This is a fresh spin on the infamous "Circle Bar" concept that exists on Las Vegas casino floors. With the new owners of the Palms, they are clearly embracing the idea of "out with the old & in with the super cool and new," and Unknown falls into this category with their extensive renovations at the Palms.
In the end, it is a bar in the heart of the casino and it serves adult beverages. High priced, well made, servers are buxom and leggy. So what makes this "Circle Bar" any different than the others in Las Vegas? It's all about the art.
"Unknown (Explored, Explained, Exploded) is the title of the giant Damien Hirst 1999 formaldehyde shark that sits in the middle of this art and ahh inspiring lounge. The hotel bought the work from the artist for this site specific location. This is also Damien Hirst's first bar design, having designed all of the bar's accouterments, from the cocktail stirrers to the cute little napkins. In addition, nine of his famous spot paintings adorn the walls of the bar itself.
Now many people would not give a bar a 5 star on Yelp because of art work hanging on the walls, but this is where I think you would be wrong. You can have an overpriced martini anywhere in this town, but these new owners actually are interested in exposing you to really spectacular contemporary art (and most people would never even pause to know or appreciate it!). This art work is the real deal original stuff you could only find in a private collection or a museum, but you have the opportunity to knock back a cocktail all while visually enhancing your senses as well. The entire property appears to be showcasing great original pieces of artwork, in addition to the Unknown bar.
Bright white decor, high ceilings, open concept, lots of seating for couples or for groups. It's polished, yet casual. It is upscale, yet warmly welcoming. A really great space for the Palms and a very special bar in the fabric of the Las Vegas strip bar scene.