Las Vegas is known worldwide for its top-quality live music. The music scene is, without a doubt, one of the best in the world with everything from cover bands to big-name artists. In addition, the Vegas Strip is home to plenty of bars with live music where you can be entertained nightly by some of the best musical talents in the business.
The 6 best bars with live music on or near the Las Vegas Strip are:
- Stoney’s Rockin Country
- Dispensary co*cktail Lounge
- Rhythm and Riffs
- House of Blues
- The Barbershop Cuts and co*cktails
- Losers Bar
In the rest of this article, we’ll check out each of these bars and see what they have to offer in terms of musical genres and general atmosphere. Know which place to go if you want pure jazz, if you want to line dance along to country music, or if you want to catch one of Vegas’s bigger acts.
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1. Stoney’s Rockin Country
As the name suggests, you can find two kinds of music here at Stoney’s Rockin Country: rock and country. However, the venue definitely leans more on the country vibe and is a great place to go for a night out and hear some rockin’ country tunes played by a live band of talented musicians.
One of the great things about Stoney’s is all of the original music that gets played there. In a town that has plenty of cover bands, you can expect to hear some new and original songs from the performances at Stoney’s. This live music venue attracts local talent as well as country performers touring all over the U.S.
Stoney’s attracts a wide age range since, on some nights, they allow you to enter if you’re under 21. Of course, you’re not allowed to drink, but this bar is a great place for all ages to hear some live music and dance along.
The space itself is huge, with a designated dance floor, a large stage, two bars, and many high tables where you can sit and sip a drink with your friends. You can also get some bar food if you get hungry as the night goes on.
In addition, to live music performances several nights of the week, you can find other fun things to do at Stoney’s.
They host live line dancing classes earlier in the evening to get you warmed up for the live performances coming later. Learn a new line dance, get ready to show off your new skills, and join in the fun as the night goes on.
You can also find regular ladies night discounts and other special events. Their ladies’ night is a favorite since it features drinks as cheap as $2 for women.
If you’ve always wanted to ride a mechanical bull, or at least watch someone else ride one, you can do that at Stoney’s too.
Check out Stoney’s calendar of upcoming events and live musical performances here on their website.
You can find Stoney’s Rockin Country in Town Square Las Vegas at 6611 Las Vegas Blvd S (google maps)
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2. The Dispensary Lounge
Not far from the Strip, you can find one of the city’s best, under-the-radar live music venues. Located in a strip mall on East Tropicana Avenue, this bar may not be much to look at from the outside. However, step inside, and you’ve entered a staple of the Las Vegas music scene.
If you’re looking for the best jazz in town, you have to check out the Dispensary. It’s entirely dedicated to live jazz music, and the best jazz musicians in the city can be found playing here regularly.
You can find live performances several nights of the week with a full calendar of performances on their website here.
If you’re looking to escape the glitz and glamor of the Strip, the Dispensary will give you the full dive bar experience. You can get a good, strong drink from the bar and a burger or bit of food from their kitchen to accompany the live music experience.
This venue will be one of the more affordable options since it’s not directly on the Strip. Prices for food and drinks will be more reasonable here than the upscale resort venues we’ll also see on this list.
You can find The Dispensary Lounge at 2451 E. Tropicana Avenue (google maps)
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3. Rhythm and Riffs Lounge
If you’re looking for a great cover band experience, you’ll want to head to Rhythm and Riffs within the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. You can find their ample stage and dance floor surrounded by comfortable lounge seating.
At Rhythm and Riffs, you’re going to hear the Top 40 hits you know and love. You’ll also get the greatest hits from the 80s, 90s, and more recent popular tunes as well. These typically fall within the categories of classic rock, pop, or even a bit of disco.
If you have a bad impression of cover bands, let Rhythm and Riffs change your mind. The cover bands that play here are of top-notch quality. Las Vegas holds a different standard when it comes to live entertainment, and this is true for the quality of cover bands as well.
This venue only has live music on Fridays and Saturdays, so make sure you plan accordingly if you’re looking to enjoy a show here.
However, this won’t be the most affordable option for a night out. Since you’re at the Mandalay Bay on the Strip, you can expect your drink prices to reflect your location.
To reserve your spot for the next live music performance, you can visit their booking page here.
You can find Rhythm and Riffs at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Casino Floor 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd (google maps)
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4. House of Blues (Las Vegas)
House of Blues is the perfect place for a small concert. This venue typically books bigger acts but is still an intimate feeling venue for the perfect night of music. It features a large stage with plenty of room to dance as well as horseshoe-shaped seating. There’s even a balcony for additional seating for the concerts that draw a bigger crowd.
Carlos Santana is a big fan of this particular House of Blues and frequently comes to give concerts in this fun and intimate venue. In addition, you can find other exciting, big-name acts playing here regularly.
To see the upcoming shows and buy tickets, you can check the schedule here.
The sound here is typically loud but clean and professional. You won’t be able to turn to the person next to you to chat, but you’ll be able to fully experience the music as it was intended to be heard without distortion.
You can find three different bars at the House of Blues. One lines the back of the venue, plus there is a bar on each side. Multiple bartenders are ready to serve up your drink as you enjoy the music.
There’s also a full kitchen that you can take advantage of. The food here is typically reminiscent of the South and features a few Louisiana favorites, so order up a side of fries or a burger and have it brought right to you.
You can find House of Blues (Las Vegas) at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd (google maps)
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5. The Barbershop Cuts and co*cktails
The Barbershop is a fun and unique mix of live music that combines a speakeasy atmosphere and an actual barbershop. You can make an appointment for a stylish haircut or sneak your way to the Prohibition-inspired lounge in the back.
The 1920’s styled interior will give you the complete speakeasy experience as you settle in for a night of drinking and entertainment. Their extensive bar will provide you with all the whiskey you want as well as other signature co*cktails and drinks.
You can enjoy live musical performances here almost every night of the week, beginning at 10 pm. To see what shows are coming up soon, you can take a look at their events calendar here.
The Barbershop Cuts and co*cktails is located within the Cosmopolitan. You can find it in the Boulevard Tower, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S (google maps)
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6. Losers Bar
You’ll find that the Losers Bar inside the MGM Grand will give you an authentic bar experience despite its upscale location. This bar is a great choice for free live music since they have afternoon as well as evening performances. So, if you aren’t looking to stay out late, drop by the Losers Bar in the afternoon for a showing of Vegas’s musical talent.
You’ll find upbeat country music being performed here regularly. Also, you will enjoy all the beers on tap and classic drinks available from the bar. While there is some food available here, it is limited. You can check out their drink and food menu to see what they offer.
You can find the Losers Bar inside the MGM Grand. Here are their contact details MGM Grand 3799, S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
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Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the six best bars with live music on (or near) the Las Vegas Strip. If you’re a fan of live music, Las Vegas has plenty of bars with live musical entertainment that definitely won’t disappoint!
