Beauty Bar

Founded in New York City 10 years ago by Paul Devitt, the Las Vegas location of Beauty Bar -- a trendy retro-cool beauty salon-themed nightspot -- follows the same formula that has found success in Los Angeles and San Francisco as well: mix martinis and manicures, offering a kitschy alternative to the endless parade of masculine sports bars.

Of course, Las Vegas being as kooky as it is, you can have bare breasts shaking in your face while you down tequila shots, but apparently the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology says you cannot have a martini while getting a manicure.

However, this won't stop the fun at Beauty Bar, a gaming-free joint outfitted with '50s salon décor -- including old-school hair dryer seats -- located downtown, just east of the Fremont Street Experience. The 2,100-square-foot location features retro salon equipment imported from the Capri Salon and Style in Trenton, N.J., as well as its own piece of Vegas history -- alcove lighting from the recently imploded Algiers Hotel.

With live DJs seven nights a week and no cover charge (except during special events), Beauty Bar just could be the spark to set ablaze the reinvigoration of Fremont Street. And fret not -- the martinis-and-manicures happy hour still exists, just modified to include manicure "demonstrations" as opposed to the actual nail work. Just like most of Las Vegas, it's even better than the real thing.

-- Review by Pj Pérez

More info: Every first Friday of the month, Chez Bippy presents "The Get Back," a funky soul party, with DJs John Doe, Danny Boy, Dirtycrum, Standing B, Pizzo, Phoreyz, Aurajin and OB One; party starts at 10 p.m., cover is $5 for ladies and $10 for gentlemen.