Best of Las Vegas 2021 - Part Two
Continuing our roundup of the year's best shows, events, entertainment, restaurants, trends, and more.
The past twelve months will be remembered as some of the most unpredictable in history. Here in Sin City, we've seen the astonishing, the crazy, and sometimes the downright dull. But through it all, we've found plenty to enjoy...from fine dining and luxury stays to awesome dive bars and rocking new bands.
Whatever you were looking for, it was here to discover in Las Vegas. We've already covered plenty in Part One of this series, but let's not waste another moment and get right down to more of Best Of Las Vegas 2021!
Best New Attraction - FLY OVER VEGAS
There aren't too many things you can do with a closed-down movie theater. You could transform it into a live performance venue like NOTORIETY LIVE, or you can convert it into a Disney-like attraction that simulates the experience of hang gliding. That's what Fly Over Vegas is all about. An immersive ride that swoops, soars, and drowns the senses in breezes, fragrances, and even clouds, Fly Over Vegas is what the kids like to call "4-D virtual reality".
Leading to the actual adventure is a super-cool "canyon" which also houses a bar, lounge, and merchandise shop. Fly Over Vegas has two ride options, which take you over the great American west and Sin City (naturally) or the natural wonders of Iceland. We recommend experiencing both via a discount package. Click here to read our Vegas 411 article on details, location, and pricing information.
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Best Local Band - ORIGINAL CHAOS
You might have caught our recent article on ORIGINAL CHAOS in which we called them "the fastest-rising rock band in Vegas history". Sounds a bit bombastic, doesn't it? Well, that's nothing compared to the stunning sounds that come from an Original Chaos performance. Packed with energy, dripping with sex appeal, and ripping the roof off of every venue they appear in, the four-member group is a super-charged freight train...and there's no stopping their forward momentum.
Drummer Tim Sorbs, bassist Andrew Diessner, guitarist Chris Cicchino, and vocalist Dai Richards (Tenors of Rock) are a dream team poised for superstardom. Will you join them on their journey? Click here for the full story, including video clips and the upcoming performance schedule.
Best Local Band (Runner-up) - THE MOONSHINERS
Remember when your mom used to say "Looks aren't everything"? Well, when you're this attractive, you'd better sound damned good. Fortunately, The Moonshiners sound fantastic...and they are as smooth, sexy, and magnetic as the above photo would suggest. Fronted by popular singer Savannah Smith (Vegas! The Show), The Moonshiners have quickly become a hot ticket throughout the city. The retro-pop group will be the featured entertainment this New Year's Eve at brand new STAR LOUNGE, which leads us to...
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Best New Bar - STAR LOUNGE
Nestled in a somewhat unassuming plaza on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive (just a stone's throw from Resorts World), STAR LOUNGE is an example of taking a lump of coal and polishing it into a fine gem. Visionaries Eduardo Cordova (The Garden) and Chris Lash (Jersey Boys) have fashioned an intimate haven where fine music and a baby grand are savored over crafted cocktails and attentive service.
STAR LOUNGE has lived up to its name by attracting stellar talent from Broadway, American Idol, the Grammy awards, and some of the top productions in Las Vegas. Read our full article for location, schedule, photos, and more.
Best Overall Bar - GOLDEN TIKI
Wild, irreverent, naughty, and campy-cool, Golden Tiki continues to pack in the crowds night after night. This Disney-for-grownups lounge is the recipient of countless "Best-Of" awards across Las Vegas and even nationwide. Powerful cocktails go hand in hand with delicious small bites, served by highly-skilled mixologists and servers who may or may not be plucked from modeling schools. Live bands and kitschy deejays fill the entertainment roster, highlighted on a wacky Facebook page that's almost as fun as their signature Dole Whip and Rum.
Every square inch of Golden Tiki is adorned with sights, sounds, and memorabilia that you'll find nowhere else. Even the restrooms could qualify as curiosity exhibits. Make sure to scan the walls for "shrunken heads" of world-renowned and local celebrities (including at least one writer from Vegas 411). Head honcho Branden Powers has also gained fame as an internet celeb, skewering Yelp trolls who would dare to badger his five-star cast and crew. When you're this good at what you do, that's A-okay.
Golden Tiki is located at 3030 Spring Mountain Road in Chinatown.
Biggest Surprise - CHASE BROWN'S VEGAS COUNTRY
Believe it or not, there are people who actually don't like country music. This writer happens to be a part of that crowd. Nevertheless, when an entertainer is as explosive as Chase Brown, it's impossible not to be drawn in. The handsome ex-Texan has gained a rabid following by giving country classics a Sin City spin. You might be inclined to call him a "Rhinestone Cowboy" if it wasn't for the fact that he's constantly ripping off his glittery shirts.
Yes, Chase Brown has a case of raw sensuality that only amplifies his powerful voice and stage presence. That makes CHASE BROWN VEGAS COUNTRY much more than your typical one-man show. The athletic entertainer engages his entire audience by hopping into the crowd, pulling eager fans up for impromptu dances, and even sailing across the stage while atop a mirror-ball stepladder.
Chase Brown Vegas Country performs every Friday evening at 9 pm inside downtown's NOTORIETY Live.
Biggest Suprise (Runner-up) - BurlesQ
Are you familiar with the phrase "Your reputation proceeds you"? Sometimes that isn't a good thing. Such is the case with BurlesQ, the bawdy dance revue at Alexis Park Resort. Hampered by initially negative reviews, the production was retooled into something truly worthy of an off-Strip jaunt. Boasting a body-positive cast of all shapes and sizes, BurlesQ starts out with a splashy opening number and maintains that momentum through the final bows. Directed by Folies Bergere vet Cari Byers and hosted by award-winning comic/impersonator Sean E. Cooper, BurlesQ is the fast-moving sexy treat that nobody saw coming. Full review here.
