Bars in Vegas

Mandalay Bay's Foundation Room.

More of a sitting environment, wonderful views. Very nice.

If you're staying at even a half decent hotel there should be a director of entertainment or the like on site. Those guys would love for you to spend money at their place, but they usually give honest opinions about surrounding places.

Anyway, I lived in Vegas for quite a while and loved the FR. I think it's exactly what you're looking for.

Agree with Foundation Room & Ghostbar. Also Level 107 at the Stratosphere. Or get a table outside at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris, across from the Bellagio fountains...if it's not too hot.

If y'all are gonna be in town for Life is Beautiful, I recommend Carson Kitchen, Atomic Liquors, Downtown Cocktail Room, and The Griffin downtown. Oh, and Gold Spike.

Interesting old Vegas date restaurants: Hugo's Cellar and the Golden Steer. Very rat-pack-ish.

Also...Peppermill Fireside Lounge. It's a diner and a necessary late-night experience, but also has a (fireside) lounge.

If only considering the strip consider Mandarin Bar at Mandarin Oriental. Make a reservation and ask for a view looking more north.

Chandelier Bar at Cosmopolitan. Go to level 1.5 and order her a Verbena. It has a Szechuan button. Have her take a sip of the drink and then have her chew on the button and take another sip of the drink. They only make them on the 1.5 level.
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Hyde at The Ballagio. It's hard to beat a view of the famous fountains. If you go before 9pm it's more of a lounge and doesn't have a cover charge.

Once ya'll get a few drinks in your system you may want to check out Carnival Court next to Harrah's. They usually have live bands along with flair bartenders. It's not usually nightclub-like and not usually a problem getting in.

Finally, go find a Groupon for the High Roller observation wheel. They have some pods set up with an open bar. It's a 30 minute ride and provides a good view of the strip. There is never a line for this thing so don't pay full price.