I'm pulling a total hipster move, but.... This place was cooler when it first (re)opened.
Sorry.
Anyway, Atomic was a five-star joint for me for a long time. They played 80s tunes on the jukebox, their specialty drinks were good, there was an interesting crowd, and you always wound up in a conversation with a stranger. I still love the place but have to knock off a star. Ever since the press coverage/Anthony Bourdain special/Holly Madison sightings, Atomic has been swarmed. It's not so easy to strike up a conversation with the person in the bar stool next to you with groups of people hovering over your head. The specialty drinks are no longer made with love cause the bartender has a line of people that want to buy a beer. But the music is still great.
There was even one incident where we sat down at the bar and waited for 20 minutes and no one even acknowledged us let alone took our order. So we finally left and went to Velveteen instead.
It's best to be here with a group of people you can get rowdy with on the weekends. Or if you prefer something more tame, come during the week. I also recommend visiting during the day- you'll meet a few old timers that have been drinking at this bar since the test site blasts.
Stick with the beer (they have a good selection) or easy-to-make cocktails. If the bartenders aren't swamped, the Hunter S Smash is a good choice.
Fun interior and they have a large patio if you prefer to sit outside. Expect to pay around $6-$10 for drinks. Bonus for the large parking lot with free parking.
Congrats to Atomic for their success. I'm glad to see a Vegas landmark still intact and thriving.
Nikki Jo's Ladies Restroom Review:
Super cute! And clean. Only two stalls though so there may be a bit of a wait if you are there on a crowded Saturday night.