HISTORY OF VEGAS - Rat Pack HIP, COOL & HISTORIC PLACES

HISTORY OF LAS VEGAS AND RENO - RAT PACK, HIP, COOL OR HISTORIC PLACES AND GREATER NEVADA HISTORY OF THE UNIQUE

UNREAL VEGAS AND RENO

LAS VEGAS AND RENO HISTORY OF POP CULTURE. This site concentrates on historic pop culture, unique or off beat places in Las Vegas, Reno and greater Nevada that are not generally covered by the commercial websites (Vegas predominates on the site I guess). I also throw in local Las Vegas/Henderson (Las Venderson!) places that stand out for some reason - generally because they are either interesting, fun or a good deal. Historic pop culture sites (at least in an un-remodeled condition) are rare in Las Vegas and Reno. Las Vegas, even more so than Los Angeles and other cities, seems hell-bent on erasing its own history. An historic pop culture tour of Las Vegas is generally one of those look at that shining new tower or look at that parking lot - it used to be there type of tours. Sure, the names of many historic casinos remain, but they are modern shells of what once was. There are a few exceptions.

The Huntridge Movie Palace - interesting streamline art deco exterior but essentially nothing left of the original interior. No movie palace interiors remain intact in Las Vegas.

The exterior of the El Cortez Casino, downtown in a challenging area, is still in almost perfect original shape, although the interior is remodeled. The Golden Gate at the Fremont Experience still has some original feel about it, especially the coffee shop. The entrance to Caesar's Palace (whoops - just remodeled) and the table gaming area when you first walk in Caesar's (still there!) are also fairly original, although everything else has recently been completely remodeled. There are rumors the Algiers may not always be with us (update - it closed and was torn down - it's Vegas Baby!) There are many fascinating motels in downtown and along Boulder Highway (but see my warnings page).

The El Cortez Casino, downtown Las Vegas (best preserved exterior)

The chart below on this home page, lists a few pop culture sites in their original, un-remodeled condition and the rest of the listings are just quirky, fun, nice or somewhat historic places. Las Vegas of course, despite the destruction of its pop history, is still a great place to visit, but only if you do not gamble. Gambling converts a very inexpensive and entertaining visit into an expensive and unpleasant experience for many people. News flash! - they didn't build the many BILLION dollar casinos by giving out free money to scores of people. Take my advice, enjoy the shows, the incredible pop architecture, the luscious food, decadent shopping, breathtaking nature, and don't gamble. And when you visit our fair city - please don't drink and drive! That's why we have such nice hotels in walking distance (and the fines will bankrupt you faster than the slot machines!).

Las Vegas is in many ways a conglomeration of the very best and very worst of the spirit of humankind. I need not go into what's the very worst. But for all you snobs out there, Las Vegas does have a great deal of creativity to it. We have one of the world's greatest collection of neon motel signs (see my motel sign page). The fantasy architecture rivals some of the fantasy architecture of the past (the movie palace interiors, programmatic architecture, and movie back lots of other cities). There's a lot of history out here connected with entertainment and music, including of course some of the greatest pop culture icons and musicians of America - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Wayne Newton, Elvis Presley, Count Basie, Joe Williams, Esquivel, Robert Goulet, Steve Lawrence, Eddie Gorme, Buddy Greco, Louis Prima, Keely Smith, Sam Butero, Sonny King, William Wilkerson and the list goes forever. There are also some dazzling experiences to be had such as the 3D movies at the Luxor (hope that under the sea film still plays) and the light show at the Parasol Down bar at the Wynn Casino (it may not appeal to people who like to think of themselves as sophisticated - but I think it's pretty spectacular).

The now destroyed Algiers Motel - a classic 50's Vegas spot - now a dirt lot.

For what it's worth, I have a rating system for some places on the home page. It's all purely subjective and since I'm a closet Bohemian (maybe I just have bad taste), a lot of more conventional people may well disagree with my ratings and reviews. A lot of places that would normally fit my criteria for this site may be left off just because of my hatred of second hand smoke (many of the places on this site do allow smoking, but I usually draw the line when there are visible clouds of smoke wafting through the air! Hopefully our recent Proposition 5 will solve that problem - although many places seem to be ignoring it!!!!) None of the ratings have anything to do with how nice a place it is, or whether it has good food or drinks. Thus places with no rating may be a perfectly wonderful place. My rating system is Q for Quirky (a very good factor in my estimation - basically it just means unique in a Las Vegas way), R for Rat Pack ambiance, P for Pop Culture history, and H (a category I haven't much gotten into yet) for traditional historic value. Forgive me for the self-important attitude. Hey - this is just a hobby.

