What are the best-kept secrets in Las Vegas?
Are you looking for something off the beaten path in Las Vegas? Maybe you’re looking for a unique experience, or you want something different than the “normal” Las Vegas experience. If you’ve been to Las Vegas a few times, you might be looking for places you haven’t seen or food you haven’t tried.
There’s something exciting about exploring or experiencing something out of the box or secret. We think everyone should have the chance to experience the secret side of Las Vegas.
Speakeasies & Off the Grid Bars
Ghost Donkey inside Block 16 Food Hall at The Cosmopolitan
This mezcal and tequila bar inside the Cosmopolitan is the newest well-kept secret in Las Vegas. Ghost Donkey is a part of the hotel’s new Block 16 Food Hall which also includes Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Pok Pok Wing, District: Donuts. Sliders. Brew. And Lardo.
Try something new with one of their tasting flights or switch out your favorite tequila-based margarita for mezcal. Their signature dish is truffle nachos. There are just eight seats at this bar, and yes, you’ll need to find the hidden door to gain entrance. Mum’s the word on exactly where you’ll find it!
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The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails at The Cosmopolitan
Alright, ‘gents! Here is your chance to combine a boozy with a beyond-the-ordinary cut or shave. Behind what seems like a regular old janitor door, you’ll find The Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails. Ladies, you’re welcome too! After all, who would want to miss out on the perfect meld of modern and vintage?
This isn’t just any old prohibition-inspired bar! You’ll also find live music and liquor that’s a whole lot better than a bootlegger’s stash. Hurry here while it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Las Vegas.
Live Music at Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails
- Tuesdays: Sing karaoke with a live band at Faded Karaoke | 9 pm
- Thursday – Saturdays: Live bands | 10 pm
- Sundays: Live country music | 10 pm
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The Underground at the Mob Museum
Prohibition got you feelin’ down? Head over to the Mob Museum to partake in secret. Thankfully for you, it’s not all moonshine at The Underground. The Underground is an exhibit space, distillery, and speakeasy in the basement of the Mob Museum. We’re dishing out major points for historical accuracy and the Prohibition-era cocktails.
Did we mention the on-site distillery tour? And yes, you’ll get to sample that famous moonshine on tour. (Yes, you’ll need to be 21–no illegal alcohol distribution here!) Hang out here for a while, and you’ll start to feel like the rumrunner and bootleggers that made their mark during the Prohibition era.
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The Parlour Room, inside Bavette’s Steakhouse at the Park MGM
Bavette’s, inside the Park MGM, is a classic and Chicago-inspired steakhouse. It perfectly combines the upscale feel of your favorite steakhouse with a fresh, dare-we-say underground feel. It turns out the vibe is spot on thanks to the Parlour Room–a small, private, speakeasy right inside the restaurant.
The Parlor Room is only open on weekends or busy nights when something big is going on (think concerts, holidays and such). Guests can also reserve the Parlor Room for private events with less than 45 guests. Make a stop at the Parlor Room, and you’ll leave feeling like you’re in on a delicious secret.
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Intimate & Secret Dining Experiences
Under the radar doesn’t just apply to the speakeasies in Las Vegas. If you look closely, you can also find intimate dining experiences for only those in “the know.”
Secret Pizza at the Cosmopolitan
Okay, okay, so the word is mostly out about Secret Pizza inside the Cosmopolitan. However, it’s still called Secret Pizza, and maybe you just haven’t found yourself in the Cosmo late enough at night. Do yourself a favor and plan on a stop here. Just don’t expect any signage for this place. Its location is strictly need-to-know.
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Fine Art, Installations & Exhibits
Perhaps you don’t immediately associate fine art with Las Vegas. It’s alright, we can understand. That’s precisely why we’ve included some of the best art attractions in Las Vegas on this list. Post on your Instagram and your friends will be asking, “Is that really in Las Vegas?”
Akhob, by James Turrell
Explore Akhob–the Louis Vuitton store at Crystals commissioned this installation by artist, James Turrell. Some visitors have described it as an immersive experience. You will need to make an appointment to visit, either in-store or by calling the Crystals concierge team.
