Ahhh..The Double Down. I played here a number of times in a number of LA bands prior to moving to Vegas. While it was always a good time and they were kind enough to have my band's CD on the juke, the place always had a dark undercurrent that made it feel like a meth-fueled twenty-something street punk / runaway haven. One of the smokiest places I had ever played!
...But that was years ago and things change. I've seen a number of fun shows since moving to Vegas in 2003, and recently had the chance to play there again. The PA was kicking (word to the wise - you have to bring your own mics and stands), the room less smokey and the audience was still as bizarre as ever - but that's what makes it blast. From a band standpoint, the loose and crazy audience at the DD never has a problem getting involved in the show, which is way better than playing to an audience of too-cool-for-school hipsters. All this AND a photo booth where you can take a cool low-fi photo for your next 7 inch.