1923 Bourbon & Burlesque

Literally stumbled upon this place. Very difficult to tell that it’s an actual bar from the outside but trust me… once you go in you won’t regret it.
It was a little slow in there the night we went but it didn’t matter. The staff was so awesome and friendly and entertaining. They take their time to educate you on their selections and will make a drink for your own personal preference. Everything we had that night was very delicious.
They have old gangster movies playing in the background and have a beautiful room tucked away in the back for cigar smoking.
Trust me… give this place a shot!

Loved this place! It’s no longer hidden like I was hoping, lol. But the staff was super friendly and attentive. The drinks were delicious (if a bit over priced?)! And the atmosphere was beautiful! Great comfy seating arrangements… gangster movies playing on silent and quiet background music that allows for good conversations. Ill definitely be back!

Hands down one of my favorite places in Vegas. Marvin is one of the best bartenders; I travel to vegas with different people every time and he never fails when it comes to hosting me and my friends and tending to our ever need weather it’s a friend who doesn’t know what she wants to drink or a nice bottle of champagne and cigar. The place has lost it burlesque show but the drinks are on point and the atmosphere of this venue are on par to none. Drink pricing I believe is more then far considering these are specialty cocktails that have above average liqour outta the bottle and not out of a gun. Vegas! I vacation there expecting to spend money. 5 stars for a place that I always visit everytime im in Vegas

DO NOT HOLD A PRIVATE EVENT HERE!!!
The space itself is cool, but staff and catering (outside vendor) is not equipped to give your clients or guests special attention and/​or service that any other banquet/​catering establishment would offer.
Rose was a complete nightmare to work with — her communication skills lack. We guaranteed 18 attendees, 23 ended up coming. THEY RAN OUT OF FOOD. A jump in 5 ppl should not have been an issue. This was a BUFFET DINNER… caterers should expect folks to take more than a normal sit-​down dinner. The food was NOT GOOD either.
They also did not have enough place settings, silverware, tables, etc… A complete nightmare experience.

While the staff was very friendly, everything advertised about this bar was non-​existent, including the burlesque dancers, jazz and the secret entrance. Drinks were arbitrarily priced (two cocktails ended up being $ 37 somehow). Also, they decided to close 4 hours early on a Friday night just cause.

If you’re going to charge $ 3 for ice, at least make sure it’s prohibition style ice. C’mon now.
Lovely ambiance, great service (although they asked if I wanted my Manhattan on the rocks… WUT? Now I know why… ice prices are where they try and rob you), well mixed drinks, good alcohol selection and decent prices for drinks (for Vegas… keep in mind they are probably double what you’d normally pay in your own hometown). I loved that they were playing gangster movies and 20s era music. It gave a nice vibe to the place. The décor is a bit vegas-​ey but hey… It’s VEGAS!
Stop charging for ice and I might be back. And bring back burlesque!

yes its true, there’s no more burlesque here but thats not why my review is 3 stars. This place has a great concept, prohibition era speak easy with a decent whiskey list and decent cigar menu. Thats all well and good and the whiskey prices aren’t bad considering its vegas and all. The problem comes when you order your drink on the rocks. Well thats $ 3 extra… $ 3 for ice… now this is not proper whiskey ice cubes you would find at say 7 grand in LA or the Whiskey library in Portland. No this is the same ice you’d fill your room ice bucket with from the ice machine on your floor. That part is why the review is low. If you are going to charge for ice maybe keep with your prohibition theme and give me hand chip ice. Just my opinion.

Came here for a team event and the place is really nice. I love the setup and the ambiance. When walking up you would never know there is a door hidden inside the wall. The staff was great and the drinks are amazing… a little strong but I like hem that way. I can’t wait to come here on a personal a personal level like adage night with the hubby! I
May even dress up to go along with the theme!

Hidden. Dark. Sexy. Good music (old school hip hop and R&B). Burlesque performances. Sophisticated crowd (read –30 and up mostly). Pricey drinks but that’s Vegas. I would go back for sure since I really loved the music.

Time period speakeasy with killer cocktails, dancers, and live jazz/​big band! what a surprise find in our hotel, the Delano. Hostesses walk you through a bookcase and you’re suddenly transported to the 1920’s with ladies in feathers, bartenders in hats and suspenders, dancers on the bar, and jazz standards in the background. the $ 20 Old Fashioned is worth every penny!

