If you really want to do your Vegas bachelor party right, it only makes sense to get absurdly high. Not through the use of drugs (that’s a whole different article), but through the use of elevators.
Some of the best bars in Las Vegas sit among soaring skyscrapers: awesome rooftop lounges that serve up stiff cocktails with million-dollar views. Rising to the top, in more ways than one, are these five exciting drinking spots that call for serious boozing at literally great heights.
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Ghostbar
4321 W Flamingo Rd
The ultimate stomping ground for high rollers, foreign models, stylish schmoozers, frat boys on a mission, bucket-listers and everything in between, Ghostbar introduced sky-high, ultralounge boozing in Las Vegas in 2001. The 3,500-square-foot, indoor/outdoor space on the 55th floor of Palms Casino Resort continues to fill up any given night of the week, thanks to its impressive sky deck flaunting “woah” views of a sprawling, twinkling Vegas–not to mention a vertigo-inducing, plexi-glass floor that allows you to gaze hundreds of feet down. Swanky, Murano-style glass chandeliers set the ambience, and almost a dozen signature cocktails have made Ghostbar the place to get high in Vegas.
indoor/outdoor | "woah" views | plexiglass floor
Drai's
3595 S Las Vegas Blvd
This infamous, rooftop beach/night club is swarming with attractive, fist-pumping clubbers who like to show skin and make “friends.” Booze-fueled party groups treat a night here like it’s their last day on Earth. Regularly flying in celebrity guests (Nelly, Big Sean, Travis Barker), Drai’s at Cromwell is exactly how you’d picture modern Vegas nightlife—booming EDM, theatrical lights, bottle service and black-out behavior—all under open sky. While this rooftop is only a few stories above street level, it still offers commanding, bird’s-eye views of The Strip. It’s the perfect place for a late-night prowl, but expect to make a whole evening of it: lines get long early. Your best bet for easy access is booking a table.
celebrity guests | black-out behavior | bird's-eye views
High Roller
High Roller, Las
While it’s technically not a rooftop, the High Roller has unparalleled views of The Strip. The largest observation deck in the world, High Roller features glass-enclosed passenger pods (similar to the London Eye) that go round like a Ferris wheel: only it takes a good 30 minutes from start to end. When it reaches its apex—520-feet high—the views are a staggering, neon treat. Many pods are equipped with full bars and bartenders for unlimited pours (you have to book this in advance), which makes this place utterly original.
observation deck | passenger pods w/ full bar | 30 min
Foundation Room
Foundation Room
Foundation Room—a favorite for local, nightlife industry folk—is laid-back and soulful, as you would expect from House of Blues. Crowning Mandalay Bay at sixty-three stories high, this blues-inspired space feels more like a supper club lounge, with sofas, rugs and even a fireplace for a leisurely, laid-back vibe. In other words, it’s not a wild ‘n crazy atmosphere, so you’ll want to slow your roll. The outdoor views of The Strip and Vegas valley are still immense, and you can get dinner thanks to Foundation’s Room notable, reservations-only restaurant, the reason why many groups are up here in the first place.
laid-back | 63 stories | restaurant
Skyfall at Delano
Skyfall at Delano
Skyfall at Delano debuted in 2015, and ever since been a magnet to social party groups. many of whom get there as early as sunset. With unbelievable, 180-degree views from the 64th floor, live DJs and pumped crowd, Skyfall has a feel-good, let-loose vibe, with elevated bar bites served and a happy-hour menu that is actually affordable (beers from $6, wines from $8). You’ll need to make a reservation in advance to fully kick it here, and keep that wallet stuffed. Libations are created by famed mixologists Proprietors LLC (Death & Co/NYC and Honeycut/LA), so don’t think about ordering a standard G&T. Also, the best Instagramming happens to be in the bathroom, where the glass wall standing between you and unobstructed, sprawling views makes this the best pee break you’ll ever experience.
180-degree views | feel-good vibe | Proprietors LLC
Bonus: Mandarin Bar
Time to get high in Sin City. Like, 15 stories high. Mandarin Bar, Las Vegas
While it’s not a rooftop, it unarguably feels like one. The views at Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Mandarin Bar are some of the most striking in the city. Should you want to get buttoned up and go baller, the bar—with floor-to-ceiling glass walls facing the strip for the money shot—is easily the swankiest on The Strip. It brings to mind the retro-modern days of yore, where live jazz sets the mood, dapper men knock back martinis and a dash of old-school elegance feels like a modern time warp. If James Bond were visiting Vegas, this is where you’d find him. There’s a secret outdoor area out back, which can be booked for larger parties. Get here at night to see The Strip in all its neon glory.
swanky bar | James Bond vibe | outdoor area in back
