After several announced and delayed opening dates over the past six months or so, Atomic Liquors is finally ready to open. The long-shuttered and legendary boozery will reopen its doors at noon on June 22 after Mayor Goodman cuts the ribbon with a ceremonial nuke.

Plans call for a square 38-seat bar and dining capacity of 84, including an outdoor patio on 4th. The bar will sit next to a roll-up garage door for some sweet alley ambiance.

Nacho Daddy’s existing location in Henderson has a respectable beer menu, a decent happy hour and a variety of mexican fare, burgers, sandwiches and salads.

No opening date has been announced.

Even though we learned long ago never to be surprised by change in this town, it’s hard not to be bummed when two of our favorite happy hours go the way of the eight-track tape.

With heavy hearts, we’re sorry to report that El Cortez has killed off its longtime 2/1 Martini Madness happy hour and its more recent 2/1 Top Shelf happy hour. They were a lot of fun while they lasted. El Cortez has not yet introduced any new happy hour specials but confirmed to us that something new is in the works.

This weekend, we’re losing a downtown casino bar, and for once it’s not at Plaza. Downtown Project has purchased Gold Spike and is shutting it down—the hotel, the casino and, saddest of all, the bar. We never spent much time at Gold Spike, but we have a certain respect for any casino bar that offers super cheap drink. Farewell, old friend. Farewell.

The report also includes news of a relationship between Krave Massive and Caesars. Guests booking the “Massive Package” can stay at Caesars Palace or Flamingo and receive Krave Massive admission, health club passes and shuttle service to and from Krave.

With Fremont Country Club’s grand opening set for March 6, the 1,000-capacity live music venue has begun announcing shows. Tickets for the April 27 Alkaline Trio concert went on sale earlier this week. And while the Fremont Country Club calendar will be filled mostly with touring club acts, a couple surprises may be in store.

What better way to get some attention and build recognition for a new club than by booking a couple big-time arena acts? We’re hearing Coldplay is already lined up, and one or two similar acts will likely follow. The club’s main booker is Michael Chugg, who has a long history of booking shows in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, including recent tours by Coldplay, Radiohead, Kelly Clarkson, Elton John, Robert Plant, Weezer and Keith Urban, so the club has the right connections.

Keep an eye on FCC’s Facebook page for official announcements.

Closed since 2010, Atomic Liquors is scheduled to reopen on March 29, 2013. But if waiting another month and a half is too much for you, you’re in luck. Every Thursday from Feb. 21 to March 21, Atomic will open from 5 to 9 p.m. for a (not so) Top Secret Happy Hour.

Grand reopening festivities are scheduled over two weekends—March 29-31 and April 5-7. Beginning on April 12, Atomic will also host Fremont Fridays with weekly drink specials and classic car shows.

Feb. 22 Update: Well, so much for that. Atomic has updated its calendar, eliminating all of the Top Secret Happy Hours except March 21. The Grand Opening info has been removed too. During a stroll by the place a few days ago, interior work was definitely happening so it seems the opening should be close, even if the previous dates don’t pan out.

With recent renovations at The D, Golden Gate and The Plaza putting a nice new shine on Fremont Street, rumors of Binion’s renovations are again heating up. We’re hearing that several major projects are in the works:

• Velvet Margarita: With Backstage Bar and Billiards now open and Fremont Country Club opening this week, nightclub developer Carlos “Big Daddy” Adley is ready to begin work on a Las Vegas outpost of his L.A. club. Construction may begin within the next few weeks.
• Showroom: Binion’s never had a proper entertainment venue. It briefly converted part of the second level into a makeshift showroom several years ago, but it hasn’t been regularly used in ages. New plans call for a permanent entertainment venue on the second level with involvement by actor Vince Vaughn. New restaurants would also be located above the casino.
• Casino Redesign: Binion’s is looking to give the casino a new look, amping up the Old West theme. Think old-timey Western brothel.
• Room Renovations: Binion’s owner TLC Casino Enterprises has been trying to line up investors to renovate and reopen the hotel for a few years. Half of one floor has already been updated and will be used to house bands playing at Fremont Country Club. This video of a renovated suite concept is a couple years old but may provide insight into the hotel’s design direction. If carried out, the hotel would likely reopen in early 2014.

