Double Down Saloon

Review

Imagine your average, everyday neighborhood bar. Go ahead, picture it -- there's the pool table, the little stage, a pinball machine, the jukebox, the bar, maybe a video poker machine or two because, hey, it's Vegas after all.

Now inside this little fantasy bar, open the door and let in the riffraff. The punks, the tough guys, the Bettie Page girls and the dirty, tattooed rockers. Let 'em have at it, break it in, make it their home and then step back to reevaluate the space.

Welcome to the Double Down Saloon. Check your priss at the door.

Flying in the face of the cushy luxury of most bars and "ultralounges" on the Strip, the Double Down is an institution in Vegas for the fringe.

With graffiti and art covering the walls and the smell of smoke, sweat and beer in the air, there's nothing particularly warm and inviting about the Double Down, but that's exactly what makes it so irresistible to certain types of people. If you have to wonder if you're one of these people, you're probably not.

On any given night, you're likely to catch some loud, live bands or something awesome spilling from the jukebox while a revolving door of misfits from Vegas' underbelly sip away on some Ass Juice (you'll have to ask) or Schlitz beer.

It's been said that the Double Down isn't for everyone, but then, that's probably what you're looking for, right?

-- Review by Jamie Helmick