Before you slam your cards onto the Black Jack table, a hard day on the Medtrade show floor might warrant slamming a drink down on a sturdy oak bar first. With an endless array of casino clubs and lounges, the options might start looking like a fleet of Elvis impersonators. To help narrow the field, here are our top 10 picks.
- Aureole at Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
(702) 632-7407
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 3.97 miles
If your taste is wine, visit Aureole’s for wine angels that bounce up and down ropes in climbing gear to retrieve wine from a three-story tower in the middle of the restaurant. - Carmel at Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
(800) 987-6667
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 2.93 miles
A luxurious lounge that is both intimate and cozy, Carmel serves up a medley of Martinis, infused vodkas, sake and specialty drinks to a backdrop of hip-hop, Tony Bennett, ?80s and the Rolling Stones tunes. Specialty Martinis include the Sicilian Kiss and Tiramisu. Opens daily at 5 p.m. - Cleopatra’s Barge at Caesar’s Palace
3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
(800) 634-6661
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 2.67 miles
Need to feel like a king? Join the royalty of Egypt at Cleopatra’s Barge. The lounge, as the name suggests, boasts a replica of an ancient barge with a dance floor that literally floats. Tiered seating overlooks the barge, and patrons are served tempting concoctions by cocktail goddesses dressed as Cleopatra?s handmaidens. - Coyote Ugly at New York-New York
3790 Las Vegas Blvd S.
(702) 740-6969
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 3.31 miles
Was this Vegas bar inspired by the movie or the other way around? You be the judge! Warning: If you like your tie, leave it at the hotel. These wild-and-crazy bartenders and servers will cut your tie clean off to loosen you up. - Mix at THEHotel at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
(702) 632-7777
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 3.97 miles
A modernist masterpiece with an amazing view, Mix offers floor-to-ceiling windows and wall-to-wall black leather décor complete with red lighting. A DJ mixes hip-hop, dance and rock music. Casual chic attire required. Opens daily at 5 p.m. $20 cover. - Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery at Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino
3770 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
(888) 529-4828
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 3 miles
The Monte Carlo Pub & Brewery features a great selection of food and microbrews, live music and dancing. Opens at 9 p.m. No cover charge. - Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York
3790 Las Vegas Blvd S.
(702) 740-6969
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 3.31 miles
An authentic pub entirely handcrafted in Ireland boasts a grand Victorian-style bar, ornate cottage areas and shop-style snugs right in the heart of the Strip. Order up the finest stouts, ales, lagers and spirits while listening to a blend of Irish songs, dances and storytelling on one of two levels of outdoor patios with a spectacular view. - Red Square at Mandalay Bay
3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
(702) 632-7407
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 3.97 miles
Home to a frozen block of ice that runs down the center of the bar to keep beverages chilled, the vodka locker offers hundreds of vodkas frozen and ready for consumption. Opens at 5 p.m. Average drink price is $8. - Tangerine Lounge & Nightclub at Treasure Island
3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
(702) 894-7111
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 1.94 miles
Listening for the “siren” call of Vegas? Jump aboard the pirate ship at Siren Bay and join scantily clad lady pirates. An indoor lounge and outdoor deck provide a funky place to partake of rock and dance music, daiquiris and a pirate burlesque show. Casual chic attire required. Opens at 6 p.m. $20 cover for men; $10 cover for women. - Top of the World Lounge at Stratosphere
2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
(800) 998-6937
Distance from Las Vegas Convention Center: 1.26 miles
Grab a drink 100 floors up just before twilight to watch the city come to life. Located just above the Top of the World Restaurant, the lounge serves up cocktails and live music. Martini menu available. The dress code is casual chic. Opens at 4 p.m.