The Double Down Saloon

I have a fascination with dive bars. This is odd, because I'm not much of a drinker, and I'm not very social. But I just like the idea of dive bars, dark and dingy watering holes which might have pool tables, great jukeboxes,  one of a kind drinks, bathrooms that are a bit scary, and remain open 24/7.

That can be said of Las Vegas' Double Down Saloon (there is also one in New York City which I've visited). It's conveniently located near UNLV and the Strip, and is a gritty antidote to the glitz of Vegas. The doors never close, and on the weekends they have live music, usually punk bands (note the names of the groups on the marquee). A new development is that there is a marijuana dispensary right next door.

Located in a non-descript strip mall (with a smoke shop and a shuttered pizza place--how did that go out of business given it's location?) my first visit almost didn't happen because it was so hard to find. The back side of the place has just the name of the place and a graffiti covered door, so one might expect some kind of horrible crimes are taking place inside. When you come in the back, you're momentarily in complete darkness, like the entrance to a haunted house attraction. Then you emerge in this surreal world--the walls are covered with murals of aliens, and the words "Shut up and Drink!" are on the side wall.

The jukebox is full of punk, rockabilly, surf, and even some Frank Sinatra. The bands that play there are not exactly household names, but I did see The Boss Martians there, who do have a national reputation. Many of the bands will never get airplay because of their names, such as Stagnetti's Cock. The music is loud. Conversation is not easy on those nights. The shows are free, and there's no cover. What could be a better bargain?

The Double Down has two signature drinks: a bacon-infused martini, and Ass Juice, the ingredients I am not sure of. I had several of those in New York, and they were quite tasty. Still haven't tried the bacon martini. The Ass Juice is one for four dollars and two for nine dollars. No, that's not a typo.

The Double Down does not serve food, though on Christmas day a few years ago they served bologna and Wonder Bread sandwiches and Spaghetti-Os, which were cooked in a coffee pot. One of the best lunches I've ever had.

Last night I met an old friend from Sweden, in town for a Microsoft gathering. We had a great time, but then again, I've never had a bad time at the Double Down. After all, they do proclaim themselves "The Happiest Place on Earth."