University of Nevada - Las Vegas
- Nightlife

Krave

This is not your average night club; it’s definitely tailored for those who crave an alternate night of fun. Dedicated to the alternative lifestyle, the club was designed for the gay and lesbian communities who love to party. Decorated to fit fairy tale fantasies from the castle-like outside to its fun-house interior, Krave is by far a cool enough place to get anyone wanting to groove with the music. Weeknights feature the Fashionistas show at 8 p.m., with aerobatic actors and dancers in flashy costumes.

House of Blues

House of Blues functions as one of several venues, including a restaurant, live concert hall, and dance club. Many great concerts are put on by the place, and folks from all walks of life and all ages are bound to find a concert or two they’ll want to attend each year. In addition to that, they also have themed nights, such as rock nights and ‘80s nights.

Ra at the Luxor

This is one of the more famous clubs in town. It has a large central dance floor surrounded by lounging sofa for when you need a break from the dancing. On opposite ends of the club are two large bars where they serve just about anything you can think of. It’s definitely worth a trip if you’re clubhopping around town.

Studio 54

Named after the famous New York club of the ‘70s, Studio 54 has over 22,000 square-feet of space for your dancing pleasure. There are four dance floors and bars, an exclusive upper floor for invited guests (no, I don’t know how to get invited), and many semi-private lounges. The club is the continuation of what was once the hottest club on the planet in the ‘70s, and while it might have stiff competition, Studio 54 does well in keeping up with the latest trends in partying.

Rain in the Desert at Palms

Another techno Mecca, this club has several floors of booths ready for reservation and three bars that serve drinks nonstop all night long. The central dance floor is fairly small compared to many other clubs, but it is just as fun if you can actually get on it. Elevated above the rest of the floor and separated by something that resembles a moat, the main dance floor is also right underneath a large chandelier-like structure. Don’t laugh at it—crazy DJs like to turn up the heat with the flamethrowers attached to it. But because it’s so crowded, many people end up just dancing on the outskirts.

Body English

This has become wildly popular with locals, not only because it’s somewhere cool to play, but because it’s not uncommon to see a celeb or two join in on the fun. There are tables, bottle service, and a special VIP room that sits over the dance floor with a floor that’s a mirror wall (you see them, they don’t see you). Local women get in for free.

The Beach

They might as well call this “UNLV’s Beach,” because this is the place that everybody from school frequents. Even those who rarely go clubbing have checked this place out at least once. The party atmosphere of (almost) anything goes, and the lesser dress restrictions and the great deals on drinks make this the most happening place in Vegas for locals of the college age. You have your choice of ice cold beer from a bikini-wearing hottie, a body shot from either of the sexes dressed in just as little, or a full bar from bartenders that know how to make the most popular college drinks. Sometimes you can even find radio stations setting up shop in the club to broadcast live from the party. If you’re looking for a good time, this is where it’s at. If you go to their Web site at www.beachlv.com, you can sign up on their VIP list. Do so 24 hours before you plan on coming, and then show up before midnight to get in for free. The Web site also features daily specials and VIP packages.

Curve at the Aladdin

Curve is actually the London Club at the Aladdin transformed into a night club for the late hours. It’s definitely upscale and pricey, if that’s your thing. A beer can easily snatch about $7 out of your pocket, and mixed drinks are more. However, if you’re looking for a classy place with even classier people, this is a great place to go. The music is impressive, although the dance floor is quite small compared to other clubs on the Strip. The central bar also has music, and sometimes even a go-go dancer is showcased behind the bartender. Away from the dance floor are plenty of oversized sofas and chairs to sit on and just relax, and there is a balcony to get some fresh air. If wine is your thing, you’ll find plenty of choices, along with cigars and just about any kind of drink you can think of.

