A couple blocks east of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Fruit Loop area known for it’s gay bars sits the Double Down Saloon. This joint is known for great drink specials, interesting concoctions, and even more interesting patrons. The Double Down is known at the king/queen of Vegas dive bars, and it lives up to it’s reputation.
Outside, the sign over the front door reads “The Happiest Place on Earth” and is a great place for a photo. It’s so dim inside that unless you use a flash not much will show up, and a flash may wake the locals. In this dark space you’ll find a couple pool tables, some video poker, and a big U-shaped bar. Old TV’s above the bar play a neverending loop of low budget slasher trailers, and anime porn (really).
The bar has a good selection of import and domestic beers, and the friendly bartenders will quickly serve up your pick of poison. The signature drink here is “Ass Juice”. Tastes pretty good, closest compasrison is a Kamakaze. The smoky Bacon Martini is an aquired taste, but should be tried just to say you had one.
I’ve only been at the Double Down during the day. Near the airport it’s a great place to hit right after you landed or on the way out of town. It’s also a great place to pre-party before paying $10 plus for watered down drinks on the strip. Weekday afternoon drink specials like $2.00 anything are easy on the pocketbook. Cash only, but you can run a tab with your driver’s license.
Do’s:
Use the restroom before you get there. If you plan on sitting down to use the restroom (boy or girl) you may want to hit the head before you get there.
Have one of the signature drinks – Bacon Martini, Ass Juice, and the new Fat Elvis
Talk to the locals. They don’t bite and will offer their opinions on other great places around town. Leave the politics outside.
Don’t:
Forget the sunglasses. Going from a nearly pitch black bar into the Mohave sun could result in blindness.
Double Down Saloon, 4040 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89169
702-791-5755
