COMMONWEALTH Commonwealth is honest, authentic, classy and best of all, this place has soul.
rose. rabbit. lie. courtesy the cosmopolitan of las vegas, atom: andrew sea james; commonwealth: anthony mair; mandarin courtesy mandarin oriental las vegas
the buzz: The main floor is a swanky Downtown meeting hall dripping with turn-of-the-century artifacts, crystal chandeliers and a very curious art collection. If you fancy some fresh air, the rooftop serves as an open-air lounge perfect for live music and DJs, with neon from the vintage El Cortez Hotel across the street providing mood lighting. the pour: Pre-Prohibition inspired cocktails—think Whiskey Rub and Senator in Peru—set the tone. The bar also boasts an impressive line of beers by the bottle and on tap. history, distilled: Part of the Downtown Las Vegas renaissance happening east of the Fremont Street Experience, Commonwealth opened in November 2012. rated, straight up: Commonwealth is a vibrant social destination buzzing with energy. Added bonus: the Chandelier Sessions live music showcases every Sunday evening at 7 p.m. 525 Fremont St., 702.445.6400; commonwealthlv.com –SA LIEN
ATOMIC LIQUORS
MANDARIN BAR
There’s something to be said for history, especially in this town where we spend so much time reinventing it. Atomic Liquors, Las Vegas’ oldest freestanding bar, has stood the test of time since 1952.
Treat yourself to everything over the top … 23 foors up, to be exact.
the buzz: This little bar just down from the Fremont East District is the watering hole for a young Downtown crowd, from hipsters to Zappos employees. the pour: Go for Strawberry Fields or the F-bomb. history, distilled: Bar patrons used to sit on the roof of the building and sip cocktails while watching the distant atomic blasts. When renovating the old tavern, the owners found a foor safe containing receipts from its early days. The receipts, along with more of the bar’s artifacts, are displayed throughout. rated, straight up: Come for a lesson in history, stay for the 19 microbrews on tap. 917 Fremont St., 702.982.3000; atomiclasvegas.com –NICOLE ELY
the buzz: Enter into a classic but contemporary lounge with foor-to-ceiling windows 17 to 19 feet tall that give you the most exclusive view of the Las Vegas Strip, while a four-piece band serenades you. the pour: The cocktail menu is crafted seasonally by mixologist Michael LaPenna and features Le Grand Saint Rosé, a sparkling vodka found only at a few locations in Las Vegas. history, distilled: Mandarin Oriental Group opened its frst location in Hong Kong in 1963 and is known for some of the most sought-after properties in the world. rated, straight up: Once you fnd your way up to the bar, there’s no need to make plans for the rest of the evening. There’s an extensive bar menu by executive chef David Werly—try the Stellar Bay Oyster Beignet (deepfried oysters topped with caviar)—and the live music soon turns this lounge into a dance foor. In Mandarin Oriental, 888.881.9367; mandarinoriental.com/lasvegas –ALLISON KYLER
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