Foundation Room

This is just one of those clubs that you have to experience if you come to live in Las Vegas. The Foundation Room is an ultra-exclusive club where you really have to be somebody to get access. Variously themed rooms offer fine dining, exotic lounges, four secluded rooms for special events, and even banquet spaces. On top of all that, they even throw wild parties every once in a while where it wouldn’t feel right if you didn’t bump into the latest pop star. Lucky for us mere mortals, the public does get to attend some of these events; you just have to keep your eyes peeled.

Dylan’s Dance Hall and Saloon

Dylan’s is a club for all kinds. Early in the evening, advanced line-dance music is played for those who want to tear up the dance floor before all of the novices arrive. Around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., the saloon fills almost to capacity with people coming to dance, drink, play pool, or just hang out. All ages, all types of people, and all degrees of dancing talent can be seen at Dylan’s every weekend. At midnight, the national anthem is played. After the anthem, free shots are given on the dance floor.

Gordon Biersch

Gordon Biersch is a bit more upscale than your average tavern, but it’s definitely worth every penny. The beer is an original brew, and they have several different kinds. The garlic fries from the restaurant are some of the best in the city, and many students like to come whenever they have their live reggae nights. If you don’t like crowds, though, then you might want to avoid lunch hour. It’s also a popular place for locals and neighboring business employees.

Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas

If you like German beer, this is where you’ll live during your stay in Las Vegas. Fashioned after the original bar in Munich, Germany, Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas is definitely a place you have to visit. From the moment you sit down, you’ll feel like you’re in a German brewery. Long wooden benches ensure you make a drinking buddy or two before you leave, and German folklore bands imported straight from the motherland make this an authentic experience. There’s great beer, contests that are open to anyone, and food that will satisfy the pickiest eaters. Best of all, it’s right next to UNLV.

Moose’s Beach House Bar & Grill

Moose’s is by far the most popular hangout for UNLV students. Anytime you come in there, you’re bound to find several students hanging out over a burger or playing pool. There are frequent pool tournaments and even live music. The staff is very friendly, and the ownership realizes that the majority of its patrons come from the University, so it’s very UNLV-friendly. It even houses a few UNLV Greek banners. Moose’s has a good atmosphere, and you can usually strike up a casual conversation with people if they’re not doing anything. A good hangout place.

Coyote Ugly Saloon

Yes, it is kind of like the movie. This bar is popular for those who are of college age. There’s usually a party here thanks to the reputation, even when the patrons are mostly guys. That doesn’t happen often, but it does happen, since many guys think “women galore” and naturally gravitate toward it. Ladies, beware that you might be entering a lion’s den.

Crown & Anchor Pub

Once you step inside, you’ll realize that the name of the place comes from the look of the place inside. Styled after a traditional British pub, you might be able to catch a Manchester United game while you eat some fish and chips. Or you can drink one of the many imported ales, lagers, and ciders.

Freakin’ Frog

Tired of the same old brew? Maybe it’s time to give this place a shot, where you have the option of choosing from 500 beers. Yes, you heard right. Freakin Frog holds the title of having the largest beer selection in the state. It’s become popular with many students for the personal atmosphere and small, tight- knit community. At the same time, the bar itself isn’t all that impressive. It tends to be somewhat bland as far as decoration is concerned, and it doesn’t look like a place that could have that much beer stored. In fact, you have to wonder: where do they store it?

Check out FroZEN75/ZEN, an off-strip under-21 club. You can also go to First Friday downtown, a monthly festival in the arts district where you can check out art show openings at galleries, listen to local bands, and check out the interesting and antique items for sale along Commerce Street. The roads are blocked off to allow artists (or anyone, really!) to show off their chalk-drawing skills. Other options include going to a hookah lounge such as Paymon’s, finding a coffee shop or restaurant that won’t kick you out after 10 p.m., checking out the local music scene, going bowling or indoor rock climbing, frequenting parks, walking (not driving) the Strip, hiking at Red Rock Canyon or Mt. Charleston, lounging at Lake Mead, swimming in the summer heat, seeing plays (Red Rock hosts outdoor ones), getting involved in clubs or sports, or throwing a party of your own. Phew!