I’ve never been a fan of breakfast in Vegas.

I don’t want to get up that early. I get that people fly in from different time zones, blah blah blah, but I’m not in that group, especially on weekends after a Friday, or/and, Saturday night of overdrinking and desperately needing a hangover fix.

(Which, by the way, the best way to cure a hangover in Vegas? Start drinking again.)

Wifey loves brunch and part of marriage is compromise (“at least that’s what she tells me…”). So when she booked STK, I was half-excited. I’ve hit most of the usual Strip brunches, Spago, Primrose, Hakkasan, Mon Ami, but STK has always somehow dodged me.

We went at prime time. 11 a.m. on a Sunday.

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There’s been a lot of social suffering around Derek Stevens and what he’s doing at Golden Gate. He owns the land, he removed all the gaming tables (which brought some heat his direction online), but I don’t know many people pissed about his

“The Night Starts Here”

free drink and free play promo.

On a Monday night around 5:40 we strolled in to see what it was all about. Once again Derek was nowhere to be found. I keep trying to meet the guy for shots; guess he’s not as cool as Tim at Four Queens… jab intended, Derek, if you’re reading.

What we found was a crowd. We went to get our free play and wristbands at the Club One desk. I scored a $10 voucher. A few minutes later the bar opened at 6 p.m. There was a line, but it moved pretty fast.

We kept it simple and ordered Jack & Coke. I wasn’t gonna get fancy with that many people waiting for free drinks, I’m not that big of an asshole. Plus we had just come from the Hogs & Heifers pop-up (that newsletter is coming) and kinda settled on that being the drink for the afternoon.

Dude hands us each two drinks, a casino glass, but poured decent. We each threw a $5 spot in the jar and hit the slots.

I played some volcano game, hit a bonus of $135. Ok, now I’m happy. I turned $10 free play into $135 in my pocket for a total of $10 in tips for drinks.

Where you at Derek? I’ll give ya a hug.

Back to the bar we go for another round. Once again, two drinks each, we didn’t ask for two.

Now I’m not looking for a tip lesson or argument here, I try and stay out of that whole drama, but since this is my newsletter I’ll give you my take.

I typically tip based on service. I come from a background of restructuring companies around employee and customer service, so if I get good service in a place where tipping is culture, I tip accordingly. If I get shit service, I tip accordingly. I’m not doing it “just because.”

This was really neither, long lines, free quick drinks, they were polite. The service was baked into the promotion, and it’s a stellar one. I say all this because where I do agree with the heavy tip-talkers is in the “don’t be an asshole” message.

I’m sure some of you might say $5 was too much for two drinks, some might say it was too little. For under a minute’s work and the stress of the lines, I felt it was okay. The surprise to me though is that we were really some of the only ones doing it. They have a tip jar there and I actually saw some people putting in change only for a free drink… huh. Some a dollar or two, but mostly nothing, and this was after getting free play as well. I can’t be the only person that won a little.

I kept playing with a total winning of $165, then at the last minute lost it down to a cash out of $128.72. We went to the bar a total of 4 times… don’t you dare fucking judge me… lol. Each of us getting two drinks at a time, tipping $5 every time for a total of $40 between the two of us.

Wifey broke completely even with the free play and drinks. I walked away net $108.72. So I got paid $100 for just over an hour of fun and had 8 drinks (again, small ones… I can feel you judging me).

The vibe is certainly old-school with people toasting, dancers, loud music, and lights. I don’t know of a better place to spend an hour at 6 p.m. in Las Vegas on a Monday, or any night for that matter.

The Verdict

Derek Stevens gets a lot of heat for removing tables at Golden Gate, but “The Night Starts Here” is one of the smartest promos running Downtown right now. Free play voucher (up to $1,000 mystery envelope), open bar 6–7 p.m., slot leaderboard for another $1,000 in free play, and a T-shirt giveaway for big hits or high points.

It’s not fancy. It’s not trying to be. It’s just a damn good way to kick off the night with zero pressure and real value. I turned $10 into $165, tipped $40 total, and still walked with over $100 in my pocket after drinks. That’s the kind of math I like in Vegas.

If you’re Downtown and want to start the night right, show up between 4–6 p.m. for check-in, grab your wristband and voucher, hit the open bar at 6, and let the slots do the rest.

I’ll be back for sure!

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-Jason

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© 2026 Vegas Uncomped

Alright, let’s go.

I love hanging out in the Arts District. There’s so much to see and do, and yeah, a shitload of places to eat and drink. After some proper debauchery Downtown, hanging at Four Queens, Binion’s, and Golden Gate, we wanted a quieter night. So Letty’s de Leticia’s Cocina it is. Quick Lyft ride, walked in, no wait on a Monday night.

I’ve been here before. Always had great service and decent Mexican food. You gotta remember I’m from Texas and grew up on the border, so if I say it’s good, it’s actually good. Letty’s always was… until tonight.

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This is exactly how it happened as we walked off the elevator at New York-New York on St. Patrick’s Day 2026.

I’ve been trying to show these budget-ish Vegas properties the way they actually hit, not cleaned up later, not softened, and definitely not run through the usual fake-ass “everything is amazing” Vegas filter.

If you remember Excalibur, that room came with the previous guest’s dirty flip-flops. I assumed that was a weird one-off.

Apparently not.

Because once again, I got some free bonus items from people who had already checked out.

I booked this as a comp night through MyVegas. Gold, so no resort fee.

We just wanted somewhere easy to crash during the St. Paddy’s Day madness and before the VGK game that night without having to walk all the way back to Vdara.

For that, it did the job.

But it also came with a few problems.

At this point I’m starting to think I’m either incredibly unlucky or Vegas housekeeping has decided I’m the official curator of abandoned guest artifacts.

I’ll also show below how easy it was to print our own key cards from the MGM app. We skipped the long line downstairs, and there definitely was one, and got upstairs in a few minutes. That part was smooth, exactly what you’d expect from MGM when the tech actually behaves.

Then the room happened.

NYNY is older, sure, but it’s still one of my favorite places to hang before and after VGK games.

The property itself? Totally workable.

The room? That’s where things got interesting.

At the time, it didn’t really bother me. After the video, I noticed it looked like someone had ripped out the fridge.

I called down to mention it (mostly so I didn’t get charged), and was told they would send up housekeeping to collect the neck pillow for lost and found and replace the fridge, but that never happened. What surprised me the most was the difference in customer service at Vdara vs. NYNY.

