Have Fun in Las Vegas

As a resident of Las Vegas, I often got "the call" like that: "I’m coming into town, can you get me into any clubs?"

The answer, if I felt like it, was yes. But only if I felt like it or if it was someone that I really wanted to do something for. It depended on all that because, if you don’t want to wait in line for over an hour, tip the bouncer $100, or pay a "Nightlife Specialist" to take you around, you have to "Know" someone… that or be an extremely gorgeous woman.

Those are just the facts.

And while many of the nightclubs in Vegas shouldn’t be missed (if you’re into that kind of thing) there are, definitely, some super fun and cool places where the burly guy at the door won’t deny you access because you’re in a pack of six guys or you’re not pretty enough.

1. Carnaval Court: Harrah’s

This place is great because it’s become one of the top Flairbars in the world. The bartenders practice long and hard to flip, throw, toss, and pour your drink together… and they’re not cheap on the booze. They’re open from 11 am to 3 am. If you get there during the day, they have a pretty good menu too. Live music, card tables, and a relaxed vibe (even at night). Heaters during the winter and misters in the summer keep it comfortable despite the fact that it’s an outdoor bar. Oh, and if you want one of those yard-long drinks, they can definitely pour you one of those.

2. Firefly: off-strip, Paradise between The Hard Rock and Wynn

Shh, this is a great locals spot. Industry people stop by this Spanish tapas restaurant/bar after work to unwind on the velvet chaise, drink pitchers upon pitchers of mojitos, and lick their fingers of the last bits of their delectable snacks. They are open until 2 am and serve a delicious menu. They also have a DJ who plays a combination of Salsa and Dance music. It does get a little loud and pricey (order one or two dishes at a time so you don’t overspend) but it’s well worth the $5 cab ride from the Strip.

3. Voodoo Lounge: The Rio

OK, this place does have a bouncer and a cover but if you’re dying to get up to the Ghostbar at the Palms and can’t, Voodoo is your best bet. It’s situated 72 floors up and has a spectacular view of the Strip. Also a Flairbar, they have indoor and outdoor seating. Don’t worry about getting too hot, it’s only open at night. They also have a restaurant if you want to see the view but don’t want to be a part of the loud DJ’s and bands that play every night. Because it is a club-type atmosphere, you have to dress to impress but don’t expect velvet ropes.

4. The Red Room: 3101 West Sahara

This is Definitely a locals spot. Voted AOL City Guides "City’s Best 2007", Red Room caters to industry workers but if you’re in the mood to hear some great music, eat gourmet bar food, and imbibe well-made drinks, all at local prices, you should spend the dough to catch a cab here. Their Thursday night event, Soul Kitchen, is roulette game on the web and heard by fans around the world. They’re open 24 hours and actually have a Happy Hour starting at 3 pm. They also have video poker, flat screens tuned to ESPN, and no cover. If you make it down there and meet one of the owners, Rick (a cheery Brit), tell him that Jacqueline sent you and said that she misses Rehab.

5. Margaritaville: Flamingo Hilton

Yes, it’s campy. But when it’s 115 degrees outside, their Mango Margaritas will cool you off faster than you can say, Jimmy Buffett. They serve some yummy items like Conch fritters and delicious chicken wings. At night, they have a live band and a bikini-clad woman in distress falls into a volcano (I won’t spoil the ending). You can eat in a seaworthy fishing boat or go up to the third floor and get a nice view of the Strip and drink margaritas to your heart’s content. It is a great place to get out of the desert and transport yourself to Key West, that’s for sure.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas is a slogan that no local likes to hear. If you remember to drink responsibly and do not act like a belligerent tourist, you are sure to have a great time in Vegas, without spending a fortune inside a trendy nightclub.

Stay tuned for info on the best way to get into a trendy nightclub (if you insist), how to see a great show, and cannot miss places to eat.