Vegas is no stranger to whiskey. Pappy and Weller flow like water at the well-stocked VIP bars for high-rollers on the strip. However, one of Vegas’ best whiskey bars is not in the Bellagio, the Venetian, or the MGM Grand. Its in downtown Vegas. Old School Vegas…with a twist. Located in the uber- (lower case “u”) cool Container Park — an eating and shopping complex build out of shipping containers, with a stage for live music and events — Oak & Ivey is an unpretentious venue with a relaxed and inviting vibe.
To be clear, the bar itself is in a shipping container. The space is cozy with a few bar seats and standing room. However, there is ample outdoor seating, which, on a warm Vegas night, is probably the preferable place to enjoys some drinks with friends. And while there is only so much whiskey that can physically fit inside a shipping container and still meet Vegas safety code, the collection is well-curated and the bar tenders know their stuff. Tell them what you like, and they can make some genuine, on-the-nose recommendations.
Downtown Vegas s not the Cirque de Soleil, David Copperfield, Joel Robuchon, over-the-top casinos-Vegas. Downtown has a distinctly different vibe, with several great attractions that visitors to the city frequently miss. About a half mile from Oak & Ivy is the Neon Museum — a spectacular final resting place for the iconic neon signs old Vegas (pre-booked tickets strongly recommended). For history buffs, this in itself is worth the cab ride to North Vegas.
Also within a few blocks of Oak & Ivy is the Mob Museum, which looks at the role and history of organized crime in America. Attached distillery and speakeasy offering “moonshine” and prohibition-era cocktails. From there, its a short stroll to all of the old strip sites and casinos, and the rowdy Freemont Street Experience, all of which has a markedly different feel than the hallmark high-end establishments on the strip.
Oak & Ivy has been keeping the whiskey flame alive in Downtown Vegas for nine years now, so obviously they are doing something right. For locals and visitors alike, Oak & Ivy is an intriguing whiskey stop in Sin City for its hip location, laid back atmosphere, reasonably priced pours, and knowledgable barkeeps.
