The Killers are true Las Vegans through and through!
The band was first formed in 2001 with lead singer Brandon Flowers and guitarist Dave Keuning. They went through several early lineup changes, but by 2002 the band had settled on a lineup of Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer, and Ronnie Vannucci Jr. Fans of the band easily recognize the Vegas references in their lyrics and music videos, and it might be a fun game to spot all their Vegas easter eggs!
The Killers have given us amazing hits like Mr. Brightside, All These Things That I’ve Done, When You Were Young, Somebody Told Me, and recently, The Man. They had a tour scheduled for 2020. However, because of the pandemic, those plans were put on hold… until now! The iconic band will start an epic 2022 world tour, and we couldn’t be more excited! The Vegas natives will perform at T-Mobile Arena on August 26! In honor of them, we decided to put together a guide to Sin City. A guide of spots band members frequent and places they’ve referenced in their work. This is The Killers’ guide to Las Vegas, baby!
Casinos
Sam’s Town
Long-time fans of The Killers will instantly recognize the name of this casino. Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall opened back in 1979 and was Vegas’ first locals casino. It features a 25,000-square-foot indoor park, bowling center, movie theater and has one of the largest casino floors in the whole city! The Killers named their second album Sam’s Town (2006) after the hotel and casino. If you are a fan of their music, you must take a picture in front of the hotel’s ‘old west’-style sign! While you’re there, don’t miss the colorful laser water show.
Location: 5111 Boulder Hwy, Las Vegas, NV 89122
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock has deep ties with the music world, and The Killers are no exception. Among Hard Rock’s rich musical memorabilia is the “Bones” display. It comprises four skeletons in full rock star gear circa the Tim Burton-directed 2006 music video. You’ll also find the Sam’s Town Tour sign on the wall!
Location: Location: 4455 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Gold Coast Hotel & Casino
The Gold Coast has an important place in The Killers’ history. Before the band was the international phenomenon it is today Brandon Flowers was a young bellhop there until the band was signed. Brandon has recounted some crazy stories of his time at the Gold Coast Hotel!
Location: 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Flamingo Hotel
Flamingo Hotel is another classic Las Vegas spot. Their GO Pool is a fantastic place to party the day away. Their instantly recognizable flamingo pink parasols and bright green palm trees give it its ideal tropical vibes. Brandon Flower’s solo album is named after this iconic Vegas institution.
Location: 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Binion’s Gambling Hall
Binion’s Gambling Hall is one of the oldest casinos in town. It opened back in 1951 and was run by the Binion family until 2004. The Killers’ drummer Ronnie Vannucci had a Rolling Stone interview at the casino’s Snack Bar. Ronnie said, “I like this place because it’s real old school. My parents have been coming here forever. I just had a grilled cheese and cornbread for $3.75. That’s a reasonable price, man.” Vannucci later talked about a hidden staircase leading to a secret poker room, “for true poker players, this is still the place.”
Location: 128 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
The Palms
The Palms Casino may be temporarily closed, but when it opens back up, this is a must-visit spot for fans of Sam’s Town. The Killers recorded their second album here and were the first band to record in this studio!
Location: 4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Where To Eat
La Chapala’s
This friendly Mexican restaurant is a family-run business serving up an extensive selection of dishes as well as drinks. Brandon Flowers frequents this spot and when you go you’re sure to enjoy the great food and friendly service.
Location: 3331 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89121
Metro Pizza
Metro Pizza is a casual local Italian chain with delicious and comforting pizzas, subs, wings, and more. During a 2005 interview with Spin Magazine, The Killers stopped here and gushed over the one-and-only nuclear fries!
Location: 1395 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89119
L’Atelier
The L’Atelier at the MGM is a gourmet French tapas, perfect for a special evening out. This hot spot has become a favorite of founding band member Dave Keuning. He particularly loves the cocktails, like their mojitos.
Location: 4000 West Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Los Tacos
In an interview for Nylon Magazine, Mark Stoermer, The Killers’ bassist, said Los Tacos was one of his favorite Mexican restaurants in Vegas. Stoermer said, “It’s so authentic… It reminds me of the taquerias in San Francisco and Los Angeles.”
Location: 1710 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
The Peppermill Restaurant
The Peppermill is a must-see old-school Vegas establishment. It has been around since 1972 and serves as a reminder of how the Vegas Strip used to look. The Peppermill is an all-night restaurant with all the peculiar charm Killer fans tend to love. Bandmates Keuning and Flowers frequent this spot, so if you’re hoping to bump into them, this is a great spot to try!
Location: 2985 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku is one of the best sushi spots in all of Vegas! The L.A native Sushi Roku has charmed both locals and tourists with its delicious Japanese cuisine. Brandon Flowers has been spotted at this eatery multiple times and it’s no wonder since their food is so delicious.
Location: 3500 Las Vegas Blvd S, Ste T18, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Luv It Frozen Custard
This iconic Las Vegas spot is a staple for good reason. They have served up delicious old-style custard since 1973, selling shakes, cones, malts, and more, which the locals just love! In the 2005 Spin Magazine interview, Brandon Flowers even called it “the best-frozen custard in Vegas!”
Location: 505 E Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Bars
Champagne’s Cafe
This dark and atmospheric spot draws a unique crowd from different Vegas scenes. You’ll immediately notice its red-velvet wallpaper and velvet crushed chairs. It’s a great spot for karaoke and video poker and a fabulous reminder of a bygone era. In a Nylon interview, Mark Stoermer said, “It’s just a little room, a dive bar, a place to go late night, but it’s a real taste of old Vegas! You know, red leather seats, dark fuzzy wallpaper. Some gangster movie was filmed there; it’s very Casino-esque. And they have cheap drinks.”
Location: 3557 Maryland Pkway, 702.737.1699
Beauty Bar
Much like Anthony Bourdain, The Killers frequented this bar back in the early 2000s. Back then, you could get a beauty treatment while enjoying a fabulous cocktail. In a 2005 interview, bassist Mark Stoermer said the spot gave them hope since it was a real locals place that “doesn’t only play techno club music.” Sadly, the Beauty Bar closed down in 2019.
Location: Location: 517 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Chapel of the Flowers
If you’re a die-hard Killers fan and are looking to get hitched, there’s no better place than the legendary Little Chapel of the Flowers. Drummer Ronnie Vannucci was working as a wedding photographer at this chapel when he joined the band and recorded the band’s 2004 debut studio Hot Fuss.
Location: 1717 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Other Spots
The Neon Museum
Another quintessential Vegas spot is the Neon Museum. The band filmed their All These Things That I’ve Done music video there. The band has also shot many photoshoots there.
Location: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Drive Around The Desert
Perhaps the best way to enjoy Vegas like The Killers is to drive around the desert with your windows down while listening to Crossfire, This River is Wild, Bling, or our favorite Joy Ride! Bonus points if you pick up a blinged-out cowboy hat! You can actually drive to where their iconic Spaceman video was filmed and daydream about joining the band.
Location: 1501 Nevada Highway in Boulder City, NV 89005
Featured image: Shutterstock.com/KobbyDagan