Weekend Trips: Off-Strip Bar Destinations in Las Vegas

It’s no secret that many Santa Claritans head to Las Vegas for fun-filled weekends. What may be a secret to most is that there are plenty of bars off strip that offer just as much fun, varied menus and not at strip prices. Here are a few to check out between Henderson and Summerlin, most within 10-20 minutes from the strip:
As you drive into town, once you pass the state line, you may want to stop for a refreshing cold beer and a burger at Pioneer Salon in Goodsprings for that old west feeling. It’s “the oldest bar in all of the Las Vegas area and Southern Nevada” so don’t forget to take photos!
Todo Bien Tiki Tequileria offers tequila and mezcal based craft cocktails, as well as rum, with fresh farm ingredients delivered daily. They infuse their own spirits and make their own syrups in this “farm to glass” bar. And the décor is nothing like the tiki décor you’ve seen before, with many items custom made from Mexico and Texas, some over 100 years old. It’s an elevated experience to be sure. Favorite cocktail there: the clarified (clear) Pina Colada called “Monkey in a Tree” with a Midori melon foam!
Golden Tiki is a more traditional tiki bar that offers a great Happy Hour and live music. It’s a place many visitors return to again and again – once they’ve discovered it! Favorite cocktail there: pineapple Dole Whip (yep, the one they serve at Disneyland) with a dark rum float!
Rio’s new Lapa Lounge will make you feel like you are in Rio de Janeiro. From Lapa Lounge, “Inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Lapa neighborhood, a vibrant tribute to its rich bohemian culture & bustling social scene.” A favorite there: the “Citrus Mistress” made with Bourbon, Amaro and orange!
Several things will catch your eye when you first enter Taps & Barrels: All of the glistening glassware in different shapes and sizes to choose from, the 36 rotating craft beers from around the world on self-serve taps, seating that will remind you of your family’s living room as well as communal tables to make new friends at, welcoming staff waiting at the counter to help you navigate your first visit, floor to ceiling windows showing off an incredible view of water fountains as well as the mountains. Favorites: anything with fruit flavors!
Basilico Ristorante Italiano has many wow factors including their cocktail and wine menus, their extra fancy glassware, décor, Happy Hour, expansive patio with mountain views and dinner menu. Favorite: gin or vodka Martini in the extra tall and delicate Slovak Republic-made Rona glass!
Legacy Club rooftop bar on the top of the adults-only Circa Hotel and Casino is a fancy place with some fancy drinks – no special deals there – but you can get in without a reservation if you go early. But don’t miss the Mega Bar on the casino floor, to the left of the entrance! Fun from the top to the bottom can be had there. Favorite at Legacy: sip on a classic Martini slowly while enjoying the downtown views through all the big windows or outside on their immense patio.
Did you think I would forget about wine bars? Check out: Vegas Valley Winery where you can taste wine made right there in their facility, Ada’s Food and Wine for both wine tasting and dining, Crush Pad Wine Bar has wine, beer, charcuterie and snacks, Wineaux is within walking distance from Todo Bien Tiki and offers “all day bites and sips”, Grape Street Wine Bar is in a nice outdoor mall offering full dining and wine, Garagiste Wine Room and Merchant has a multi-page wine menu with by the glass and bottle options, and Marche Bacchus has a wine shop and fine dining overlooking a lake. 

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