Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

GAY BARS 261
Flamingo, it’s now a larger, but still intimate (seating only 40) venue on Sahara, an
even farther drive for the average tourist, but well worth it if you want something
less Vegas. Featuring candlelight and cool jazz most nights, with hot art on the
walls, they try to serve eclectic and unusual wines, along with multiple coffee
drinks (be sure to try the terrific Illy, a renowned Italian brand). There’s a small but
satisfying food menu featuring inexpensive authentic Italian specialties—simple
pastas, focaccia bread, and so forth, all made by Kirk on the spot. It’s a great respite
from the maddening crowds (and a cheap place to eat well), though it fills up with
the owner’s show-and-dance pals after the shows let out. A sign warns you not to
order lemon peel with your espresso—if you do, be prepared to be sworn at
(sweetly) in Italian. Open Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 5 to 10pm and
Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 3am. 8615 W. Sahara (at Durango). & 702/233-2859.
6 Piano Bars
In addition to the establishments listed below, Cafe Nicolle (p. 158) has a small
but agreeable genuine piano bar.
The Bar at Times Square If you’re looking for a quiet piano bar, this is not
the place for you. It’s smack in the middle of the Central Park part of the New
York–New York casino. Two pianos are going strong every night, and the young
hipster, cigar-smoking crowd overflows out the doors. It always seems to be
packed with a singing, swaying, drinking throng of camaraderie and good
cheer—or at least, full of booze. Hugely fun, provided you can get a foot in the
door. And yes, every night, right outside, the ball on top drops at midnight, for
a little Auld Lang Syne. Shows daily from 8pm to 2:15am. In New York–New York,
3790 Las Vegas Blvd. S. & 702/740-6969. Cover Fri–Sat $10.
Club Monaco This low-key, sophisticated piano bar—its walls lined with oil
paintings of icons such as Elvis, Bogart, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe (not
to mention Rodney Dangerfield, finally getting respect)—is a romantic setting
for cocktails and classic piano-bar entertainment. There’s a small dance floor. On
Friday and Saturday a talented vocalist is on hand as well. Club Monaco is far
from a meat market, but it’s a relaxed atmosphere in which to meet people, with
an over-30 crowd. A menu offers salads, burgers, steak sandwiches, pastas, and
gourmet appetizers such as oysters Rockefeller and escargot-stuffed mushrooms.
Open 24 hours. 1487 E. Flamingo Rd. (between Maryland Pkwy. and Tamarus St.; on your right
as you come from the Strip; look for the La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery). & 702/737-6212.
7 Gay Bars
Hip and happening Vegas locals know that some of the best scenes and dance action
can be found in the city’s gay bars. And no, they don’t ask for sexuality ID at the
door. All are welcome at any of the following establishments—as long as you don’t
have a problem with the people inside, they aren’t going to have a problem with
you. For women, this can be a fun way to dance and not get hassled by overeager
Lotharios. (Lesbians, by the way, are just as welcome at any of the gay bars.)
If you want to know what’s going on in gay Las Vegas during your visit, pick
up a copy of the Las Vegas Bugle, a free gay-oriented newspaper that’s available
at any of the places described below. Or call them at & 702/369-6260. You can
also find gay nightlife listings on the Web at http://gayvegas.tripod.com.
The Buffalo Close to both Icon (formerly Angles) and Gipsy, this is a
leather/Levi’s bar popular with motorcycle clubs. It features beer busts (all the