[Vertigo]

My friend and I will be in Vegas later this week. We are attending an event part of the time, so we'll be staying on the strip. However, we're not really in to the club and gambling scene and would like to find some good bars that are places the locals hang out.

Live music is a plus, especially blues or rockabilly...any suggestions? From what I've seen, The Dive and the Sand Dollar both look promising. Any opinions on those?

[Chest Rockwell]

The Sand Dollar is great. The Dive is okay - there's a sweet place called the Pinball Hall of Fame across the street you should definitely check out if you're there.

There's a nice variety of bars downtown that are all within walking distance or a short cab ride, which would make for a great night of bar hopping. The Griffin, Beauty Bar and the Bunkhouse are all on E. Fremont. Nearby on Main Street is a great place called Art Bar that has live music as well. Closer to the university are two great spots - Freakin' Frog and Double Down that are worth checking out too.

Actually E. Fremont is having a block party on Saturday that you might be interested in checking out.

I hope you have a great time in Vegas off the strip. Imagine that!

[ackackack]

Originally Posted by Vertigo

My friend and I will be in Vegas later this week. We are attending an event part of the time, so we'll be staying on the strip. However, we're not really in to the club and gambling scene and would like to find some good bars that are places the locals hang out.

Live music is a plus, especially blues or rockabilly...any suggestions? From what I've seen, The Dive and the Sand Dollar both look promising. Any opinions on those?

If you're looking for rockabilly, then the Dive bar is it. I don't go to the Sand Dollar much, so I can't add to that, but it is very local and has live music. The places that Chest mentioned are great too. I can't think of anything he left out. The Bunkhouse is good for live, local music too. They offer a wide range of local and regional talent, so you never know what you can expect. The Freakin' Frog usually has a good crowd, day or night, and an incredible beer selection. The Double-Down, the last of the "old" punk bars here gets better the later you show up (much later, usually after 1 or 2 am).

I'd recommend a cab. Good job Chest with the recommendations.

[ackackack]

Oh, I almost forgot, like Chest said, if you go to the Dive bar, you should definately start at the Pinball Museum. It's across the street, and has hundreds of classic pinball games, for cheap. We like to start there, take a break at Putter, the bar next door, then more pinball, then walk to the Dive bar.

[Julia B.]

What do you guys/gals think about the Double Down Saloon, on Paradise, near the Hard Rock?

[Chest Rockwell]

The crowd can be intimidating if you are uptight at all. The sound system is horrible. The bathrooms are toxic. There is no beer on tap.

It's awesome, but not for everyone. It's a punk rock hole in the wall - the jukebox is great, it is jumping until dawn. Sweet underground mix videos/pornos playing instead of sports.

Try to make it out for the rocking horse rodeo, where a bunch of hot girls from all over town ride the mechanical rocking horse for prizes. It's once a year and one of the wildest times I've ever had in a bar.

Remember their golden rule: You puke you clean!

[Julia B.]

Ah...sounds a little like the late, great CBGBs to me. I'll make it a point to get there soon, but I think I'll try it in the daylight hours first. ;>

[Vertigo]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm not much into the really big crowds...I like to be able to get out and dance. But I really love a good old **** hole with an eclectic mix of patrons.

Can't wait to do Vegas sans strip!!!

[jfkIII]

I think GuinnessJim would be an excellent reference here...I would suggest sending him a PM.

[guinnessjim]

thx jfk, but i think the others have covered the bases pretty well. my haunting ground hasn't extended much past the downtown area (close to home), so info on the sand dollar, double down, etc. was good for me as well (thanks guys ).

vert...if want some local pre-going out flavor, check out huntridge pkg liquor..cheap beer, strong drinks, locals abound. not much music there, but the people are friendly and the drinks priced to move. all the places around E fremont have their pluses, but i don't know how the festival on saturday will affect what is going on. the griffin is great to hang out at (awesome jukebox, no cover), beauty bar often has live music (dj inside, band outback), and i recently stumbled into downtown cocktail bar/room (chill place w/ a dj and good drinks). bunkhouse is also a good time and dino's (on lvb) is a great local hangout w/ good bartenders and live music on fridays. the art bar can be fun, too...but i have only been there on first fridays

so far, i haven't gone wrong w/ staying away from the tourist stuff. you'l have a great time if that is what you are looking for