I love the bartenders! Beth, Marvin & Iliana! They make some bad ass cocktails to guzzle.
Every time I come in here, there’s a new routine for the burlesque dancers. Awesome environment & love the 90’s music! I love this lounge/​bar!
If you haven’t tried it, please give it a chance! Love it!

I really don’t understand the bad reviews. I fell in love with this place. We arrived fairly early, a little after 9. We had the bar to ourself. We enjoyed a few cock tails. I had the Al Capone mule kick which which was very good! And my boyfriend had an old fashion with their very good bitters.
As it got closer to show time the bar became very crowded. The show starts at 10 and runs every 15 minutes. We started for 4 shows. All of them were great, and the girls are hot!
We left and hot our tab, the drinks were vegas strip priced. 15 – 19 each. But your also receiving free entertainment. I really don’t understand how people complained about the prices… It’s typical.
The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is I didn’t like the fact that they add gratuity.
But over all the look of the place is super cute, the drinks were good and the dancers were great. Very unique place on the strip and since I’m not a typical club kind of girl, I avoid the Vegas night clubs. I will totally be back!

I’m not going to waste your time or anymore of mine than I have to describing this so called 1820’s event I attended. All I’ll say is that if you are looking for a burlesque show that mirrors that from the 1820’s it’s not here, but if you are looking to spend $ 40+ on two 8oz drinks, in an overly stuffed sardine can, you have found your new hang out spot!

I came to 1923 Bourbon and Burlesque with a friend for the Prohibition Revolt party. Entry was free with an RSVP and 1920’s attire was encouraged. Sold! I’m there! I was amped to finally get a chance to visit 1923 and was expecting great things. Sadly, my notions of a great night at 1923 were quickly quashed.
ATMOSPHERE: Most attendees were dressed in 1920s attire, so that was a plus. Walking in through the «secret entrance» was a cool feature, but the novelty quickly wore off once I settled inside. There wasn’t anywhere to sit. Oh wait, there was plenty of seating but it was all «Reserved». I hate that! Especially if it’s a speakeasy type place, shouldn’t it be more lounge friendly? The only place to sit is in the red cigar room, which is surprisingly empty of patrons. The music playing was NOT the business. The «Jazz» band promoted for this event was not playing jazz. They were playing Top 40 tunes. Huh?
VALUE: Cocktail drinks were $ 19 and the menus were ominously lacking pricing information. I’d expect that kind of pricing at a high end club, not a speakeasy.
BURLESQUE: Ha! I’m glad I didn’t stay to watch this act because according to Nelson Q., it was a sad sight to bear witness to. The band announced the act would come on at 10PM. I waited until 10:20. Nothing. Without anywhere to sit, and without a drink in hand because I refuse to pay $ 19 for a cocktail, I said buh-​bye.
As I was leaving, a horde of people lined up to get into 1923 who were part of some party tour. Of course they weren’t dressed in theme and were acting like hooligans. My exit was perfectly timed, I guess!
2 stars because the bartenders were quick to ask if I needed help and were nice.
Worth a Return Visit?
No way, Jose!
Unilocal 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #23

«Crooked, Wannabe Speakeasy»
ATMOSPHERE:
This was for the Prohibition Revolt Event…
Entering through the secret door, dark, dimly lit, and a little swanky, it started of with a great time seeing peeps dressed up Gatsby style and the Shaun De Graff Band playing songs from the 80’s, 90’s, and today with a 20’s twist. As the night progressed, it got worse when hoards of people looking like they came off a party bus came through the door wearing beaded necklaces with «Hello My Name Is» tags??? Looked like a Meet Up group times 10, not even dressed for the occasion, staff was overwhelmed, and it felt like a sardine can… it’s sadly all about the money.
BURLESQUE/​BEVERAGES:
Burlesque is done tastefully and sensually… Striptease is raunchy and sleazy… the dancer that we saw was definitely striptease without taking it all off, tearing of clothing and hanging off the ceiling rod? Definitely not Burlesque…
Seeing pictures of the drink menu, they were priced in the $ 12-​$ 14 range… The cocktail menu we looked at that night didn’t have prices at all!!! Two Moscow Mules later? $ 40??? More expensive than the drinks at Rose.Rabbit.Lie!!! Hard lesson learned…:\
CLOSING STATEMENTS:
Opened just this past May, Holly Madison parted ways with the company in December, and is now alleging that her and other dancers were secretly videotaped by management of 1923 Bourbon & Burlesque without permission in the dressing room area… we shall see what becomes of this serious allegation…
All in all, major disappointment… softcore striptease instead of tasteful, sensual burlesque, (we left the madness after the first dancer) outrageous drink prices. Avoid at all costs… ALOHA!
Shaka Meter: ZERO! Not even a pinky! Maybe more like the middle finger!
Return Factor: 0.00%

