Downtown Las Vegas is undergoing a renaissance of sorts, starting with new bars and eateries that make it a destination. Where once Downtown was more of a place to find old-school steakhouses and buffets along with the beginnings of the gambling scene in Nevada, dining choices have now opened up with the expansion into the Fremont East area located east of the Fremont Street Experience. Next time you find yourself looking for a novel bar or restaurant to try in Las Vegas, consider one of these options.
Park on Fremont spruces up Downtown Las Vegas with an eclectic décor both indoors and out. Antique tables take over the 2,500-square-foot patio, which is replete with an outdoor flower garden. Plus, there’s also Fremont Beach — a sand-filled area complete with beach buckets and colorful tube rafts. Inside, you’ll find a collection of art that offsets rich details such as textured leather booths, dark woods and a reclaimed herringbone floor. The drink collection focuses on more than 100 beers from around the world. The gastropub menu includes dishes such as a strawberry summer salad, hammered chicken, stuffed burgers and very veggie sliders.
Commonwealth brings a Massachusetts-inspired bar scene to Downtown Vegas. The 6,000-square-foot cocktail bar features architectural influences inspired by pre-Prohibition era to go along with the libations and a rooftop lounge. In the main room, you’ll find exposed brick, dark woods and eclectic furniture. Inside the Laundry Room, the speakeasy within Commonwealth, discover space for 28 guests who have the secret miniature clothespin that’s required for entrance. This area features its own menu of Prohibition-era cocktails such as the classic Old Fashioned and French 75. Try the Citizen O, made with Compass Box Orangerie scotch whisky, ginger juice, honey, orange slices and Fernet Branca. Tip: If you opt to sit at the bar, munch on caramel popcorn and chat it up with any of the bartenders. Our favorite mixologist (and conversationalist) is Juyoung Kang a.k.a. June!
The newest addition to the landscape is La Comida, a tribute to the cosmopolitan fare of Mexico City. Here, you’ll find more than 100 tequilas behind the bar that pair well with the regional dishes such as carne de res a la parrilla (beef skirt steak), pollo al horno (baked chicken) and puerco ahumado (smoked pork). The room itself is decked out in wood floors, reclaimed Mexican tiles, church pews and authentic stained glass from churches. Outside, a seven-foot sculptured monkey clings to the rooftop, flashing in neon pink to show off his skeleton by night.
Photos Courtesy of Anthony Mair
