Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

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CHAPTER 10 . LAS VEGAS AFTER DARK
• Mandalay Bay Events Center In Mandalay Bay, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
(& 877/632-7400 or 702/632-7580)
• MGM Grand Garden Events Arena In the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino,
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (& 800/929-1111 or 702/891-7777)
• MGM Grand Hollywood Theatre In the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino,
3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (& 800/929-1111 or 702/891-7777)
• Orleans Showroom In the Orleans, 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. (& 800/
ORLEANS)
4 Comedy Clubs
Catch a Rising Star The world-famous Catch a Rising Star returns to Vegas
with a new venue at Excalibur. Expect two comedians nightly; although you
probably won’t know them by name, this comedy club is widely known for
bringing in top-notch talent. In the Excalibur, 3850 Las Vegas Blvd. S. & 800/937-7777.
Tickets $19 (includes tax). Daily 10pm, additional 7:30pm show Thurs only.
Comedy Club The Riviera’s comedy club, on the second floor of the Mardi
Gras Plaza, showcases four comedians nightly. Once a month, usually on the last
weekend, the club hosts a late-night XXXTREME Comedy Showcase for shock and
X-rated comedians. Other special events include the All Gay Comedy Revue and
R-rated hypnotist Frank Santos. In The Riviera Hotel & Casino, 2901 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
& 800/634-6753 or 702/734-9301. Tickets $20. Daily 8 and 10pm, with occasional Fri–Sat latenight
shows at 11:45pm.
Comedy Stop Similar to the other comedy clubs in town, the Comedy Stop
features three nationally known comedy headliners nightly. In Tropicana Resort &
Casino, 3801 Las Vegas Blvd. S. & 800/468-9494 or 702/739-2411. Tickets $20 (includes tax, tip,
and 2 drinks). Daily 8 and 10:30pm.
The Improv This offshoot of Budd Friedman’s famed comedy club (the 1st
one opened in 1963 in New York City) presents about four comedians per show
in a 400-seat showroom. These are talented performers—the top comics on the
circuit, who you’re likely to see on Leno and Letterman. You can be sure of an
entertaining evening. In Harrah’s Las Vegas, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. S. & 800/392-9002 or
702/369-5111. Tickets $25. Tues–Sun 8:30 and 10:30pm.
5 Coffeehouses
Coffeehouses are buzzing both day- and nighttime; so far, not too many stay
open past midnight. They can either be pretentious or the center of youth culture,
depending on your demographic group. They can also be an oasis for those
seeking alternative culture or just a respite from the usual Vegas hangouts. Many
also offer live music and/or poetry readings; check the listings in Las Vegas
Weekly and City Life for details (or just call the place in question).
Cafe Espresso Roma Despite the vintage-sofa look, the truth is told by the
clean tile counter—this is an artificially manufactured attempt at the coffeehouse
scene and, arguably, a successful one. Most of the patrons are UNLV students.
They do have poetry and live music on certain nights, but they close too early.
Open daily from 7am to 10pm or later depending on events. 4440 S. Maryland Pkwy.
(near Harmon Ave.). & 702/369-1540.
Jazzed Cafe & Vinoteca Finds This genuine European-style (well, by way of
California) cafe is owned and operated by the charming and friendly Kirk, a choreographer
who lived in Italy for 10 years. Originally just an itty-bitty location on