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Livin' Local: Guns, Grub and Games: A Guys’ Night Out in Vegas
By
Mike Sweeney
Thanks to Hollywood, most people’s image of a guys’ night out in Vegas conjures up stolen Bengal tigers, drunken weddings and a chronic case of hangover induced amnesia. Hard to imagine in a place known as Sin City, I know, but that’s no reason to think that you and your fellow dudes can’t enjoy a completely “brodacious” night on the town and emerge with your wallet, your clothes and most of your dignity still intact. So kiss your significant other good bye, suit up in some stylish duds and get ready for a good time with nobody but the boys.
Fired Up
Want to start off with a bang? Machine Guns Vegas (476-9228; www.machinegunsvegas.com) combines high tech firearms with the feel of a plush ultra lounge for a fully automatic party experience. Just minutes from the Strip, MGV stocks an arsenal of everything from modern assault rifles to World War II era classics for you to test out on their shooting lanes. Book a themed experience if you want to fire weapons used by SEAL Team Six and make your Call of Duty fantasies a reality. Authenticity is guaranteed thanks to a staff led by former military and veterans from services such as Wounded Warriors. Add to that free round trip transportation from the Strip, and you’re out of reasons to say no. Call ahead or go online to make reservations.
If the smell of gunpowder in the air isn’t your thing, cruise down to Pole Position Raceway (227-7223; www.polepositionraceway.com) and take a spin in one of their Formula EK20 karts at speeds up to 45 mph. These aren’t the lame old “go karts” you remember puttering around in as a kid. These are high performance electric machines that accelerate harder than their gas powered counterparts, giving you a wicked speed boost as you careen around the track. With quieter engines and no gas or oil leaks, the ride is much smoother as well. The staff will even keep track of your race results with their high tech scoring system, showing things like your fastest and average lap times, so strap on a helmet and satisfy your ultimate need for speed.
Feeding Frenzy
Once you and your dude crew have gotten your adrenaline rush and you’re ready for a hearty meal and a cold beer, consider a stop at Hofbräuhaus (853-BEER; www.hofbrauhauslasvegas.com). An exact replica of the legendary Munich beer hall, Hofbräuhaus brings you a unique experience straight from the heart of Deutschland. Quench your thirst with one of their classic brews in a one liter stein or the infamous two liter glass boot while you enjoy live nightly entertainment from the house band Die 3 Zünftigen. To satisfy your appetite, you’ll find plates of Bavarian sausage (pork, chicken or veal) with juicy sauerkraut and onion mustard. Don’t forget to try the homemade spätzle, a special type of German egg dumpling, or go even more traditional with some old fashioned Wiener schnitzel.
If your group’s tastes run a little more gourmet, bring the guys to Firefly Tapas Kitchen & Bar (369-3971; www.fireflylv.com). The tapas feast runs day and night, and just because the plates are small doesn’t mean they’re any less tasty. On the cold side, you’ve got apple and manchego salad, shrimp ceviche or artichoke toasts. The warmer side offers eggplant cannelloni, ham and cheese croquetas, stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and much more. When it’s time for a nice beverage, they’ve got a wide selection of fine wines, beers and signature cocktails. But don’t leave without trying their house specialty sangria, which marinates for three days and pairs perfectly with any of their culinary treats. Comfy, affordable and always unique, it’s the perfect spot for a night (and a bite) on the town with the boys.
Cohibas and Consoles
There’s nothing like a nice after dinner stogie and some good guy talk, so make André’s Cigar Lounge (798-7151; www.andrelv.com) at the Monte Carlo your next stop. The atmosphere recalls a gentlemen’s club with plush furnishings and a warm fireplace, the perfect place for you and your buddies to unwind. Chef André Rochat knows the importance of a fine selection, and he’s got over 40 types of hand rolled cigars for you to choose from, including Montecristo, Fuente and Cohiba. Behind an impressive glass case, you’ll also find a nice collection of cognac, port and scotch. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, their cognac specialist will help narrow things down. Better yet, plan your trip around one of their VIP whiskey, cognac or scotch tastings.
Looking to tap into your nostalgic geek side instead? Take a trip downtown and visit Insert Coins (477-2525; www.insertcoinslv.com). Pick up your favorite energy drink, beer or cocktail at the glowing Beta Bar (try some Mountain Dew flavored vodka), then drop a few quarters into one of their classic refurbished arcade games such as Donkey Kong or Mortal Kombat and relive your misspent youth. VIP treatment enters a whole new level of play here with tables that include game consoles and HDTVs along with bottle service. Plug into an Xbox 360 and challenge your gang to a round of Modern Warfare 3 while you sip some smooth libations. Weekly events are always in swing with local DJs dropping beats to keep the party going all night long.
Whether it’s a bachelor party or just a fun evening with some old friends, hanging out with the guys is always a blast. Wherever the night takes you, from the gun range to the cigar lounge and beyond, remember to have a good time and don’t do anything you would be embarrassed to find posted on Facebook the next day. After all, guys may keep their secrets, but pictures never lie.
