Parlor Bar

Parlor Bar downtown keeps things refreshingly straightforward in a neighborhood full of themed bars and casino noise. This is a craft cocktail spot that takes its drinks seriously without the pretentious bartender energy that can make ordering a drink feel like a test. The vibe is relaxed and intimate, the kind of place where you can actually taste the difference between well-made cocktails and the sugar-bomb nonsense most Vegas bars serve.

The $5 Beer Specials

$5 beer specials give you an affordable entry point into a bar that otherwise focuses on higher-end cocktails. These aren't just domestics either—expect local craft options, interesting imports, and rotating selections that show someone's paying attention to what beer nerds actually want. Five bucks for quality beer in a downtown cocktail bar is solid value, and it gives you something to sip while you decide if you want to commit to one of their signature drinks.

The Cocktail Program

This is where Parlor Bar earns its reputation. The bartenders know their shit—proper techniques, quality spirits, fresh ingredients, balanced flavors. You can order classics and trust they'll be made correctly, or explore their original creations that show creativity without being weird for weird's sake. The menu changes seasonally, ingredients are fresh, and everything's designed to actually taste good rather than just photograph well. Prices are higher than well drinks at dives, but you're paying for craft and expertise.

The Atmosphere

Parlor Bar feels intimate and slightly upscale without being stuffy. Dim lighting, comfortable seating, music that sets mood without overwhelming conversation. The crowd skews toward people who appreciate good drinks—locals with refined taste, tourists who did their research, industry folks from other bars coming here on their nights off. It's not rowdy or loud, which might disappoint some but is exactly what others are seeking.

The Downtown Alternative

When you're tired of Fremont Street's chaos but want to stay downtown, Parlor Bar offers a refuge. Close enough to everything, removed enough to feel different. It's where you take a date when you want to show you have taste, where you meet friends who appreciate craft over quantity, where you go solo when you want a properly made drink in peaceful surroundings. The $5 beer specials make it accessible even when you're not in cocktail mode.

Why It Stands Out

Parlor Bar succeeds by not compromising on quality while keeping the atmosphere welcoming. Too many craft cocktail bars come with attitude, making you feel judged for ordering "wrong." Parlor just makes great drinks, prices some options affordably (the beer specials), and creates a space where adults can drink well without the scene getting obnoxious. In downtown's ecosystem of dive bars and casino lounges, having this option matters for the nights when you want something better.