Here’s Where to Drink at Hard Rock Now That Center Bar is Closed for Renovations

By Scott Roeben, on June 29 2015
2 min read 2 comments
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There are probably worse things than a Las Vegas casino bar closing, but we can’t personally imagine what those things would be.

Thankfully, the closing of Center Bar at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is temporary. On June 28, 2015, the popular bar had its last call until it reopens as part of a larger casino remodel, probably around Labor Day.

Hard Rock Center Bar
Center Bar at Hard Rock opened in 1995 and, from what we hear, inspired other casinos to also have bars.

Hard Rock tried to make the most of Center Bar’s closing, including encouraging guests to sign walls and floors, which will soon be torn out and discarded, of course. Vegas logic, baby!

Hard Rock Center Bar
In Las Vegas, we don’t question why! Las Vegas isn’t about questions. It’s about getting into the spirit of things because the PR department said so.

The closure of Center Bar leaves us with an obvious question: Where do we drink at Hard Rock now?

Fret not! (See what we did there? It’s the Hard Rock. Please keep up.) Here’s a quick look at the bar scene at Hard Rock while Center Bar slips into something less sticky.

The obvious choice for a drinking destination at Hard Rock is the Luxe Bar. The official Hard Rock Web site entices guests to Luxe Bar this way, “Master and servant, anyone?”

Oppression-friendly marketing copy aside, Luxe Bar is actually a welcoming bar and will be the hotel’s 24-hour bar now that Center Bar has closed.

Hard Rock Luxe Bar
Luxe Bar is also described as “a dimly lit rock enclave that feels like foreplay.” Don’t love your drinks unattended, ladies! We are not cleaning that up.

Another convenient option is Midway Bar.

Along with the hooch, Midway Bar is equipped with 22 video poker machines.

Hard Rock Midway Bar
The Midway Bar is located midway between the former Center Bar and Luxe Bar. Hey, naming things is hard.

Described as “the premier upscale sports lounge,” The Ainsworth looks like a comfy spot to grab cocktails and bites. Here’s the menu.

The Ainsworth serves up bottle service, too, which in the Las Vegas vernacular translates as “this Las Vegas blog won’t be going there anytime soon.”

The Ainsworth
We’ll pay $200 for a bottle of Captain Morgan when the SkyVue observation wheel has its grand opening, thank you.

Another watering hole option at Hard Rock is the Side Bet Bar at the hotel’s Race & Sports Book.

Hard Rock Side Bet Bar
The Side Bet Bar has everything you’re looking for in a hotel bar, except the absence of sports.

So, while it’s hard to say “goodbye” to a reliable old friend like Center Bar, there are plenty of places at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas to drown your sorrows.

We should mention one of those places to drink, and be seen drunk, is closing soon, too. Body English, the Hard Rock’s nightclub is closing July 3, 2015. Thanks to our friends at Vegas Chatter, the second-best blog in Las Vegas for the tip.