Your Guide to Las Vegas as Told By a Local

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. 

Anyways, from your average 22 year old, here is my attempt at a guide to my hometown where my top picks are broken down by category for you. 

BARS:

Velveteen Rabbit
Downtown Main Street. Victorian styled bar with craft cocktails, high energy, and cool music. It is a comfortable place to ignite a conversation. $$

Parkway Tavern
Summerlin. Games and beer. What more could you ask for? They keep score of how many beers you consume. It's a real neighborhood bar but can get pretty crowded. $$-$$$

Vanguard Lounge
Downtown/Fremont. A small bar lounge area with a dance floor that can be great for people-watching or joining in. The DJ booth is always blasting late night music. Drink and be merry here all year long. $


HAPPY HOURS:

MTO Cafe
Downtown Main Street. They have bottomless Mimosas all day long for $20. It's more like a happy day instead of a happy hour depending on how long you're willing to make your $20 last. $$

PTs Pub
All around Las Vegas. After midnight, drinks are half off and they make a mean ciabatta bread pizza. 'Nuff said. $

Double Helix
Town Square. A shot of wine and a glass of whiskey (that's right, right?). $5 Sangria and wine is the way to go but I always suggest checking out the wine or whiskey of the month because you can get half off. 

Photo credit: Ryan Phung

THINGS TO DO:
OddFellows
Downtown/Fremont. Dance club for people who don't like dance clubs. No cover charge and there are music videos galore.$

Brooklyn Bowl
Las Vegas Strip. Food, bowling, and Rock & Roll. Right in the heart of Vegas you can get a taste of what Brooklyn really feels like.  $$$

Bazic Bar & Karoke
China Town. This is especially exciting if you have a group of people because you can rent a room of your own and just belt out any Adele lyric you want, at least, that would be my choice. $$

A Little White Wedding Chapel
Las Vegas Blvd. Did you really go to Vegas if you didn't get a quick marriage? They can be pretty fun to attend too. Oh and sometimes celebrities pop up here too. $-$$$


Zarkana
Cosmopolitan. This is my favorite Cirque du Soleil show. It has an Alison in Wonderland meets Edward Scissorhands vibe to it. Creepy enough to keep me intrigued. $$

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. $$ (Per car)

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. Perfect for brunch. $$

Grand Lux Cafe
Las Vegas Strip. Gran Lux presents anything from a salmon bagel to a waffle and strawberries. Conveniently located for your hangover $$$

Egg Works
Multiple Locations. The menu is a newspaper and they serve all the breakfast favorites. Order anything with "The works" in the title and you wont be disappointed. $$

Makers and FindersDowntown Main Street. 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. $$

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 presentation is still very important here.  Local ingredients are used here. $$$

DINNER:

Hofbrauhaus
Just off The Strip. Oktoberfest all year long. Be careful though, the waitresses will spank you so choose your shot gal wisely. $$

Ri Ra's Irish Pub
Las Vegas Strip. They have the perfect glass of Guinness along side of authentic Irish food options like Moms Meatloaf Burger and Jameson Honey Glazed Salmon. Oh and there is live music every night. $$$

Mizumi's 
Las Vegas Strip. Teppanyaki theatrics can be found here. Beautiful atmosphere and the staff is the sweet side of sweet and sour sauce. $$$$