Bela Lugosi might be dead, but local goth nights have never lost their pulse. The recipe for any lucrative goth night is simple: get a reliable goth-adjacent DJ who knows the essential tracks, serve strong elixirs, and bring all the dim lighting.
Fremont East’s Griffin and the Art District’s Artifice have both been hosting their respective vampire-esque nights for years. But when the ingredients are so similar, is there really a difference between the two? It might be difficult to choose between these two alt institutions, so we’re taking the pain out of the decision by pitting the affairs against each other.
Both venues have goth nights in the works for Halloween weekend, so stay on top at artificebarlv.com and instagram.com/lasvegasgriffin.
Candles, fog machines, red hues
Griffin: One of the biggest draws to this tavern are the brick fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and an overall touch of doom and gloom. These elements make the backroom an obvious fit for a night of goth.
Artifice: All of the above and then some. One wall of the dance floor space is dedicated to projecting clips from films like Queen Of The Damned, an obvious pick but still a nice touch.
Winner: Artifice
Chances of “Love Will Tear Us Apart” playing at least twice
Griffin: Even if there isn’t a calendered event, you’ll likely hear this Joy Division track on the acclaimed jukebox.
Artifice: You might even hear it a third time here if the foot traffic spikes throughout the night.
Winner: It’s a tie.
Indoor clove-smoking section
Griffin: Although clove cigarettes are banned in the U.S., the signature sweet-and-spiced smell sometimes wafts through the crowd, which adds to the ambiance.
Artifice: Smokers need to shuffle outside for a puff.
Winner: Griffin
Space to rest your bat wings
Griffin: The backroom is dedicated mostly to dancing, so if you feel the need to sit, you must venture into the front bar and possibly fraternize with the non-goths.
Artifice: Goths rejoice! The whole bar is yours to lurk and roam about without sharing your space with onlookers.
Winner: Artifice
Latex, leather and corsets
Griffin: Like any good cult, there are the regular members who show out. They let their outfits speak for themselves, which means that the ghouls and gals will be laced up and painted to the nines at either event.
Artifice: Please see above.
Winner: It’s another tie.
Spirits and potions
Griffin: Heavy pours make for lighter feet on the dancefloor.
Artifice: Don’t sleep on the curated cocktail list.
Winner: Griffin
Polyamorous couples looking for a third
Griffin: Don’t be surprised if a couple or throuple or a quad sends a drink over to you. Goth nights are ideal hunting grounds for the explorative.
Artifice: Please see above.
Winner: Also a tie.
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