Whether financing is in place to carry out these plans remains a mystery. TLC has not yet publicly announced any of these projects. When the company purchased Binion’s in 2008, we had high hopes. It has taken a while, but perhaps Binion’s return to glory is finally about to begin.

Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses will be the first headliner to take the stage at 601 Fremont—next Backstage Bar and Billiards. Although the club holds 1,000, only 300 will be admitted for the Feb. 5 test run. Expect future bookings to lean heavily on indie rock acts (Lucero, Alkaline Trio).

Update: With the trial run a success, Fremont Country Club’s public grand opening is set for March 6.

Check out all the winners.

• Commonwealth, The Laundry Room, the Four Queens Patio Bar and Plaza’s Z Bar are now open.
• Fremont Country Club’s opening has again been delayed. The Down concert scheduled for Jan. 15 has been moved to the Hard Rock Cafe on The Strip. The opening is now planned for February, but given the history of previous opening dates, we’re not holding our breath.
• Radio City Pizzeria is now scheduled to open on Jan. 25.
• Park on Fremont is now scheduled to open during the first week of February.
• Atomic Liquors is now scheduled to open in February.
• Krave Massive is scheduled to open on March 18.
• Banger Brewing is scheduled to open in March.
• La Comida is scheduled to open in March.
• Work has begun on Inspire Theater and Central Container Park.

We have a bunch of new reviews and photos coming soon.

• Z Bar will open by the end of the year.
• Z Bar will feature live music.
• Z Bar will feature classic drinks.
• Z Bar will be a lounge with an old-Vegas vibe.
• More information will be coming shortly.

Isn’t is cool how we slightly reworded information we found on Facebook in bullet-point form? We’re getting the hang of this. FremontStreetBars.com will be a corporate content farm in no time.

Much to our surprise, the readers of VegasTripping.com (the actual best Las Vegas website) nominated FremontStreetBars.com in the Best Las Vegas Website category. We’re truly honored by the nomination. Thanks to everyone who nominated us and congratulations to the other nominees.

Voting for the Trippies is open now and runs through 11:11 p.m. on Dec. 11, so vote today.

Backstage Bar & Billiards, the first of two bars opening at 601 Fremont, held its grand opening on Nov. 28. The neighboring Fremont Country Club is expected to open in January. Check out a few pictures on the Triple B website and learn more from developer Big Daddy Carlos Adley:

Welcome to the neighborhood, Triple B.

Photo courtesy of Roland Crumins.

The much-hyped Denny’s wedding chapel is tentatively slated for construction a few months down the line.

Here’s the shiny, new Denny’s bar in all its glory. If you need me, I’ll be passed out at the end of the bar, face down in my Moons over My Hammy.

Photos courtesy of Greg Weight and Rick Dause.

Michael Morton’s downtown Mexican restaurant scheduled to open next spring on Sixth Street, just behind Commonwealth, finally has a name. DTLV.com reports that the previously unnamed taco joint and margarita bar will be called La Comida.

With Radio City Pizzeria opening soon and several restaurants on tap for the Container Park, 2013 is shaping up to be a tasty time in the Fremont East area.

Just a few months ago, Swingers Club, the mini-golf/dueling piano hybrid bar at Plaza pulled the plug and relaunched as The Drink. Unfortunately, the new concept apparently failed to turn things around. Last night, operator Anthony Cools announced on Twitter that he is out of the bar business:

And with that, the bar has closed. With Simpatico disappearing in June, this marks the second Plaza bar to shut down since the hotel’s remodel/reopening last September.

The Drink frequently hosted flip cup tournaments and had an hourly shot special. Everyone purchasing the shot of the hour was encouraged to hoist their shot and say, “Sociable” before drinking. It was a tad awkward. Offering bottle service seemed out of place as well. This is The Plaza after all.

No word yet on what is planned for the space.

Say goodbye to the Flightlinez zip line. In the first half of 2013, an all-new, permanent zip line that starts from within the world’s largest slot machine will take its place.

Developed by Skyline, Slotzilla will stand 120 feet high, serving as the platform for the zip line. Zipliners will exit the slot machine on one of two levels—each with four lines. The lower level will have normal, seated zipping. The upper level will feature horizontal, superhero-style zipping with the world’s first “powered launch” on a zip line.

