The megaclubs that still matter
LIV at Fontainebleau is the newest big room, opened December 2023, and pulls the top DJ residencies. XS at Encore remains the highest-grossing nightclub in the US, Fridays for John Summit and Saturdays for RL Grime types. Zouk at Resorts World books Zedd and Tiesto. Marquee at Cosmopolitan runs a smaller room but a superior dayclub upstairs. Omnia at Caesars is fading but still packed on Fridays.
Covers: $30 to $75 for men, $20 to $40 for women. Bottle service starts at $650 in the low-tier rooms.
Bars for adults
The Chandelier at the Cosmopolitan spans three floors, order the Verbena. Herbs & Rye on Sahara (off-Strip) is a legit cocktail bar with $10 old fashioneds during happy hour (5pm-8pm) and steak. Velveteen Rabbit in the Arts District is Vegas's best independent cocktail bar. Atomic Liquors on Fremont has been open since 1952 and pours $6 beers. For dive vibes, the Golden Tiki in Chinatown does great tiki drinks around $16.
Peppermill Fireside Lounge on the north Strip: sunken fire pit, blue drinks, and Sinatra playing. It has been there since 1972.
What to skip
The Rio's Voodoo Rooftop has closed. Coyote Ugly at NY-NY is a tired chain, skip. The Chippendales show at Rio is what you think it is; only go with a bachelorette. Rooftop bars on smaller hotels (Rhumbar, etc.) charge Strip prices for pedestrian views.
Fremont's Coyote Ugly and Beauty Bar are more locals than tourists; not bad, just not what you flew here for.
Good to know
What is the best night for Vegas clubs?+
Saturday, then Friday, then Thursday's industry night at smaller rooms. Sunday nights at LIV and Encore Beach Club can be huge in summer.
Do I need to book club table service in advance?+
For big DJ nights, yes, 1-2 weeks. Cover-only entry is walk-up but the line can hit 90 minutes. Girls in the party shortens it.
What is the dress code at Vegas clubs?+
Men: no shorts, no athletic wear, no visible tattoos on the arms (some clubs), collared shirt or clean t-shirt. Women: heels, dress. Doormen have final say.
Where do locals drink in Vegas?+
Arts District (Velveteen Rabbit, ReBAR), Chinatown (Golden Tiki), and off-Strip cocktail bars like Herbs & Rye and Sand Dollar.