Nevada Nightlife

Despite its name, The Waterfall is no ordinary watering hole. Couches dot the interior of the laid-back bar, inviting patrons to lounge while downing pints chosen from 24 draft beers or admiring pieces by local artists. In the back, hookahs puff out fragrant smoke, adding an air of mystery to good-natured games of beer pong. The bar stays traditional where it counts, though—its liquor shelves only house top-brand vodkas, whiskeys, and bourbons, and its selection of beers draws brews from both big-name producers and innovative craft breweries. Flat-screen televisions situated above the bar also err on the side of familiarity, broadcasting television favorites such as South Park and games from around the sporting world. The Waterfall also plays host to the Reno Beer Crawl on the fourth Saturday of every month, bringing out drink specials and maps for the tour’s raucous groups of wanderers.

Strolling along Las Vegas Boulevard, visitors seeking laughter end up at L.A. Comedy Club, which is located in the Windows at Bally's. Performers have included A-list standups such as Loni Love and Doug Benson. Before entering Bally's, visitors can gaze at the Technicolor splendor of the Las Vegas Strip and the nearby Paris Las Vegas hotel and casino, whose electronic replica of the Montgolfier balloon whisks comics back to their hotels after their sets.

Rock & Rita's, touted as "all fun" by Las Vegas Magazine, houses a bevy of cooks who sizzle up barbecue grub as bottle-twirling bartenders serve cool drinks amid psychedelic décor. The restaurant's philly cheesesteak "is a beauty," according to Las Vegas Magazine, sending taste buds into nostalgic revelry with a down-home blend of Cheez Whiz and paper-thin beef. Icy draft beers, well drinks, and 44-ounce fishbowl beverages fill the full bar, fashioned from a large prismatic bus, and bartenders toss bottles, juggle glasses, and balance barstools while pouring drinks and reciting the list of past mayoral candidates from memory. Rock & Rita's showcases karaoke on Thursdays and live-music entertainment on various nights throughout the week.