The first Las Vegas location of the Chicago-based entertainment bar landed at Area 15 last winter
Those wanting to relive their childhood—if video games, pinball and similar games were part of their youth—need to look no further than Emporium Arcade Bar at Area 15. This adult playground for those 21 or older also offers plenty of beer, spirits and cocktails flowing and with no kids to cramp your style or diminish your vibe.
Entertainment
The first Las Vegas location of the Chicago-based entertainment bar landed at Area 15 last winter. The two-level space is filled with new and classic arcade favorites (like Frogger, Donkey Kong, Pacman and Star Wars), four pool tables, several TVs airing sports programming, shuffleboard, basketball hoops, skeeball, NBA Jam and foosball. Not surprisingly (for it is at Area 15 after all), there’s an art component with the space ablaze with bright colors, one-of-a-kind art and murals by local artists.
Andrew Brickey appears to be tailor made for his position as General Manager, as he has been a longtime gamer and is a native Las Vegan. He describes Emporium as “a destination for locals and tourists offering art, retro games and drinks at a friendly price point. Everyone from 21-99 is welcome and we are creating lasting moments that matter and are THE watering hole of Area 15.”
Distinctive Beer List
Regarding those drinks, the distinctive beer menu (which is switched up every few weeks) includes regional beers you don’t see everywhere else, such as pFriem Family Brewers Belgian-style Wit and Thorn Brewing Incredible Pulp Pale Ale.
In addition, a lot of love is shown to local beer with the majority of the 12 taps pouring a rotation of brews and cider from pretty much every local brewery that distributes, which during my recent visit included Astronomy Golden Ale, Bad Beat Bluffing Isn’t Weisse, HUDL Vanilla Oak Cream Ale, Lovelady 9th Island Zombie Sour, Mojave Tamarindo Lindo Cider and Tenaya Creek Tandem Double IPA.
Housemade Libations
Eight cocktails and boozy slushies created and made inhouse by Brickey and his beverage team are poured on draft such as the Oogie Boogie with housemade hot buttered Four Roses, H&G Sherry, bitters and simple syrup; and Scare Bear Stare slushie with raspberry vodka, Orange Curaçao, Watermelon Red Bull, lime, sprite and Splash Nightmare. Brickey shared that the cocktails change every quarter and produced in 5-gallon batches infused with CO2 for speed of service and consistency. There’s also an expansive spirits list with several premium brand choices.
A reason to entice you to come out at least one night a week are the themed Monday Industry Nights with DJs and live bands and those with NV ID receiving 10 free game tokens. Themes are: 1st Mondays 80s, 2nd Mondays 9th Island Reggae, 3rd Mondays 90s and 4th Mondays EMO (emotional rock).
Bonus Tips
A semi-secret entrance with a sizable parking lot on the northwest side of the building labeled Side Door leads directly to Emporium. As the Arcade Bar is free to enter for guests 21 years or older, when Area 15 is charging a cover fee, using this entrance and mentioning you are heading to Emporium gets you free entry into the building.
The boozy slushies are only served at the 2nd level bar.
The 1st level opens at noon on Friday through Saturday and after 7 p.m. on weekdays and can be rented out for private events.
Hours are Mon-Thu 2 p.m. to 1 a.m., Fri-Sat noon-2 a.m. and Sun noon-1 a.m.
Area 15 (3215 S. Rancho Drive) emporiumlv.com
