Kick it old school in Las Vegas at Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den

Who remembers vinyl? If your teenage years happened in the ’90s like me, you remember the days of crates, turntables and vinyl, and the DJs who carried all of it into the party. There was something special about listening to the DJ soundtrack the evening, switching out records, scratching them, slowing down and speeding up the sounds and mixing melodies. It was a special time for music, especially hip-hop and emerging electronic music.

Now there’s a place (and a party) that brings back all those vibes: Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den at Resorts World Las Vegas and its weekly High Fidelity Fridays.

“It’s an ode to Japanese listening bars; we wanted to create this because of the property’s Asian heritage,” says Josef Wagner, senior vice president of food and beverage and hospitality development at Resorts World Las Vegas. “It’s like a lost art; hardly any DJs play with vinyl anymore and we wanted to bring that back in a beautiful, intimate setting. DJs playing a mix of old-school hip-hop, house music, funk, soul from the ’80s and ’90s.”

Along with the art of playing vinyl, Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den combines the art of mixology. In many Japanese listening bars, the DJ booth is set up behind the bar, creating a perfect union of music and booze, and that vibe is re-created here. Guests can imbibe thoughtfully crafted cocktails made special for High Fidelity Fridays.

That Sidle Touch is a nod to the moves that DJs make when applying pressure to the record on the turntables. This slightly sweet bubbly cocktail is a mix of Patron reposado, prickly pear syrup, lemon juice and rosé sparkling wine, served in a champagne flute with an orchid garnish. The Hennessy G Code pays homage to old-school hip-hop and its influence on the success of the Hennessy brand. Mixed with Hennessy VS, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, lychee liqueur and lemon juice, it’s served with an ice sphere and lime chip, resulting in a smooth, slightly sour and sweet sip with a hint of botanicals and fruit.

A popular pick on the menu is Bartender’s Choice, where guest and bartender get to create a unique cocktail together based on the guest’s taste, likes, dislikes, even hobbies and interests. This led to standout cocktail Original Sin, created by current mixologist Adam Carroll and a recent guest. It’s mixed with Wild Turkey 101, Campari, Italicus, Amaro Montenegro and Dolin Genepy Le Chamois and served with an ice sphere and dehydrated golden lemon slice. It’s a true Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den ode to the guests. The cocktail, reminiscent of a Negroni, became so popular that it made its way on to the permanent menu. So, while at High Fidelity Fridays, don’t miss your chance to order up a Bartender’s Choice and let the creativity of the evening inspire you to create your own cocktail (and you get to name it, too!).

Other popular cocktails include Can I Smash, a bourbon-based drink with blueberry notes; Tai-Mai Tongue, a rum-based drink with hints of apricot and lime; and the Cara-Me-Home, a dessert-like treat with peanut butter whiskey and espresso.

“If you’re into spirits and a spirit collector, we have a nice collection of brown spirits like bourbons and single malts, too,” Wagner says. “And a special collection of Japanese whiskeys.” Coveted brands include FUYU, Hakushu and Hibiki, to name a few. 

“We wanted to combine the DJ craft with the art of crafting cocktails, all in an intimate setting—about 60 people max—and make it about the music and the cocktails, in an unpretentious location with something for everyone,” Wagner says. “It’s a special night that’s playful.” Now those are some party vibes we can dig.

Insider’s Tips

• Ask to check out The Book. Adam Carroll began writing down the best creations that have come from the Bartender’s Choice cocktails. Will your cocktail creation make it into The Book? Not only will you need to create a delicious recipe with Carroll, but your cocktail will need a creative name and cool backstory.

• This week’s High Fidelity Fridays, Oct. 17, welcomes DJ Velvet Hoss.

• There is no cover charge and no reservation required to get into Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den, but for High Fidelity Fridays it is suggested to get there at 9 p.m. to guarantee entrance.

• Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den opens nightly at 5 p.m.

• Here Kitty Kitty Vice Den is inside a retail stall at Famous Foods Street Eats (hidden behind one of the walls).

• Inside the retail stall,  purchase goodies from Japan like Hello Kitty ramen, plushies and sweet treats.

Resorts World Las Vegas. rwlasvegas.com

Feel like a true Vegas insider with the free Vegas2Go app! Discover the best of Las Vegas—right at your fingertips. From must-try restaurants and top shows to nightlife, attractions, and offers, Vegas2Go puts the city’s hottest experiences in the palm of your hand. Download for free on either the Apple Store or Google Play Store today.