The Griffin is a pleasant surprise and escape from your typical done-up Vegas bar. It has a nice, dark, hip feel to it that's matched by the hip (and hipster) clientele. When you walk in the door, the only noticeable reason you'd still think you're in Las Vegas at all is the heavy cloud of smoke in the air. Yes, this is a common refrain in reviews of this spot written by out-of-towners, but since smoking is banned everywhere else, it's extra noticeable to us.
Anyway, this is definitely the kind of place I could linger for a few drinks on any given night. The vibe is mostly laid back. The brick adds a great touch. The booze isn't dramatically overpriced, and the fireplace is cozy. Bartenders are plenty friendly, there are some excellent booths for kicking back, and the feng shui is solid.
I'm definitely adding this to the list of must-visit watering holes in Downtown.