Located a block north of bustling Fremont East, the Lobby Bar at the renovated Downtowner motel seems a bit under the radar among Las Vegas drinking nooks. Since it opened in January, however, the 15-seater has been serving some of the most spirited deals in the Valley, in a sociable space with a mellow midcentury modern vibe recalling ’50s Miami or Palm Springs.
The house drink menu features concoctions perfect for the Mojave Desert climate. The Azelea, official cocktail of the PGA’s Masters Tournament, is a sunshiney blend of gin, lime juice, pineapple juice, peach schnapps and simple syrup on the rocks. The strained Hole in One unites Scotch, sweet vermouth, lemon juice and orange bitters. Both cost just $6, as does the John Daly, vodka-spiked iced tea and lemonade. A Dark & Stormy, the classic blend of rum and ginger beer, is a spicy winner ($7). Tap beers include a couple of locals, Bad Beat’s Bluffing isn’t Weisse ($6) and Tenaya Creek’s Bonanza Brown ($5), plus good ol’ PBR ($3).
Picking up a golfing theme? The Lobby Bar also serves as the “clubhouse” for the hotel’s six-hole, retro-themed mini golf course. You can check out a putter and ball from your bartender and hit the adjacent artificial-turf links. But be forewarned: The holes might look easy, but they’ve been designed with invisible embankments and tricky slopes.
THE Downtowner Lobby Bar 129 N. 8th St., 702-553-2553. 24/7.
