The Perfect Las Vegas Bar for (Almost) Every Occasion

Ghostbar
Ghostbar

There are a TON of bars in Las Vegas where you can party, drink, or even make a bad decision or two, but you don't want to make a bad decision about which bar you should go to in the first place. That's why we've done you a favor and picked the best Sin City bar for every possible occasion (okay, so just 35 of 'em), from just after you get promoted to just after you get dumped, and everything... err, 33 other things, in between:
 

Playing tour guide: Ghostbar

The Palms
It’s easy to impress your friends from out of town with a view of the Strip from the 55th floor of the Palms. Grab a drink, step outside, and look knowledgeable when you point and say things like, “Look… there’s the airport.”

Levi Ellyson

Just got promoted: Rhumbar

The Mirage
You’ve got money to burn thanks to that brand-new raise. Another thing you’ll want to burn: a fat stogie from Rhumbar’s cigar collection.
 

Celebrating a birthday: Champagnes Cafe

East of the Strip
This old-school spot has been around forever and has seen a few birthdays come and go. It will go all-out for your big day with decorations and cupcakes at your table. It’s also one of the rowdiest places for karaoke, which could be just what you need after a few too many birthday shots.

Laura Larson

Going on a first date: Double Helix Wine & Whiskey Lounge

Town Square
The happy hour specials include tasty bites as well as beers, cocktails, and wines by the glass starting at just $4, so this first date won’t break the bank even if the sparks don’t fly. If it does go well, head to the patio and make some moves by the fire pit.

Cantina Laredo

Going on a third date: Cantina Laredo

Tivoli Village
There’s nothing like tequila to help you get over your "third date" jitters. Cantina Laredo is here to help with more than 120 choices of tequila.

Atomic Liquors

Appreciating some Las Vegas history: Atomic Liquors

Downtown
This used to be the place where you could sit on the roof and watch atomic bombs being tested out in the desert. It’s also the filming location for that scene in Casino where some dude got stabbed in the neck with a pen.

Diablo’s Cantina

Cinco de Mayo: Diablo’s Cantina

Monte Carlo
Get wild on two levels with patio views that overlook the chaos of the Strip on one of the biggest party days of the year. Don’t forget your 42oz mega-Margarita.
 

Downtown
It’s not only one of the coolest places to play pool, but it’s also one of the best places to see a show, especially if you want to check out up-and-coming local bands or national acts like Helmet. It even feels like an actual backstage area with empty equipment cases, framed gold records, and concert T-shirts lining the walls.

Sin City Brewing Co.

Day drinking: Sin City Brewing Co.

On the Strip
If you’re going to drink all day, you better save a few bucks. The Sin City Brewing Co. walk-in bar on Harmon is the only location for the brewery that has an all-day happy hour, with deals on its five signature craft beers.

Rojo Lounge

Hanging out with that person you’re not supposed to be hanging out with: Rojo Lounge

The Palms
The red-lit bar and vinyl booths are perfect for hiding away from the crowds. This is one lobby location couples need to stop by on their next night out, especially if they don’t want to be seen.
 

Playing video games: Insert Coin(s)

Downtown
You’ve got a bar, you’ve got a dance floor, and you’ve got a DJ, all surrounded by video games. Play Resident Evil on the Playstation console at your table or Pac-Man at one of the vintage arcade machines.

Nine Fine Irishmen

St. Patrick’s Day: Nine Fine Irishmen

New York-New York
You can’t go wrong with the Guinness on draft or the nice selection of Irish whiskey, but the best reason to come here for St. Patty’s is the annual outdoor celebration that takes over the replica of the Brooklyn Bridge right outside the front door.
 

Watching the Rebels play: Born And Raised

Southwest Valley
So you graduated from UNLV and still want to cheer on the home team? Whether you’re watching football or basketball, you’ll feel right at home cheering on the Rebels at this sports bar. Tennis not so much.
 

Watching anyone but the Rebels play: Sporting Life Bar

Southwest Valley
It’s not about the game, as much as it’s about the awesome menu, which includes pork belly, bacon-wrapped dates, and other grub you don’t normally find in your typical sports bar.

Vice Versa

Getting over your gambling addiction: VICE VERSA Patio & Lounge

Vdara
Vdara is one of the few hotels in Las Vegas that doesn’t have an army of slot machines in the lobby. So if you’re just not interested in gambling (or are trying to avoid it since you’ve already blown most of your vacation money) Vice Versa offers more than a few distractions, including some sophisticated decorations, an outdoor lounge area, and a nice selection of martinis and finger food.
 

Celebrating an anniversary: Lobby Bar

Aria
Pop the ultimate bottle of bubbly to celebrate another year of wedded bliss. Lobby Bar has one of the most extensive selections of Special Club Champagne in the nation. To reach this exclusive label status, wine from an elite group of French vineyards must pass a rigorous taste test, go through a minimum three-year aging process, and then be approved again with a second tasting.

