When Circa Resort and Casino opened in October 2020 on the west end of the Fremont Street Experience, the world was in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic standstill.
That didn’t stop Circa from beginning to change the conversation on what a downtown Las Vegas resort is or should be.
Before Circa, downtown was probably best known for the Fremont Street Experience and all of the delightful weirdos that walk its streets (including the tourists).
Now, Circa offers travelers who want an elevated resort feel, that happens to be off the ever-busier Strip, a place to call home for the weekend. It has a gigantic sports book, beautiful new rooms, and a pool area called Stadium Swim that has absolutely changed the game for everyone in town.
Owner Derek Stevens is a fun, quirky guy who is known for his bright suits and big personality. This property oozes his charm and flair for the fantastic.
In true Derek Stevens fashion, he has created a “secret bar” near the high rollers section of Circa that has no fixed hours of operation and is hidden behind a rollaway wall when it’s not in service.
I know you want me to spill the beans about where it is so you don’t have to try for it, but that wouldn’t be fun. But I’ll give you this hint: Find a picture of Marilyn Monroe’s eyes, and you’ll practically be there.
If it’s open, then get ready to have a good time. If it’s closed, try again tomorrow.
You’re there to drink, right?
If you’ve found the bar and it’s open, congratulations. Let’s drink.
Of course, the bar staff can get you whatever you want, but you didn’t do all that searching for a Coors Light, correct? And this isn’t exactly a “shots of Jager” kind of place. Save that for the Mega Bar down below.
Take a look at their shelves for high-end bourbon, scotch, tequila, and mezcal.
The bartender who attended to us the night we found the “Secret Bar” was an incredibly well-trained mixologist, expertly versed in the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and the bartender’s most-hated-request-from-an-idiot.. the “Surprise Me.”
Without a doubt, the pièce de résistance of Circa’s Secret Bar is the shining bottle of Louis XIII Cognac by Remy Martin in the Classic Decanter (used since 1874!).
You’ll want it served at room temperature, of course, and then allow it to sit for a few moments to breathe. Take your time, smell the aromas, then a quick touch to your lips to get a glimpse of all the complex features in this incredible cognac.
Pricey? Perhaps. Worth it? Absolutely.
Needless to say, we had a very good time this evening.
The ambiance and is it worth it?
Everything around the bar just drips with that Las Vegas high roller class. It’s a nice area that isn’t overly loud, and the staff was friendly and accommodating. You can’t ask for more than that.
It’s now one of my favorite spots in Vegas. The small amount of time it takes to find this place is worth every moment that you don’t have to sip your cocktails around the commoners.
