2 Best Bars in Las Vegas, Nevada

Background Illustration for Nightlife

Inspired by the "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" attitude, and that it usually happens after dark, nightlife impresarios keep dipping into their vast pockets to create over-the-top experiences where party-mad Visigoths—plus, well, you and me—can live out some wild fantasies. The number of high-profile nightclubs, trendy lounges, and sizzling strip bars continues to grow, each attempting to trump the other to attract not just high rollers, but A-list celebrities and the publicity that surrounds them.

Many of the newest clubs even have gambling. Though, we ask, Why bother when you can lounge beside the pool by day and bellow at the moon by night while dancing half clad at a club until noon the following day (when it's back into the pool you go)?

In the late 1990s, once the Vegas mandarins decided that the "family experience" just wasn't happening, Sin City nightlife got truly sinful again, drawing raves from clubbers worldwide. A wave of large dance clubs, such as the Luxor's (now-defunct) Ra, opened their doors, followed by a trendy batch of cozier ultralounges—lounges with dance floors and high-tech amenities.

The game of one-upmanship has continued—recent additions that have kept the city hopping include the massive Omnia at Caesars Palace and more intimate Intrique Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas. What's more, bawdy 1950s-era burlesque lounges are continuing their comeback with a gaggle of clubs now dedicated to the art of striptease.

Few cities on Earth match Vegas in its dedication to upping the nightlife ante. So with all these choices, no one—not even the Visigoths—has an excuse for not having fun, however you define the "f" word.

McKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub

Summerlin South

Beer and pizza are in high demand at this lively sports bar on the second floor of City National Arena. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, and is particularly hopping during Vegas Golden Knights games, when locals turn out to watch on big-screen televisions and enjoy food and drink specials. The connection to the Knights here runs deep; City National serves as the team’s practice facility, and you can watch practices for free on certain days.

Nine Fine Irishmen

South Strip

Don't be surprised to see patrons break into impromptu bouts of step-dancing at this authentic Irish pub inside New York–New York. It's so authentic that the place was built in Ireland, shipped over, and reassembled in Vegas. Today, barkeeps pour Guinness, Harp Lager, Smithwick's, and all sorts of Irish whiskeys, while cooks crank out traditional Irish dishes. Live Irish music rounds out the sing-along entertainment here. Live entertainment begins nightly at 9 pm; go before then if you want a table for dinner. Brunch is served Thursday through Monday from 11 am to 2 pm.