After thinking about it, for a night, or what we were using it for, this would be fine, but for a few days? No way, and frankly, no one should be ok with this…

-Jason

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Maybe you just got out of a VGK game. Maybe a concert. Maybe you went on a heater at a table and suddenly realized you haven’t eaten since whatever overpriced appetizer was pretending to be dinner six hours ago.

You’re hungry. You’re on the Strip. And you think:
It’s Vegas. This city never sleeps, right?

Wrong.
Or at least… not in the way it used to.

There’s a growing trend on the Strip, and once you notice it, you can’t unsee it: places just aren’t open as late as they once were, and finding something decent after 10 p.m. is way more annoying than it should be in a city that built its entire personality around excess, convenience, and bad decisions at unreasonable hours.

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The Las Vegas Monorail is something I have a love/hate relationship with.

It’s one of those things that sounds genius on paper, a quick, elevated ride skipping Strip traffic. But in reality? It’s like that friend who’s super convenient when you’re in the mood, but a pain in the ass any other time. We all have a Lenny…. lol

I’ve ridden it enough to know both sides. During my recent MGM Grand stay, it was nice for hopping to places on the east side. But if your plans start on the west?

Forget it.

The system opened in 2004 with big promises: 7 stations from Sahara to MGM Grand, every 4–8 minutes, no traffic. It’s still running that way in 2026 - 99% uptime, clean cars, and a smooth ride. But ridership tells the story: around 5.5–5.8 million passengers a year (stable post-pandemic, up 5% YoY from conventions). That’s decent, but way under its designed capacity of 30 million. Daily average? 15,000–19,000 riders. During CES? It spikes to 140,000 over four days. Otherwise? Often feels empty.

Is it failed? Nah. Profitable under LVCVA ownership since 2020. But underutilized? Absolutely. Blame the limited route, east side only, no west stops like Bellagio or Caesars, no airport extension despite years of talks. A Sphere stop would’ve been killer (the ride by it now is pretty cool), and I’m shocked it hasn’t made Sahara more popular.

No plans for new trains or extensions in 2026, the Bombardier fleet (from 2004) is aging but upgraded ($12M in tracks/power/maintenance) to last until at least 2035. Parts are still available; rumors of “no new trains possible” are bogus.

The Good: When It Works, It’s Gold

If you’re staying at a station hotel (MGM Grand, Horseshoe, Sahara), it’s super convenient. During that MGM stay, we used it to hit Chilangos Tacos in front of Horseshoe (Go There). No Uber, no walking in 100-degree heat. $6 single ride ($5.50 e-Ticket), or unlimited passes: 24-hour $15 ($13.45 e-Ticket), up to 7-day $62 ($57.50). Locals with Nevada ID get 50% off.

Digital tickets are a game-changer. Buy online, get a QR code on your phone, scan at the gate (as in my video). Valid for a year, activates on first use. No lines at vending machines. MyVegas rewards sweeten it: BOGO or half-off multi-day passes (redeem in-app, show code at station, pay for one/get second cheap).

For conventions? It’s a no-brainer (sometimes), direct to LVCC is cool for Cowboy Christmas and other happenings there. And during big events, it removes thousands of car trips from the Strip.

The Bad: When It Doesn’t, It’s a Bitch

To really be successful, it should’ve serviced both sides of the Strip and gone to the airport. Huge miss. It’s a bitch to get to from most places; stations are set way back, so you’re trekking through casinos just to board. If your plans start or end on the west side? Zero value.

From NYNY to Caesars? I’m not so sure it isn’t quicker to cut through Park MGM, hop the Bellagio tram, and walk over than looping through MGM to Horseshoe and across. Misdirection at its finest.

I never stay north Strip, but if they build an arena up there, the lack of more stops will be an even bigger disappointment. And that empty-train feel? It’s real outside peak hours.

The Verdict: Underutilized, Not Failed — Use It Smart

The Monorail isn’t a failed experiment. It’s profitable, reliable, and a lifesaver for east-side hops or conventions. But it’s underused because it’s too limited, no airport, no west side, no Sphere stop. Ridership could double with those fixes, but don’t hold your breath.

If you’re at MGM/Horseshoe/Sahara and heading that direction, grab a digital pass and go. Otherwise? Uber or walk. For MyVegas players, the BOGO makes it a steal.

In 2026, it’s still worth it for what it is. Just don’t expect it to be more.

What’s your Monorail take — underrated hack or overrated relic?

-Jason

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Then I saw the suggestions people were throwing out and thought, “Holy shit, someone needs to call this out.” Pizza in Vegas falls into two camps: over-the-top family-style experiences or quick grab-and-go slices. Both can be epic. Both are fucking expensive.

Here’s my no-BS ranking: the hands-down best, the one you’re sleeping on, the greasy cure, and the skip that’s straight-up not worth it.

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I’m blasting this out early because a holiday built around adopting drinking beer is upon us, and I’m all in for it. (and getting on a plane to go back home)

St. Patrick’s Day in Vegas is glorious chaos: green lights everywhere, shamrock shots, and crowds that turn the Strip into a leprechaun mosh pit. But if you want real fun without the vomit parade, here’s my 2026 plan.

We’re on the Strip, catching the VGK game on Tuesday the 17th, and killing festivities all week. Home base for St Paddy’s? NYNY.

Why? Because NYNY goes all in with a full-blown St. Patrick’s Day Festival, and my favorite Irish Bar, Nine Fine Irishmen, is the centerpiece.

Monday the 16th – Fremont Street
We’re heading Downtown for the Fremont St. Paddy’s Bash. March 15–17 under the canopy: free outdoor bars, live bands, jig contests, cash prizes, Celtic dancers, green Viva Vision screen, shamrock giveaways, and the firefighter parade on the 17th at 11 a.m. I’ll be there Monday night soaking it in.

I even sent a shout-out on X to Four Queens offering to buy Tim (their CEO) some shots. Guess he’s ducking me. Either way, it’s time to celebrate being part Irish, or just looking for a little luck.

Tuesday the 17th – VGK Game + NYNY Takeover
Game day. VGK vs. Chicago. We’ll be at T-Mobile Arena, then straight back to base for the real party.

NYNY is throwing a massive St. Patrick’s Day Festival March 14–17 (noon daily): the Brooklyn Bridge turns into the “paddy’o” with live music, dancers, bagpipers, carnival games, face painting, circus acts, and nonstop entertainment. Nine Fine Irishmen is the heart of it, it’s an authentic Irish pub (shipped from Ireland, reassembled in Vegas), new patio overlooking the Strip, hearty food (Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, corned beef & cabbage), and strong drinks.

