Party Like a Rock Star: A Local’s Guide to Vintage Las Vegas

Are you a rock star seeing the country one city at a time? Maybe you roll like one, with a new destination on your itinerary each night. If you spend six months traveling around the world, it can take its toll physically and financially. Where do you eat on a budget? What are the top must-see destinations? What bars do the locals recommend? Whether you’re taxiing the runway, cruising in a tour bus, or taking turns behind the wheel of a van, travel tips from locals will maximize your fun. Check out how the locals party like a rock star, vintage style, in Las Vegas.

Vintage Vegas

If you’re a fan of movies like Casino, Viva Las Vegas, and the original Oceans 11, you probably have a love affair with “Vintage Vegas.” If your desire is to ditch the glam and the glitz of the strip and indulge your nostalgic notions, we recommend you fit these into your itinerary.

Champagne’s Cafe

Champagne’s Café, established in 1966 (under various names and ownership), was a frequent watering hole for the Rat Pack. Its motto: “You’re not here for a long time, you’re here for a good time.” The old Vegas charm extends from the décor, to the service, to the intriguing characters that frequent the lounge. Check out their drink menu and sample some of the best classic cocktails in town.

Frank Cullotta Casino Tour

Speaking of intriguing characters, if you’re a fan of vintage Vegas, do not skip Frank Cullotta’s Casino Tour! Frank Cullotta consulted on the movie Casino and the character Frank Marino was based on Cullotta’s time with the infamous Chicago Gang.

I’ve been a thief, an arsonist, and I even killed some people back in the day. After that I became a government witness, movie consultant and a successful small businessman. Like me or not, I tell it like it was. – Frank Cullotta

This former enforcer does not hold back as he takes you through Vegas pointing out locations where hits went down and The Hole in the Wall Gang went under. The tour wraps with lunch at Frank’s favorite pizza joint. To book a tour, call Frank direct at (702) 622-0850. Yes, that’s really how it’s done.

Frunk Cullotta — The author with Frank Cullotta in front of the house used in the film Casino

The Last Original Casinos

The Sahara Hotel and Casino was a Las Vegas legend boasting guests and performers like Judy Garland, The Beatles, and Howard Hughes. After it closed but before it was converted to the quirkly and loveable SLS, I was able to indulge in a nostalgic stroll through the property. What it must have been like to sit in the Casbar, listening to Don Rickles at 2am while smoking complimentary cigarettes from a bowl on the bar! There are few original Vegas casinos remaining. So, take time to walk through Circus Circus and The Flamingo. Hitch a ride to Freemont Street where the old casinos are closing down left and right. Soak in the history of their halls before they too meet their demise.

The Neon Boneyard

Vegas is full of lights, but neon signs are just a memory now. Anyone with a love affair of vintage Vegas absolutely must make time for the one hour guided tour through the Neon Boneyard. Take your cell phone for an opportunity to capture over 150 unrestored Vegas treasures that have been laid to rest (professional photography not permitted without prior approval). On the off chance you didn’t get enough mobster history from Mr. Cullotta, there is a Neon Bonyard/Mob Museum combo ticket available for purchase at either location.

Peppermill

The Peppermill Restaurant and Lounge is located at the far end of the strip away from the newer casinos. Even thought the décor is trapped in the 1970s, Peppermill maintains its popularity and relevancy. Music videos by Carlos Santana, Avenged Sevenfold and Adam Lambert as well as movies and television shows like Casino and CSI Las Vegas have filmed at the diner. Peppermill is open 24 hours a day and excels with honors galore including Best Cocktail Waitress by Las Vegas Magazine, and Best Exotic Drinks and Most Romantic Bar by Menu Magazine. Bonus: Huffington Post ranked Peppermill #4 in the Twenty Great Happy Hours on the Las Vegas Strip. Hit it daily, 3-6 and again from 9-11. You’ll enjoy 50% off well drinks, wine and beer, as well as a killer $4.50 martini. Bonus: Their made-from-scratch Bloody Mary is considered the best in Vegas.

If you’re more of an out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new traveler, check out my Local’s Guide to Las Vegas.

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