Check out the model and additional details:

Thanks to Todd for tipping us off to the video.

While awaiting its new Container Park home at 7th and Fremont, one of the park’s restaurants, Ern’s BBQ, has already set up shop directly across the street in the empty lot next to Mamita’s.

Behold D Bar. Ain’t she pretty?

The bar announced a media/VIP preview on Nov 15 with the public grand opening “soon to follow.”

Located at 601 Fremont, Triple B will feature music memorabilia, decor constructed out of rock tour cases and a movie screen featuring legendary rock concerts. Oh yeah… also pool tables and booze.

This construction wall photo from the Four Queens Facebook page gives a pretty good indication where the new bar will be located. See more shots of the early stages of construction.

Based on plans filed with the city, the restaurant will include outdoor seating for 20 on Sixth Street, inside table seating for 80 and room for 11 degenerate drinkers at the bar.

The restaurant’s entrance will be tucked away behind a decorative wall in the alley. I’m sure it will look a tad better than it does today.

Here’s a look at the proposed floor plan:

The restaurant will have live entertainment at least four nights a week.

According to documents filed with the city, Banger will indeed take over the space currently occupied by the ShoeZeum. The brewpub will feature indoor table and bar seating along with courtyard seating in two patio spaces. Plans call for two of Banger’s beers to be brewed on site with a total of six to eight beers available on tap.

Hours will be Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight and weekends from noon until 1 a.m. They hope to open in March.

Have a look at the floor plan:

It seems the opening of Fremont Country Club, planned for this summer and then delayed until October to allow for structural changes needed to add a radio studio, won’t be happening until at least mid-November.

The Minus the Bear concert scheduled for Fremont Country Club on Nov. 7 has been moved to the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip.

After seeing other Fremont Street projects (including Drink and Drag, Denny’s and Commonwealth) announce aggressive and ultimately unachievable opening dates, renovation delays are more often the rule rather than the exception.

In the meantime, Fremont Country Club has begun using Facebook and Twitter, so there’s some activity behind the brick walls of 601 Fremont.

The bar is now considered part of Bar 46, so it seems the International Beer Bar name may be gone. However, based on the variety of taps and bottles on display, this is still the best Nugget option for a cold beer.

Check out these dazzling shots, courtesy of the Golden Nugget.

Remember a couple weeks ago when we said we were anxiously awaiting information about Downtown Project’s plans for the former 7-Eleven space on Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard? Well, we didn’t have to wait long.

Eater revealed a few details earlier this week. Among plans for the space are a 142-seat theater, an espresso bar and a rooftop patio.

Today, we learned that the project will be called the Inspire Theater and its opening is planned for next summer.

Sept. 11 Update: Downtown Wall today posted a rendering of Inspire Theater’s exterior along with some additional details. The building will include a newsstand and the theater will be used for lectures.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the day’s activities:

• Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic: The folks behind the Five Hundy by Midnight podcast (and this website), the Vegas Gang podcast and Vegas Tripping will provide a fun afternoon of live entertainment at Bally’s. No… this isn’t being held downtown, but Vegas Gang’s special guest will be Derek Stevens, CEO of The D Las Vegas, so there will be lots of entertaining and interesting downtown chatter.
• Vegas Streats: Such timing! Rediscover Downtown Day coincides with the monthly gathering of food trucks, musicians and artists near El Cortez. Mmm… tacos from a cargo van.
• Grand Opening of The D Las Vegas: You’ve been watching the transition from Fitzgerald’s to The D for the past several months, and on Oct. 13, it becomes official. Celebrate the newest name on Fremont Street at The D’s grand opening.
• Late Night Fremont Street Experience Concert: No performer has been announced yet, but they just have to lineup someone decent for Rediscover Downtown Day.

There are few clearer signs that you’re in a shitty neighborhood than the presence of a check cashing business. So perhaps seeing the former Checks Cashed storefront at 515 Fremont St. being converted to a retail store and office space for the Downtown Project is the final shovel of dirt on what had been an undesirable area.

Michael Cornthwaite, owner of Downtown Cocktail Room and booster of all-things Downtown Las Vegas, reported on the Downtown Wall website that Coterie, a clothing store from Sarah Nisperos, will occupy the front of the former check cashing space. The back will be filled by the Downtown Project’s offices. Coterie is expected to open in the next few weeks.