They’re also running specials all week: Corned Beef & Cabbage $28, Reuben Egg Rolls $16, Shamrock Sour $14, and plenty of Guinness pours. Starts early, so grab a spot on the patio for people-watching and the Brooklyn Bridge backdrop. It’s gonna be rowdy.

Around Town Festivities (Quick Hits)

• Henderson St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival (March 13–15, Water Street Plaza) – 58th annual, free three-day bash: carnival rides, live music, food vendors, parade on March 14 at 10 a.m. Family-friendly daytime, boozy nights.

• Fremont Street St. Paddy’s Bash (March 15–17) – Free under canopy: outdoor bars, live bands, jig contests, firefighter parade March 17 at 11 a.m., green Viva Vision screen. Massive crowds, pure Downtown energy.

• Rí Rá Irish Pub PaddyFest (March 10–17, Mandalay Place) – Free week-long celebration: live music, dancers, bagpipers, Irish food specials. Authentic pub feel.

• Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas (March 17, all day) – Free entry, German-Irish fusion: corned beef, cabbage, green beer, live music. Off-Strip, quirky fun.

• The STRAT St. Patrick’s Day (March 17, all day) – Tower lit green, Irish specials, live music at View Lounge. Drink deals (Jameson $8, Guinness $7).

• Linq Promenade St. Patrick’s Day (March 17–20) – Free: green High Roller lights, bagpipers, food carts, circus acts, face painting. Chill family vibes.

• Pinkbox Doughnuts Specials (March 1–17) – Themed doughnuts (mint buttercream, sour rainbow). Quick sugar hit before the beer.

Pro Tips

• Wear green, or Gold if you’re going to the game.

• Start early, join in to actually enjoy it.

• NYNY is the move for South Strip—close to T-Mobile, massive festival all week, Brooklyn Bridge patio killer for watching madness below.

• Rí Rá Irish Pub is another don’t skip.

• Full renovated NYNY room review coming next week with all the fun.

St. Paddy’s in Vegas is a blast if you pick your spots. I’m sure I’ll crash a few more places, but Downtown Monday and then back to the Strip for hockey and pints around Nine Fine on Tuesday…. Seems like the best plan for me!

Whatever you choose, raise a glass. sláinte. I’ll be looking for Kilkenny all week.

If you find me, let’s do some shots!!

What’s your St. Paddy’s plan in Vegas this year?

-Jason

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You’re standing on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard, waiting for the light to change. A crowd has formed. Someone is holding a yard-long margarita. Another person is filming the fountains at Bellagio. A group of friends debates whether they should walk or just call an Uber.

Then the signal flips.

Two hundred pedestrians surge forward at once while taxis and rideshares try to sneak through before the light turns red. It feels less like crossing a street and more like playing a live-action version of Frogger.

And it raises a question that sounds radical until you’ve experienced it firsthand:

Is it time to close the Las Vegas Strip to traffic?

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The First Time Vegas Clicked

My first trip to Las Vegas (in the 90’s), we stayed at Harrah’s.

Big mistake.

At the time, I didn’t know any better. A room on the Strip was a room on the Strip, and I figured Vegas would just magically feel exciting no matter where you slept. But after walking around for a few hours, something felt off. Harrah’s had no real character. It felt like a placeholder casino you could drop into any city and nobody would notice the difference.

Then we wandered into New York-New York.

And I remember stopping mid-walk, just taking it in.

Arguably one of the most accurate and immersive themes ever built on the Strip. Steam rising from manhole covers (RIP, they don’t work anymore), village-style eateries wrapping through winding paths, the Brooklyn Bridge stretching across the skyline outside, and dozens of tiny design details most people probably never even noticed. It didn’t feel like a casino trying to look fancy. It felt like stepping into another city entirely, I think that was their point…

That was the moment Vegas-theme properties finally made sense to me.

We stayed there for years after that. NYNY became our default. Comfortable, energetic, familiar. But like a lot of older Strip properties, time eventually caught up with it. The rooms started feeling dated. The casino evolved away from its original Central Park charm. Newer resorts arrived louder, shinier, and more expensive, and slowly NYNY lost some of its shine.

For a while, it felt like a place you used to love rather than somewhere you planned to return.

Then T-Mobile Arena opened next door.

And everything quietly started changing again.

The Renovation Reset

Between 2023 and 2025, MGM poured more than $63 million into renovating every room at New York-New York. Instead of leaning harder into heavy theming, they went the opposite direction, redesigning the spaces into modern “Soho loft” style rooms. Brighter finishes, smarter storage, cleaner layouts, and a contemporary NYC apartment feel replaced the older décor.

Reviews started calling the upgrade “leaps and bounds better,” and honestly, that tracks.

The rooms finally caught up to the rest of the Strip without stripping away the personality that made the property work in the first place. It feels refreshed without feeling corporate. Polished without becoming sterile.

She got some glam but lost none of her charm.

And maybe most importantly, NYNY stayed relatively budget-friendly compared to newer luxury resorts trying to justify premium pricing simply because they’re new.

But the renovation isn’t actually why I’m writing this.

The real story is the vibe.

The Vibe People Are Sleeping On

NYNY still carries an energy that a lot of visitors overlook because they assume older means outdated. What it actually delivers is something increasingly rare on the Strip: movement, spontaneity, and fun that doesn’t feel forced.

Since the arrival of T-Mobile Arena, the property has become a natural gathering point, especially Pre/Post Vegas Golden Knights games. What used to be just another themed casino now feels like a neighborhood hub. Hockey Sweaters everywhere. Fans from both teams mixing together. Conversations starting between strangers who were yelling at each other two hours earlier inside the arena.

Beerhaus has basically turned into Hockey Central before games. After games, the night flows easily depending on your mood. You can settle into a proper dinner at Gallagher’s Steakhouse (hurry for this one), pivot to margaritas at Gonzalez y Gonzalez, or grab something dependable at Chin Chin without ever feeling like you need a full logistical dinner plan.

The dueling piano energy at Bar at Times Square still pulls crowds nightly, and Nine Fine Irishmen now spills onto a new Strip-facing patio that might be one of the best people-watching spots in the city. Come St. Patrick’s Day, that place turns into joyful chaos, and I fully expect to be somewhere in the middle of it because they are having a St. Patrick’s Day Festival including live music, games and fun!. Party on the Paddy’o starts at 5 p.m. where the Brooklyn Bridge features a bagpipe performance, live music, nonstop entertainment, and traditional Irish fare from Nine Fine Irishmen. Festivities for the annual Irish extravaganza will continue every day at 5 p.m. through March 17. I’ll be there pre- and post-VGK game!

