Atomic Liquors holds the title of the oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas — licensed in 1952, the same era when the US was conducting nuclear tests at the Nevada Test Site 65 miles north. Regulars used to climb to the roof with drinks to watch the mushroom clouds rise over the desert horizon. The name is earned.
Today the bar sits at the centre of Fremont East's resurgent drinking district, and it does not attempt to be anything other than what it is: a dark, friendly neighbourhood bar with good beer, cheap shots, and a jukebox that rewards the person willing to flip through it. The craft beer list has expanded significantly under the current ownership — 12 taps featuring Nevada breweries prominently, a solid bottle list, and rotating specials drawn from regional craft producers across the Southwest. The food trucks parked outside most evenings complete the equation. If you are staying on the Strip and want to see actual Las Vegas, Atomic Liquors is the first stop.
What to order
- 01
Nevada craft beer of the week
- 02
Atomic Bomb shot
- 03
Pint of local stout
- 04
Cheap well bourbon
- 05
Seasonal sour from Southwest brewery
