You can’t mention “old school Vegas” without mentioning the Golden Gate…it’s pretty much the definition of it, really. This historic place, which was frequently visited by the members of the Rat Pack and the biggest stars of the time, just turned 120 years old. And with that respectable age, yes, Golden Gate is the oldest continuously operating hotel and casino in Las Vegas. It pre-dates the glitzy Las Vegas Strip by decades!
Golden Gate’s story
Founded in 1906, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino originally opened its doors as Hotel Nevada at 1 Fremont Street. They bought the land for just $1,750. In its earliest days, room and board cost just $1 per day, and it was the first building in the city to have a telephone (fun fact: the number was simply “1”). This iconic spot survived the Prohibition era – during which gambling was outlawed – by operating as a hotel and likely engaging in the era’s illicit underground activities. Today, that history is celebrated at its Bar Prohibition.
Home to the biggest celebrities
While the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr.) are most famously associated with the Sands on the Strip, they were known to frequent the Golden Gate’s bar as a downtown hideaway. Bar Prohibition operates in the exact same location as the original 1906 bar.
Of course, Marilyn Monroe is also often linked to this golden era of Vegas. Her favorite spots were typically the Cal Neva Lodge (owned by Sinatra) or the Flamingo; however, see also spent time at the Golden Gate.
In more recent history, Michael Jackson also used to hang out here during his Vegas visits.
Today, this is one of the few places where you can drink in the same physical space that Vegas legends did over a century ago. The pictures spread all over the walls confirm it (and add to the old-school atmosphere). Moreover, you can also still book one of the 10 original rooms in the hotel.
Cool facts about the Golden Gate
- It’s home to the famous shrimp cocktail: The Golden Gate is famous for introducing the shrimp cocktail to Vegas in 1959. It was originally priced at just 50 cents. By 1991, they had sold over 25 million of them. While finding this treat for less than $1 is obviously not possible anymore, it remains a signature piece of Vegas culinary history.
- It rocked a cool code name: From 1931 until 1955, the hotel was renamed “Sal Sagev” – which is Las Vegas spelled backward.
- Historic…booze?: During renovations, workers found Prohibition era whiskey bottles hidden in the walls. Yep, definitely a speakeasy hub during the dry years.
- And free booze! Nowadays, Golden Gate gives out free drinks nightly from 6 – 7 PM at Bar Prohibition! All you need to do is pick up a wristband beforehand.
Happy birthday, Golden Gate!