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Strip. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide the kind of glorious vantage normally reserved for boisterous nightclubs — without the lines or the shots of Fireball. You’ll want to spruce up a bit before coming here, but it’s well worth the effort. Luxurious, pricey, and upscale. JPR CityCenter, 3752 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 702-580-8888, mandarinoriental.com
VELVETEEN RABBIT
It’s hard to believe that a bar hosting daring DJs and live indie rock has emerged as a great networking spot, but it has. Perhaps it’s the Rabbit’s location, clearly downtown but away from manic Fremont East. Maybe it’s the bar’s “backyard” patio, or its wood shutters lifted to invite the sunlight inside. Or, the purposeful and deep beer menu. Whatever it is, this Arts District craft cocktail bar attracts all number of attorneys, media types and downtown suits almost every weeknight during happy hour, when well drinks are an easy five bucks. It seems like at least once a week, some downtown office or meet-up group has made Velveteen Rabbit the designated spot for an after-work social. Time to make it yours. JPR 1281 S. Main St., 702-685-9645, facebook.com/velveteenrabbit
NETWORK
Charlie Palmer Steak
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DesertCompanion.com
West Wing Cigar Lounge The city’s newest cigar bar has only been open for a few weeks, but already it’s become a gathering spot for people looking to relax as well as do business. Fashioned in a political theme, complete with a mini-Oval Office replica, the lounge boasts a growing cigar selection, a top-notch drink menu obviously curated by an expert, and a friendly, welcoming staff. Leather couches and chairs offer enough privacy for important conversations, but enough openness to enjoy the room. A small but delicious dinner menu
means you won’t have to leave to get a good meal, either. Cheers: First, try a Scotch (they’ve got plenty) and then chase it with a Turkish coffee. SS 4265 S. Durango Drive, 702-901-4222, westwingcigar lounge.com
Gordon Biersch The Las Vegas outpost of this chain has been around for a long time, and it’s not hard to see why: The oldest Sin City outlet is conveniently located in the power-drenched Howard Hughes Center, a natural gathering place for lawyers and consultants with offices nearby. It’s also a cen-
V e lv e t e e n R a b b i t : J a k o b M c c a r t h y
It’s the ultimate steakhouse bar, complete with dark wood paneling, master craftsmen mixing the drinks and the smells of delicious meat wafting in from the restaurant. The bar at Charlie Palmer Steak is quick and convenient; you can use the Four Seasons valet for easy-in, easy-out access, but the convenience doesn’t come at the price of quality. There may be more people checking out the Four Seasons new indoor/outdoor venue Press, but skip that, head to the bar at Charlie Palmer’s and get yourself an old-school martini. SS 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702-632-5120, charliepalmer.com