Where should I hang in Vegas during CES?

January 4, 2010 4:58 PM

Where do you recommend hanging out in Las Vegas during CES?

I'm going to CES this week for work -- will be there from the 5th-10th. And I've really only been to Las Vegas once before for a wedding a few years ago, now. Do any of you recommend good, local haunts to check out?

Here in NYC I'm really into the local burlesque scene, dive bars, stand-up shows and live local music. I'm much more of a Brooklyn bowling alley than a popped-collar Ed-Hardy guy. Where can I hang with tattooed girls, gamble on the cheap(er) side and soak up the freaky Vegas that I know is thriving underneath the fake-tanned exterior?

In Missoula, MT I've loved The Ox, The Jack/Lumberjack Bar. In DC I pretty much haunted the Raven and Black Cat, if that helps anyone triangulate at all.

A friendly, fun strip joint wouldn't hurt my feelings at all, though it's really not a must-do. I've heard great stuff about a legendary Prince cover band, for example. I'd love to eat some good food, too, as I've heard the restaurants are really spectacular -- but I've also seen the town shake you down for every penny.

Also, I've never been to CES before and find the whole thing overwhelming. Do any of you have any hints for any must-see, must-do parts of the show this week? Or even want to do an impromptu meet-up?

Thanks so much ...

posted by chinese_fashion to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (10 answers total)

'nuff said.
posted by sourwookie at 5:02 PM on January 4, 2010 [1 favorite]

Sounds like you'd like Freemont Street, AKA Glitter Gulch. It's a short bus ride from the strip, and it's the old broken down version of Vegas where the strippers and locals hang out.
posted by StickyCarpet at 5:06 PM on January 4, 2010

Best answer: Fremont Street downtown used to be something like StickyCarpet said before it became “The Fremont Street Experience,” though further down, an entertainment district called “Fremont East” has been created in recent years. Not sure it's all that popular with the locals though.

I'm a Las Vegas native, and I live about 2 hours away now, but a friend of mine has the townie scoop. Below, reprinted nearly verbatim, is her coveted “best places” list. It's closely guarded, so don't like share it with the whole internet or anything.

The Crown and Anchor on Tropicana near Maryland Parkway will offer lively bar crowd and good English fare. Around the corner, also on Maryland is the Freakin’ Frog, a beer bar with local musicians, where you may find a blues band or jazz trio and thousands of beers on tap. This can be the best local bar in town on the right night. Otherwise The Beauty Bar downtown delivers a more "clubby" atmosphere, and there is always The Doubledown for true dive bar Las Vegas. Be prepared for sticky and loud. If quiet is needed, Champagnes on Maryland around Harmon-ish will be dark and cozy.

Have fun, and congratulations for not being all that into the strip.
posted by donmateo at 5:44 PM on January 4, 2010 [3 favorites]

I've been told that the Paris has excellent burlesque.
posted by Iggley at 5:47 PM on January 4, 2010

Ooo and if you like Indian food, "Ghandi" is to die for.
posted by Iggley at 5:53 PM on January 4, 2010

Are you thinking of Purple Reign? I saw them once & they were lots of fun.
posted by mogget at 6:10 PM on January 4, 2010

I've never understood why Ghandi gets so many raves. It's not bad, but not great. I actually prefer Samosa Factory or Mantra Masala. Of course, Ghandi is a lot closer to the strip than either of the two I mentioned.

Anyway. The Griffon at the end of the recent Freemont extension is a nice little bar. It's one of the few places with no gaming machines. Quiet and a divey atmosphere.

Otherwise Freemont is mostly good for wandering around and watching drunks and crack heads. Which, may or may not be your cup of tea (I do every once in a while, it's fun).
posted by krisak at 6:50 PM on January 4, 2010

Hard Rock Casino has some friendly machines, plays good music, and has rock memorabilia. We like that place.

For cheap staying, good payouts, we like the Orleans. It's west of the Strip, and a room on the east side of the hotel affords a GRAND view of the Strip, especially at night!

You might enjoy the Hall of Fame Pinball Museum, out east of the Strip. All the machines are playable, a GREAT place to spend a few hours and only a few bucks! It's around the corner from The Gun Store, where you can fire a full auto rifle - AK, Uzi, AR15, etc! That costs $50 a magazine, so it can be pricey, but it's an experience to remember!

Fremont Street Experience is wild, but I'd rather drop nickels into a slot than crane my neck to see the show while I watch for trouble! Although sometimes we do well at the downtown casinos. El Cortez serves an exceptional prime rib!

Avoid driving the Strip. Take taxis, or the shuttles or monorails when you can't walk. Even getting on the freeway is faster than slogging down the Strip!!

Lone Star Steakhouse is a great local place to eat, and Hofbrau Haus is near the Hard Rock, it's got good food, served in the traditional hofbrau style. Oktoberfest all year long!

The Atomic Testing Museum is a great place to spend at LEAST 3 hours. Cool, quiet, and interesting.

Inside New York New York is a great little place called America Cafe or something like that. Good burgers and neat decor.

Orleans also has a Fuddruckers and a TGIFridays. Buffets can be pricey, but OMG, such great food! Our favorites are the Spice Market in Planet Hollywood and The Buffet at Wynn's. The MGM buffet is pretty darn good too.

Get the players club cards in EVERY casino you go into. They have gifts, giveaways, credits on food, free machine credits, etc. Worth the time to get the cards!

Have fun, be safe!
posted by Jinx of the 2nd Law at 8:41 PM on January 4, 2010

Thanks for the recommendations krisak I'll have to try Mantra Masala and Samosa factory next time I'm in town.
posted by Iggley at 9:48 PM on January 4, 2010

Double down saloon!
posted by cestmoi15 at 5:13 AM on January 5, 2010