It's no surprise that everything in Las Vegas is done with flare. If you're looking for a swanky hotel suite, there's the world's most expensive stay inside the Palms, designed by Damien Hirst no less. There are champagne vending machines and waterslides that cut through a shark tank, 24-karat gold facials, and the world's largest Ferris wheel. The same goes for Vegas' speakeasy-style bars too. Both on and off the strip, some take text-only reservations only sent at a certain time of day, some come with a new haircut, and some let only four parties in at a time.
Related: Where to Find the Hidden Speakeasies of Paris
These tucked-away bars and restaurants go all-out and offer a cool respite. If you can find them, that is.
The Barbershop, The Cosmopolitan
"Cuts and cocktails" come together in this newly opened boozy barbershop inside The Cosmopolitan hotel, an American Express Fine Hotel & Resort property. Guests can get their haircut and then proceed to the back of the shop where, behind the unassuming janitor’s door, a swanky Prohibition-era bar awaits. The whiskey selection is vast, about four pages long—with everything from your regular bar bottles to The Macallan Reflexion ($4,500) and Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year ($25,000).
Mr. Coco, The Palms
This new luxury cocktail bar hideaway is a 47-seat lounge nestled in Palms’ Fantasy Tower. Once you're whisked up the elevator with an amuse-bouche in hand, you'll reach caviar service and live piano music along with cocktails like the Truffles & Bubbles with truffle-infused Cognac. And just remember, this isn't the buffet, "no swimwear, athletic gear, muscle shirts, shorts, flip-flops, sandals or baseball caps."
1923 Bourbon Bar, Mandalay Bay
This spot no longer requires a password to enter, but the speakeasy inspiration is easy to see. Located inside Mandalay Bay, another American Express Fine Hotel & Resort property, behind the escalators and next to RM Seafood at the Shoppes at Mandalay Place, come here for barrel-aged bourbon and premium hand-rolled cigars.
é by José Andrés, The Cosmopolitan
The restaurant tucked to the side of Jaleo is one of the toughest and most-coveted reservations in Las Vegas. This Spanish "avant-garde" hidden restaurant offers tasting menus at $275 per person, which is paid in advance. The two-hour dinner features 20-plus courses and can be booked three months in advance. New reservations roll out on the first of each month.
The Laundry Room, Commonwealth
To get into The Laundry Room there are a few rules you must first abide. Located next door to Commonwealth Bar on Fremont Street, you can't simply walk into this Prohibition-style bar through the secret entrance, you must have a reservation to enter, and you can only get that reservation by texting your request to 702-701-1466.
Bavette's Secret Lounge, Park MGM
This French-style steakhouse is designed to the tee, with Gilded Age decor and a cocktail menu separated into martinis, old-fashions, and classics but it also houses a hidden parlor at the back with another bar devoted to cocktail tasting.
Sara’s “Meat-Easy”, The Palms
Inside the new Mabel's BBQ, chef Michael Symon introduces his newest Las Vegas dining concept with the launch of the intimate supper club, Sara’s, dubbed as a "meat-easy". Cross through a secret passageway and you’ll find this small restaurant covered in rich wood paneling and wrapped in leather banquettes. Come here for shellfish, escargot, tuna tartare, and impeccably flavored Dover sole, which is filleted before your eyes.
Ghost Donkey, The Cosmopolitan
Come to this small hideaway (there are just eight seats at the bar) inside The Cosmopolitan's Block 16 Urban Food Hall for its tequilas, mezcals, and truffle nachos. Look for the green exit door with a pink donkey on it, and you're in.