Some of my favorite moments at NYNY are still the simplest ones. Grabbing a sandwich at Greenberg’s Deli, or the pizza-and-beer special at Sirrico’s Pizza for under twelve bucks, wandering the pathways, and just watching Vegas move around you.

Not everything needs to be a reservation, and there are several not so opbvious spots in the Village eateries like Lucky Pig, Fulton's Fish Fry, and you also can’t forget Tom’s or Shake Shack out front.

The Part Vegas Travelers Get Wrong

Here’s the thing people don’t always realize: Vegas fun isn’t directly tied to luxury. Sometimes it’s inversely related.

The more expensive and polished a property becomes, the more pressure it creates. Every drink feels like a decision. Every meal carries expectations. You start subconsciously trying to justify the cost instead of relaxing into the experience.

NYNY doesn’t do that to you.

It feels approachable. Social. Easy.

You spend because you’re having fun, not because you’re trying to validate the environment you paid to enter. And that difference changes the entire rhythm of a trip.

Vegas works best when it feels playful, not performative.

The Verdict: NYNY Is Back

New York-New York isn’t the flashiest hotel on the Strip, and it never tried to be. It doesn’t compete with Wynn’s luxury or Fontainebleau’s modern spectacle.

What it offers instead is something harder to manufacture: personality paired with practicality.

The rooms are finally updated. The location next to T-Mobile Arena gives it constant energy. Dining options range from sit-down experiences to quick, somewhat affordable bites. The theming still works without feeling dated. And the overall experience delivers something many newer resorts struggle to create.

Fun.

Real, walk-around, stay-longer-than-you-planned fun.

NYNY may have lost the steaming manhole covers, but it kept its soul. And in 2026, that might make it one of the smartest stays on the Strip again.

Vegas changes constantly, but every once in a while a place finds its rhythm again. New York-New York isn’t trying to out-luxury the Strip or reinvent itself into something unrecognizable. It just quietly fixed what needed fixing and remembered what made people fall in love with it in the first place.

If you’ve been skipping it for years, it might be time to walk back through those streets again. You may realize the best parts of Vegas weren’t replaced. They were just waiting for you to notice they came back.

-Jason

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© 2026 Vegas Uncomped

Pool season in Vegas is finally kicking off, and if you’re like me, this is one of the best times of the year. Nothing beats that first day you can actually lounge by a pool without freezing your ass off. and in the early spring months, the weather is tolerable to actually walk on the pool deck without frying your feet from the hot Vegas summer sun. So I thought I’d do the work and release this year’s opening dates with a few tips and tricks.

You don’t have to stay where you want to splash, but it certainly does help.

So here’s the no-BS 2026 guide: exact dates, who gets in for free, what day passes actually cost, and the pools worth your time (and money).

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Part of the Tao Group, it opened in the fall of 2023, and it was honestly one of the reasons I booked my recent MGM stay.

You see, I grew up around Italians. Real ones. The kind where you walk in and see meats hanging from the kitchen ceiling and Nonnas already cooking dinner at 10 a.m. (or earlier). I’ve been spoiled. Fortunate as hell, but spoiled. So when it comes to Italian food, I’m super critical. I can’t help it.

We hit Luchini on a Saturday night. Had reservations, but honestly I don’t think we needed them. The place was busy, but not slammed. Outside it’s got that fun Italian street vibe. Inside? Green tile, brick walls, nice, but not over-the-top. It just felt like an Italian restaurant, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for.

We got seated quicker than we could even order a drink at the bar. Service was almost immediate. Tao Group is really good at that. The table behind us was complaining about drink service, but some people just need to relax. Ours was fine. I barely noticed the wait.

We each started with a Bronx Noir — their take on an Old Fashioned with Makers, Amaro, Mission Fig, chocolate bitters. One of these days I’ll remember my rule: “Don’t fuck with Old Fashioneds.” But I like trying new things. Lesson learned, I apparently don’t really care for figs. Downed it like a shot and chased it with water for the rest fo the meal. I’d been drinking all day anyway.

Portions are big and shareable, so pricing felt pretty reasonable by Vegas standards. Our total before tip was under $150, and we each had a $22 drink. That’s not bad for drinks, an app, salad, and an entrée.

We kicked off with the Charcuterie Board ($28) “Char-coootie-arie” or however you say it. Meats, cheeses, gnocco fritto. Great start, and cheaper than Eataly. Then the Chopped Salad ($23). Prosciutto, cucumber, olive, tomato, pepperoncini, parmesan, sherry vinaigrette. Gigantic. Could have fed three. Solid, probably my #2 chopped salad in Vegas. First would be a surprise to a lot of people… Future newsletter… perhaps.

The mark of any Italian place is the pasta, so Short Rib Lasagna Pinwheels it was. Covered in marinara and mozzarella, $41 (their highest pasta). Not traditional Italian by any means, the short rib threw my brain for a loop at first, but the sauce tasted fresh, the pasta was on point, and the short rib was super tender. Different, but very good. Splitting it made it easy on the wallet, sure, but we weren’t hungry enough for dessert after it all, either.

Chicken parm and meatballs looked killer walking by, and the house focaccia had me curious. I kind of wish we had been with a larger group; we could have certainly tried more. Big Italian family-style dinners are always a great time.

Now for the comparison that might get me some heat: When you look at the whole package— price, taste, environment— I’d pick Luchini over Carbone any day. Carbone feels like a rip-off for what you get, and it really isn’t a whole lot better. If you want high-priced “look at me” Italian, Spago brunch on the patio by the Bellagio Fountains is where you should be, and if you want better-priced food and a genuinely fun environment with friends, I’m still sending you off-Strip to Capo’s every time. Luchini sits right in that sweet spot for me. Not bank-breaking, not influencer IG bait, just solid. I’d never tell anyone not to go. We enjoyed it.

Then it was time for Chez Bippy.

We had reservations but were early, so they said go right in. You walk through the Slice Shop (pizza-by-the-slice counter), push the side of the red vintage candy vending machine, and it swings open like a door. That part is still cool as hell.

Inside? Dark, deep red, moody. But incredibly loud for a speakeasy. Like Fremont Street Experience on Concert nights loud. The bartender was walking around taking orders, which I thought was odd for a place that small. Service wasn’t crazy slow, but definitely longer than I expected. Maybe an off night. Didn’t ruin it for me.

