Pogo's Tavern

 

Never mind the neighborhood around it: Don't call Pogo's Tavern a dive bar. It's too elegant, too proud, too clean -- and has something most any Vegas bar should have.

It's not the staff members, though they are warm and personable. Nor is it the cool and cozy booths, the dark wood paneling or Budweiser signs circa 1969 (the Clydesdales, man, remember the Clydesdales). It's not even the sign over the bar that announces, "This establishment voted no on the 18th Amendment and yes on the 21st," or the free bowls of popcorn.

What Pogo's Tavern has is a venerable "big band." Until recently, the All Star Band was led by fiercely charismatic drummer Irv Kluger, who sadly passed in March 2006. Keyboardist Dick Fazio is keeping the tradition alive, leading the group of big-band veterans that kick out eager renditions of "Avalon," "Stardust," "One O'Clock Jump" and any other swing standard you can think of. Not a single member of the band is younger than 60, but you wouldn't know it, the way these fellas try to burn down the joint every Friday.

The band plays only on Friday nights from 8 p.m. to closing, and that's when we recommend you visit Pogo's Tavern. And we do recommended it -- that is, if you've ever wondered what this town did for kicks before Vegas became synonymous with roller coasters, Crazy Girls and theme-park overkill. Wear something vintage, friend, and we'll save you a chair.

-- Review by Geoff Carter

 

Las Vegas Life's 2004 Vegas 100 named Pogo's Tavern Best Jazz Club.