Best Bars and Cocktails in Las Vegas

Pick the right kind of night

• For a view: Choose a rooftop or a high-floor lounge and arrive before the busiest period. A reservation or a planned arrival time makes the experience much smoother.
• For craft cocktails: Look for a focused menu and a bartender-led room. Order one drink at a time, explain your preferences, and expect a slower pace than a casino bar.
• For a lively casino night: Casino lounges keep the energy high and make it easy to move on to a show, club, or table game.
• For a relaxed local stop: Downtown Arts District bars are generally easier to explore on foot and offer a less resort-centered atmosphere.

How to order well

Start with a classic if the menu feels unfamiliar. A Manhattan, old fashioned, daiquiri, margarita, or martini gives the bar a clear direction. Ask for a recommendation based on spirit, sweetness, and strength. Premium pours, large-format drinks, and rooftop cocktails can carry a serious price, so check the menu before ordering.

Timing and transportation

Happy hour is often the best value, but hours and menus change frequently. Confirm details on the venue’s own site. Plan rides between resort areas instead of assuming the next stop is close. The Strip looks compact on a map, but casino entrances, pedestrian bridges, and indoor corridors add time. Use a rideshare or taxi when the evening crosses several resort zones, and never drive after drinking.

A simple first-night plan

Have dinner near the first bar, choose one destination with a view, then finish at a comfortable lounge close to the hotel. Two well-chosen stops usually make a better evening than collecting distant venues. Keep a photo of the hotel address on hand and carry identification, since age checks are routine.