This was just about the only pristine remnant of the Strip in the '50s in a traditional tourist area. This is the pool area of the Stardust on the South side, once the "Royal Nevada" It is now gone with the rest of the Stardust (ironically the Stardust is now just dust).

The home page you are on now will be reserved for the most unique and quirky places. Just scroll down and click on thumbnail (small pictures) to expand them. Hit the back arrow to return. General places I like that are just nice or good bargains will be on the topic buttons to the left (the listings are limited because - there ain't that much I like!).

LAS VEGAS:

NAME

COMMENTS

The Hard Rock Hotel and AJ’s Steakhouse (inside), 4455 Paradise Rd., 693-5500

R R R R

This picture doesn't do AJ's Steakhouse justice because it was taken with all the lights on. It's normally darker and trust me it's true Rat Pack.

Chandelier made of out Saxophones inside the Hard Rock Hotel:

AJ's Steakhouse inside the Hard Rock Hotel represents one of a handful of places that can qualify as a true Rat Pack place in Las Vegas. Even though AJ's Steakhouse is relatively new, they did a beautiful job of recreating a swanky 1950’s Las Vegas atmosphere. If you can't afford the food prices at AJ's Steakhouse, at least buy a Perrier at the bar. A relaxing piano only adds to the ambiance. Really good food in my opinion, although on my budget - it's a once or twice a year thing. I saw Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme here - talk about Vegas nirvana.

The quality and value of everything at the Hard Rock Casino is so good, you get the impression it is sort of an idealistic (and hedonistic) Corporation (though in the few years it seems they have gotten a little less generous in their offers and specials - probably because the place is so popular they don't need them to bring people in anymore). The interior design in the Hard Rock Casino is impeccable. It's hard not to have a good time here (don't drink and drive!). Kudos!!!

The Hard Rock Hotel:

UPDATE: There's a lot of remodeling going on here. Check with the hotel to see if their pool is open before registering. Maybe there will be some bargain rates while the remodel goes on.

THE ATTIC, 1018 S. Main St. Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 (702) 388-4088

Q Q Q Q P P P P

The Attic specializes in vintage clothes and pop culture "antiques". It's like a museum of the mid-century in itself, but make sure to purchase something! We need to support the few cool places we have in town.

Art Vargas - singer, recording artist, swankster - various locations. If you can catch him in Vegas, your in for a real treat! This is the only true lounge music in Vegas!

Can't rate a person - just read my review!

More Information

Art Vargas is a recording artist - if you are into jazz or true lounge music, this guy is sensational. He's so unique I'm sure he is destined to really take off. One problem in Las Vegas however (perhaps everywhere) is that one's popularity is often inversely proportional to how cutting edge creative you are. Hard to describe his style - he's sort of a cross between Sinatra/Elvis/Jazz/Lounge/Latin/R&B and at times almost reaching the outer limits of Frank Zappa, while at the same time having the modernist pop elegance of the Rat Pack and Liberace. Well that's not accurate but I tried. His back up band are excellent jazz musicians who would be worth seeing even on their own. Check out his website to the left for his schedule. Ironically, his show is much better than the high ticket price shows in the mega-hotels, yet you can usually see Vargas for free in a club.

Atomic Liquor/Cocktails - 917 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV, 89101 702-384-7371

P P P

Atomic Liguor is a bar that dates back to the days when nuclear mushroom clouds from the nearby testing site were actually a tourist attraction in Las Vegas. Atomic Liquor-Cocktails must be one of the oldest bars in Vegas and in an area not for the weak at heart. You have to be "buzzed" in the front door after the bartender checks you out. Friendly place when I went in the early afternoon with an old time feel. But only for the more adventurous type of explorer - this is a high crime area.

