As promised, here’s the first part of what’s morphed into a trilogy follow-up to the recent poll we ran about your favorite "hidden gems" and "secret tips" in Las Vegas. Today, we’ll run through our suggestions – all of which received at least a few votes from readers. Over the next couple of days we’ll post the best of your tips, of which there were some great ones (thanks for sharing!).
We have to say we were somewhat surprised that the clear winner (and leader from the get-go) was a relatively unsexy Strip bypass; on the other hand, the first time you discover that you can traverse the city north-south without dealing with the Strip or congestion on the I15, it is a pretty sexy moment! Formerly called Industrial Road along its entire length, this parallel artery west of the freeway was renamed "Dean Martin Drive" in part when all the condo construction took off (Panorama, Cosmopolitan etc.) since it was felt that Industrial Road didn’t have an enticing ring about it as far as condo-sales were concerned. It turned out they had much bigger problems to deal with than the name of the back access route, but whatever. Frank's got a road (also a nifty shortcut behind Caesars), so why shouldn't Dino have one? Here’s a link to our Google map, for those still in the dark about this one.
The The Peppermill? What can we say? An super-rare slice of authentic '70s Vegas, not for nothing was this one of the locations used in Casino. "Like a strip club with no poles" was one interesting description we read and it totally fits. With a firepit that Joan Collins would feel right at home by sipping a Campari and soda, fake bougainvillea a go-go (last time we were there our server told us they'd just found a pair of stray panties lurking in there), plush pink squishy sofa booths, east European waitresses in full-length evening dress, and pink and purple neon all over the place: We love it! The addition of plasma screen TVs throughout was a bit jarring the first time, but now we just ignore them. Plus, the diner side is also cool and serves a decent bacon sandwich, for example, if you find yourself sucked into the Fireside Lounge vortex and the birdies are tweeting when you go to leave.
Every single reader who's rated the Pinball Hall of Fame on our website has given if five out of five stars. Currently still resting in obscurity on E. Tropicana Ave., this unique homage to the pinball machine will soon be locating closer to the Strip. Entry’s free, games start at 25¢, and it’s even open late.
The $7.77 Gambler's Special at Mr Lucky's (Hard Rock) is one of Las Vegas' not-so-secret secrets. It's not on the menu but all you have to do is ask to get this 24/7 steak and shrimp special.
The Neon Boneyard is the Neon Museum in embryonic form, a project that’s been in the works for some time now. After Las Vegas had spent a few decades blowing up its history, some bright spark realized that some of it might be worth preserving. Hence, a collection of discarded neon signs started to grow in a couple of small fields downtown and has been being added to ever since. You’ll find gems from the Silver Slipper, Horseshoe, Aladdin, and Golden Nugget to name a few, while La Concha motel (an old retro neighbor of the Peppermill) was literally sliced up and carted downtown to be the reconstructed as the visitor center. Work is slow, since funds are lacking (the usual story), but as this video link will show you, progress is being made.
The Atomic Testing Museum (E. Flamingo) is one of those surprise and obscure finds that you probably wouldn’t consider going to even if you found it. We’re telling you, go check it out! It’s really fun and interactive as well as being extremely informative and it was just announced that they’re going to receive an additional $35,000 in federal funding, so it’s only going to get better.
Luv It Frozen Custard is an old Vegas favorite and former LVA Locals Corner (you can look it up in our Restaurant section).
The Seahorse Lounge at Caesars is a tranquil lounge with an unusual aquarium stocked with 20+ Australian Pot Belly seahorses, along with some fish.
The Erotic Heritage Museum comprises the largest collection of erotic art and artifacts in the world. Its intention is to explore human sexuality and sensuality and make images and concepts openly available to all. A relatively new addition to Las Vegas’ attractions, it’s been garnering significant national media attention of late and regularly hosts interesting events, from burlesque nights to bondage classes.
The Attic (1018 S. Main Street) is the largest vintage clothing and accessory store in the world. 'Nuff said.
If you haven't visited The Artisan, we strongly recommend that you check it out, if only for a martini. Rather than describe it, we'll let it speak for itself -- be sure to browse through all the photo tours.
Tiffany’s Diner in White Cross Drugs is an authentic drugstore diner that's been featured in movies and serves up an authentic slice of old Vegas. Don't expect a culinary extravaganza – reviews of the food tend to be mixed, but it’s open 24/7 and oozing atmosphere. (On the other hand, the Huntridge Drugstore Diner, which we only just discovered had reopened, is both classic '50s in its look and apparently serves great food. See Today's News Aug. 10 for more on that.)
The Las Vegas Beauty Bar is part of the growing national "chain" that started out with a venue in New York fashioned from a real '50s beauty salon. While the one on Fremont East was not formerly a beauty parlor, the fixtures and fittings are authentic and where else can you get a martini and a manicure on a Friday night?
Ahhhh, Wax Trax records (2909 S Decatur Blvd., 702/362-4300). We're so glad some of you voted for this one, which has been in business for 40 years. Definitely a haunt worth checking out if you're any kind of a (vinyl) music fan. Open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Raku is truly a hidden gem, in that by day it doesn’t even have its awning out and it’s darned near impossible to find it, if you don’t know where it is. It’s not a sushi restaurant – more like Japanese tapas, in that you can select all kinds of interesting small plates from the menu. The chef is renowned and rightly so. You can find it (and our review) in our Restaurant guide.
For those who don’t know the Onyx Theatre, it’s the home of diverse "alternative" (often, but not always LGBT-oriented) theatrical performances, often featuring Strip performers (e.g., cast members from Cirque du Soleil) looking to do something different. There are regular performances of the Rocky Horror Show, while ongoing/upcoming events include the musical Naked Boys Singing (yes, they're naked), Vegas Improv, and a stage presentation by a Las Vegas dominatrix.
Last but not least, The Funk House is an eclectic vintage/antique store downtown owned by Cindy Funkhouser, the power behind Las Vegas’ First Fridays events. It’s a treasure trove of cool stuff (and some junk) and always worth a browse, even if you didn't realize you were in the market for a vintage dental cabinet or a pink coffin.
OK, so there's the lowdown on our suggestions. We'll be back tomorrow with the first round of your picks – and you really did rise to the occasion, so stay tuned!
