One of the keys to the hoped-for resurgence of Downtown Las Vegas has been places like The Griffin, a small but entertaining bar located in the East Fremont Street district. This six block long stretch of the main Downtown drag is mere steps from the Fremont Street Experience and all of the hotels and casinos on Glitter Gulch, but it has a unique new vibe with jazzy neon signs, wide sidewalks, landscaping, and an air of promise driven by bars like this.
The Griffin is one of those places that has managed to generate its own mystique in Vegas. The motif is vaguely castle-esque, with stony outcroppings, a heavily carved bar, and a couple of fire pits worthy of roasting mutton over. Deep plushy booths and other low-slung seating provide an almost ultra-lounge feel but in a good way - instead of the pretentious airs such places can engender, this seems to offer a place for lounging, relaxing, and conversation, intimate or otherwise.
It's a small space so there is no stage or dance floor, but a jukebox (and occasionally a DJ) provide the audio atmospherics with a deep play list that should satisfy just about any musical taste.
The crowd is a mix of older and younger, heavy on the casino industry insiders and locals. Word has it that this is the place a lot of the performers in shows on The Strip hang out after the final curtain and that you may even seen a bazillionaire casino owner or two mixing and mingling on occasion. It's hip without trying and friendly in a way that would not exist if this place were located in one of the big hotels.
Mixed with the nearby Beauty Bar and Downtown Cocktail Lounge this is a great place to go and unwind without needing to worry about some outrageous cover charge or drink prices or pressure to wear the latest and hottest clothes. No standing and posing allowed.
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