Although the Las Vegas mega-clubs get all the headlines, the glittery hotspots are not all that Las Vegas has to offer in terms of nightlife. And since Sin City has something for everyone, there are plenty of other great experiences to enjoy. In some establishments, letting your hair down and kicking back is not just a suggestion—it’s a requirement. At Coyote Ugly, Dick’s Last Resort and Lucky Strike Lanes, you can leave the pretension at the door and hold your beer glasses high in celebration. They can be loud, raucous and the spots to get into all sorts of trouble. After all, what else is Vegas for?

Coyote Ugly
Based on the film of the same name, which was in turn based on a rowdy New York City bar, Coyote Ugly Bar & Dance Saloon is as crazy as it gets—in a good way. In fact, the place’s slogan is “Misbehavior Encouraged.” Part of the New York-New York Hotel & Casino, this joint gleefully casts good manners aside. The all-female bartending staff is known to spray the crowd with water and will perform incredible feats from fire-blowing to body shots. They’ll also perform tightly choreographed dance numbers every night. Women in the crowd are encouraged to get up and dance on the bar as well.

coyote ugly las vegas

Coyote Ugly is designed to resemble a Deep South dive bar and dance hall.

Designed to resemble a Deep South dive bar and dance hall, the 2,500-square-foot room has a well-worn look and decor straight out of what could have been an Alabama flea market. Coyote Ugly is open from 6 p.m. until 4 a.m. Cover charges may apply, so call 702-740-6330 for more information.

Dick’s Last Resort
Don’t expect any respect at Dick’s Last Resort. The saloon’s surly staff keeps guests laughing while they serve up drinks and one-liners with equal skill. Guests should arrive with tongue planted firmly in cheek to really enjoy their visit. The staff, which is known to play pranks on the guests, encourages unruliness.

Created in a self-described wacky-tacky decor, Dick’s Last Resort is extremely casual. You won’t find any tablecloths here, but they do serve colossal portions of food. And it’s impossible to go thirsty here, with 18 draft beers, nine signature blended daiquiris and a host of specialty drinks to try out. Guests can also enjoy Bar Pong on Wednesday – Sunday evenings starting at 7 p.m.
Live music is a focus here, too. Top 40 hits are standard for most of the week, but on Sunday and Monday the theme is 80s rock. They’ll even let folks come up and sing with the band—if they think the guest is sufficiently talented… and has imbibed enough.
For more information, call 702-597-7991.

Diablo’s Cantina
Diablo’s Cantina is home to more than 75 different types of tequila. Modeled in the style of a Mexican cantina, this joint sits right on the Strip as part of the Monte Carlo, and features an open-air bar (and restaurant) and a frozen and specialty drink bar.

diablo's cantina las vegas

Diablo's Cantina is in the style of a classic Mexican cantina.

The second-story outside bar has live bands on Friday and Saturday nights until 11:30 p.m. Sporting events are broadcast on a gigantic 10-by-10 projection screen as well as plasma screens spread throughout the venue. To enhance that Mexican vibe, dancing señoritas and roaming shot girls tote tequila bottles in belt holsters. Moose-o-Libre, Diablo’s wrestling champion mascot, is sure to be around as well.

As for that tequila, it comes in all styles from blanco to the three-or-more-years aged Reserva Añejo. There is a variety of tasting flights available, as well as infused tequilas, sangrias and frozen specialty drinks. Happy Hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and features the “Wheel of Sin” that determines the hour’s drink specials.

Diablo’s Cantina is open daily until midnight and until 2 a.m. on Thursday through Saturday. Call 702-730-7979 for more information.

Lucky Strike Lanes
If your client is looking to have a ball, send them to Lucky Strike Lanes at the Rio All-Suite Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Part bowling alley and part nightclub, this is a totally retro upscale venue. There is tableside bottle service here, and a DJ spins the latest hits on weekends.

Lanes are rented by the hour or per game, depending on the time of day and day of week. Rates for a lane can be as much as $65 per hour, but up to six people can play.

Lucky Strike Lanes is also good for families: People under 21 are allowed until 9 p.m. After that, it’s strictly for adults. For more information, call 702-777-7999.

Carnaval Court
Home of some of the world’s best flair bartenders, Carnaval Court is an open-air venue at Harrah’s. Featuring live music throughout the day and into the night, dancing is encouraged here. For those wanting to sit back and relax, they can watch what could be scenes out of the movie Cocktail. These bartenders do all sorts of tricks when pouring drinks.

On weekends Harrah’s rolls out the blackjack tables so players can sit in the bar area, watch the festivities and still get some hands in. Four nights a week a DJ plays late night. No need to make reservations here: The bar is open-air and adjacent to the casino, so people can filter in and out quickly, even on more crowded nights.

Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce
Taking a cue from early 20th-century naughtiness, this postcard to the burlesque era is a cheeky celebration of days gone by. At the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce might be a recent addition to the resort, but it’s meant to look as if the club has always been a part of the Vegas tapestry. There is a smoke-stained brick, wood-paneled bar reminiscent of old-school Times Square, and the place is lit by the glow of small lamps.

The highlight of the club is the burlesque shows, which are presented on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Thursday nights feature a modern reinvention of the burlesque show.

The club is closed Monday and Tuesdays. For more information, call 702 632-9442.