostess). Inside the speakeasy, settle in for an impressive cocktail program and an even more impressive Old-Fashioned menu. The Japanese Old-Fashioned is the smoothest, the Kentucky Old-Fashioned is the sweetest, the Mexican is smoky, and the Caribbean has deep notes of vanilla and caramel.
Cocktail: Japanese Old-Fashioned
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky, house-made simple syrup, Angostura bitters and orange bitters
Luchini
MGM Grand, 702.891.7600. mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com
Photo by: Christopher DeVargas
Don’t sleep on the classic Italian American eats at Luchini and the East Coast-style pizza by the slice at the adjacent pizza shop, both reminiscent of hot spots in New Jersey and New York. But in the sit-down space of the pizza shop you’ll spot vending machines … and one of them opens to reveal the entrance to the speakeasy, Chez Bippy. The sexy, very intimate space is adorned with plush velvets, lowlighting and a craft cocktail program that celebrates Italian flavors. Besides the popular Prima Donna, don’t miss the delicious coffee-inspired Bella Notte and the zero-proof cocktails.
Cocktail: Prima Donna
Grey Goose vodka, limoncello, lemon, strawberry and fresh basil
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