N9NE Steakhouse

Eating some red meat: N9NE Steakhouse

The Palms
You don’t need a table reservation to dine at N9NE Steakhouse. Slide up, grab a chair, and order a few bites from the bar menu, including the filet mignon sliders, grilled octopus, and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls.
 

Karaoke night: Dino's Lounge

Downtown
Sing like a fool. And drink just enough so you don’t remember it in the morning.

Bound by Salvatore

Celebrating after you win big at the casino: Bound by Salvatore

The Cromwell
The lobby bar from mixologist Salvatore Calabrese features a cabinet full of rare and high-end liquors that cost up to $600 per shot. The collection is simply called “The Cabinet”... and you can afford it now thanks to your lucky night at the craps tables.
 

Just got dumped: The Rockhouse

The Venetian
You need to find some girls. Stop by on Wednesdays when ladies get $1 drinks after 9pm with a $5 wristband. They also get to ride the mechanical bull for free. Good for them. And good for you.

Anthony Mair

Pre-show warm up: FIZZ

Caesars Palace
There’s a lot of entertainment at Caesars Palace. So grab a cocktail or glass of Champagne before catching Mariah Carey or Elton John at The Colosseum… or for those under the age of 75, a set by Calvin Harris or Afrojack at OMNIA Nightclub.

Gold Spike

Playing around: Gold Spike

Downtown
A few years ago, the slot machines were yanked from this vintage hotel and casino so it could be transformed into the ultimate lounge and playhouse. Grab a drink and sink into a giant bean bag chair, or try your hand at oversized versions of games like Jenga and Connect Four. Otherwise, just figure out what cornhole is all about or head outside and skate on a mini-ice rink during the winter months.  
 

Throwing a bachelor party: Palomino Club

North Las Vegas
Well, it’s not really a bar. It’s a strip club. But it’s the only one in Vegas that offers alcohol and full nudity. Bottoms up.

Sayers Club

Party like a rock star: Sayers Club

SLS Las Vegas
The perfect spot if you’re sick of EDM. Sayers Club tends to focus on rock bands and DJs who are more likely to play classic hip hop than the club stuff. Unless there is a big name headliner, there’s no cover charge. And who doesn’t like getting something for free?

Anthony Mair

Just moved to Vegas: Commonwealth

Downtown
Take a walk through the tourist trap known as the Fremont Street Experience and get it out of your system. Then walk across Las Vegas Blvd, get to know some locals in the Fremont East District, and soak in the scenery from the rooftop of Commonwealth with beer firmly in hand.

PBR Rock Bar

People watching (on the Strip): PBR Rock Bar

Planet Hollywood
The outdoor patio was recently remodeled with artificial turf and picnic tables. So grab a seat, order the Chicken & Waffle Pizza, and take a look at all the weirdos marching up and down the Strip.

Social

People watching (off the Strip): Social

The Palms
This circular lobby bar has a mean whiskey selection and wide open sightlines of the action on the casino floor.
 

You just got lost: Velveteen Rabbit

Arts District
Somehow you’ve made your way to the Arts District. Don’t worry. It’s okay to branch out and leave the comfort of familiar territory for the comfort of the house fruit punch at the Velveteen Rabbit.

Bourbon Room

Reliving the '80s: Bourbon Room

The Venetian
What’s with all the DJ stuff in Las Vegas? Skip that nonsense and head straight for the Bourbon Room where music videos from David Lee Roth, Whitesnake, and Def Leppard can be found on a slew of TV screens with the volume turned up to 11.  
 

Taking a swim: Fortuna Pool

Caesars Palace
The Garden of the Gods pool area has a spot where you can not only swim up and order a mojito, but also play a few hands of blackjack without leaving the water.  

The LINQ

Riding the High Roller: Um, the High Roller

The LINQ
Riding the High Roller observation wheel is cool and all… but it’s even cooler when you book a car that comes with its own bartender. Vodka and cranberry tastes a lot better 550ft above the Strip.   

Francis & Francis Photography

Hanging out with your bros: Whiskey Bar at McCall’s Heartland Grill

Stratosphere
Leave the girls at home (maybe) and bring the guys to check out one of the biggest and most diverse whiskey selections in Las Vegas. Take suggestions from some of the most knowledgeable bartenders around… and learn what the difference is between “whiskey” and “whisky.”

Botero

Before the club: Botero

Wynn Encore
Grab a drink and watch the girls line up outside XS. You’re also just steps away from Surrender and Tryst. There really isn’t a better place to scope out the nightclub action in advance.
 

Hanging out with hipsters: The Griffin

Downtown
Plenty of beer. Plenty of beards.

New York-NewYork

New Year’s Eve: The Bar at Times Square

New York-New York
Just enjoy the dueling piano players and pretend you’re actually at the real Times Square in New York for New Year’s Eve. If that’s not enough, head outside to the Strip where fireworks will be shooting off the rooftops of seven casinos at the stroke of midnight.

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