As previously reported, Downtown Project is preparing to develop the Central Container Park at Seventh and Fremont, pending city council approval. We’re still anxiously awaiting word on what the organization has planned for the former 7-Eleven storefront next to Downtown Cocktail Room on Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street. Artwork is now on display in the windows so it’s not quite the eyesore it once was, but it will be nice to finally see the space occupied. If we were the betting type (which we are), we’d place our money on a restaurant.

If you’re looking for some creative whiskey drinks in Downtown Las Vegas, Bar 46 at Golden Nugget is a good place to start. Accessible from its own Fremont Street entrance or from the casino floor, Bar 46 includes a 15-seat oval bar (with no video poker), two circular couches and a small outdoor patio with seating for about 10.

During our visit on a recent Friday evening, the bar was nearly empty. This was a good thing, as the craft cocktails we ordered took a little time to prepare.

The left side of the drink menu includes 11 martinis and cocktails from $12 to $18. The right side features 10 whiskey drinks from $12 to $15. We stuck with whiskey this time, but the interesting choice of stuffed olives (bleu cheese, jalapeno, anchovy, hot pimento, garlic, habanero and lemon peel) will likely get us to order martinis during our next visit. Bar 46 also offers a full liquor selection, wine and bottled beer, so you can get pretty much any standard libation.

Now about those drinks… Our first selection was Bar 46’s signature whiskey cocktail, Smoked 46. It features Maker’s Mark 46 bourbon, a splash of lemon juice and hickory-smoked ice cubes drizzled with maple syrup. It was a little sweet and a lot smoky. Definitely a sipper. The sweet and smoky flavors complimented each other very well. It was the kind of drink we could imagine drinking in front of a fireplace in a secluded log cabin.

Next up was the Cracker Jack Snap made with Hudson New York corn whiskey, muddled ginger snap cookies and luxardo cherries, topped with organic ginger liqueur, ginger beer and grapefruit bitters. This one didn’t work quite as well. With cherries, ginger and grapefruit flavors, we expected the drink to be sweet but the corn whiskey overwhelmed the other ingredients. It ended up tasting sort of muddy.

Our bartender was attentive and friendly, and the place felt warm and inviting. Even though we weren’t crazy about the Cracker Jack Snap, Bar 46 offers enough other intriguing menu options to make a return visit essential next time we’re at the Nugget.

Originally slated to open its doors by Labor Day, Commonwealth is now scheduled to join the lineup of Fremont East bars sometime this fall. The former lingerie and dancewear shop at Sixth and Fremont has been completely gutted. Structural work is underway although mostly hidden by construction fabric wrapped around the entire building. Renovations atop the building at 525 E. Fremont have also begun in anticipation of Fremont East’s first rooftop bar.

Commonwealth plans call for three bars—a rooftop bar serving wine, beer and cocktails in pewter cups (because the city isn’t crazy about glassware on the roof) and an indoor main bar for us commoners, plus a private bar.

The super-exclusive speakeasy-style private room will be accessible through a semi-secret entrance. We hear this place will be so exclusive that to get in you’ll need the cell phone number of the one person who has a key and the power to decide whether you and your friends are worthy. Sucks for most of us, but at least we can retain our dignity by being rejected over the phone instead of withstanding the public humiliation of standing behind a theater rope for hours on end.

That big brick building across from El Cortez where Fremont Country Club and Backstage Bar & Billiards are expected to open in October will also be home to a new FM radio station, according to the Review-Journal.

Developer Carlos “Big Daddy” Adley plans to use the station on the building’s second floor to promote bands that will play in the two bars below. Live appearances at the radio station will be seen and heard by a street-side audience. We can’t help but hope for a U2-like “they’re shutting us down” scenario.

The Federal Communications Commission still needs to approve the plans.

Given the ridiculous amount of media attention it has received over the past couple weeks, you’ve no doubt heard all about the unique features planned for the new Denny’s location at Neonopolis.

Announced last year and finally under construction, the diner will include a wedding chapel. Because what little girl hasn’t dreamed of a wedding dinner with moons over my hammy and a short stack instead of a wedding cake?