I was tired of fancy whisky drinks, so I went simple with a Whistle Pig Rye Old Fashioned. Solid. On point. Exactly what I wanted. Wifey got the Bella Notte (vodka, Licor 43, coffee liqueur, Frangelico, espresso, vanilla gelato). Good thing we skipped dessert, she said it was basically one.

We had one round and bounced. The volume had nowhere to go, so it felt more like a closed-off lobby bar than a true speakeasy. I love hidden bars (Laundry Room is still king), but this one lands in the “one-drink-if-you’re-already-here” category for us.

Would we go back?

If we’re already eating at Luchini, sure. Would we seek it out like I do 1923 or Laundry Room? Nah.

If you’re a fan of speakeasies, here’s a review of my favorite one. It might become your favorite as well.

The Verdict: Solid Choice, Not a Destination

Luchini is exactly what it should be. reliable, reasonably priced Italian that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. For the money and vibe, I’d take it over a lot of the overhyped Strip Italian spots. Chez Bippy is cool for the gimmick and the drinks, but the loudness keeps it from being a repeat destination.

If you’re at MGM and want good Italian without the Carbone price tag, go. Reservations are recommended on weekends, but not required. Push the vending machine door after dinner. Have the one drink. Enjoy the little Vegas surprise.

-Jason

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© 2026 Vegas Uncomped

I’ve watched someone lose $100 in a slot machine in under five minutes without flinching. I’ve seen $28 cocktails signed off like they were bottled water. I’ve watched $1000 dinners get rationalized as “it’s a special trip.”

But suggest a $12 Uber ride to grab supplies off-Strip, and suddenly we’re auditing line items like we’re preparing for tax season.

So what actually drives a hotel booking in Las Vegas?

Is it location? Luxury? Amenities? Distance to a convenience store so you don’t pay $18 for water?

Or are those just the reasons we tell ourselves because they sound responsible?

I book Vegas often. Quick weekends. Full weeks. Sometimes a month at a time since we sold our place and I’m waiting for the housing market to stop being delusional. I’m not flying in on a private jet with someone holding an iPad with my name on it and a chilled towel. I’m not a mythical comp whale.

I’m right in the middle.

And that’s exactly why I’ve learned what actually matters.

The First Decision You Pretend Isn’t a Decision

If you’re not driving in, your first real Vegas choice happens the moment you step outside the airport.

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Hands down, my favorite Bellagio Conservatory display is always the Chinese New Year.

Something about the reds, deep, bold, everywhere, mixed with those tiny, obsessive details they nail harder than any other season. The lanterns glowing like they’re lit from within, the intricate florals, the way the whole thing feels alive and intentional. I don’t pretend to fully get every layer of the tradition, but I’ve pocketed more than a few red envelopes with $$$ tucked inside over the years, and I appreciate the inclusion every time.

This year? Year of the Fire Horse, kicking off Feb 17, 2026 (Lunar New Year proper lasts through the Lantern Festival on March 3). It’s a rare combo: Horse zodiac plus Fire element, repeating only every 60 years (last one was 1966). That adds extra punch to the energy.

Fire Horse traits? Charismatic and magnetic, life of the party, natural leaders who draw eyes without trying. Bold, adventurous, fearless about risks and new territory. Highly independent, self-reliant, confident as hell. Energetic and driven, intense motivation that can lead to big wins... or burnout if you don’t pace it. Impulsive, headstrong, stubborn—act fast, dig in hard, sometimes tough to rein in. Man, that was alot…

If you’re born in 1966, chime in, how spot-on is this? The rarity makes 2026 special. Vegas leans into it hard. Strip decked in red, horses everywhere, lanterns swinging, the whole vibe screaming opportunity and courage.

Personally? I’m Year of the Rabbit (gentle, sensitive, artistic, patient, good listener, loyal friend... yet sometimes timid or overly cautious). Yeah, my soul clearly didn’t get the memo on all of that…lol.

Bellagio Conservatory’s display (through Feb 28) is a stunner, three gold horses, Caishen the God of Wealth, Ajla the Cheerful Child, massive displays, and immersive florals. Free, always packed, but worth the walk-through.

Aria’s has a killer lobby display and a dragon and lion dance performance (Feb 20 at 6:30 p.m. near main valet. Southern Shaolin Kung Fu style, gold uniforms, pure energy).

Other spots: Downtown Summerlin parade Feb 17 at 6 p.m. (dragon dance, fan dancers, stilt walkers), Fremont East parade Feb 21 (11 a.m.–noon, floats, lions, cultural performances). CNY in the Desert™ events Feb 19–21 (gala, illusions show with Shin Lim, parade). Resorts World, Venetian/Palazzo, Chinatown spots with special menus. Even The Garden Table at Bellagio does immersive tea-house dining in a pagoda setup. This is just a sample of all the goings on.

If you’re out today or this week, swing by Bellagio first, snap your pics (I’m sharing a ton of what I took here.)

The 2026 Year of the Fire Horse is a high-octane, transformative year. Double Fire energy means bold risks, magnetic charisma, and big momentum, but burnout lurks if you don’t pace yourself. Charge forward with fearless moves, but build in rest so you don’t flame out before the Lantern Festival ends.

Happy Lunar New Year, Vegas. Gallop responsibly. 🐎🔥

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© 2026 Vegas Uncomped

Texas Raised, Vegas Tested

We’ve talked about how Vegas has always been country. I get there are some mixed feelings there. Some love the glittery takeover. Others roll their eyes at the rhinestone cowboys and rooftop bourbon menus.

So let’s settle one thing.

Growing up in Texas, I’ve seen the real deal.

Dive bars that double as fight clubs with bands behind cages. Dance halls off back roads where the stage is plywood and the beer is colder than the guy at the front door. Rodeos. Bonfires. Long nights that turn into sunrises without anyone noticing.

I’ve caught King George in rooms small enough to feel his boots hit the stage. Seen Pat Green and Robert Earl Keen before “exclusive presale” meant anything. Had meals with Clint Black. Spent enough time around ZZ Top that Billy Gibbons and I are on a first-name basis. (he is one of the coolest people you could ever meet.) I’ve had my hands zip-tied in the dirt after cops cleared a dance hall on more than one occasion and didn’t regret a second of it.

So yeah. I know country bars.

Then there’s Vegas country.

