
For Anthony Bourdain’s fans, the month of June is a special one, as the star chef was born in June, and happened to pass on the same month. With summer kicking off, a great way to honor him is to plan for our very own “Bourdain summer”. Picture this: bold travel, fearless eating, deep conversations, and raw authenticity. All of these are teachings that he left behind and we can take in, while enriching our personal lives. An Anthony Bourdain summer is not about luxury or over-planning, but about getting lost, making new friends who may be different than you, and trying new things.
Besides following his beliefs about life and the world, Vegas locals can honor Anthony Bourdain by exploring Sin City through the legend’s eyes. He filmed a couple of episodes here, featuring everything from lavish, extraordinary meals, to dive bars and local watering-holes. He said: “In Vegas, there’s winners and losers. And God knows I’ve been both”. Here are 5 of Bourdain’s favorite less-sparkly, less-fancy spots in Vegas:
1. Atomic Liquors
Attracted by its historic charm and appearances in films like Casino, Bourdain filmed a segment here in 2013, for Parts Unknown.
Known as Las Vegas’ oldest freestanding bar, this spot has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1952. In its heyday, Atomic had a working class clientele, but also enjoyed regular visits from celebrities looking to avoid attention. The Rat Pack, Barbara Streisand, the Smothers Brothers, Clint Eastwood and other notable characters could be seen here enjoying a drink, or playing pool. The bar was open 24 hours a day, and it gained a reputation as the place where “you never know who might stop by.”
Wondering why “Atomic Liquors”? Well, this spot’s history includes customers sipping cocktails on the roof while watching atomic nuclear tests…yep.
2. Huntridge Tavern
This classic dive bar was the first stop in 2014’s Vegas episode of Parts Unknown. As usual, Bourdain likes to start his adventure throughout a city at the local, authentic watering hole – and Huntridge Tavern is exactly that. He talked about this bar’s history, while having a couple of drinks with his show partner and friend, Ruhlman. While here, he described it as: “where those who have to live it, see it, the things that men do, day after day, night after night, in a town where people are encouraged to do the worst”. He also added – “this is the side of Vegas I like“.
Today, the Tavern is known for “the cheapest booze in town”, a very unpretentious vibe, karaoke nights, open mic, and live music. It’s the perfect spot to let lose and enjoy one of those simple – yet perfect – nights out.
3. Double Down Saloon
This is a legendary Anthony Bourdain spot, as he dubbed it as ‘The Happiest Place on Earth”. This place is famous for its punk rock vibe, evident also though the dark, mural-covered design. Smokers can still enjoy the “good ol’ times” at this bar, as smoking is still allowed inside. You can often catch a show here, and they’re always free.
They’re also pretty famous for their signature drink…called Ass Juice…that our celebrity chef sure tried out. What’s in it? You’re not supposed to know, but you really don’t need many of these…
After Bourdain’s visit, this unique punk rock dive bar made the chef’s list of “top 5 bars in the world”. That’s something.
4. Oscar’s Steakhouse
Located in the Plaza Hotel, Anthony Bourdain dined here with former mayor Oscar Goodman – and yes, the Steakhouse is named after him. The chef says, about the former mayor, that if there’d be a “Mr. Vegas”, it would be him. Why? He’s “A man who knows, allegedly, and to the best of my knowledge, where all the bodies are buried. Some of them, equally allegedly, by some of his former clients”.
As you may have guessed, at Oscar’s Steakhouse, they discussed the city’s mob history, while enjoying a great cut of steak paired with hard liquor.
5. The Bootlegger
The Bootlegger is a spot known to any Vegas local, due to its complex history – and great Italian food. Bourdain visits it during his exploration of “Old Vegas”. There are few spots that preserve and tell the story of the Rat Pack culture quite like the Bootlegger. Here, the chef met Laura Chaffer, known in Sin City as one of the best jazz specialists, who can sing in any style.
He notices that while the restaurant is clearly popular with locals, there are many out-of-towners, too. Both groups are usually longing for nostalgia and a vibe that’s not often found in Sin City anymore.