Bars Unknown: The Original Las Vegas Strip Bar Crawl

If you’re heading to Las Vegas and crave more than just the usual glitz and glam, a bar crawl exploring the city’s secret spots might just be your perfect adventure. The Bars Unknown tour promises an insiders’ look at the city’s best-kept drinking secrets, from speakeasies behind barber shops to rooftop bars with iconic Strip views. While I haven’t personally taken this crawl, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of a tour that combines fun, authenticity, and a genuine local touch.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the number of bars visited (around a dozen) ensures a rich variety of atmospheres and drinks. Second, the knowledgeable guides, like Jonathan Dez, add a layer of insider info and storytelling that you wouldn’t get on your own. Third, the flexibility to choose your stops and the ability to walk and drink outside make it a relaxed, social experience. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour doesn’t include drinks — so expect to budget time and money for your beverages.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a local’s perspective on Vegas nightlife, enjoy discovering hidden gems, and appreciate a flexible, social pace. It’s ideal for groups, solo travelers, couples, or even bachelorettes seeking an authentic and lively outing that’s more about experience than just ticking boxes.

This experience made our article of The 9 Top Drinking Tours In Las Vegas: Which Is Best?.

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Key Points

Authentic Hidden Gems: Visit secret bars and speakeasies that most travelers never see.
Flexible & Social: Walk, drink outside, and choose your favorite spots.
Great Value: At $49, you get a guided tour through numerous unique venues.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, engaging guides like Jonathan enhance the experience.
Customizable Stops: Some venues are sit-down spots, others grab-and-go, providing variety.
Rich Experiences: From 1920s speakeasies to rooftops with views, every stop offers something memorable.

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Exploring the Las Vegas Bar Crawl

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A Well-Curated Itinerary with Variety

The tour kicks off at the Best Western Plus Casino Royale on the heart of the Strip, providing a familiar and convenient meeting point. From there, your guide will lead you through a series of stops, each with its own unique vibe and offerings. The itinerary mentions visiting a mix of bars offering happy hour deals, cheap drinks, and hidden escapes—making it a perfect way to stretch your dollars while enjoying quality drinks.

The stops include a 1920s speakeasy lurking behind a barber shop, which offers an air of mystery and nostalgia, and a hidden tequila bar behind an exit sign, adding an element of surprise and discovery. You’ll also hit rooftop bars with views of the Strip and a hidden ski lodge, each providing a different ambiance and photo opportunity.

The tour emphasizes walkability and outside drinking, which is a major perk in Vegas. This means you can enjoy the sights, fresh air, and street scenes while moving from one venue to the next — a refreshing change from traditional bar hopping, which often involves waiting for transport or crowded clubs.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your guide, Jonathan Dez, and the walking nature of the tour are included in the price. However, drinks at each bar, transportation, and any additional snacks are not included. This setup allows you to control your drink budget and explore the venues at your own pace.

The Experience in Action: A Typical Day

Most participants start at the Casino Royale’s main bar, where they get a quick safety briefing and an overview of the day. From there, the on-foot journey takes about 10 minutes between stops, allowing you to soak in the sights and mingle with your group.

Each venue visit varies from a quick glance to a longer stay, depending on the bar’s vibe and your interest. You might pop into a scenic rooftop bar for a cocktail with a view, then move on to a hole-in-the-wall joint offering dollar beers. Some stops are more focused on sightseeing or photos, like the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat or the Cosmopolitan’s scenic outdoor spots.

Several reviewers highlight the expert knowledge of guides like Jonathan, who not only lead the group but also share interesting tidbits about Vegas’s hidden bar scene and history. One reviewer raved, “Jonathan was the BEST. It’s worth booking a tour with him, and you’ll learn a lot about Las Vegas.”

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The Atmosphere and Bar Variety

The beauty of this tour is its diversity of venues. You’ll visit everything from speakeasies behind unassuming doors to rooftop bars with panoramic Strip views. Some spots are more casual and grab-and-go, perfect if you’re looking for quick drinks and photo ops, while others offer sit-down service with happy hour deals.

Hidden gems are the tour’s heart. For example, spotting a 1920s speakeasy behind a barber shop adds a bit of adventure, and knowing where to find $3 beers or $5 cocktails during happy hours makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Participants often mention the vibe at these venues—generally lively, relaxed, and filled with locals and travelers alike. The lack of typical sports bars means you’re more likely to find unique atmospheres and creative drink menus, adding to the authentic Vegas experience.

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Photos and Scenic Views

Photo stops at The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat and The Cosmopolitan are popular, providing great backdrops against the Strip’s neon-lit skyline. These moments offer a break from walking and a chance to capture the energy of Vegas.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration & Timing: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, but the actual experience can vary based on how long you linger at each venue.
Price & Value: For $49, this tour offers excellent value considering the variety, insider access, and guide expertise. Remember, drinks aren’t included, so budget accordingly.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes, bring your passport or ID (for age verification), and consider a small amount of cash for cash-only spots.
Group Size: The group size isn’t specified, but the walk-and-talk format suggests manageable numbers, fostering a social and friendly atmosphere.
Age & Restrictions: Not suitable for anyone under 21 or pregnant women. Also, smoking and shorts are not permitted in some venues.

Authentic and Expert-Guided

Based on reviews, guides like Jonathan do more than just lead—they share stories and insider tips that elevate the experience. One reviewer said, “Most don’t make it to the end,” highlighting how engaging and paced the tour is, often leaving participants eager to explore further on their own.

The tour’s flexibility and focus on hidden spots make it a unique alternative to crowded clubs or generic bar scenes. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy discovering new places, trying regional drinks, and soaking in the local vibe.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This bar crawl is best suited for travelers seeking an authentic Vegas experience, away from the well-trodden tourist spots. It’s ideal for groups, couples, solo travelers, or bachelorette parties wanting a fun, social outing. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides, hidden bars, and a pace that allows for socializing, this is a smart choice.

Keep in mind, it’s a drinking-focused experience without included drinks. So if you prefer guided tours with drinks included or a more club-centric night, you might want to explore other options. But for those wanting a local’s glimpse into Vegas nightlife, this tour delivers memorable moments and fantastic value.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, many solo travelers enjoy the social aspect, and guides like Jonathan are great at making everyone feel comfortable and included.

How much time do we spend at each bar?
It varies, but generally, you’ll visit about a dozen spots with some being quick stops and others allowing more time to enjoy the vibe and drinks.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll have the chance to buy your own at each venue, often benefiting from happy hour deals.

Can I choose which bars to visit?
While the guide leads the tour, there’s flexibility to decide how long to stay at each spot and to explore the venues that catch your interest.

Is the tour walkable?
Yes, the entire tour is walkable with short 5-10 minute strolls between venues, making it easy to soak in the sights.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID or passport, some cash for cash-only spots, and comfortable shoes. Dress appropriately for Vegas nightlife.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
The tour is alcohol-focused, but non-drinkers can still enjoy the sightseeing and social aspects. It’s best to discuss your preferences with the guide beforehand.

To sum it up, the Bars Unknown tour offers an engaging, authentic way to see Las Vegas beyond the casinos. With a mix of hidden bars, rooftop views, and insider stories, it’s perfect for those eager to uncover the city’s secret nightlife. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Vegas visitor, this experience promises fun, discovery, and a taste of the true local scene.