Las Vegas may be known for its casinos, but it’s a well-established fact that locals love nothing more than a good neighborhood bar. While we simply want a place to kick back with casual fare, it’s always a bonus if a place has slots, seafood, or plenty of neon lights to make sure we don’t miss it while we drive by. 

While Las Vegas once thought of itself as a growing town, it has now graduated to big-city status. This means locals have plenty of watering holes to choose from wherever they are in the Valley. These are 10 Las Vegas bars that have either stood the test of time or become local favorites virtually overnight.

Courtesy of Atomic Liquors

Atomic Liquors - Downtown

As Las Vegas’s oldest freestanding bar, Atomic Liquors was named for the nuclear blasts customers would stand on the roof to watch. It may have opened in 1945, but this Downtown bar plays host not only to locals who live and play in Airstream Park but also to writers who frequent the Writer’s Block on Friday nights. Atomic has offered over 500 craft beers over its history, and in 2017 Atomic opened The Kitchen, an eatery that features New American fare like surf and turf, burgers, and fries.

Photo by Sarah Ackerman / CC BY

The Chandelier - Paradise

In just seven years of service, The Chandelier has become a local and tourist favorite in Paradise because of its memorable architecture. Boasting a three-story chandelier with over two million crystals, the Chandelier hosts both wine and beer standards along with signature drinks like Whiskey Business, Finishing School, and the popular We’re All Mad Here, an Alice in Wonderland-themed gin drink that changes colors when blended. The Chandelier Bar recently saw some renovations that made way for a place to enjoy food from nearby restaurants like Eggslut, Milk Bar, and the Juice Standard.

Courtesy of 595 Craft and Kitchen

595 Craft and Kitchen - Spring Valley

While this bar only hit Spring Valley in 2017, 595 Craft and Kitchen is already a success with locals. Right now this gastropub has 24 beers on tap along with a wide selection of wines and cocktails. 595 also boasts a 300-pound cast iron bar with wood accents you’ll want to cozy up to. With a craft popcorn of the day and a hearty selection of burgers, this bar is not to be missed.

Courtesy of Born and Raised

Born and Raised - Southwest Las Vegas

Inspired by his casino mogul grandfather, owner Scott Godino Jr. opened Born and Raised in Southwest Las Vegas to honor the ideal in old Vegas that everyone knows your name. A favorite of UNLV Basketball fans, Born and Raised regularly hosts game viewing parties. The impressive menu includes favorites like Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes, Las Vegas Cheesesteak, and the 7-Layer Burrito Bowl.

Courtesy of Aces & Ales

Aces and Ales - Whitney

With a regular rotation of 50 craft beers and 150-plus rare and vintage bottle list, Aces and Ales is open 24 hours a day in Whitney. In addition to its impressive drink menu, the bar is also a destination for comfort food like bacon bombs, Buffalo wings, and Wisconsin fried cheese curds. Aces and Ales regularly hosts trivia nights and beer release parties for local breweries like Big Dog’s and Joseph James Brewing Co.

Courtesy of Timbers Gaming

Timbers Bar and Grill - Sunrise

Timbers may have seven other bars throughout the valley, but the Sunrise location is closest to Nellis Air Force Base. With a selection of burgers, fries, and craft beers, Timbers also offers gaming that’s centrally located if you don’t live downtown. Plus, happy hour is every weekday from Noon-4 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. which means there are plenty of good times to drink and play games at this neighborhood bar.

Bob Taylor’s Original Ranch House - North Las Vegas

Open since 1956, Bob Taylor’s Original Ranch House is widely considered to be among the city’s oldest restaurants. With a regular weekly happy hour boasting half-price domestic beers and well drinks, this North Las Vegas bar also offers top-notch smoked prime rib, Cajun shrimp scampi, and fettuccine with scallops in a chardonnay cream sauce. Come for the food, stay for the Western decor that includes spurs collected from Hollywood’s most famous cowboys.

Courtesy of Other Mama

Other Mama - The Lakes

Other Mama may only be three-years-old, but its upscale vibe makes it a must-visit in The Lakes. The highlight has to be the raw bar, which includes a rotating menu of sushi, sashimi, and fresh oysters. For the bold types, Other Mama also serves caviar. Happy hour includes $5 wine, $3 craft beer, and raw bar selections like ceviche of octopus, shrimp, and whitefish daily from 5-6 p.m. 

Courtesy of Distill

Distill - Centennial

Distill in Centennial has robust menu offerings like Panko-crusted mushrooms and jalapeno popper burgers that pair well with their signature cocktails, like  Slippery When Wet. Their backyard makes Distill a neighborhood favorite because of its adobe firepits, laid-back lounge seating, and sparkling lights. They also have gaming and pool tables inside and often host events that benefit the community. 

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Frankie’s Tiki Room - Historic Westside

Frankie’s Tiki Room in Historic Westside has ties to Las Vegas history because it features original carvings from the artist who designed fine art for the Tropicana. While tiki kitsch was once a guiding aesthetic of old Las Vegas bars, the Tiki Room is now a unique relic. Even though it’s only been around since 2008, locals think of it as a longstanding favorite, especially for those who want to wander outside the Arts District after First Friday. Open 24 hours, Frankie’s features neon drinks like Kahiki Kai to match the lights outside.