There isn’t a much more competitive market in the Las Vegas Valley than locals’ bars, but Rebel Republic could stand out on multiple fronts.
LA transplant Robert Susnar modeled his establishment after local chain The Bar. “It should be a comfortable place, the food should be worthy of eating—not come out of a freezer—and you should have a good choice of beer, not just Budweiser, Miller Lite, Shock Top, f*ckin’ Sam Adams, and call it a day.”
The bar’s distinct design includes cast-iron pipes for the 52 taps, recycled gym bleacher seats for the bar top, tables built by the Amish and a bohemian/industrial theme throughout, including corrugated metal and recycled barn wood.
Susnar’s beer list includes local products like Tenaya Creek, Bad Beat and Joseph James, as well as breweries from any state that borders Nevada and some of the current heaviest hitters. Choosing will be a snap, as all of the bar’s 18 employees are level one cicerone beer servers (level three being the highest).
But that Goose Island 312 Urban Pale Ale, Ninkasi Tricerahops Double IPA or Oskar Blues Old Chub Nitro could really use a food pairing, and for his small but potent menu Susnar snagged F.A.M.E. chef Bryan Emperor, who makes everything from scratch, including the mysterious “Rebel” sauce on everything from the pork cutlet sandwich to the tempura avocado. His Rebel Burger, made from fresh-ground top sirloin, is sure to get local foodies talking.
And Susnar is serious about local sports, hence the name. A large chalkboard on one wall will feature college sports scores. “Every city will have a sports team you’re proud of and a history you’re proud of,” Susnar says. “You have to immerse yourself in the culture of a town. That’s the idea here as well.”
Rebel Republic 3540 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. E-1, 702-538-9050. 24/7.
