D.C.R. Sets The Standard For Downtown Vegas Bars

Where: 111 Las Vegas Blvd. South [map], 89101

Perhaps the embodiment of all the aspirations and stylistic ambitions of the Downtown Las Vegas bar scene, Downtown Cocktail Room is located on Las Vegas Boulevard, but you feel transported miles ways.

Owner Michael Cornthwaite is a passionate advocate for the branding and building of this area of Las Vegas and yet has created a very un-Sin City place. He labeled this zone of fellow businesses, Fremont East, asserting an invisible Maginot Line that differentiates itself from the perceived Fremont Street experience, although it sits just steps from the zipline and the Heart Attack Grill. Walk down the pedestrian section of Fremont with your back to the Plaza Hotel. Once that ends at Las Vegas Blvd look right for the neon Downtown sign across the street.

D.C.R., as they abbreviate, describes itself as a lounge meets speakeasy. But, it's not really hard to find. No secret knocks are necessary and the neon will guide you. It is a little hard to enter, as you may end up pushing at the glass that deceptively stands next to the metal door, that doesn't appear to be an actual door.

This place is quite dark. David Lynch moody. Reds, votive candles and orange glows. It is a place to hide. There really is no sense inside that this is Las Vegas. Unlike the newly opened Mob Bar -- which could only really reside comfortably in this city -- D.C.R. could easily be transported to Manhattan's Lower East Side or Los Angeles' own downtown. It cuts itself off. This is a real genuine local locals' place with patrons walking from their homes and work to spend some time. People know each other. The bartender knows your usual. And the bar is where the action takes place. The diverse cocktails require work and can be akin to observing a chemistry experiment. Droppers of tinctures, flavour extracts, reside on the bar. Vinegar, bitters, orange, mole, etc., ready to be added to the mix. The seating away from the bar is leather chairs, chaise lounges and booths. No bottle service required. None implied. It's possible to hide in the shadows.

The bar area itself is sedated, not flashy and the drinks are kept down low rather than displaying an escalating pyramid leading to top shelf indulgence. The visual centerpiece is a small absinthe fountain and D.C.R. is intelligent enough to offer their selection of absinthe straight up, filtered with water, or scorched bohemian style with flame.

When the name of the place says "cocktails" it ought to be the focus. Efficient and skilled bartenders are continually working on an evolving drinks menu. This includes a series of originals with their own "level rating" assigned. Each level "denotes approachability of the cocktail" from easy to level 5 of "Advanced Palate." A novel incentive for experimentation.

This writer opted for the Wolf In Sheep's Clothing, a combo of Amaro, Bourbon, Dark ale and a "fresh whip top." There are brave and bold flavors attempted by this staff.

Only during happy hour, Monday to Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., small dishes can be ordered from a nearby restaurant. Hummus, crab cakes and spicy boneless wings and the like will help cut into the impact of the potent libations. The happy hour mood and prices are a great motivation for starting the night early. Music is downbeat and unobtrusive. Conversations are not thwarted.

If you are in the area and looking, or need, a place to drink, Downtown Cocktail Room should be included on your agenda. It's the local standard to compare all other lounges.

And, about that speakeasy-style front door? While leaving, the nice glass faux entrance will look awfully like an open door. Don't text and walk. You'll smack right into it. Yeah, it's the door, not the cocktails.

Downtown Cocktail Room is located at 111 Las Vegas Blvd. South, and open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Friday and on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Comments (3)

Return to » D.C.R. Sets The Standard For Downtown Vegas Bars

This place is awesome. I had one drink on the menu and for my second drink I just asket them to make something with a strong scotch taste. They made a fantastic drink that mixed scotch with hints of grapefruit and orange. These bartenders are incredible and can make something for any palate. This place is a must visit for anyone when on Fremont St.

That I'm going to be in Downtown Vegas a lot soon.

DenverGambler you are absolutely right. Tell the nice folks behind the bar your preference and they'll happily and creatively mix something up. They are also very careful to make sure that your esoteric choices from the menu won't jibe with your palatte.

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