Everybody knows that Las Vegas is famous for its entertainment and gambling scene, but the tourist thing can get a little rough—even for out-of-state visitors. We poked around and tried to find interesting, non-touristy, local-approved sites, establishments, restaurants and destinations that might be of interest to the adventurous InfoComm visitor (and anybody else who hopes to go off-the-beaten-path while in Vegas). So definitely give some of these places, restaurants, bars and venues a try when you are not visiting us at Booth #N117 in the North Hall at InfoComm.
Some of our quirkier favorites include:
- The Mob Museum
- Pinball Hall of Fame
- Cockroach Theatre (performance venue)
- Burlesque Hall of Fame
According to this list by Forbes:
- you can take sommelier, mixology and cooking classes
- play KISS mini-golf
- visit the National Atomic Testing Museum
- check out the Neon Museum
- swim with sharks (SHARKS!) an Mandalay Bay
Bright and Loud considered things to do in Vegas (besides gable). Their list of suggestions includes:
- heading to the Springs Preserve
- visiting Red Rock Canyon
- enjoying the Valley of Fire (Nevada’s oldest state park)
They suggest eating at:
- Panevino (Italian, off the strip)
- Honey Salt (American Cafe, off the strip)
On Yelp, a Las Vegas local who tries to stay away from the Strip compiled a list of their favorite places to visit and eat. Their restaurant suggestions included:
- Canvas and Cocktails (you drink and you paint)
- Badger Cafe (wings, build your own burger)
- Fukuburger Truck (Burgers with a Japanese twist)
- Indian Masala (Indian)
Casino Guide offers its own suggestion of spots not found on a tourist map:
The Las Vegas website took a closer look at Downtown Las Vegas (AKA “Vintage Vegas”), which is “the center of revitalization with a booming entertainment and dining scene.” Their suggestions include (but are not limited to):
- The Beauty Bar
- Backstage Bar & Billiards
- Triple George Grill
- Artifice (bar and lounge located in Arts Factory)
USA Today listed some of the places where locals eat. Here are some of their favorites:
- Le Thai
- Marche Bacchus (French bistro and wine shop)
- Raku (Japanese Grill)
The same paper compiled another list for “Las Vegas hipster” haunts:
- The Egg & I (breakfast)
- Lola’s (bayou cooking)
- Zia Record Exchange (record store)
- Herbs & Rye (prohibition style bar)
- Bar Bistro (bar)
- The Griffin (underground-style bar)
- The Beat (coffee and records)
- Downtown Cocktail Room (cocktail bar)
Somehow there is more than one “hipster Vegas” list. This one comes by way of Top 10 Vegas:
- Park on Freemont (gastro pub)
- Commonwealth (bar)
- Velveteen Rabbit (craft cocktails)
- Lady Silvia (speakeasy)
So have fun and be safe (but not too safe, of course). And no matter where you land, make sure to visit us at Booth #N117 in the North Hall at InfoComm.