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As someone who’s half local and half perpetual Vegas tourist, that’s borderline embarrassing. No boycott, no bad blood, just never the stars aligned. Timing, mood, priorities. Whatever. But after the Sweet Suite upgrade during our recent MGM Grand staycation, there was zero chance I was leaving without hitting their Endless Dim Sum Brunch. It synced perfectly with our stay, so wifey grabbed Sunday Feb 1, 2026 at noon on OpenTable, because we knew the VGK game the night before was going to leave us wrecked, and it did!

Late start or bust.

We stumbled out after sleeping off the Knights chaos and tackled what has to be one of the longest room-to-restaurant marches on the Strip.

Hakkasan hits different the moment you step through the door, dark woods, glowing blue lighting, intricate designs, that moody upscale Cantonese elegance that makes you forget you’re still technically in a casino. Low-key one of the prettiest entryways in Vegas.

I’m the “go experience it yourself” type, so do that. Book it, walk in, feel the vibe. You’ll get why I spared a lot of the entry pics.

We arrived a few minutes early, seated right on time. Place was buzzing, hungover tourists, birthday groups, and the Sunday brunch crowd. Staff smiling, friendly, zero snobbery. Dress code? Casual Sunday realness. Wifey dressed up a touch “just in case”; I rolled in black All Saints hoodie, jeans, no ballcap. Didn’t matter, lazy vibes ruled the room.

Our waitress was fantastic. Great personality, very helpful without hovering. I won’t name her because I’m terrible with names and didn’t ask her permission. They push the $35 endless beverages: mimosas (orange, guava, pineapple), rosé, Bloody Mary or Maria, red sangria. Wifey went full guava mimosa mode and nearly drained the Prosecco supply.

Me? Locked on the Cantonese Cowboy- Sir Davis American whisky, Hennessy VS, amontillado, yuzu, cocoa, 5-spice. Robust, aromatic, sophisticated, and sneaky dangerous. Three down before I lost track.

The drill

3 pieces per dim sum basket, order what you want, endless rounds. We started with the Hakka Basket- shumai (shrimp + Berkshire pork), seafood har gau (langoustine), edamame jade dumplings. Solid openers- pretty, good flavors, but nothing rewriting my life story. Chicken pot stickers (garlic chives, hoisin) were reliable also, they had a nice sear, and a solid dip.

Salt and Pepper Calamari arrived next- crispy chili, scallion, cilantro-lime dip. Texture on that has never been my jam, but wifey annihilated the entire plate and called it the best she’s ever had. ( I thought I was gonna have to get her a lobster bib 😂) Jasmine Tea Smoked Ribs were tender fall-off-the-bone, smoky with a hint of star anise. They were decent, not mind-blowing. We added Egg Fried Rice as a side to soak up the booze and slow the pace.

Hong Kong Fry Chicken was the one thing everyone raved about- ginger, Sichuan peppercorn, scallion.

Peking-style energy: I describe this as Peking Chicken, the skin was super thin and crunchy, the meat was super juicy, this wasn’t a Costco Rotisserie chicken by any means, and certainly took some time and effort. Solid entree!

Wifey talked me into splitting a Hakkatini- New Amsterdam mango vodka, Aperol, Cointreau, lemon, green apple. Fruity, bright, tangy. Not usually my thing, but their signature nailed it, It was pretty damn good!

Dessert

Spikey Lemon jumped out at us. It sounded and looked like a Mini version of our all-time Vegas favorite dessert, the Spiked Lemon at Spago. According to our waitress, their master pastry chef invented the original and tweaked it when he left to work for Hakkasan.

We had to try it. Yuzu curd bomb, calamansi gel, vanilla cake, solid, didn’t disappoint, but missing that sharp twang we crave from Spago. I think it was because the gel was on the side (instead of inside), and you had to dip. Close, but no cigar. Also, no real complaints either, but if you ever have a chance to pop in and have a drink, and a Spiked Lemon at Spago on the patio by the fountains….. Do it!

The whole thing stretched about 1.5 hours, perfect pacing. Plates kept coming, no rush, no overload. At the end, mild Tao rewards pitch. I was stuffed and buzzed, signed the bill and bounced. Total with tip around $300; charged to the room for points. Smooth ending and a friendly “Thanks for coming, please come back soon”

We did tip generously; the service was well above average, and that’s what is important to someone like me who spent their career restructuring companies like Apple and others to excel in customer retention and service.

The Verdict

Stunning Ambiance, Solid Value for Big Eaters, One-Timer for Us

Hakkasan’s room is a win. It’s gorgeous, immersive, worth the hallway hike just to sit in it. Food is handcrafted, consistent quality. At $58 per person (still holding for 2026- Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sundays to 3:30 p.m., last reservations around 2:45 p.m.), it’s a steal if you can demolish endless rounds of dumplings, ribs, wok dishes, rice, noodles. Servers keep the flow classy, you don’t need to get up for any greasy buffet chaos.

But when I stack it against my personal benchmarks. Din Tai Fung for dumpling precision, China Mama for authentic soul. Hakkasan falls a tier short. Elevated, yes, but not elite. You could hit Chinatown for better straight Cantonese at half the price. The luxe room, attentive service, endless ordering from your seat? That’s the Vegas experience hook.

Would we repeat? Probably not. We enjoyed it, zero regrets, but I’d rather swing by their Social Hour (typically Mon-Wed 5-7 p.m., sometimes Sunday-$10 apps, drinks) for low-key hangs. Tao’s similar endless brunch at $65? Hard pass from me.

There was a little drama while there. Table next to us had a full Karen complaining about the crispy duck salad taste; staff politely removed her bill, while her guy scarfed enough for two. Classic brunch drama even in a nice place. The table behind us spilled more drinks than they consumed, I was surprised they were not asked to leave, stuff like that doesnt bother me though..

This isn’t a negative review. It’s a solid one-time Vegas thing, it’s great if you’re staying at MGM, love fancy ambiance, or want to flex unlimited upscale dim sum.

I can’t stress enough that there will always be One & Done Vegas experiences. In a town with so many new things, almost weekly, it’s important to keep trying new experiences, while going back to your rotational favorites. I wouldn’t say don’t go to this. I would, however, say, have a great time, enjoy the experience, let me know your thoughts, and how you feel it stacks up to DTF & your Chinatown favorite. After all, I love the discussions.

-Jason

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© 2026 Vegas Uncomped

Sure, we’ve grabbed MyVEGAS comps here and there. Midday second rooms for Pool day access. But actually staying, playing, dining, and letting MGM be the home base? It had been a while.

