Inside unusual nightlife suspect, Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon (once, the Barbary Coast Hotel), a destination more-often-than-not crowded by ladies lighting up Virginia Slims on the minute and men popping Cialis like they are Werther’s Original candies, lies Drai’s, Las Vegas’ best kept after-hours secret. However, worry yourself not Sin City swingers; this nightclub is nothing like the casino that houses it.
For entrance, descend the centrally situated, non-descript elevator in order to experience Drai’s late-night ambiance. Velour, cheetah print sofas line the maraschino cherry red walls of this dimly-lit, library-esque in-basement attic. With various lounging rooms, piled-high with sofas, dark wood coffee tables, an occasional fireplace and Tamara de Lempicka prints, Drai’s has plenty of down-home room for schmoozing and boozing.
Before midnight, classy groups of patrons can enjoy a sophisticated French-American cuisine, but Drai's has time and again been the preferred choice for those looking to party well after the restaurants of Las Vegas have closed their doors. The after hours party at Drai’s typically takes off at 3AM and doesn’t hit the pavement until 10AM, leaving its party-goers with the best red-eyed flight they’ve ever taken. The dance floor is persistently packed and the DJ booth, consistently stocked with the most talented progressive house DJ’s on the West Coast.
Drai’s also offers complete bottle service and the word on the street is that it is the best way to go; especially if a late night is on the horizon. If not for the convenience of avoiding multiple voyages to the watering hole, secure a table so there is refuge for your group from the rave-like party that will ensue on the dance floor. After all, lasting power is the name of the game at Drai’s.
However, just because Drai’s hosts a late night/early morning party, it does not mean that there is a green light for acting like a mess; or dressing like one, for that matter. The door staff enforces a strict dress code of, “no hats, over-sized jeans, baggy clothing, Tennis shoes, athletic wear or excessive jewelry.” And with a cover charge that rounds off at about 20 dollars, don’t expect that the scene will be any less rich.
Drai’s is one tale of glory you will not want to miss. In fact, everyone who’s been to Vegas will have something to say about it, but the one thing they won’t do is act like they forgot about Drai’s.
