Post Author: Mike
Ah Vegas, one of my favorite cities to visit. Easily the city I have visited the most, something for everyone. I have been going to Vegas for almost a decade, Heather has been going her entire life. I have been by myself, with large groups, for work, for fun, to see family, and mostly because it’s only a few hours away from where we now live. The city is constantly changing and evolving; new restaurants and bars are constantly popping up. Trends live and die in a matter of months. Every time Heather and I go we always try to hit up a few of our favorite places that no one is talking about.
Lobby Bar, Caesars Palace
This became the defacto meeting place when we go to Vegas with groups. It is essentially the most central bar on the Las Vegas strip. They have an extensive cocktail list, their mixed drinks are very strong, and they even bring some snacks for you to munch on. This is also one of the best places to people watch while in Vegas. During one of our nights at this bar Heather left her phone on the table and didn’t realize until the next morning, oh Vegas, anyways she let lost and found know it was missing and let them know what it looked like with no expectation of seeing it again. Fast forward a few weeks later and that cell phone showed up at our house in Birmingham, AL. Apparently, there still are great people in Las Vegas.
Nine Fine Irishmen New York, New York
If you took the most touristy Irish Bar in New York and placed it in a Vegas mega casino you would get Nine Fine Irishmen. However, I do not come here because I feel like I am getting a Guinness in a traditional Irish setting; I come here for the band and the dancing. The house band, Sin E Ri Ra, plays traditional Irish music, jigs, and even a few songs you can sing along to. During their performance, a traditional Irish dancer steps along with the music. It’s a great atmosphere and definitely a great place to stop in, have a beer, and enjoy the performances.
Red Square, Mandalay Bay
As the name suggests, this is a Russian Themed bar that specializes in vodka and vodka cocktails. This is the bar Heather discovered blue cheese olives and just how delicious they are in a martini. Red Square is easy to find as a headless statue of Lenin is sitting outside. You can even do a vodka tasting in the 0 degree vodka vault.
The Oyster Bar, Palace Station
Cajun is a top 2 food group for me. It’s tough to get decent Cajun food out west. Whenever I am in Vegas I always go to The Oyster Bar to satisfy that Cajun craving. With only about 20 seats (all bar seating, this is an actual bar) it takes an hour plus to wait in line, eat, and pay. It’s definitely worth it. Try a pan roast (creamy, tomatoey, spicy, seafoody goodness) or a more traditional Cajun dish like gumbo or jambalaya. My favorite dish is the jambalaya. The portions are enormous so an entrée is more than enough.
Enjoy Vegas.
-Mike