Vegas has some speakeasies located sporadically up and down the Strip and north to the actual downtown area. Still, unless you are looking to ride-share or take a taxi, you have to see what is actually near where you're staying. So, imagine my delight while staying at the Venetian for a conference recently, when I discovered a speakeasy to tantalize my senses. And the bartenders, especially Mario, whose name I believe it was, make excellent cocktails.
Not a hidden speakeasy per se, but more like a tucked-away bar, situated in the far corner of Via Via Food Court. Where vendors such as the venerable Howlin' Rays Hot Chicken give more headway, but fear not, Close Company is not hard to find if you know where to go and locate the signage. The arrows are key to understanding the location of the entrance to Close Company. Without the signage, it would probably come across more as a hidden speakeasy, as most would be too oversensitized by the auditory and visual cues or drunk to know where to look.
Close Company has the allure of a hidden speakeasy but the vibes of an unpretentious, come-as-you-are bar that produces great cocktails, has good tunes coming from the speakers, and the ambiance is cool as a cucumber.
Cocktail-wise, I enjoyed several lovely cocktails during my two, counting two, visits to the speakeasy while I stayed at the Venetian. The Super Martini made me feel... super, thanks to the use of Ford's gin, dry vermouth, and their "super brine" mix. Their version of the Paper Plan, a bourbon-based cocktail, was super good. I was impressed with their Coconut Highball, made with Dewar's blended scotch and coconut soda. It made me want to live there permanently in a state of perpetual wonderment and strength; strength and perpetual wonderment. Their Mole Old Fashioned was also very good, featuring reposado tequila, Ancho Reyes Chile liqueur, spices, and other delightful ingredients.
As a litmus test, I also enjoyed an extra dirty gin martini, made with Nordes Gin--a Spanish gin that I had never tried before, but now I have a bottle for at home. It is delicious. Their take on the Vieux Carré was also fantastic and allowed me to relive memories of not only my time in NOLA but also at the Mirror in DC. I yarred with relief. read more