Battista’s Hole in the Wall, 4041 Audrie St. near back of Flamingo Casino – a couple blocks off the strip off of Flamingo 732-1424 (since 1970)

Q Q Q Q

Battista's Hole in the Wall, founded by Battista Locatelli. Fun, quirky atmosphere (a ton of knick knacks including thousands of small liquor bottles), and accordion player who is a real Vegas personality (ya gotta see 'im to believe 'im). The menu at Battista's Hole in the Wall is a sign on the wall. Kind of an Italian-American club atmosphere, but more authentic than Bucca di Beppo (although you'll see below I like that restaurant as well). If you're on the strip it's definitely worth a visit given the generic nature of other restaurants on the strip (approx. $18-34 each - complete meals- soup or salad, a "dessert" cappuccino, all you can drink house wine for those of you not driving, garlic bread, etc.). Their mascot is a moose head named Mooosolini (what's next - a hippo named Hipler? or a Stag named Staglin? - not to make light of these monsters but sometimes it's better to laugh than cry in healing past wounds). During conventions and peak tourism periods, Battista's Hole in the Wall can have a two hour wait - so make sure to make reservations. At these times parking gets quite tight as well. You may have to park in the Flamingo, do some shopping or snacking in the Flamingo and then walk over to Battista's Hole in the Wall. Then you can return to the Flamingo to finish up your night's entertainment.

Bob Taylor's Original Ranch House, 6250 Rio Vista Street Las Vegas, NV 89130, 702-645-1399

H H H H

(since 1955)

I finally got the time to drive to this part of town and eat at Bob Taylor's Original Ranch House. Way up in the Northwest of town, this place was probably once out in the middle of no where, but Las Vegas is rapidly growing right up to it. Bob Taylor's Original Ranch House is one of the oldest restaurants in Las Vegas. The food is rather tasty and reasonably priced for what you receive. Wonderful steaks. The interior has sort of an old feel (somewhat remodeled). Fairly dark and very relaxing. It is surrounded by its own five acres of land, which should keep the encroaching houses away. Bob Taylor's Original Ranch House often wins "Best Steakhouse" in the local paper reader's poll.

If you want to re-live the Western themed days of early Vegas, this is the place to do it. If your looking for more of a Rat Pack ambiance, go to the Golden Steer Steakhouse.

Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 736-4939 (open 24 hours).

P P P P Q Q Q R R R R

Last remnants of the original 1950s Vegas entertainers – the Bootlegger Bistro has shows most nights but the "Off the Cuff" show is an absolute must see - this is Vegas as it was in the 1950's - definitely not politically correct - so if your easily offended - you're warned. The show, starring Sonny King, the last of the Vegas "Rat Pack" (a great singer and comedian - a close associate of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jimmy Durante) and Lorraine Hunt, the Lieutenant Governor of Nevada and owner of the Bootlegger Bistro (who is also a wonderful singer with a great history in Vegas). Also includes other singers and comedians who were once big names on the strip (and a few current big names may stop in and participate). Reserve days earlier as this is very popular. Incredibly - the festivities tend to go on for three hours or more some nights. While the restaurant moved a few years ago and I miss the interior of the old one, this is true living history. I believe the great circular booths where brought in from the old location. Food's great too! Worth the trip to this quiet end of the strip in the South.

UPDATE: Sadly, one of Las Vegas's greatest entertainers, Sonny King, who performed here regularly, died in February 2006 at age 83. Jimmy Durante's long time sidekick and virtual rat pack member, Sonny made me laugh more than any other entertainer I've seen in Las Vegas - and boy - the man could sing! This is an incalculable loss for Las Vegas, although I'm sure he lived as full a life as anyone ever has! But as they say, the show must go on and the Bootlegger Bistro still has a full line-up of shows.

The Dam Restaurant (inside Hooter's Casino), 115 E. Tropicana Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89109 866-584-6687

Q Q Q Q

Some people seem to think Hooter's is a really adult type of place. The reality is that it's pretty close to a "G" rating (especially by Las Vegas standards - hey- they have a children's menu!). The Dam Restaurant, a recreation of a 50's California Googie Coffee Shop is pretty amazing in the new Hooter's Casino/Hotel. They really set out to make an authentic place and succeeded! The Dam Restaurant is just about perfect (other than the ubiquitous TV screens that I guess are an essential to survival in our attention deficit culture). Hidden in the back is a very nice Vegas style buffet at a very reasonable price. I wish more corporations would make such nice recreations! This is a real 50's looking restaurant - not one of those "Happy Day's" places that are found everywhere - yuk!.

