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| - I was on a visit to Las Vegas during the St. Paddy's week in 2017. So checking out the Irish Pubs was a natural.
I might mention that the primary purpose of my trip was a campus visit to start a PhD at UNLV in fall. But, checking out where most of my extracurricular hanging out is gonna be was also imperative. My first PhD in music is from UT, and Fado and Baker Street were two pubs where a lot of my time was spent. My U2 tribute band (Mysterious Ways) played at the former and my classic rock band (American Thighs) at the latter. Needless to say, We have fond memories of each, and of the damsels "who helped us through the night" (to quote Gordon Lightfoot).
As the quintessential outsider, an expansive cosmopolite, what I seek in a bar is a place that makes insiders of outsiders. Some Irish pubs can do that, and of the three I visited in Vegas, this one gets my vote.
I was drawn in around 1:30 AM by the sounds of a U2 cover, and JR at the door waived the cover for me, as the band only plays until 2:30. It's the same band, six night a week, but they are very good. Three members sing, and the harmonies are precise. A lead fiddler adds the Irish garnish, even to classic rock covers. It's a mix of Irish and British numbers, from traditional to contemporary, and they take requests. They also have an Irish step dancer who hops onto a dedicated table for some of the tunes.
As there's hardly any worthwhile socializing to be had on the strip other than with the hustlers, I came back on the following night, a Thursday. As I stood at the bar, I was approached by a sweet woman (something that never happens in the boondocks where I currently live), whom I immediately recognized as the fiddler/singer with the band. She said I was a "lovely man" and offered me her CD and business card. Well, on next couple of days, my best friend was in town, and both of us were let in without a cover. The guys at the door also work in the Irish spirit, very welcome in the American $$$ zombie dream of the strip. (Hey, Maire, the fiddler, also does a great version of "Zombie" with the apposite dance moves. It's a hit, every night!)
Overall, on the Strip this was the only place I saw "regulars." I guess locals do hang out on the Strip.
Drinks: I tried a Guinness one night ($12, including tip) and Long Island ($14, including tip). A shade less expensive than other places on the Strip, I understand, but definitely not Austin prices.
Overall, currently this is the only bar that makes me look forward to going toward the Strip when I move to Vegas in August. But I hope to find others.
Cheers!
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