Las Vegas

If there is one thing I am familiar with, it is the city of Las Vegas. It can be a very overwhelming process coming here as a tourist or a new local. There is always something to do, which is exciting but can be very intimidating as well. 

Of course, I cannot list all of my favorites here. It was hard enough for me to narrow them down this much. From your average 20 something-year-old, here is my attempt at a guide to my hometown.

NIGHTLIFE BARS:

Velveteen Rabbit

Downtown Main Street. This Victorian styled bar with craft cocktails, high energy, and cool music is a comfortable place to ignite a conversation. Often, Velveteen Rabbit has some pop-up concerts and shops to check out too.  $$

Parkway Tavern

Summerlin. I like to think of this as a well-developed beer garden. There is an inside and outside seating area filled with games and an extensive beer list. Download their app and keep score of how many beers you consume. $$

Ri Ra's Irish Pub

Las Vegas Strip. They have the perfect glass of Guinness alongside of authentic Irish food options. The crowd is typically ordered but very friendly an the bar is small, more intimate. Oh, and there is live music almost every night. $$$

Corduroy

Downtown/Fremont. A small bar lounge that has an old-school vibe with aged furniture and decor. Their Lightbox is a prime selfie-taking spot filled with flashing lights and an aux box. Their adult Capri Suns come with a swirly straw because, well, they're just more fun that way.   $

Skyfall Lounge

Has a breathtaking panoramic overlook of the city, with James Bond inspired dramatic interiors, chill out sounds, and artisan cocktails. I recommend the Dirty Martini. Also, be sure to check out the bathrooms. Trust me.  $$$$ 

HAPPY HOURS:

Golden Tiki

China Town. On Wednesdays, ladies drink Jungle Punch for free. Strictly a watering hole, the staff has fun Hawaiian outfits and their drink list is impeccable. Drinks usually range around $10 but their Goldie's Dirty Banana shot taste like a girl scout cookie in a glass. $$

PTs Pub

All around Las Vegas. Looking for pool, gaming and some lounge furniture? Drinks are half off from 5pm -7 pm and 12am-2am and the Gilroy pizza is a complete game changer. You can also get some of Nevada's best-brewed beer here. 'Nuff said. $

Other Mama

Southwest. The best seafood appetizers you will ever eat. Appetizers are half off, wine is discounted, and select beers are $3. I highly recommend the octopus ceviche because it comes with sweet potato chips and the tuna tartar.  $-$$

Photo credit: Ryan Phung

THINGS TO DO:

OddFellows

Downtown/Fremont. A dance club for people who don't like dance clubs. No cover charge and there are music videos galore and Ouija Boards to dabble with if that fits your fancy.$

Brooklyn Bowl

Las Vegas Strip. Food, bowling, and Rock & Roll. Right in the heart of Vegas, guests can bowl or attend a concert. They tend to have a lot of local cover bands in-house but have some big names too.  $$$

Escapology

East of the Strip. This is especially exciting if you have a group of people because you will need between 3-8 minds to figure these real-life puzzles out. Solve the mystery of the room and win the game. You must book in advance.  $$

Yoga on the piazza

Tivoli Village, The Green Valley District and Downtown Summerlin all offer a lot of different types of outdoor yoga classes on their grass or piazzas. Even better news, it's FREE.

Donut Bar

Downtown. This is definitely a morning trip. You have to get their early because as soon as they're sold out of their product they close their doors. Also, keep and mind their donuts are the size of cakes, but worth every calorie. $$

Las Vegas Overlook Hike

Red Rock Canyon. It's a 4.5-mile trail (round trip) but you can overlook the entire city once you're at the top. Bring water and real sneakers. $

SHOPPING:

Fashion Show Mall

This covers all spectrums of shopping. From high-end Luis Vuitton to basic and cheap H&M. If you are looking for familiarity, this mall has similar stores to what you find back home.

Miracle Mile Shops, Planet Hollywood

 This shopping area has mid-range shops but more middle-class pricing. There are not too many high-end stores here. They offer a few specialty stores that might not be found in typical malls.

The Grand Canal Shops, The Venetian

These shops are mainly high end. There is a river running through it. I would expect nothing less. They also have some decent restaurants throughout this route. Be sure to stop and get a snack.

BREAKFAST:

Babystacks

Spring Valley. Home of the best red velvet pancakes you have ever tasted. They also have pretty much any kind of breakfast item you can think of with a Hawaiian twist. Perfect for brunch. $$

Grand Lux Cafe

Las Vegas Strip. Not that I play favorites, but if I did, Grand Lux is FOR SURE my favorite. Grand Lux presents anything from a salmon bagel to a waffle and strawberries. Conveniently located for your hangover $$$

Dirty Fork

Spring Valley. They serve all the breakfast favorites with French and Hawaiian inspired dishes. They're only open for breakfast and lunch so don't sleep in too late.  $$

Makers and Finders

Downtown Main Street and Now in Downttown Summerlin. This is a best friend favorite. It is an urban coffee bar with Latin comfort food. They display local artists work and offer a chill atmosphere to study or converse. $$

BRUNCH:

Forget hiking, let's eat! Check out my fabulous Las Vegas brunch series for all of your brunching needs. 

LUNCH:

Secret Pizza

The Strip. I cannot tell you where it is, but I will tell you it is inside the Cosmopolitan. If you're in the mood for a slice of pizza in the midst of the top chef restaurants, it'll be worth the hunt. Get the white pizza. $

Arawan Thai Bistro

Just off the Strip. Indoor patio feels with a modern twist. This fine Thai cuisine will provide a memorable experience in an intimate setting. It is typically not very busy either. $$

Honey Salt

Summerlin. Home cooked meals in a restaurant setting, although the presentation is still very important.  Local ingredients are used here. $$$

DINNER:

Nacho Daddy

Downtown. American grill with a Mexican flair. They have a killer scorpion shot and their enchilada nachos are to die for. If your vegan, I suggest you look into other options. $$

Allegro

Las Vegas Strip. Italian-American theatrics can be found here. They're open 24 hours for your fine dining late night needs. If it were me, I would order a plethora of appetizers so you can try everything in one way or another. $$$$

NIGHT LIFE:

Monday: Jewel at the Aria. Dress to impress. They revamped an old theater into a nightclub and it looks pretty flashy.

Tuesday: Omnia at Caesars Palace. They have a hip hop room that plays mainly trap music and R&B. Otherwise, the main room is more EDM. The moving chandelier is worth the sight.

Wednesday: Intrigue at Wynn. Surrender your Wednesdays by the pool under the city lights. The dance floor is kind of small but there is plenty of room to move about the venue. 

Thursday: Light @ Mandalay Bay. This is one of my personal favorites. I always feel like there is going to be an underground hip-hop battle that takes place here. More of a grungy feel with electric pop dancers. 

Friday and Saturday: Pick your poison. All clubs bring their A-Game on the weekends. Look up what DJs will be at hat nightclubs to narrow your search.