Decatur Drug, 546 S. Decatur next to Decatur Package Liquor& Cocktails – 870-2525 (since 1961, 1962 or 1965 depending on source)

P P P P P

Decatur Drug is the sister to Huntridge Drugs - but in a little better shape and better part of town – straight out of the 60s – cheap lunch counter food. It is rumored that Huntridge Drugs and Decatur Drugs (at least the lunch counters) may not be with us much longer. However, at my last visit recently, the place looks like it's going strong (with some unfortunate remodeling of it's vinyl seats). This will be a giant loss for Las Vegas if they ever do close. These are exactly like the places I remember going to in the 1960s before McDonald's took over the cheap, fast food business. These are the kind of places that make milkshakes from scratch in those great aluminum containers. Somehow, the simple hamburgers here are more satisfying than any $10 version in trendy restaurants. Decatur Package liquor, next door, is a amiable dive bar as well.

UPDATE: On a recent visit to Decatur Drug, there had been some more minor remodeling, so the place is not quite as pristine original condition, but still a treasure and the good news is that lease problems appear to have disappeared. Please patronize this place - the drug store lunch counter is a highly endangered species!

El Sombrero Cafe, 807 S. Main St. 382-9234 (since 1950).

P P P P P

Nice old neon sign out front. I don't know why, but I don't believe I've ever seen a Mexican restaurant, no matter how old, that gives me the "time machine" feel. Maybe that's because the decorations are so cheaply replaced. But the El Sombrero Cafe is an historic restaurant and worth a visit. I believe with the 1950 establishment date, it makes it the oldest restaurant in town (but of course there are all sorts of criteria used like, oldest in same location, oldest with same owner, etc). This is a "power" lunch place where you may occasionally see the mayor. Well, it's hard to spend a week in Las Vegas and not see the beloved Mayor somewhere (I've never met anyone who didn't like him, despite his controversial past - a very charismatic guy).

Fong's Garden Chinese Restaurant, 2021 E. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas 702-382-1644 (since 1955)

P P P P H H H H

The interior of Fong's Garden Chinese Restaurant still has somewhat of an old feel to it, but it's mostly remodeled. One of the oldest restaurants in Las Vegas. Charleston Blvd, East of Downtown was one of the earliest expansions of the business district. It has gotten a little rough in recent years. Hard to beat the sort of Googie neon 50's exterior to this place, especially at night. Hope they can keep it going. This should be declared a landmark.

Founded by Wing Fong, who died in May of 2005. Wing Fong first came to Las Vegas in 1939 and worked with relatives who owned the former Silver Cafe. He was such an astute business man, he eventually helped found the Nevada State Bank. He was known as a great philanthropist and champion of minority rights.

I think the current draw here is Filipino Karaoke, but I have not visited at night.

Golden Steer Steak House, 308 W. Sahara just West of the Strip, 384-4470 (since 1958)

R R R R R , P P P P P

The Golden Steer Steak House qualifies as the last truly pristine, swanky old Vegas restaurant. While the bar is a bit remodeled in feel, the restaurant is perfect (although there have been some changes since it opened way back when). Semicircular booths with plaques mentioning whose favorite tables they once were - including all of the Rat Pack. The Golden Steer Steakhouse is dark and relaxing. Definitely not cheap but worth it (check the menu first if you're on a tight budget). I hope they don't ever change this place, because it's the last one for Vegas. Don't let the mundane exterior fool you, the Golden Steer Steak House is 1000% authentic Vegas. If you only have time to eat in one place in Las Vegas - eat here! Did I mention the food was mouthwatering as well. This place has been a repeated winner of "Best Steakhouse" polls in Las Vegas.

Joe Kludjian owned the restaurant from 1960 to 2001. He died in April of 2006 at age 81. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. were regulars, with many visits by Joe DiMaggio, Betty Grable and Harry James as well. Being one of the top places in town made it a hangout for big name mafia figures as well.

By the way, when in Las Vegas, don't say "Nevahdah" (even though that's the proper Spanish pronunciation). Nevada natives (if you can find one) seem offended unless you pronounce it Nevada with the first "a" as in "fat". And long time Las Vegas residents are not wild about people calling the place "Vegas" either! Personally - I don't care.

