Barts Boekje goes Vegas part 2: the best of Downtown Las Vegas
Because most Vegas visitors don't go much further than The Strip (because it is also really crazy, and where you can eat great, read here: food and drinks on and around The Strip in Las Vegas), I thought it was the nicest thing in the city Downtown Las Vegas, the district is located north of the well-known, evocative (everything is true and that is fantastic) center. Because what you may not have realized is that one of the most famous music festivals worldwide, Burning Man, does not take place very far away. The same Nevada desert, about an eight-hour drive away. The hard Burning Man core settled in Vegas years ago. Not on the expensive Strip, of course, but in the alternative and much cheaper Downtown. These and other creative people have ensured that Downtown Vegas has become an artistic corner with an incredible number of fun, inspiring addresses. And street art everywhere you look, in the mix with the iconic neon sighs of Vegas. More 'picture-perfect' it won't be (the iconic picture above? Downtown!).
First things first: reserve an evening anyway Carson Kitchen. You won't be disappointed. The restaurant is exactly the kind of place that has everything we like here at Bart HQ: a beautiful room (industrial-cool, not too polished, spacious and just tasty), incredibly friendly service, one of the most crazy patios and roof terraces from all over the city (with a view of those iconic neon lights) and fan-tas-tic food. For years, Carson Kitchen has been the standard by which all other Downtown restaurants are judged, and that's saying something. In addition, it is the first choice for locals and tourists in the know who do not often visit Downtown. Because always good. The menu includes items such as 'alligator gumbo flatbread, wild boar Sloppy Joe' and 'bone-in pork belly'. But you can also sit down for a burger and a slightly different pizza.
The dishes are brought to the table as small bites to share; pleasant. Carson also likes to show off the drinks menu a bit: cocktails, locally brewed beers and interesting local soft drinks that we had never heard of before.
These and other creative people have ensured that Downtown Vegas has become an artistic corner with an incredible number of fun, inspiring addresses. And street art everywhere you look, in the mix with the iconic neon sighs of Vegas. More 'picture-perfect' it won't be.
At the beginning of Fremont Street, the street you walk down you want the most beautiful one street art. of the city (and then zigzagging a bit), we got a bit 'on' Park on Fremont. From the outside it's a cozy vintage café that makes you curious, but you might just ignore it because the cozy bar inside looks a bit dark. Don't! That dark bar is already more than cozy in itself, but when you walk through the place, you will find the nicest terrace in the city at the back! A mixed bag of colored chairs, seats around a tree, high tables and low tables, cozy corners and as soon as dusk sets in, the lights on the string lights come on. You mainly go to Park at Fremont (ha! Now you suddenly understand the name – the terrace is indeed like a small and cozy park) for a drink, but that is allowed at any time of the day in Vegas.
If you like Asian food and chicken wings, you can't help but go to Flock & Fowl. Hainanese chicken rice takes center stage in the fast, cozy restaurant. That's no problem, because the dishes are delicious: curry laksa, kaya toast, and the chicken wings are a must-order with every order.
Las Vegas is not far from New Mexico and it should come as no surprise that you will find plenty of good Mexican restaurants there. A household name is La Comida, a bit flat (for our Dutch taste) but very good Mexican.
Especially get the Mexican ones street corn, tortilla soup, 'puerco ahumado' and the 'pollo al horno' which is baked in a parchment bag. And it also ends up on the table. And tequila. Then you won't stand out: all the Americans around you don't act differently and are very happy about it. Nice indeed.
In any case, it is not an option not to walk into the container park on Fremont Street. The small park is a collection of containers (yo) in which nice small businesses have established themselves. Coffee shops, lunchrooms and creative self-employed people. A gigantic metal, fire-breathing locust welcomes you.
Must be the nicest Downtown Terrace Kitchen & Bar is a cheerful yellow-colored restaurant with a roof terrace where you can eat the tastiest spicy shrimp pasta, tuna tartare and salads. On weekends there is a brunch with as many mimosas, Bloody Marys and Bellinis as you can eat (Friday to Sunday), and from Thursday to Sunday there is a very good happy hour on wines from 17 p.m.
To Big Ern's BBQ you go for smoked meat and beer. And yes, that is also exactly what you feel like doing every now and then.
Wine plays the leading role Bin 702, as they say themselves, but guests mainly stick around for the food. For the montaditos, mini meat and cheese sandwiches, for the Flamin' Hot Cheetos and for the charcuterie boards.
Cheffini's Hot Dogs… What else can we say about that? Chef's hot dogs.
If, after all the meat violence, you feel the need for a vegetarian option, then... Simply Pure your address.
Apart from all that, your day starts with a (take-a-way) coffee from BlackCup.
'People' say, although I think they mainly like to proclaim it themselves, that Pinches Tacos celebrity Vegas' favorite taco joint is. And of course there are quite a few celebrities there... Whatever the case, the fact is that we loved the tacos and nachos, and the place therefore has a reputation to uphold.
Also with Stoned N Baked you stick everything on your hips. Pizzas, brownies, salads and munchies. The interior is nice, although there is hardly any seating space. Everything was decorated by Lil Art Bodega, a gallery nearby.
