The Strip or off the Strip—that is the question. The latest lounge to crop up this year is not only off the beaten Las Vegas Boulevard, it’s also eschewing the usual business model. Situated two miles east from the Strip, Puff isn’t your average watering hole, with a hookah bar, restaurant, nightclub and gaming establishment all under one roof. The 24-hour operations license also makes this a one-stop-shop for industry insiders looking to kick back after a long day (or night) at work.
“Puff will be unlike any other venue in Vegas,” General Manager Jeff Merlino explained. “The city has been waiting for a venue like this for years. Locals will love the vibe and the entertainment, as well as the vibrant menu served 24/7.” With inspiration for cuisine, décor, and entertainment swirling in from around the globe, it’s no wonder patrons are fleeing to Puff for a chance to get away from the same old same old.
Hookahs
Hookahs have come a long way since the 15th century, and Puff proves it. With unconventional tobacco flavors such as jasmine, strawberry, watermelon, guava and passion fruit, puffing at Puff is a taste-tantalizing experience all on its own. But to up the ante, you can have your hookah spiked with a shot of liquor of your choice. “Alcohol will be mixed with water at the bottom of the hookah or in the ice chambers where we blend flavored vodkas with flavored tobaccos,” explained Merlino. “Patrons can get a buzz from both the alcohol and the tobacco at the same time.” But don’t worry: With only an ounce and a half of alcohol, it’s safe.
Entertainment
Puff’s biggest draw is entertainment—live bands, dancers and other performers are on deck almost every day of the week. It started with a bang on their grand opening Puff-a-Palooza weekend in April, which featured 3 full days of musical mayhem crowding 30,000sf inside and outside the lounge. White tigers, magic acts, burlesque dancers and body paint models filled the bill, along with indie bands, DJs and drummers. Beyond the festival, Puff keeps up the excitement whether it’s with their Sunday reggae party, go-go girls, or aerial contortionists twisting above you as live bands play. “Each night, we’re bringing a surprise to the crowd,” said Merlino. “It’s like nothing Vegas has ever seen before.”
Clientele
Puff reels in a different kind of crowd given its unique locale and entertainment. “We’re geared towards industry locals and the community rather than being on the Strip and getting the tourist business,” Merlino pointed out. “This is going to be their place to come for not only the menu, but for the entertainment, gaming and to mix and mingle within the industry.” To boot, Puff is right across from the UNLV campus, which is guaranteed to add some fresh coed blood into the mix.
Décor
Hookahs aren’t the only exotic inspiration. Puff’s design takes a Moroccan twist, with deep reds hues, gold fringe and imported silks and satins adding to its allure. Guests are greeted by a massive video monitor at the entrance custom made from 42 individually operating computer screens. As for seating, variety is key. “We have cocktail tables in the bar area, an outdoor patio, as well as private booths through out the club,” Merlino explained. “We also have a 40-person Red Room with a stripper pole reserved for celebrities, local VIPs and private parties with floor pillow seating, as well as booths>” But if gaming or sports are your bag, belly up to the bar where you can enjoy your hookah while watching sports on 42-in plasma displays or while playing on one of the 15 bar-top gaming machines.
Puff TV
Who says all the fame is reserved for the Strip? Puff airs its own show on WGN Channel 16 every Friday night at midnight. “Puff TV is one of our major ventures we’re doing with CBS out of Chicago,” noted Merlino.“It takes you through the day in the life of getting Puff started, and each episode will be in the club taping bartenders, the application process, and the ins and outs of getting this thing going.”
For more information, check out PuffLounge.com
Puff
1030 E Flamingo Rd
702-221-PUFF