That wasn’t accidental.

Most of our Stripcations lately revolve around VGK games or longer-term rentals where amenities matter more than casino proximity. MGM sits in a weird spot. Prime location, yes, but surrounded by peak South Strip hustle stupidity. Add in the fact that the rooms feel far from the Strip entrance, and it just hasn’t been calling our name.

But when we were looking for a cheap stay to catch a few Knights games before the Olympic break, MGM quietly had the best deal on the board.

And with the resort finishing a major remodel last November, it felt like time.

Why MGM Was Back on the Radar

We managed to hold Gold status for another year, and I’ve been pretty transparent about how that happens. I use the MGM credit card for everyday purchases. Combine that with frequent stays and suddenly 75,000 tier credits a year isn’t some mythical grind, it’s just math. I’ve broken this down before, and it still works.

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Last week we were back on the Strip, and if you follow me on socials, you already know we were upgraded to a great suite at MGM. I promise a full review of that stay is coming soon.

But I’m still tired. Possibly hungover. And in the spirit of honesty, you’re getting Excalibur first.

Just to see what it was like, we booked a night at Excalibur as a comp through the MyVegas app. My wife spends an impressive amount of time grinding that thing, so we try to use it whenever possible. We also didn’t want two stays entirely under our player status and risk muddying future offers. We absolutely attached the reservation to our MGM Rewards account because Gold means no resort fees, and I enjoy small wins. If ya wanna see the easy way to get gold… Read this👇

I’ve always loved Excalibur’s theming. A medieval castle dropped into the middle of the desert is ridiculous in exactly the way Vegas should be ridiculous. The casino floor itself is still pretty solid. It’s lively, compact, and offers $3 Sauza margaritas, which automatically improves any situation. People-watching alone is worth a lap.

As a casino, Excalibur is fine.

The Stuff That Mostly Works

While we were there, we checked out the new tiki bar. The main area was closed, but we managed to grab a coconut margarita at the front bar. It was… fine. Nothing to complain about. Nothing to remember. If you’ve ever been to Golden Tiki, this won’t impress you. It also feels like an odd choice thematically. You’ve got a medieval castle and went with tiki? That feels like a missed opportunity for something far more on-theme.

Check-in is where things start to wobble.

We’re supposedly a digital society now, but watching people struggle with kiosks and apps says otherwise. We checked in online in about a minute. The digital key worked without issue. If you want a physical key, you can grab one using the MGM app and a small check-in stand in about 30 seconds.

Always check in online. Always use your rewards account.

Despite that, there was still a line. Kiosks were operational. Staff was available. An employee was manning the kiosks, similar to that stupid self-checkout at the grocery store; people getting room keys from the app were not following instructions.

Excalibur’s Other Problem: Food

Before we even talk about the room, Excalibur needs better dining options.

The food court is decent. TAP Sports Bar is fine. Dick’s Last Resort is… Dick’s. There’s a massive, mostly empty Johnny Rockets that feels abandoned. A giant Buca di Beppo that feels like a time capsule. And the buffet, which still exists.

Tournament of Kings is still one of the OG dinner shows and honestly worth doing once with friends for the sheer novelty of it. But this property could really use refreshed dining concepts. Something modern. Something intentional.

Right now, it feels like leftovers.

Now Let’s Talk About the Room

I don’t remember the last time I stayed at Excalibur, but it’s been over ten years. I’ve always felt Luxor was a cleaner budget option, and half the time Mandalay Bay or Park MGM prices aren’t much higher, and all of those are a far better stay if looking for a bargain.

But this was intentional.

I wanted to see what Excalibur is actually like right now.

We walked past the tiki bar toward the recently renovated Resort Tower and immediately noticed it. A smell of shit! Subtle at first. Wrong, but not aggressive.

Then we got to the 24th floor.

Holy hell.

Bleach.

Everywhere.

It smelled like a Clorox factory had a chemical spill. And that smell followed us straight into the room. This wasn’t the scent of cleanliness. This was bleach desperately trying to cover something else. Something sewer-adjacent. A mix of shit and chemicals that no hotel should ever remind you of.

The blacklight didn’t come through perfectly on video, but honestly, it didn’t need to. This was my first attempt using it as a goof to see how dirty the dirty castle could be.. I’ll get better, I promise. It turned out to be pretty scary.

There was splatter on the bathroom walls. Splatter on the main room walls. The lamp was ripped. The shower head looked like it had survived several decades of neglect. Somehow, all of that grime survived the bleach apocalypse.

The AC? Ice cold. Those old-school under-window units still do their job. There was a tiny fridge. And housekeeping was thoughtful enough to leave behind the previous guest’s flip-flops.

A souvenir from the Dirty Castle.

“It’s Just a Place to Sleep” Is a Lie

I’m sure I’ll hear from the Excalibur loyalists. I always do.

But I’m going to say this plainly: there are far nicer places to stay in Vegas for the same price or not much more.

Do I think you should visit Excalibur?

Yes.

Grab a drink at Dick’s. Sit at the bar and give it back to the bartenders. Do Tournament of Kings with friends. Walk the casino. Sip a $3 margarita and people-watch.

But stay there?

No.

Vegas has far too much to offer to live by the “I only sleep there” rule. Your hotel sets the tone for your trip whether you admit it or not. And when your room smells like bleach and regret, the vibe is already dead.

Stay elsewhere.

Vegas has better options.

Unless shit and Clorox is your scent of choice.

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-Jason

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© 2026 Vegas Uncomped

Wow, part one sure did get some people’s attention. The die-hard Cirque followers let their voice be heard. I love it, and I never said Cirque had to go away, so let’s clear something up before more emails start.

Cirque du Soleil isn’t worthless. It isn’t creatively bankrupt. And it isn’t universally unprofitable.

In fact, that’s what makes this conversation uncomfortable.

Some Cirque shows still work. O still works. It prints money, anchors Bellagio’s brand, and delivers a spectacle that actually feels singular. That matters.

However, the market is changing; they don’t really appeal to the latest generations, and with their shows being the same for literal decades, something has to change. How many of you frequent Vegas visitors are going to keep going back to the same show multiple times over 20 years?

But the mistake MGM made wasn’t partnering with Cirque.

It was multiplying permanence.

Vegas doesn’t reward repetition at scale. It rewards moments.

And that’s where Cirque’s global playbook and its Vegas execution diverged.

