Which has hit a big renaissance in the past 3 years.
More than that, more locals hang out downtown.
If you're looking for the more traditional Vegas experience, this might not be for you.
These are spots I hit up pretty regularly that are worth checking out.

- Insert Coin(s)
https://vimeo.com/107946075
Great arcade/DJ bar. Owned by a guy from NY. Unlike DJ's on the strip, they play a much wider variety of music. Thursday nights are worth checking out for their Future Funk series.

- Naked City Pizza
Appeared on Diners Drive Ins & Dives. Buffalo style pizza (thick crust, cut in squares). This is probably my favorite pizza in Vegas, and I'm a Chicago guy. It's on Paradise not far from the Hard Rock. Small hole in the wall but worth the trip.

- The Griffin'
Sometimes a rock bar, sometimes a hip hop bar. Depends on the DJ. Real chill spot.

- The Heart Attack Grill
Yes, if you weigh over 350lbs, you eat free. It's a gimmick, but people are intrigued. Never had the food before but it's part of the charm of Vegas. I'm sure it helps that twice in the past year people have had heart attacks in the restaurant.

- Casa Don Juan
Best Mexican food in Vegas. Hands down. Homemade. I always take people here when the come in from out of town. Not exactly downtown, but close.

- Fremont St.
A walkable section of downtown filled with lights, casinos, street performers and just random crazy stuff. Plus all the casino properties on Fremont St. have way lower minimums ($5 blackjack, etc). Again, if you haven't been it's worth checking out.

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