Ghost Donkey at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas is the hidden mezcal and tequila bar on the third floor near Block 16, an immersive room with chili-light ceiling and signature truffle nachos.
Food program: Mexican snacks and truffle nachos
Tip: Mezcal flights run a four-pour comparison; the truffle nachos are the most-ordered late-night plate.
Address: 3708 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Double Down Saloon in Las Vegas is the Paradise Road punk dive since 1992, a 24-hour graffiti-walled bar with the original Ass Juice, bacon martinis and a constant punk soundtrack.
Signature drink: Ass Juice and bacon martini
Food: Snacks only
Tip: 24/7 service; the kitchen runs late-night snacks only. Pinball at the back and live bands most weekends.
SkyBar at the Waldorf Astoria in Las Vegas is the 23rd-floor cocktail lounge with Strip-axis views, a quiet luxury hotel room with classic cocktails and afternoon-tea service.
Signature drink: Strip-view classic cocktails
Food: Hotel afternoon-tea menu and small plates
Tip: Afternoon tea runs Friday to Sunday 14:00 to 16:00; the cocktail menu opens at 16:30 with sunset Strip views.
The Griffin in Las Vegas is the East Fremont cocktail and live music bar since 2007, a Gothic-decor room with a stone fireplace and rotating indie bands.
Signature drink: Cocktails plus live indie music
Food: Snacks only
Tip: Music runs weekends 22:00 onwards; the fireplace seating is first-come and warmer in winter.
Velveteen Rabbit in Las Vegas is the Arts District craft-cocktail and beer bar on South Main since 2013, a vintage-furniture room with seasonal cocktail menus and a pink outdoor patio.
Signature drink: Seasonal house cocktail with fresh produce
Food: Snacks and small bites
Tip: Magic hour daily 17:00 to 19:00 runs $6 punch and house wine; the patio runs first-come.
Atomic Liquors in Las Vegas is the city's oldest freestanding bar since 1952, a Fremont East dive with 20 rotating draft beers and the upstairs Atomic Kitchen for date-night dining.
Signature drink: Atomic shot and beer
Food: Atomic Kitchen upstairs
Tip: Holds the oldest tavern license in Las Vegas; the streetside patio overlooks Fremont East and runs from open until close.
The Golden Tiki in Las Vegas is the Spring Mountain Chinatown tiki bar, an immersive Polynesian-pop room with shrunken-head cocktails, rum collection and late-night DJs.
Signature drink: Mai tai and shrunken-head Tom Collins
Food: Polynesian-influenced snacks
Tip: Rum flight runs the back wall, 30+ rums; the shrunken-head cocktail is the photographable signature.