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I could spend days telling you what to do on Fremont, hidden bars, divey casinos, waterslides through shark tanks, half-naked street performers, but today’s topic isn’t what to do. It’s what not to do:

Don’t bring your kids to Fremont.

Don’t have them stay in a Downtown hotel/casino.

Not if you want the real downtown vibe.

Not if you’re there to drink, people-watch, and soak in the weird, wonderful chaos.

Look, I’m not some anti-kid zealot. I’m a dad with a 27-year-old and plenty of parenting scars and laughs under my belt. I know kids exist and sometimes travel with families. But here’s the thing: Fremont Street is a grown-ups’ entertainment district, and there’s a reason that some venues, like Circa, enforce 21+ only admissions.

Yes, the Fremont Street Experience technically has no formal age limit, it’s a public pedestrian mall, and families do walk through during the daytime. But you will hear locals joke about Fremont being “adults only after dark,” and that pretty much sums it up.

And that’s the point.

Kids on Fremont: Not Illegal, Just Unintentional

There is no official “no kids allowed” sign at the Fremont Street Experience. It’s a public pedestrian mall. Kids can be there, especially during the day.

That’s not the same thing as belonging there.

Because Fremont isn’t designed for families. It never was. It’s designed for adults who want to drink too much, laugh too loud, and temporarily forget they have responsibilities back home.

The more the sun drops, the more Fremont flips.

The lights crank up. The music gets louder. The drinks get stronger. The outfits get smaller. The behavior gets looser. And suddenly the same place that looked quirky and fun at 2pm turns into a full-blown adult carnival by 8.

You’ll see:

Adults walking around with cocktails the size of a small child.

Drunken crowds pressed shoulder to shoulder under the Viva Vision canopy, screaming lyrics to cover bands and 90’s Rock Legends.

Street performers that range from fun to fringe, including topless cops in pasties, nearly naked showgirls, dudes dressed as gorillas, and characters that absolutely do not exist in any Disney universe.

Rowdy concert crowds where shirts come off, language gets colorful, and nobody is checking their behavior because, newsflash, this is Fremont.

And that’s all happening before midnight on a random Thursday.

Now picture pushing a stroller through that.

Because I see it all the time.

The Stroller Problem Nobody Wants to Talk About

This is where I stop being polite.

Seeing strollers on Fremont at night is insane.

Not dangerous necessarily, just… disconnected from reality.

Kids with iPads parked on the carpeted casino edges while mom and dad feed twenty-dollar bills into Huff N’ Puff like it’s a family bonding exercise. Toddlers asleep under flashing lights and bass so loud you can feel it in your chest. Parents dragging exhausted kids past drunken street chaos because “we already booked the room.”

That’s not a Vegas memory. That’s a logistics failure.

And before anyone clutches pearls, let me say it clearly:

I’m not anti-kid.

I’m anti-putting kids into places that are explicitly designed for adults and then acting shocked when adults act like adults.

You wouldn’t bring your kids into a strip club and then complain about the vibe.

You wouldn’t bring them into a packed bar at midnight and ask people to keep it down.

So why is Fremont different?

Why You Really Shouldn’t Book Downtown With Kids

This is where people screw up.

They see cheaper room rates.

They see “walkable.”

They see cool photos on Instagram.

And then they book a downtown hotel with kids without understanding what they’re signing up for.

Downtown hotels are loud.

Like, all night loud.

The Fremont canopy doesn’t shut down when your kid wants to sleep. Bass carries. Crowds linger. Drunk people yell at 3am. Sirens happen. Street noise echoes up the hotel towers like an amphitheater designed by chaos.

Even the “nicer” downtown properties are surrounded by this energy. You’re not escaping it by going upstairs.

Circa figured this out and said, “Nope. Adults only.”

And honestly? Bless them for it.

Golden Nugget, Fremont, Four Queens, The D, Plaza — they all exist in the same ecosystem. That ecosystem is not bedtime-friendly. It’s not nap-friendly. And it’s definitely not “let’s unwind after a long day at the pool” friendly.

Booking downtown with kids and then getting mad about the noise, the crowds, or the behavior is like booking a room above a nightclub and being shocked it’s loud.

That’s on you.

The Karen Mom Moment

I watched this happen recently and it sealed my opinion.

A group of college kids were getting rowdy during a Fremont concert. Nothing wild. Just drunk, loud, shirts-off energy. The kind Fremont has been serving since forever.

Then comes stroller mom.

She starts yelling at them to calm down because her child is present.

Nope.

That’s not how this works.

You don’t bring kids into adult spaces and then ask adults to tone it down. That’s not community-minded. That’s entitlement with a diaper bag.

Bars are for adults.

Certain pools are for adults.

Certain experiences are for adults.

And Fremont, especially after dark, is absolutely one of them.

Adults need their own Disneyland too.

Vegas is ours.

“But Fremont Is Safe”

Correct.

Fremont is safe.

I’ve said it a hundred times and I’ll say it again. This isn’t about danger. It’s about appropriateness.

Fremont is loud, sexual, chaotic, alcohol-soaked, and proudly unfiltered. That’s what makes it special. That’s what makes it different from the Strip. That’s why people love it.

Trying to sanitize that because kids are present doesn’t make Fremont better.

It makes it worse.

And it puts parents in the awkward position of explaining why a dancing gorilla just spanked a fake cop while a drunk bachelor party screams behind them.

Good luck with that conversation.

Fremont Works Because It’s Unapologetic

Let’s be honest about why Fremont is great.

It’s alcoholic debauchery at its finest. You get heavy pours, Half, and sometimes fully naked people (some that shouldn’t be). There is live music everywhere, casinos with crazy energy, and the people watching on a Tuesday night could be its own Netflix Documentary.

People behave differently downtown. They let loose. They curse. They dance badly. They flirt aggressively. They embrace the chaos.

I love it.

But that only works if Fremont is allowed to be Fremont.

Not a family compromise zone.

Not a stroller obstacle course.

Not a place where adults feel weird for acting like adults.

Final Take

I’m not calling for laws.

I’m not calling for bans.

I’m calling for common sense.

If you want to bring your kids to Vegas, there are plenty of places designed for that. You should honestly be staying somewhere with a Kids Quest. Save yourself the judgment of your kid on the outer casino carpet, charging their iPad on the wall, watching you stuff money into Buffalo.

If you want to experience Fremont the way it’s meant to be experienced?

Leave the kids at home.

Don’t book downtown.

And don’t be surprised when the city behaves exactly as advertised.

Fremont Street is an adult playground.

And honestly?

That’s why we love it.

-Jason

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