We know what you’re thinking: “Is that really in Las Vegas?” Told you! Crystals’ Instagram only gives hints to this impressive installation–you’ll have to visit for yourself to see what all the awe is about.
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Bellagio Fine Art Gallery
The Bellagio Fine Art Gallery is truly one of the best-kept secrets in Las Vegas. The gallery is a rotating exhibition space, which means there’s always something new and inspiring. The gallery will open mid-summer 2019, and we’re looking forward to seeing what it will include.
The previous exhibition was called the “Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity.” Stunning doesn’t even convey the half of it. The Bellagio Fine Art Gallery is secretly one of the most inspiring places in Las Vegas.
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Seven Magic Mountains
It’s time to head off the Strip for our next best-kept secret! Our California visitors will have already spied this art installation on their way into town. Seven Magic Mountains originally opened in May of 2016 with a plan of remaining for just two years. The installation has become so popular that it will now stay until the end of 2021.
Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains is a 35-foot high art installation in the middle of the Las Vegas desert. Located just ten miles south of Las Vegas, Seven Magic Mountains has the support of the Art Production Fund and Nevada Museum of Art.
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Secret Las Vegas History
Neon Museum
Maybe you’ve heard of it, but you’re not sure what the fuss is about. The Neon Museum is truly a gem here in Las Vegas. The museum showcases the neon signs that have always made Las Vegas truly special. The museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the educational, historic, arts and cultural value of Las Vegas’ neon signs. The Main Collection features over 200 unrestored signs and several fully-restored and illuminated signs.
The Visitor’s Center is located inside the historic La Concha Motel lobby and is a sight to see, in and of itself. Initially constructed in 1961, the Lobby has been home to the Neon Musem since 2006. We love the Neon Museum and know it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Las Vegas.
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Mob Museum
Headed to The Underground? Make time to spend at the Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas. You’ll find the museum inside the 1933 Las Vegas courthouse and post office. The museum itself focuses on all things organized crime. Exhibits are interactive, fascinating, and feature one-of-a-kind Mob and law enforcement artifacts. You can learn all about the Mob’s internal workings and how they came to influences cities like Las Vegas. The Mob Museum showcases the secrets of American history.
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The Flamingo Las Vegas
While we’re on the topic of Las Vegas history and mobsters, let’s not forget one of Las Vegas’ own: Bugsy Seigel. Our history buffs will remember that Bugsy helped to found The Flamingo and was a driving force in creating the Las Vegas we know today. When his plans for a hotel with gambling didn’t work out in Calfornia, he brought the ideas to the desert.
Flamingo Uncovered Tour
Ready to learn more about the history of The Flamingo? Book of the Vegas Curated Tours to learn more about the Flaminog’s Mob roots and go behind the scenes at the hotel. It’s perfect for anyone who loves history, or Las Vegas secrets!
Bugsy Siegel Monument at The Flamingo
Bugsy Siegal was a mobster, one of the most infamous of his days. He was committed to the development of what is now the Las Vegas Strip. Seigel is interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, but this plaque serves as a reminder of how he influenced Las Vegas.
You can find the plaque just behind the flamingo habitation and waterfalls, near the Garden Chapel. Across from the chapel is a small plaque that marks the location of Bugsy’s original Flamingo Hotel. The 77-room hotel was in operations from 1946-1993. Head over there and take a peek. You won’t find this in too many guidebooks. It’s genuinely one of the best-kept secrets in Las Vegas.
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National Atomic Testing Museum
The National Atomic Testing Museum opened in 2005 and is located just east of the Las Vegas Strip. It’s one of 37 national museums in the U.S. and is associated with the Smithsonian Institution. The museum covers the atomic testing which began in 1951. Exhibits include testing devices, Geiger counters, pop culture memorabilia. The Ground Zero Theater simulates what an above-ground nuclear test would have looked like.
The museum is open Monday – Saturday from 10am-5pm and on Sunday from 12pm-5pm. General Admission is $22.
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Ready to plan your next trip to Las Vegas?
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