The Best Nightclubs Downtown Las Vegas

Anyone will tell you all about Hakkasan, Omnia, XS, or any of the other top-tier nightclubs in Las Vegas and how good they are. Friends who have visited (or even locals) will rave about the nightlife on the Strip, but just a few miles down from the glittering casinos and bright lights of the world-renowned DJ booths is another world filled with some of the best clubs in the city. Fremont may be considered “old Vegas,” but there is nothing old about some of the top spots that have opened up, drawing crowds from all around with incredible music, venues, and vibes. While it’s a must to at least try one (or several) of the nightclubs on the Strip, if you like something a little out of the box and prefer to get more than one drink for $20 (yes, that’s how much one drink can be at the clubs), you might want to check out some of the best nightclubs in Downtown Las Vegas.

Nightclubs Downtown Las Vegas

Substance

Fremont may seem confusing to navigate if you’re new to the area or visiting, but it’s fairly easy to find Substance, which is located in an complex called Neonopolis. You can find the venue on the second floor, and the atmosphere has all the perks of the Las Vegas nightlife without the ensuing chaos of the Strip. As an electronic music spot, the 18,000 square foot layout boasts an unusual but aesthetically pleasing mix of warehouse style, post apocalyptic dreamscape that leans into bare, industrial walls and a “less is more” vibe. That is, until you catch sight of the giant LED wall, which raises 100 feet over the space and is hard to miss.

While the layout is definitely a key feature of Substance, it’s the “open genre” musical clearance the owners have incorporated that sets this club apart. Rather than focusing on one genre, they plan to mix a variety of renowned EDM DJs and artists, ranging from Latin to R&B, Rock, and even Reggae. That means there is a little of something for everyone: and in Las Vegas, having such a variety under one roof can be rare as most clubs stick to their laurels.

• Location: Neonopolis in Fremont, second floor
• Hours of Operation:
  • Friday: 10pm-3am
  • Saturday: 10pm-3am

We All Scream

Does anyone feel like ice cream made a comeback in a big way? Not to say it ever went away, but all of the sudden ice cream parlors and shops and really extravagant flavors and destinations are popping up, enticing everyone to get down on a favorite childhood treat with renewed interest. Las Vegas has its share of popular ice cream locals, but none that fall inside a two-story nightclub with excellent music and boozy milkshake selections. Well, at least the city didn’t boast that until We All Scream came along, creating the perfect atmosphere for dessert and music fans who want a place to dance and dine on their favorite cold treats… at the same time!

Wander into this sprawling club and you’ll find a DJ booth shaped like an ice cream cone, plus up-cycled dairy trucks that have been turned into stages for artists to play from. Visit the parlor in the main part of the venue to either order actual ice cream from one of the best spots around: Sorry, Not Sorry by famous foodie Drew Belcher, or go for a tasty shake infused with alcohol to mix that sugar buzz with a real buzz! Upstairs you can also catch a great view of the city, and money earned from the ice cream parlor goes to help local artists: so you’re basically rewarding yourself twice!

• Location: 517 Fremont St
• Hours of Operation:
  • Thursday: 10pm – 2am
  • Friday: 9pm – 4am
  • Saturday: 9pm – 4am

Discopussy

It’s rare that a name alone causes a stir in the Las Vegas party scene. After all, with the world’s biggest DJs playing all over the city any given night, what could be so special about a nightclub in “Old Vegas?” Corner Bar Management is no stranger to successful and prominent venues in the city, and Discopussy is no exception. Upon opening they noted that their vibe might be minimal in design and aesthetic, but they are there for the sound and the music. The 6,500 square foot venue is meant to be dark and industrial, but this makes for the ideal setting to host some of the most prominent artists on the scene and give locals (and visitors) a taste of the genres they love. House and Techno blast over the Void Acoustics system, providing an immersive experience to those who love to be inside the music.

For those that love Tech-House, they will find their people here, along with a giant octopus that features a disco ball as its head and is named Pus. The tentacles light up to accompany the tracks being played on stage, so your listening and visual interactions match up and send you to another level of euphoria.

• Location: 512 Fremont St
• Hours of Operation:
  • Wednesday – Closed
  • Thursday – 10pm to 2am
  • Friday – Saturday 10pm to 4am
  • Sunday – Monday Closed

Commonwealth

You may or may not have heard of this Las Vegas landmark, but if you haven’t, it’s important to understand that Commonwealth is THE word in nightlife, especially downtown. Swanky is the word the website uses to describe the luxurious yet industrial (and oddly spooky) venue, which takes up two stories in Fremont and usually boasts a line around the corner to get in. The rooftop dance floor is where you want to be when the evening really kicks off, but the downstairs main room offers long tables and an even longer bar to order delicious libations and people watch (because trust us, you want to do that here). Hip Hop blasts from the upstairs speakers, or you can enjoy open format DJs do their thing depending on who is headlining.

If you are a sucker for a speakeasy, Commonwealth is also host to The Laundry Room: one of the best and most exclusive spots in the city. The limited seating means everyone wants to get in, but you have to text to get a reservation. Expect craft cocktails the likes of which you’ve never tasted, and a truly intimate layout that makes you wish Speakeasies were the only kinds of bars, and that they were easier to get in to (but that would take away the fun, anyways). Make sure to stop by Commonwealth and peak around the corner for a nondescript door to find your way to the Laundry Room after you’ve snagged a reservation!

• Location: 525 E Fremont St
• Hours of Operation:
  • Wednesday: 6pm – 3am
  • Thursday: 6pm – 3am
  • Friday: 6pm – 3am
  • Saturday: 7pm – 3am
  • Sunday: 7pm – 3am