It was once a rare, possibly endangered species, but today it’s thriving. We’re talking about the native Las Vegan.
“People are surprised when I tell them I’m actually from here,” says Julie Robbins, cocktail server at the tropical hideaway dayclub Bare at the Mirage. “It happens almost every day. ... I think I’m the first person they’ve ever met who’s from Las Vegas.”
In all seriousness, the Bishop Gorman High School grad—and hospitality veteran who’s worked at Strip restaurants Stack and Fix, Bellagio cocktail lounge Lily and Mandalay Bay’s Light Nightclub—encounters a wild and diverse crowd at Bare, people from all over the world who have discovered the intimate, luxurious space.
“You’re not allowed to take pictures and videos here, so you don’t see a whole lot on social media, since it’s so private and it’s ‘toptional,’” Robbins says. “But you have to come out on Monday. It’s so different. Friday and Saturday, it’s a bigger mixed crowd, but Mondays you definitely see a lot of industry people and a younger crowd.”
What other insider tips can she offer? Robbins happens to be a steak-and-red-wine kind of girl, so ask her advice when you’re choosing between Vegas’ top chophouses. “Stack and Fix are easy go-to places, and Oscar’s [Downtown] is pretty good, too. I went to Craftsteak at MGM Grand recently, and that’s really good.” Remember, natives know best.