Hilltop House Supper Club, 3500 N. Rancho Rd. 645-9904 5-9:30 PM Wed. through Sat. and 5-8:30 PM Sunday (since 1961)

P P P P P

The house the Hilltop House Supper Club occupies was built in 1954. It became a restaurant in 1961. One of the last authentic places with an old feel. A true roadhouse restaurant. Not California Nouveau Cuisine but good old fashioned American food. If I'm not mistaken, the buffet had "pickled pigs knuckles" as a selection the night I was there. Apparently that's the most popular item in the salad bar. They also sell frogs legs. The first owner was Clark County Sheriff Glen Jones. Stan and Valerie Wojtowicze had been the proprietors since 1972. Sadly, Stanley died on April 28, 2006 at age 72. Not really Rat Pack Vegas, so much as true Americana.

UPDATE: Apparently the Hill Top House Supper Club is up for sale and its future is uncertain. Better get over there and enjoy it while you can!

UPDATE II: The warnings were right. According to Mark C. this classic restaurant closed 3-31-07. Let's patronize the few places we have left or a similar fate awaits!!! A big loss for Las Vegas.

Huntridge Drug "Restaurant", 112 E. Charleston, Las Vegas 384-3737

P P P P P

Challenging part of town (definitely not a tourist area!), the Huntridge Drug Restaurant serves authentic American Chop Suey, very cheap and historic and quite definitely fun - but not for the weak at heart. Movies have been filmed here (Indecent Proposal) - check out the Huntridge Theater next door - once a Vegas movie palace and now awaiting someone to completely redo and restore it. The bar next door to the Huntridge Pharmacy is also a good dive bar if you are more courageous than I.

UPDATE: The couple that have run the lunch counter for decades are retiring and the lunch counter has been sold. Let's pray that the new owners appreciate what is there and don't change a thing! Las Vegas is very lucky to still have three drug store lunch counters (are there any in Los Angeles? - I guess the Fair Oaks Pharmacy, but it's not quite the same thing).

I hear relatives of the original couple who ran the place have kept it going.

La Concha Motel (2955 S Las Vegas Blvd) and The Morocco Motel

H H H

The La Concha lobby above before being moved.

The former Morocco Motel, near the Peppermill Coffee Shop.

The La Concha Motel slowly disappeared over the last few years. However one of the most interesting parts - the exterior of the lobby in the shape of a shell was saved after a preservation battle and will be reassembled elsewhere. I guess it's ironic that La Concha is now literally a shell of what it was. The former Morocco Motel, I believe, is now a souvenir shop and Korean Restaurant. Don't know how long that will last. I don't know if there was a connection between the two, but they seem to have a similar shape.

Luv it Frozen Custard, 505 E. Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 384-6452

Whether you call it frozen custard or soft ice cream, Luv It Frozen Custard is the best there is in Las Vegas and it's made no where else. In light of the fact that summer temperatures are always over 100 degrees, the residents of Las Vegas have reason to be connoisseurs of ice cream and that's why they flock to this humble stand. "Luv It Frozen Custard" is qaVegas classic

Modify, 8 E. Charleston Blvd. Suite 8-a (at Main St.), Las Vegas, NV 89104 702-384-6555

Q Q Q Q

If you are looking for mid-century modern antique furniture, this is definitely the place to go. TV's with clickers that really click! Chairs and couches right out of "2001 a Space Odyssey". Just walking in will fill you with nostalgia for the 60s. In a city born and raised on the Modern style, ironically this is one of the very few places in town that carry on that tradition. We all need to support stores like this through our patronage.

Peppermill Inn Restaurant, 2985 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 735-41777 since 1972

Q Q Q Q

1960’s "Love American Style", the Peppermill Inn Restaurant so tacky it's great – fire and water fountain, lots of neon. This is a mini version of the Peppermill in Reno which also warrants a visit. The Reno Peppermill must be the most colorful place on earth (the light/water show at the Parasol Down at the Wynn gives them some strong competition on mind blowing colors). You will never see so much neon and glowing colors anywhere else in the world. It sort of reminds me of the Felini Movie "Fred and Ginger" in the colorful scene at the end. Sort of Ultra Posh working class elegance. Very unique place and very good food for the price. Unfortunately, the Las Vegas Peppermill Inn branch took down it's original neon sign and modernized it. Let's hope they leave the rest of this great place alone.

