Atomic Liquors holds the distinction of being Las Vegas’s oldest freestanding bar, established in 1952 and boasting liquor license #00001. Originating as Virginia’s Café in 1945, the business transformed under Joe & Stella Sobchik into a bar where patrons once watched nuclear tests light up the desert sky from the rooftop. Frequented by legends like the Rat Pack, Barbra Streisand, Clint Eastwood, and more, it became a retreat from Strip glitz. After a 2012 renovation that lovingly restored the neon signage, original bar configuration, and even a floor safe filled with historic receipts, Atomic Liquors today preserves its retro charm while embracing the Downtown Project’s urban revival. Its interior—decorated with atomic-era memorabilia, vintage bar fixtures, and Geiger counters from the Nevada Test Site—creates a unique ambiance steeped in mid-century kitsch with a modern sensibility. The drink menu is a standout: cheekily named atomic cocktails like Hunter S. Mash and Atomic Mule, a rotating lineup of 500+ craft beers, classic cocktails, and more casual beer fare cater to every preference. The adjacent Atomic Kitchen serves comforting bites—burgers, wings, and fries—perfect for pairing with a cold brew . Open daily from noon (and until 2 AM or later on weekends), Atomic Liquors is a friendly, unpretentious gathering spot that blends dive-bar authenticity with historical gravitas. Whether you're a first-timer or a local, it’s a living slice of Vegas nostalgia and community spirit.
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