The Crafty Traveler

Vegas isn’t real. I mean it is, but I could be convinced it isn’t. Whoever came up with The Mirage feels me. An adult playground in the middle of the desert, it’s the kind of place that everyone needs to visit at least once (I will let you decide if once is enough). The thing I like about Vegas is that it can be whatever you want it to be. Nocturnal for the weekend? Go for it. Blackjack bender? Have at it. Shopping and shows spree? It’s all there. That means for me, a food and beverage based trip is an option, so I’ll take it.

While we could discuss all the high-end and celebrity chef spots along the strip, that’s not my Vegas sweet spot (although if you want my brief Strip advice-stay and eat at The Cosmopolitan. It has the best bars and bites on the Boulevard). While there is plenty of delicious dishes to find on the Strip, you won’t exactly get bang for your buck there. You have to get off the strip for that. Let’s get you setup for a night.

You’ve got some neighborhood options when it comes to Off-Strip evenings. You could go to Downtown and Fremont Street, but even that has an energy to it that you have to be ready for (if you do go there, hit up The Laundry Room, a very vibey speak easy with a unique backstory. Book early, it’s a small spot). You can eat your way around Chinatown, which I recommend if you have some extra time (don’t miss The Golden Tiki if you are in the area, just everything you want in a tiki bar. Lean on Double Zero Pie & Pub next door to soak up the rum). For this evening though, you are heading to an up and coming area of town – The Arts District.

Make sure you have a solid buffet in your stomach before this night, as you have a beverage heavy evening ahead of you. You’re kicking things off at one of the best craft beer bars in the country (a dying breed, so support em when you see em), called The Silver Stamp. As a head’s up for when you arrive, yes, this an operational business. Don’t let the façade fool you, an eclectic and delightful dive bar of delights await you. Décor that cannot be described, and staff with a smile. Order a couple pints and enjoy.

Now it is time for a snack, but in cocktail form. Walk a couple blocks west to hit up Liquid Diet (no reservations, but worth tracking down the hard to find entrance). This is an edgy cocktail kitchen in every sense. While their drinks are batched, they spend all day before opening cooking and creating the ingredients from scratch. High-level mixology with incredible attention to detail and creativity to match. The snacks I mentioned? Order a horseradish shot with a tomato water chaser, or tequila served alongside green juice mix that puts Jamba Juice to shame. Order anything from the rotating menu, you won’t miss.

If you need a dram before dinner, hit up Bar Ginza. You won’t find a better selection of Japanese whiskey outside of Japan itself. The owner will help you navigate the menu and knows his stuff. Need evidence? They fly their ice in from Japan. Yes, they have a sink there, but Japanese Ice > Vegas Ice. If you have room for some rum alongside your whiskey, and you enjoy having drinks in a pirate ship, Stray Pirate has your treasure. Depending on how all of these drinks are hitting you, you might actually think you’re sailing at this point.

By now, I am going to bet you are hungry. Carbs to the rescue. Make sure you have a reservation for Esther’s Kitchen. Elevated Italian cuisine that will hit the spot. Order the “Chef’s Spread with all the Things” alongside homemade focaccia (and another well-made cocktail, depending on your tolerance). If you happen to be on the Atkins Diet during your visit, try out Bar Bohème from the same owners for a well thought out modern brasserie experience (with a matching cocktail bar out back, because you haven’t had enough of those yet…).

Thought you were done? There’s no bedtime in Vegas. Velveteen Rabbit is your nightcap setup. A spot that is worth peeking through the looking glass. Dark, yet playful atmosphere leads to cocktails that think outside the box. End your night with a caprese salad martini (clearly I’m a sucker for drinks that taste like food), and enjoy your last chill moments of exploring this lesser known part of town. If you do end up finishing your night on the Strip, there’s really only one bar I recommend there. The Taco Bell Cantina for boozy Baja Blasts. Sin City at its finest.