Since breaking free from the “follow the leader” approach that defined much of the past two decase, Las Vegas nightlife operators have embraced diversity in everything from design to experiences to talent, now offering something for everyone is the new trend, and it's working, from the strip to downtown Vegas.
OMNIA LAS VEGAS
Air horns and CO2 are always on at OMNIA, where world-famous resident DJs provide the sounds (and celebrity guests provide the eye candy) in the main room, while Heart of OMNIA offers a more intimate dance party. 702.785.6200, omniaclubs.com
THE BARBERSHOP CUTS & COCKTAILS
The beauty of The Barbershop is that you can get a cut, tip your barber, and walk right in. Hidden behind a janitor’s door at the rear of a functioning barbershop, the “salon-to-saloon” concept draws raves for its menu and live music nightly. 702.698.7434, thebarbershoplv.com
MARQUEE NIGHTCLUB
Although the main club boasts big-name residents, Marquee excels at under-the-radar programming such as its Lowkey in the Library series—the Library being a small, intimate bar hidden inside the club—and larger themed bashes like its Greatest Show on Earth featuring contortionist acts and over-the-top bottle presentations. 702.333.9000, taogroup.com
DRAI’S NIGHTCLUB
Drai’s operators looked at the city’s oversaturated EDM scene and decided to go in another direction. The approach has made Drai’s Nightclub and Beachclub the top Strip destination for full-length weekend concerts featuring a rotating cast of hip-hop all-stars spitting rhymes from the rooftop club. 702.777.3800, draisgroup.com
COMMONWEALTH
While its interior harkens back to the Roaring ’20s, no more so than within its “secret” Laundry Room speakeasy, Commonwealth’s music programming is very much 21st century, with plenty of space to dance with craft cocktails in hand. 525 E. Fremont St., 702.445.6400, commonwealthlv.com
DISCOPUSSY
This 6,500-square-foot space is an old-school, dance-all-night destination that’s notable for giving a platform to emerging and established DJ talent. With an illuminated octopus hovering above its centerpiece bar, Discopussy ditches the formalities of Strip nightlife—come as you are and wear what you dig—so guests can simply get down to house and techno beats on its easily accessible dance floor. 512 Fremont St., 702.754.1225, discopussydtlv.com
THE UNDERGROUND
As speakeasies go, this one feels a) most authentic, and b) authentically Las Vegas. Located in the basement of the Mob Museum, it is part Prohibition exhibit, part speakeasy and distillery. Inside, your cup will runneth over with beautifully presented “forbidden spirits” of eras gone by while live jazz and blues bands provide the throwback soundtrack to your evening. 300 Stewart Ave., 702.229.2734, themobmuseum.org
BROOKLYN BOWL
Though it arrived as a live rock concert hall and bowling alley, Brooklyn Bowl has evolved beyond its “Eat. Drink. Rock. Roll” beginnings to become one of the most versatile nightlife venues in Vegas. On any given weekend, you might find yourself in the middle of a ’90s-themed dance party, a hip-hop soiree or even a One Direction-plus-Jonas Brothers tribute. Plenty of room to dance, and did we mention the bowling? 702.862.2695, brooklynbowl.com
Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas boasts three levels spanning over 80,000 square feet, making it one of the largest performance venues of its class in America. PHOTO COURTESY BROOKLYN BOWL LAS VEGAS
HAKKASAN
The enduring mantra at Hakkasan is “more is more,” and even as it approaches its ninth anniversary at MGM Grand, there are no signs of aging—certainly none if you look at the clientele on the dance floor. Hakkasan thrives thanks to its size—you can dance and drink at the Level 3 Club, main room and Pavilion, or the VIP Mezzanine, and a high-powered DJ lineup led by veterans Steve Aoki and Lil Jon. 702.891.3838, hakkasanlv.com
Zouk Nightclub, the newest nightclub on the Strip, features next-level technology and a superstar lineup of DJs.
ZOUK NIGHTCLUB
Singapore-born Zouk Group put the Strip’s nightlife scene on notice when it debuted its namesake club at Resorts World Las Vegas last year. Every gamble has paid off, so far, as Zouk tempts clubgoers with next-level technology, including a custom LED chandelier above the dance floor, day-to-night Sunday Moonbeam theme parties and a roster of high-profile, high-priced DJ talent. 702.802.6460, zoukgrouplv.com
HYDE LOUNGE
In Las Vegas, even the sports venues come equipped with a DJ booth and bottle service. Hyde Lounge at T-Mobile Arena may only be open during games and concerts, but when it is, Hyde is one of the must-see (and be seen) destinations on the Strip. Stocked with four full-service bars and incredible views of the arena, Hyde offers guests a Vegas nightlife experience in the most unlikely place. 702.692.1626, sbe.com
At XS, the all-star resident DJs combined with the pyrotechnic- and laser-outfitted dance floor make it a top party blowout destination.
XS LAS VEGAS
XS Las Vegas is a celebrity destination and hosts some of EDM’s biggest names—The Chainsmokers, David Guetta, Marshmello, Diplo and Dillon Francis, among others. Luxury VIP booths surround the dance floor and DJ area, but XS’s secret weapon has always been its indoor-outdoor design, which allows guests to take the party outside to the pool. 702.770.0097, wynnsocial.com
Photography by: Courtesy Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas, Danny Mahoney, Meg Blair
