Drai's After Hours

Review

So, the DJ is starting to wind down at the club but you've still got a solid 6 hours or so of party left in you. The timeless dilemma many of us have encountered at some point or another.

What to do, what to do?

At first glance, you wouldn't think that Bill's Gambling Hall would be home to one of Vegas' best after-hours spots, but then again this city is full of pleasant surprises like Drai's, tucked in the basement of Bill's Gambling Hall.

Plain and simple, if you're looking for after-hours fun on the Strip, this is the place to go. It doesn't even open until 1 a.m., but like most after-hours spots, it really gets into a groove a few hours into the morning, say around 3 or 4 a.m.

The dimly-lit main room tends to stick to house and dance beats, with a second, smaller room usually playing hip-hop. The former in particular is a big draw at Drai's, making the place a bit of a local's favorite for progressive house.

Despite having a decently sized (for a smaller venue) dance floor, the club has a heavy lounge vibe throughout, with the low red lighting, dark, old-school accents and abundance of cushy booth seats and couches. The walls are mostly shelves lined with books, sculptures and art and tables are low and candle-lit.

In fact, everything is so done-up that there's an interesting mix of borderline kitsch and straight-up luxury in the place that gives it all the charm. Sitting at a table with some friends and a bottle is that much better when the ambiance is just a notch overdone.

Drai's is a reminder that the night is still young, even if it's technically the morning. Just be warned: By the time you come out of the dark club, you'll probably be saying hello to the sun's rays. Brace yourself.

-- Review by Jorge Labrador