The Best Cocktail Bars in Las Vegas

It should come as no surprise that Las Vegas boasts some of the best cocktail bars, but you might be shocked to learn that a few of the most popular and beloved of these reside off the strip. Of course you can find a wide array of delicious libations all throughout the casinos and hotels, but some are simply a step above the rest when it comes to menu, ambience, and service. With that in mind, it’s time to introduce our picks for the best cocktail bars in Las Vegas – and we would be remiss to add that most people agree with us: both visitors and locals. In no particular order, make sure to bookmark these and add them to your itineraries, because Las Vegas best bars should not be left untasted.

Best Las Vegas Cocktail Bars

The Vault

When you think of the upper echelon of Las Vegas, you think private, intimate, selective, and exclusive. All of these can be used to describe The Vault in the Bellagio Hotel, known for its cocktail artistry and craftsmanship (which are a few of the only descriptive words you’ll find on their website). Decadent and delicious, this speakeasy inspired lounge is for patrons who enjoy the finer things in life.

Hidden behind the gambling tables that boast Lloyd and rowdy guests, the unmarked door leads to a much more sophisticated venue that reminds one of the days of old when mobsters and movie stars rubbed elbows at some of the swankiest joints. There are only 10 tables, and the onyx bar holds court among the cozy space. It’s inside this small but luxurious room that coveted cocktails and rare spirits are made and poured, adding to the allure and exclusivity. What makes this spot truly special is that the staff are privy to a variety of vintage liquors and spirits for their cocktails, which means you get to taste a bit of history during your visit. This also means no order may ever be the same, as your next visit, or even your next round, could come from a different vintage and the last is lost to the pages of time, only remembered by the select few who got a pour of that bottle. Make sure to try the Rose and Romance if you like champagne, or the English Spy if you’re a whisky lover.

Ski Lodge at Superfrico

You’d be hard-pressed to find an Apres-ski around the Nevada desert: but that is until you learn about the Ski Lodge at the Cosmopolitan. Yet another secret spot hidden within the depths of a sprawling casino, you might have to put a little effort into navigating your way to Superfrico and beyond to the lodge. Once you do make it there, however, you’ll find yourself in one of the coolest cocktail lounges around (and we don’t just mean temperature wise). Pulling from the coveted Apres-ski vibes of Bar-Gyu in Hokkaido, Japan, this party spot offers top-rated cocktail menus and a cozy ambience that reminds you of a snow covered cabin, complete with a raging fire every day.

Don’t worry: it’s cool enough that the sauna temperatures outside are long forgotten, and you really feel like you’re on a getaway preparing to shred the pow pow (or the gnat,) whichever you prefer.

Grab a Superfrico signature pizza or an order of s’mores to complement your boozy beverage, then gaze out the faux window that portrays a snow capped forest. The Pow Pow Mule or Salty Sled Dog will both catch the attention of anyone who likes a fresh libation, or order a Shotski to really get into the Apres vibes. Oh, and don’t sleep on the Tokyo Happy Meal- just thank us when you try it!

The NoMad Bar

Any time a bar is associated with someone who holds the award title of “Best bar in North America,” it probably means it’s worth a try. Even the snobbiest of cocktail connoisseurs can agree that’s an impressive claim to fame (even if it was in 2017) and in this case it’s because the beverage team is spearheaded by award-winning Bar Director Leo Robitschek, who also won third place ranking of Best Bar in the World. Two award winning name drops in one paragraph is unheard of: so listen up.

NoMad Bar inside the NoMad Hotel at Park MGM, serves dinner, but it’s also known for the cocktail menu and after hours bites. The ideal spot to sit and unwind, meet up after a long day on the strip, or to simply sip by yourself, this spot has earned its accolade. With menu options like Gentleman’s Exchange and Hot Lips, not to mention a mouthwatering sounding Espresso Martini and bites like Maine Lobster Rolls, who wouldn’t add this to their list?

Herbs and Rye

If we’re talking about great food, great steaks to be more specific, almost any local will tell you to try Herbs & Rye, located just off the Strip. Ranked one of the Best Bars in North America, their delicious and coveted menu keeps people from all over rolling in to try their selections. This spot doesn’t seem like much from the outside, but inside the dark and intimate interior, you will feel like you’ve found a hidden gem. Hospitality staff swear by the Happy Hour, heading there when they finish work for half off steaks and to sip from the historical era-themed cocktail menu. Think entire menu pages dedicated to different periods like the Gothic Age, the Rat Pack era, and even a Tiki selection. Choosing just one drink might be tricky, so go thirsty. Their website literally reads: “We make pretty good steaks, and REALLY good cocktails.” Need we say more?

Liquid Diet

You might be surprised to find that there are great spots to sip and find a party vibe off of the strip. The Arts District in downtown Las Vegas is a world away from the nightclubs and venues you’ll find in the casinos, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. In fact, locals will tell you this area is where you want to be on the weekends, and there are always new locations and bars popping up to make it the new “it spot” in the city. One of these relative newbies is Liquid Diet, and their pico de gallo michelada has even the biggest beer detesters changing sides to sip this delicious libation.

The space is both open and a little “spooky” according to reviewers who tout this venue as a must try in Las Vegas. The kitchen is open toward the rest of the room, so it feels very friendly and like a communal space you share with the staff, but in a good way. If you still don’t think you like beer, don’t overlook their clever craft cocktails like the malted mudslide. Try ordering your dirty martini extra dirty: itll come with pickled shallot and black pepper infusions that remind you of a tasty mignonette. If you’re from out of town, come hang out away from the other tourists for a bit and make Liquid Diet the first place you visit when doing Vegas like a local.