Novel and kitschy, the wedding chapel serves one purpose—publicity. It’s already working, and the place isn’t even open yet. Prepare to see the Neonopolis Denny’s on Travel Channel shows about Las Vegas for the next decade. Well played, Denny’s.

Of course, being a website focused on bars, we were intrigued by another feature unique to this Denny’s location: a full bar. We’ve been thinking about this concept for the past couple weeks and can’t decide whether it’s the greatest idea ever or a recipe for profound sadness.

On one hand, drinking at Denny’s is the ultimate exercise in convenience and efficiency. The menu is the holy grail of cheap drunk food. After pounding a dozen PBRs or half a bottle of Captain Morgan, a Grand Slam breakfast with an extra side of bacon is the ideal absorption to fend off tomorrow’s hangover. So being able to fill your face without even leaving your barstool has some merit.

That said, every Denny’s location we’ve ever visited feels like a den of lost hope and broken dreams. And that’s without booze. Toss in the added feature of around-the-clock alcohol and I fully expect to see Elisabeth Shue trying to coax Nicolas Cage back to the motel at 4:30 a.m. daily.

The diner, bar and wedding chapel is expected to open at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Downtown Project released new renderings of the proposed Central Container Park, which is planned for an empty lot on Seventh and Fremont. A few months ago, DP purchased the land and demolished the long-shuttered motel and night club (long live Gato 1 Nite Club). Here’s how the property looks today.

Let’s take a look at those renderings to get a feel for this thing. First up, is the entrance view from Fremont. Sure, the container park will have shops, bars and restaurants but what really grabbed our attention was the gigantic praying mantis that shoots flames. I’m on board. Let’s make this happen.

The new renderings provide a couple overhead views. When we first heard about an outdoor retail space made of converted shipping containers, we pictured something much junkier looking. This isn’t too bad.

The center courtyard space will include a playground. We could do without this. Kids ruin everything.

Finally, Downtown Project shows us some specifics. We’re still sort of obsessing about that flame-shooting praying mantis, but the immersion dome is intriguing as well. We have no idea what it is, but “immersion dome” sounds cool and futuristic. Sign us up.

If approved, the container park will include 11,000 square feet of retail space and another 3,200 square feet of bar and restaurant space. With the city’s approval, it could be open by spring.

Work is underway at the future Fremont East home of Radio City Pizzeria. Formerly a cigar shop, the space at 508 Fremont is being cleared out to make room for the second Radio City location in Las Vegas.

Radio City’s owners are hoping to open the doors for business by Oct. 5. Much like next door neighbor, Park on Fremont, Radio City plans call for both indoor and outdoor seating.

Work on Park on Fremont, the new restaurant, bar and beer garden replacing Maharaja Hookah Cafe is well underway. Although the Maharaja sign has been removed from the front of the building, the larger parking lot sign remains in place.

The interior is being gutted from wall to wall and floor to ceiling. There’s a long way to go before the scheduled October opening.

We spotted the first official on-site Park on Fremont logo already in use. Viva commerce!

Update: The City of Las Vegas posted this Park rending on its Business Development Facebook page today. It looks rather quaint and inviting. The update also listed the projected opening date as “near the end of 2012.”

When the new owners of Fitzgerald’s began renovating the Fremont Street casino that would become The D Las Vegas, they began with the most important part (as far as this website is concerned)—the casino bar. In March, Longbar at The D was unveiled.

Unlike most casino bars, this one has a gimmick. At around 100 feet, Longbar is apparently the longest bar in Nevada. That alone is somewhat novel, but we all know it’s not the size of the bar that counts. It’s what you do with it.

Although we had previously wandered by Longbar for a quick drink on the go, we finally decided to give it our full attention during a recent Friday evening downtown visit.

We quickly figured out what will likely bring us back to Longbar. This place is perfect for watching sports. Plenty of casino bars have TVs tuned to sporting events, but the combination of quantity, size and placement of Longbar’s TVs give it a huge edge over other casino bars for taking in a game.

At the majority of casino bars, televisions are mounted high so everyone at the bar can see them. Depending on your seat, you’re nearly always looking up and/or at an angle. Because Longbar has more than a dozen 60-inch screens mounted relatively low—just above the back of the bar—patrons have a much more natural, straight-on viewing angle. No neck craning required. Watching our beloved Twins lose yet again was a little more pleasant thanks to the crystal clear vantage of our stools.