Best Super-cheap Hotel - MARDI GRAS Inn & Casino
The idea of staying "on the cheap" in Vegas is considered by many to be a forbidden subject. But, why??? Not everyone has a large travel budget, but everyone should get the opportunity to enjoy our exciting city. Mardi Gras Inn & Hotel makes that possible with extremely inexpensive rates at their 300-unit complex. Rooms are spacious and simple yet clean, with a separate living area and dining counter. Several buildings surround a courtyard featuring a nicely-kept pool and gardens with a barbeque area.
The main building offers a (very small) casino, sports bar, and Bon Temps Cafe with a full menu and value-priced dishes. Mardi Gras is within walking distance of both the Las Vegas Convention Center and Las Vegas Monorail, which takes you anywhere from the Sahara Hotel to MGM Grand within minutes Best of all, parking is free and the daily resort fee is only $5.67 (at the time of this article).
Best Neighborhood Bar - THE GARAGE
The Garage is a 24/7 sports bar with an "automotive service station" theme. Friendly bartenders wear mechanic's uniforms while pouring out generously-sized cocktails and hearty smiles. The Garage is fully-staffed and ALWAYS busy...daily food and drink specials are one of the main reasons why. Take a look at a typical Monday game-night lineup:
Free buffet, $1.25 hot dogs, and 1/2 tray nachos at V8 Grill 5p-8p. Show VIP text or FB Check-in for extra entry for prizes. First half of game, 5 giveaways. 2nd half, grand prize winners drawn from previous weeks winners for chances of Raider's tickets and more. After 2-FOR-1 Happy Hour:
- $6.50 Jack Daniel's
- $4.50 Apple Jack or Jack Cinnamon apple shots/$6.50 cocktails
- $4.50 Absolut 8p-4a as Monday's Daily Deal
- $7/$11 Beer Bust 9p-12a
The V8 Grill (varying hours by day) whips up some of the best bar food available, with amazing chicken tenders worth arm-wrestling your friends for the last piece. Delicious pizzas, grilled chicken sandwiches, onion rings, Bavarian pretzels, and more are all made to order. You can snag an entire meat lover's pizza for only $7.50 from opening until 7 pm daily. Pool tables, live trivia games, darts, and bar-top gaming keep things lively indoors, and a modern outdoor patio is heated during the cooler months. The fact that The Garage caters to a mostly gay clientele should have no bearing on your decision to visit. Everyone is welcome.
The Garage is absolutely the best neighborhood bar in the city. It's located at 1437 E. Flamingo Road next to Sketchers Outlet Store.
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Best Movie Theater - WEST WIND DRIVE-IN 6
If you're going to see a movie while in Las Vegas, it should be an adventure, right? Drive-in movies have become an almost-extinct experience, but Sin City has a six-screener that ranks among the best in the nation. Located just a few minutes from Fremont Street, West Wind Drive-In plays current hits and retro classics with all-digital images and amazing sound that you pump through your car's own audio system.
At West Wind, your automobile interior becomes a private screening room...albeit with six enormous outdoor screens. The temperature controls and volume are at your discretion. Want to smoke during the film? Go right ahead. Are you the type to chat with a companion during the film? That's okay, too. Prefer to bring your own food? Alright, although the snack bar sells your favorite goodies and delicious popcorn far cheaper than indoor theaters. Ticket prices are much lower as well...currently $8.25 for adults, $2.00 for kids 5-11, and free for children 4 and under. Tuesdays are "family night", where adult tickets are only $5.75. Click here for show schedule.
West Wind Drive-in 6 is located at 4150 W. Carey Avenue in North Las Vegas.
Entertainment Trend of 2021 - MAGIC AND MENTALISM
Love them or hate them, magic shows are everywhere this year. Discount retailer TicketKite currently lists ten "magic" productions and another six under the "hypnotism/mentalism" banner. Vegas.com lists a total of twenty-two! After the rough two years we've experienced, it should come as no surprise that audiences are yearning to expand their imaginations and escape into the world of illusion.
One magic show that you won't find listed on either site is The Magician's Study. An intimate and mysterious evening for only a lucky few, The Magician's Study will blow your mind and have you questioning what you've just seen with your own eyes. I covered a performance myself in this article. Seek it out...and thank me later.
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Best Holiday Attraction - ENCHANT CHRISTMAS
Las Vegas has a new holiday tradition with the introduction of ENCHANT CHRISTMAS. An expansive walk-through experience at the Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin, ENCHANT CHRISTMAS went all out to thrill the residents and visitors to Sin City this season. Featuring an ice-skating path, thousands upon thousands of lights, music, seasonal foods, vendors, and play areas, this is one new attraction that you'll be looking forward to every year. Click here to read all about it. ENCHANT CHRISTMAS is open through January 2nd.
Best Holiday Show - THIS IS CHRISTMAS
Santa came early this year with the debut performance of THIS IS CHRISTMAS. An epic stage production at Venetian/Palazzo, THIS IS CHRISTMAS gathered the best talent both behind the scenes and on stage for a splendid musical you'll never forget. Almost two years in the making, THIS IS CHRISTMAS featured stars from major Vegas productions, along with popular favorites from American Idol and more.
Just like ENCHANT CHRISTMAS, we'll be looking forward to enjoying THIS IS CHRISTMAS each and every holiday season. Click here for the full article on this very special show.
Coming up next - "Wost of Las Vegas 2021"
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