I usually start at Margaritaville Cafe, Jimmy Buffett’s bar. I just love this place. It’s always lively – were it touristy, I would not go near the place and once I wound up partying with the drummer from Whitesnake – and I grab a spot in the Strip-level bar area. There’s a balcony that overlooks the Strip upstairs and while the view is great it’s more for hanging out than mingling.
One of the things I enjoy is watching the videos from the Buffett concerts, in particular those crazy Parrotheads tailgating before the shows. If you’ve been to a Buffett show, you know. If you’ve not been to a Buffett show, then I highly suggest it, for the tailgate party alone. Motorhomes, buses and other vehicles line up in rows, set up tiki bars, and it’s hours of a great time with great people.
Those videos enable me to relive many fun moments at Buffett shows and I can sit there for hours.
When there, I either drink Landshark Lager or The Perfect Margarita. The latter is almost all alcohol and is for DRINKING VETERANS ONLY!!! For a while it wasn’t even on the menu. A couple of those, some Buffett concert videos and meeting new friends around me is what a fun bar is all about in my recipe book.
And then, I’m all warmed up for the rest of the night!
My next stop is the New York, New York casino, which has two of the most fun bars in Vegas. The Nine Fine Irishmen is just what it sounds like, an Irish bar. It has a kickass live band playing Irish drinking songs – true, is there any other kind of Irish song – sometimes accompanied by an Irish step dancer, a loose and fun crowd that ranges from youthful college students to fun-loving travelers from all over the world.
The place absolutely rocks and at the end of the night the band switches over to Rock ‘n Roll cover tunes, one of which is U2’s “With Or Without You.” Well, if THAT doesn’t get you going…
There’s nothing but happy faces in the place the entire time. (Note: The Irish Band plays six days a week, all but Tuesdays).
Another great thing about the Fine Nine is that there is another cranking bar a straight shot across the casino floor. You don’t even have to weave through a maze of slot machines to get to it.
This is the dueling piano bar, The Bar at Times Square. and it’s probably a little better of a pick-up spot for single people than the Irish bar. When the place is crowded, it’s a great party and it seems there’s always a bachelorette party or some group of friends livening up the joint.
I always like to hang out by the bar, a bit away from the action of the ivory, where I can soak in the scene rather than having to fork over $50 or $100 just so they might play a song I want to hear for 30 seconds.
It’s also the best place to meet people in the place.
And that is my Top Three Party Places in Vegas guide.
This is not to say I never go to the clubs. Tao is incredible, especially for Halloween. A reall fun place to hang out is the lounge at Mandalay Bay called Eye Candy; it’s like a club (with dancing and girls love it) without going to a club. Red Square in Mandalay Bay is also a good stop for a drink or two, especially for those who like vodka.
Try this sometime. Maybe you’ll discover how much fun Vegas can be, just like me!
For more on the Best Bars in Vegas, click here.
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