Cash-only. Before the Strip was overtaken by sleek corporate mega-resorts, it belonged to neon, cheap beer, and unpretentious rooms. Casino Royale is a glorious survivor of that classic era, standing defiantly between towering glass monoliths. This isn't a spot for delicate craft mixology; it's a legendary, low-cost ($3 bottles, $5 drafts, $4 mixed-drinks) casino haunt where you grab a dirt-cheap domestic draft and soak in the raw, mob-energy atmosphere of a casino floor that refuses to grow up. It’s a necessary dose of pure, unadulterated Vegas value and incredible people-watching right on the main pavement. Vibe: Retro-energy, old-school casino floor grit like something out of a mob movie. The Draw: Legendary low-cost drinks and a direct connection to classic Strip heritage.

Every solid route needs a pivot point—a place that balances the scales. Tucked inside the high-energy Linq complex, 99 Prince delivers a sharp, modern lounge experience without the typical velvet-rope attitude. This is where we step into a 70's graffiti stylized space featuring exceptional, mid-priced classic cocktails and a distinctly local, retro NYC energy right in the center of the action. It is a smooth, comfortable refuge to gather your thoughts, grab a premium pour, and appreciate the sounds of the NYC subway overhead in this 70's retro subway station. It's how Vegas can do high-quality hospitality without the corporate pretension. Vibe: Sharp, welcoming, 70's retro cocktail lounge. The Draw: Atmosphere is a 70's NYC graffiti subway stations with well-crafted specialty drinks and a great social atmosphere.

You can’t talk about Strip history without mentioning O'Sheas. For decades, it was a legendary, unpolished Irish institution right on the main pavement. While it has transitioned into the vibrant Linq Promenade, it remains a staple for travelers looking to escape the stiff formality of the surrounding mega-resorts. During the day, it's a relaxed, welcoming spot to grab a table for a game of beer pong or challenge your group on the felt. We stop here for a direct taste of its modern legacy: the famous, frosty Frozen Baileys—a legendary, sweet Vegas staple that is absolute perfection for a casual stroll down the promenade. Vibe: Casual, daytime Irish pub refuge. The Draw: The iconic Frozen Baileys and classic beer pong setups.

The LINQ Promenade is a vibrant, open-air entertainment district. A pedestrian-friendly esplanade offers a dynamic blend of dining, shopping, and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages. At the heart of the Promenade stands the High Roller, a 550-foot-tall observation wheel (largest in operation in the world) that provides panoramic views of the city skyline. For thrill-seekers, the Fly LINQ Zipline offers an exhilarating ride soaring above the bustling crowds below. The Promenade boasts an eclectic mix of over 35 restaurants and retailers, including popular spots like Brooklyn Bowl, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, In-N-Out Burger along with several food and drink happy hour deals. Whether you're looking to indulge in culinary delights, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, the Promenade offers a quintessential Las Vegas experience that combines modern attractions with the city's signature flair.

I.Ds checked upon entry. The last dive bar on the Strip. If you want to find the real, unvarnished underbelly of the Las Vegas Strip, you step through the doors of the Stage Door. Located just off the main path, this iconic, dirt-cheap neon dive bar has been serving up cold beers and legendary hot dogs to locals, service industry workers, and clued-in travelers for decades. The floors are a little sticky, the neon is wonderfully bright, and the drink prices feel like a total math error compared to the rest of the Strip. It is a beautiful, raw piece of unpolished Americana that proves the real pulse of the city is found in its dives. Vibe: Authentic, uncompromising, legendary local dive bar. The Draw: Dirt-cheap drink deals, $3 1/4 lb hotdogs and unmatched local odor.

Right on the front pavement of the Grand Bazaar Shops, Fuel Bar brings a loud, high-octane energy to the open air. This isn't a quiet corner for hushed conversations; it's a vibrant, high-energy patio bar where flair bartenders flip bottles, everyone's socializing and the drinks are built for maximum fun. No measuring here! We hit this outdoor spot to grab a low-cost (2-4-1 all day) cocktails and beer and absorb the massive, chaotic energy of the Strip pedestrian crowd passing by. No pretention but just one of the last real independent bars not run by a casino or celebrity chef. Vibe: Loud, high-energy outdoor patio party. Tight quarters you can meet anyone here! The Draw: Interactive flair bartending, shoot the basketball in the hoop and the whole bar gets a free shot, great outdoor people-watching and easily one of the funnest bars on the Strip.

This stops depends on the day and time you book. To experience the true high-low contrast of modern Vegas, you have to know how to look past the surface. From the outside, it looks like a clean, fully functional vintage barbershop. But step past the janitor's door at the back, and you are instantly thrown into a premium, incredibly rich 1920s luxury cocktail lounge. Surrounded by deep wood accents, leather couches, and a massive stage for live music, this exclusive space serves up world-class, top-shelf whiskey and impeccably crafted cocktails. It is a stunning, low-profile masterpiece of atmosphere that hides directly in plain sight. Vibe: Luxurious, atmospheric 1920s-style speakeasy lounge. The Draw: High-end craft spirits, live music, and incredible design.

Stop depending on day and time you book. Hidden deep within the second-floor food hall of the Cosmopolitan is a secret door marked only by a small, glowing pink donkey cartoon. Slide it open, and you step into Ghost Donkey—a microscopic, incredibly vibrant tequila and mezcal den illuminated entirely by an overhead canopy of twinkling fairy lights. This intimate, high-end lounge celebrates artisanal Mexican spirits with absolute reverence, mixing up elite mezcal cocktails alongside artisanal snacks. It is a tiny, exclusive pocket of pure atmosphere that completely bypasses the generic, massive nightclub scene downstairs. Vibe: Intimate, neon-lit, premium artisanal tequila den. The Draw: World-class mezcal cocktails and an unforgettable visual style.

Las Vegas is a city built entirely on beautiful illusions, and The Ski Lodge is one of its absolute finest. Tucked away inside the Superfrico restaurant complex at the Cosmopolitan, you step out of the desert heat and straight into a cozy, snow-dusted cabin in Aspen. Complete with a digital fireplace, rustic wood paneling, and retro winter decor, this highly immersive, low-profile cocktail refuge serves up premium craft drinks, house-made pizzas, and a brilliant, offbeat humor. It’s an exclusive, unscripted alternative to the typical corporate resort lounge. Vibe: Surreal, cozy, high-end winter cabin lounge. The Draw: Phenomenal specialty cocktails and a wonderfully eccentric atmosphere.

To cap off a true Vegas crawl, you have to get above the noise. Located on a prime corner of the Strip, BrewDog features a massive, multi-level rooftop craft beer paradise with sweeping, panoramic views of the entire neon Strip. This isn't a stuffy, high-priced nightclub; it's a relaxed, world-class taproom pouring dozens of independent craft drafts alongside excellent food. We head up to the open-air deck to look down at the chaotic lights below, enjoy a fantastic independent brew, and experience the full, majestic scale of the city like true insiders. Vibe: Sprawling, relaxed, open-air craft beer rooftop. The Draw: Unmatched panoramic Strip views and a massive independent draft selection.