Even though the bar was fairly busy, it was adequately staffed with attentive bartenders, so our glasses were never empty for more than a minute before we were offered another round. A basic Jameson and ginger ran a reasonable $5.

Be warned that the first floor of The D gets pretty loud. Longbar sits right next to the table game pit, where dancing dealers entertain casino guests. So you’ll have to raise your voice a bit if you want your friends to fully hear your brilliance over the sounds of Katy Perry and Rihanna songs. But it’s worth it. During commercial breaks, swivel your chair around for a free go-go show courtesy of The D dancers.

As The D’s renovations continue, we look forward to seeing how the new D Bar, currently under construction, will measure up.

Renovations continue at The D Las Vegas. With the restored Sigma Derby machine in place on the second level, the old Fitzgerald’s marquee removed and the outdoor escalator coming soon, big things are happening. Of course, we’re most concerned with the status of The D’s bars.

As you can see, work is underway on D Bar, the joint’s upcoming outdoor bar. We can’t wait to check out the new place soon.

Thanks to @dribbleglass for the photo.

Billed as the world’s largest gay nightclub, Krave Massive will feature five dance rooms with different music styles (hip hop, country, latin, top 40 and house); three bars, a martini lounge, a VIP lounge, a comedy club (Tinkled Pink), a performing arts theater, a movie theater, a lesbian dance room and a swimming pool.

The club is scheduled to open in phases beginning in late 2012 (assuming the operators aren’t being overly optimistic like they were when opening Drink & Drag).

Blueprint (courtesy of Krave Massive):

Why Park? Because the sign in the parking lot will say nothing more than “park,” according to the Review-Journal. That sounds a bit lame, but the park-like setting explanation from Vegas Seven makes a little more sense. Either way, we’re just happy to have another new place to drink headed for Fremont Street.

The bar is taking on a new identity in the form of The Drink.

I can’t say I’m surprised. From the start, Swingers Club was trying to do too much. While the play on words was a respectable attempt at being risqué, it ultimately confused the Plaza clientele, who didn’t get that “swingers” was a zany double entendre and not a literal invitation to fuck someone else’s spouse. The place had a half-assed mini-golf course but also featured dueling pianos. Ultimately, the hot waitresses and great drink specials were the most appealing reasons to visit. But that was lost in the branding.

So let’s hope The Drink doesn’t repeat these mistakes and simply focuses on the basics—great drinks, friendly service and a hot staff. If they can pull that off without all of the other bullshit, people will return again and again.

Cosmopolitan’s Secret Pizza Place is always busy because word spread as soon as it opened that the food is outstanding. The lack of signs or page on Cosmo’s website is novel, but the buzz generated by the actual product is what keeps bringing people in.

é, also at Cosmopolitan, works because it’s ultra-exclusive (only eight diners each night who have to reserve exactly 30 days in advance) and has the draw of a highly regarded chef, José Andrés.

Simpatico didn’t have a big-name chef and Plaza didn’t really do much to generate a buzz. Try finding a review online. There aren’t many. It doesn’t even have a Yelp page six months after opening.

It remains to be seen whether Oscar’s will use the former Simpatico space for private parties or overflow seating, or if they’ll try a new restaurant-within-a-restaurant concept.

After nearly two years collecting dust, the legendary Atomic Liquors will reopen by the end of 2012. New owners plan to update the 60-year-old liquor store and bar with outdoor seating, a beer garden, a live music venue, larger restrooms and possibly a movie theater.

The reopening of Atomic Liquors is great news for anyone who has missed having a reason to take the always-sketchy walk east of El Cortez on Fremont since The Western closed.

To celebrate the eventual rebirth of Atomic, the new owners plan to turn the joint’s neon signs back on beginning this Friday.

With constantly evolving craft cocktail creations, mixologists at bars like Downtown Cocktail Room and Vanguard are helping customer find new enjoyment from their favorite adult beverages. One of the newest bars in the Fremont Street area, Mob Bar is the latest to offer an impressive beer selection, a tasty specialty cocktail menu and, our favorite, off-menu custom creations at the bartender’s whim.

