Lifestyle: The Barhopper

 

So you've had enough of gambling for awhile and want to relax with a few cocktails. Looking for somewhere to have a nice martini or a pint of ale? There's no shortage of options in Vegas.

Q: What are the coolest bars in town for the sophisticated crowd?

A: Our hippest friends tell us sidebar in downtown Vegas is the place to enjoy a classic cocktail in a swank atmosphere. While you're down there, don't missThe Griffin and Downtown Cocktail Room, which are about as posh as they come in this town (make sure you're paying attention for the DCR entrance or you might miss it). ghostbar at the Palms is where you might spot some celebrities while enjoying the fantastic view from the 55th floor. Martinis are the drink of choice in Vegas, baby and Red Square in Mandalay Bay has some of the finest. Looking for the beautiful people? We'd head to V-Bar. And, for Vegas' newest experience, try out the ultra lounges, such as Tabú and Risqué; it's where Frank and Dean would hang out today. Tell 'em we sent you. For a complete list of our favorites, check out our bar section.

Q: What are the best bars for a bunch of college kids?

A: If beer by the pitcher, Beirut and a rowdy college crowd are your ideas of fun, then head straight for Blondies Sports Bar & Grill in the Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood. For more of the frat-party atmosphere on the Strip, head on over to Coyote Ugly at the New York-New York Hotel. And for a raucous party, where even the staff joins in on the fun, check out Dick's Last Resort. It's hard to miss the party anywhere in Vegas, but these three really do it up.

Q: Are there any country-western bars in Vegas?

A: On the Strip, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar is the big honcho. Further south on Las Vegas Boulevard is the massive Stoney's Rockin' Country, complete with a mechanical bull, giant dance floor and down-home atmosphere. Boots and belt buckles abound at Dylan's Dance Hall and Saloon on Boulder Highway and the numerous Roadrunner Saloons around the Valley.

Q: Where can I go if I just want to drink and party?

A: It's a non-stop party at Coyote Ugly where the bartenders encourage the ladies to get up on the bar and dance. There's a little Irish in everyone and J.C. Wooloughan's is the best place to go sip some Guinness or throw back an Irish whiskey. If you want to relax, head to Crown and Anchor, a laid-back British pub perfect for downing a few pints or watching a soccer game.

Q: What's a good place to grab and a drink and listen to some live music?

A: The Bar at Times Square has nightly dueling piano performances and McFadden's Irish Pub has its own take on the piano bar scene. Downtown you can check out Beauty Bar for occasional live music performances by a number of indie rock darlings and The Bunkhouse is always a good bet for a show.

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