If you’re looking for a vintage Vegas bar crawl featuring retro bars that time forgot about, you’re in for a night of old school charm, classic cocktails, and neon-lit nostalgia. Here’s a bar-hopping itinerary of bars in Las Vegas you should consider that takes you back to the old Vegas era, complete with hidden gems and timeless vibes.
Stop #1: Atomic Liquors (Est. 1952)
Atomic Liquors is the oldest freestanding bar in Vegas, once popular with Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Its name comes from its history of guests being able to watch nuclear tests from the roof back in the day, before Las Vegas and its surrounding areas became more developed! This tavern has been featured in films and series such as “The Twilight Zone” and “The Hangover”.
Some popular beverages to consider ordering while stopping by on your Las Vegas bar crawl are the Atomic Old Fashioned, Atomic Mule, and the Nevada Test Shot. They also serve beers on tap if you’re not interested in any cocktails. Be sure to stop by one of the old Vegas bars in Downtown Las Vegas.
Stop #2: The Peppermill Lounge (Est. 1972)
A Vegas time capsule with glowing neon lights, plush booths, and a cozy fire pit inside the lounge. The Peppermill Lounge, which also runs as a restaurant, is a Vegas stapl,e having been featured in various television shows and films such as, Showgirls, The Holly Madison Show, and Giada at Home. It has also seen some infamous guests such as Dean Martin, Floyd Mayweather, Criss Angel, Guy Fieri, and more.
When stopping by here, you should order a Scorpion. This is a 64-ounce cocktail served in a large cocktail glass and is a perfect drink to share or sip very slowly. You can even order signature cocktails such as a Blue Hawaiian, Bubble Bath, or a Mai Tai for true retro vibes while you’re sitting in a venue that will take you back to Vegas in the 70s.
Stop #3: The Laundry Room
About a century old, located in Downtown Las Vegas, is a speakeasy called The Laundry Room. Having had guests such as Liberace, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and more, the location still has the old-school atmosphere to it. This speakeasy bar is still very intimate,e having a low capacity for guests, so be sure to make your reservations. This will transport you back in time to the Prohibition Era and Old Vegas times.
This speakeasy is known for its cocktails and does not serve shots, so if you’re stopping by here on your bar crawl in Vegas, be sure to save your shots for another place. Consider trying the Foreshadowing, a take on the Old Fashioned, the An-Teaked, a drink with a sour base, and the Viva Lav Cream.
Stop #4: Pioneer Saloon
The Pioneer Saloon is the oldest bar in Southern Nevada, established in 1913 and located in Goodsprings, Nevada. This bar holds so much history being over a century old and is a historical landmark in Nevada. This is known for the pioneer tales such as the Prohibition Era, mining, and railroad expansions. This venue is also known for its originality by still having the interior and exterior design still in use from its early days. It has also been featured in television series, movies, and more media giving the perfect background and essence of the Wild West era.
If you like spooky stuff, this is also a good place to go. Since Goodsprings is a small town and is almost considered a ghost town, due to its historical past there have been some haunting experiences at the venue. If this is up your alley, then you’re in luck and if it is not your thing and you still want to visit, consider going during the day time. Grab some drinks here and feel like you’re back in the Wild West era.
Stop #5: Capo’s Speakeasy (Est. 2002, but feels like the 1920s)
A mobster style speakeasy with dim lighting, live jazz, and a hidden entrance makes you feel like you’re transported to the retro times in Vegas. There is a password required for entry so be sure to check their social media to get your entry to this venue. Inspired by the mobster era and old Chicago’s Italian influence, this speakeasy serves up all of the vibes of the prohibition era.
Be sure to order a Godfather cocktail and pretend you’re in a scene from a mobster movie. Not only is this a bar, but also a restaurant so you can grab some good Italian food and bites while you’re enjoying some cocktails. There is nothing better than having some drinks and food.