Located next to Triple George Grill in the former Sidebar space on Third Street, Mob Bar is modeled after a 1920s supper club. With beautiful chandeliers, stylish bar stools and menus printed on paper reminiscent of the era, you might think Mob Bar would be snooty, but you couldn’t be more wrong. During two visits in May, we found it to be one of the most relaxing, chilled-out bars in the area. The staff was equally welcoming to Las Vegas locals and tourists who wandered over from Fremont Street.

So what about those drinks? Among my favorite selections was the Clara Bow, made with Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Domaine de Canton, Falernum, green Tabasco and lemon. I’m not going to lie. I don’t even know what a couple of those ingredients are, but damn was it delicious, balancing a little sweetness with a bite. The bow on top was a nice touch too.

One of the off-menu drinks was an adult root beer float, a creation of bartender Pinto, who was soliciting names for the drink from bar patrons. He liked my drinking companion and wife @anitamartini’s suggestion of Roll Out the Barrel, so ask for it by name next time you visit.

With all of that alcoholicious goodness, you may want to grab a bite at Mob Bar. You won’t be disappointed. The appetizer menu includes amazing, melt-in-your-mouth Chicken Parmesan Sliders ($6) and signature Spaghetti & Meatball Bites—four delicious forkfuls of, obviously, spaghetti and meatballs for $5. Mob Bar also serves salads and entrees, including burgers, fish and chips, salmon, sandwiches and pasta from the Triple George kitchen.

Mob Bar is a welcome addition to downtown. Thanks to the delicious drinks, the tasty food and the friendly bartenders, we highly recommend a stop at Mob Bar next time you’re downtown.

We’ll wait until these rumored moves are officially announced before adding them to our Projects list, but with plenty of open space at Neonopolis they seem plausible.

Let’s just hope Murphy learned from the Drink & Drag opening debacle and isn’t so aggressive with the renovation timelines.

Golden Nugget’s latest casino bar, Bar 46, has opened. Featuring a large oval bar and its own gaming area, Bar 46′s best feature appears to be its easy access from Fremont Street. Welcome to the neighborhood, Bar 46!

View photos on Golden Nugget’s Facebook page.

During our latest visit to Downtown Las Vegas, we stopped by Drink & Drag to check out one of Fremont Street’s newest bars. We liked what we saw.

D&D has a lot to offer. Taking advantage of some remnants from the previous tenant, Jillian’s, the bar features 12 bowling lanes and several pool tables. The space also features a large dance floor, a small stage, a DJ booth and tons of seating—both at the bar and and at the counters and booths near the bowling space. There’s a video game room too, but it must be tucked away in a corner because we didn’t see it.

Of course, the main attractions are the queens. Several of the bartenders and servers are dudes dressed like women—that’s the shtick. They’ll gladly take your drink order and periodically they hop up on platforms and lip sync. They’re entertaining and add to an already lively vibe.

If you’re an uptight homophobe, Drink & Drag isn’t for you. For anyone else, it would be pretty tough to have a bad time there.

That said, we have a few suggestions for D&D’s management. First, you need better signage. Accessible from the interior part of the still mostly vacant Neonopolis, Drink & Drag does very little to draw people in from Fremont Street. Without some prominent signs on the exterior of the mall—where all of the foot traffic is—very few people are going to wander in unless they already know about the place.

Second, your drink prices are way too high for downtown. The Super Gay Sunday prices are fabulous ($1 draft beer, $2 well drinks, bottled beer and wine), but a shot of Jaeger or a Jack and Coke for $10 is way overpriced for your location. This isn’t the Strip. You’re competing with Hennessey’s and the casino bars. Bump the prices down to $6 and you’ll be fine.

Finally, if you’re going to heavily promote “celebrity” appearances by the drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race, you may want to require the performance to include a little more than two five-minute lip syncs with a two hour break in between. The brevity of Pandora Boxx’s appearance was ridiculous. Even the addition of five or 10 minutes speaking to the audience before or after each lip sync would have helped make the appearance worthwhile.

So, if you’re on Fremont Street, have an open mind, want a unique experience (and perhaps a little bowling), Drink & Drag is worth a visit. Just make sure to take advantage of drink specials and don’t expect much from special guest queens.