Las Vegas has no shortage of hidden bars. Some disguise themselves behind refrigerators, pawn shops or janitor closets. Others practically beg to be discovered through social media videos and word of mouth. But come on – if a speakeasy speaks loudly on the Internet, and millions hear the sound, is it really a speakeasy?
The Vault at Bellagio takes a different approach. It’s not “secret.” But it’s low-key, and a lot closer to a true speakeasy than most joints that claim that term.
Tucked behind an understated doorway on the casino floor, between the casino cage and the Players Club area, it doesn’t rely on gimmicks or long lines. Most visitors walk right past without realizing one of the city’s most elegant cocktail lounges is just beyond the door.
That’s beginning to change thanks to Liquid Legends, an ongoing series created by the Bellagio beverage team that invites some of the world’s most influential bartenders, writers and cocktail historians to step behind the bar for intimate guest appearances.
I was reminded of that while speaking with Joaquín Simó before his recent two-night engagement at The Vault. Cocktail enthusiasts know Simó as the creator of the modern classic Naked & Famous and as one of the key figures in New York City’s modern cocktail renaissance. And he appeared genuinely excited to be working inside The Vault.
“I still love doing guest shifts,” he told me. “I still love being able to go out and explore new markets.”
After experiencing The Vault, and its collection of vintage spirits, Simó knew he was in the right place.
“I’ve sat at the bar and watched this team work. It’s just really high-level stuff.”
For cocktail enthusiasts, that’s the appeal of Liquid Legends. But you don’t need to be an expert to appreciate The Vault’s remarkable décor and excellent cocktails.
Moreover, this isn’t a ticketed seminar or stage presentation. You can reserve a seat, or just walk in. Then spend the evening enjoying cocktails created by people who helped shape modern drinking culture.
Bellagio’s beverage team pairs each guest with The Vault’s impressive collection of rare and vintage spirits, often giving bartenders the opportunity to revisit drinks they haven’t made in years. Simó, for example, brought back Dangerous Summer, a Japanese whisky cocktail he created long before Japanese whisky became one of the world’s hottest categories.
Guests may come to Liquid Legends for the rare spirits and cocktails. But it’s the stories they’ll likely remember for years to come.
Previous installments have featured cocktail icon Dale DeGroff and writer Robert Simonson. Next up is acclaimed cocktail historian David Wondrich on Aug. 13-15.
If you’ve walked through Bellagio dozens of times without noticing The Vault, you’re not alone. Liquid Legends may be the best reason yet to finally open that unassuming door and discover what’s been hiding in plain sight.