Oak & Ivy is your place for a cocktail. The bar is of the speakeasy kind, but during the day you can enjoy sitting on the patio on the roof
The epicenter of Downtown Las Vegas is, it is clear, Fremont St. It has been that way since ancient times, when the streets were still old-school criminal, overrun with gambling mafioso. At least, that's how I see it. CSI made me think like that. The street consists of two parts: on one side of the intersection the neon signs of the covered shopping center dominate. Casino after casino here, much more accessible than The Strip and everything within walking distance - nice. Inside the indoor center it is wonderfully hysterical. Don't miss the Slotzilla Zipline! You have to wait in line forever for 30 seconds of fun, but zipping over the heads of the audience while strapped in (you're on a cable) is too much fun not to do.
If you cross the street, you come to what I think is the nicest part of Vegas: a quiet part where you can't stop taking pictures: everything is iconic and equally photogenic. The problem is that I can't put more images on this site (but please check my instagram)… On the first part from the intersection you will find most of the catering establishments, after that it becomes quieter but certainly no less interesting: rarely have we seen more amazing street art, literally on every street corner and everything in between. You can experience this yourself for free, zigzag through the streets perpendicular to Fremont Street, but it is even more fun if you book a (private) tour with DTLV Art Walk. We received text and explanation from the owner of this club and besides the fact that he is a ridiculously handsome guy, he knows his neighborhood like the back of his hand, he has the very best tips and, of course, he knows something interesting to say about every work of art.
Every year other artists are invited to decorate the neighborhood even more and, nice detail, much of the art made for Burning Man finds its way to this part of Vegas.
The epicenter of Downtown Las Vegas is, it is clear, Fremont St. It has been that way since ancient times, when the streets were still old-school criminal, overrun with gambling mafioso. At least, that's how I see it. CSI made me think like that.
Personally, I thought The Strip was absolutely amazing. It was a feast for the eyes and everything I expected, even as a CSI fan. But as much as I liked it, it feels a bit less familiar and grand in the evening. Crowded. And, let's be honest, Americans don't always realize how loud and present they are when they go out. In Downtown Vegas, that's much less the case. It's more fun, more relaxed. More cheerful. In addition, there's live music every day of the week. Not just anyone singing away, but really good singer-songwriters and small (alternative) bands. Wonderful. If you want to gamble heavily, or semi-heavy, you've probably heard of 'comps', or "complimentaries". Free windfalls that can sometimes go as far as a free hotel room, free food or a free slot tournament. These windfalls are 'handed out' much more often in Downtown than on The Strip, which is also nice.
Right next to Park on Fremont is Evil Pie and Evil Pie is a household name. The dodgy shop is a tribute to the legendary motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel, who doesn't know him. They do this by serving New York-style pizza: per slice. And of course pies. The drinks are cheap, the beer is traditional and the atmosphere is cheerful.
We already mentioned Oak & Ivy above as a speakeasy cocktail address in Downtown Las Vegas, but if that's your thing, you shouldn't miss Herbs & Rye. The shakers from Herbs & Rye shake incredible cocktails, but even more fun is that they have a story with every glass. The focus is on the classics among cocktails, and it is explained in detail why that is not the case. For that reason, the menu is not divided by taste but by era. Don't let the somewhat boring exterior put you off: inside, the speakeasy bar is just right: red walls, oak furniture, handsome and friendly bartenders. A nice, fat (small) lasagna to serve alongside your cocktail is also recommended
If you would like to work on your figure, don't go to Vegas. You won't get thinner – Vegas is also the epitome of what's wrong with obesity America (although it's also a glitz and glamor city with joggers everywhere so I didn't say anything). But. But! I personally love wallowing in this cool all-American vibe. Plus, I'm a sucker for CSI, the original series set in Vegas. You will find that ultimate Mafioso feeling at Pizza Rock, the restaurant of twelve-time world pizza chef Tony Gemignani. There are only six types of pizza: Neapolitan, classic Italian, classic American, Sicilian, Roman and a gluten-free version. All so so so good.
Oooo one more cocktail spot then! After all, we are in Vegas, the second city that never sleeps. Or actually: the only city that really never seems to sleep. The Laundry Room is a secret, again speakeasy-style cocktail joint located right next to the Commonwealth Bar on Fremont Street. The Commonwealth Bar is unmissable and through a secret entrance on the ground floor, just look for it but the door looks like the picture on the right, you will arrive at The Laundry Room. Once you're inside - that is, when you enter, that's a bit of a thing - you emerge into a space that is no larger than a living room. It can accommodate approximately 28 people. Everything screams 20s Prohibition: newspaper clippings on the walls, dim lighting from chandeliers, and random old wooden doors on the ceiling.
Velveteen Rabbit is run by two sisters and offers a seasonally rotating cocktail menu that has been critically acclaimed. That's awesome, but so is the location: Velveteen Rabbit is tucked away in a funky and artsy part of Downtown Las Vegas. Seasonal, so you might find a completely different menu than we had, but usually the left-field ingredients are present. They're used as cocktail toppings, like burnt pecan syrup, brie cream, or turmeric honey. The decor is vintage and the atmosphere welcoming.
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