Pogo's Tavern, 2103 N. Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 702-646-9735 (since 1968)

P P P

The Pogo's Tavern bar definitely has a nicely worn old feel, but the real star here is the music on Friday nights when former big band musicians get together to jam. There was a time in the 50s when each major casino had its own big band (including Esquivel in the Stardust and Luis Prima at the Sahara). With the advent of modern music technology, the big casino bands were replaced by this technology, but many of these great musicians stayed on in Las Vegas in other jobs. That's why Vegas has a great local music scene (although it takes a bit of looking around to find it). Ya gotta check out Pogo's Cocktail Lounge during their Friday jam session!

Rainbow Bar & Grill, 4480 Paradise Rd 702-898-3525 Open 24 hours.

R R R (restaurant)

No you're not on the wrong page! Las Vegas now has a branch of the Los Angeles Rainbow Bar & Grill. They have done an ok job of recreating the old restaurant ambiance in the restaurant section. The original could never be completely replicated - it's one of my favorites in Los Angeles. Maybe this is the answer to the question "Where did you go Joe DiMaggio?" Now if they could only transplant the Musso and Frank Grill ! And of course - Vegas has lost its one time Brown Derby Restaurant recreation.

The bar section is modern in design, similar to the Hard Rock Hotel.

Tiffany's Café, 1700 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Hard to find – in Rexal Drug store 383-0196

P P P P P

Tiffany's Cafe has cheap, good food, 60’s throwback- still very popular. In a "challenging" part of the strip that has seen better days, but that doesn't stop a loyal clientele. This is one of three great drug store lunch counters still surviving in Las Vegas. On a recent visit I had perhaps the best Caesar's Salad I've ever had (and I've had the salad at Caesar's Hotel in Tijuana where they invented it!).

Be cautious at night!

Trader Vic’s Bar & Restaurant, 3663 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109 702-405-4700

Q Q Q Q

At last, Tiki has returned to Las Vegas! I went to the "soft" opening of Trader Vic's on 10-12-07. Trader Vic's these days faces a difficult challenge of appealing to a "normal" upscale crowd looking for an elegant experience and to the Tiki purists who desire a place as close as possible to the old school original Trader Vic's. I think they have arrived at a fairly good compromise here. While it may be possible that Tiki purists can keep a place going in Los Angeles (although recent massacres there make that a dubious proposition), the experience of the "Venus Bar" makes it clear that Trader Vic's needs the tourist crowd to survive and flourish in Las Vegas. Thus, this Trader Vic's is sort of an ultra-modern, upscale, understated (by my standards) design that will appeal to a wide range of clientele (don't expect the "transported to a tropical island effect"). But for the Tiki purist there are two massive Tiki sculptures (rivaling the Aku Aku's of Easter Island and Sunset Park!). There are also available the classic Tiki drinks in a variety of Tiki mugs (though not for sale as of yet). I think everyone will be happy. And they must have had me in mind when they did the blue glow backlit bar! My favorite color and design technique. There is a nice range of prices for food ranging from the very upscale to more affordable sandwiches. For cheapo ambiance lovers like me, at a minimum buy a virgin Pina Colada and soak in all in. It also has a great outdoor patio to overlook the intriguing show of tourists below (almost a Parisian experience). Your are hereby ordered to patronize this place!!!

Venus Bar, inside the Venetian Resort Hotel

UPDATE: This place is no more. Another great tribute to Vegas's thirst for all things intellectual. We will not let Tiki Culture die in Vegas however. Tiki will return!

Las Vegas was once the site of two very authentic Tiki Restaurants - The Aku Aku (at the Stardust) and a branch of Don the Beachcomber (in the Sahara Hotel). All traces of these places are gone with one notable exception. The massive Tiki from the Aku Aku now sits on an island in the middle of the lake at Sunset Park.

Victory Hotel, Main Street, Downtown Las Vegas, NV (since 1910)

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Originally the Lincoln Hotel. I include this photo only for it's historic value - one of the oldest Hotels in Las Vegas. Just enjoy the view of the exterior and stay at the Hard Rock!