We had fun! On a recent Saturday night I suggested we come here to Husband and when he heard the words «bourbon» and «burlesque», he was (shockingly!) all for it! Hey, I know my man! (wife of the year award?)
NOTE: If you sit up front there is a $ 50 per person minimum! (friendly bartender was kind enough to warn us). Hey, we are bored out-​of-​towners looking for a true Vegas experience… we’re all in!
So after about three hours, we had experienced the talent of three different gals (two performed twice each) and one once. They came out maybe every twenty minutes. (Please forgive my math as my sober math is about as good as it was that night trying to drink my wine $ 50 worth.) Meanwhile, Husband was doing his $ 50 bourbon part. I know better than to ask him about math then or now!
Also if you sit up front, be prepared to pick up your drink when the gal comes out, as she might dance on the bar in front of you. The gals were fantastic! Very gymnastic! And very classy. Loved watching Husband’s reaction! Sad that the piano that was on the stage was never used for playing. Would have loved to have had some live music… more show-​like! (gals sure utilized the curtains and poles however).As for show, the bartenders alone were an incredible show… they sure hustle!
As for the club itself, it’s quite small. Small bathroom also. Biggest problem for me (and it could be a plus for others) is the SMOKE. Cigars everywhere.

Date & Time: Saturday July 18, 2014 @ Midnight
Location: Mandalay Bay
Companion: The Husband
Scene: Groups of Girls in Flapper Dresses & Guys in Zoot Suits
Music: Live DJ
Décor: Cool SpeakEasy w/​Hidden Brick Door to Get In, Cigar Lounge, Velvet Banquettes & Stage for Burlesque Shows
Performers: Drop Dead Gorgeous Talented Ladies
Service: Nicest Coolest Guys from The DoorMan & Cashier who Waved Our Entrance Fees to the Best Bartenders who Comped my Non-​Alcoholic Drinks
Imbibe: SideCars & Gin Fizz
Total: $ 50

Whoa, what an incredible… list of bourbon! Well hello nurse. I mean, such hard to find bourbon. OMG, really, how do they do that? Uhhhh. What???
A speak easy from the 1920’s, and while sure, Vegas Strip’esque (you walk up to a seemingly innocent bar only to be escorted into a fantasy world of beautiful women), it serves up the best bourbons the States has to offer.
Angel’s Envy, Elijah Craig 21, E.H. Taylor Small Batch, Pappy’s 23yr old Grand Reserve (which they are currently out of). It’s all there for the taking if you’re willing to pay. And pay your will. Very high Vegas markups.
Minimum charge for a seat or table ($ 50 if you want to stand), but well, well, well worth it for the burlesque show. Not too racy, very suggestive. Good audience mix from guys to gals all having a good time.
A true hidden gem of a night spot and one deserving of a try for any bourbon enthusiast.
Wait, what were we talking about…
HUH…

Taking up residence where Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce used to be is the newest Speakeasy to hit the strip. There’s something fun and exciting about entering through a secret door and needing a password to get in.
I wasn’t sure of the stats on the place, so I had called Mandalay Bay box office and the woman had no info to give me, I wasn’t sure if we needed tickets prior, or if we purchase there, I then searched the actual 1923 website and didn’t get any info there as well. I ended up speaking with concierge and she was the most helpful, this is the info I can pass along to others:
*No cover charge for locals
*$ 20 cover for non-​locals
*If you’re interested in getting a table, you can email
and they should get back to you within 24 hours.
If you show up around 10p and get yourself a seat at the bar, you’ll have a perfect view for the stage, the entire place only holds 150 people, and the place got packed really quick, there were no seats or anywhere to stand by 11. Holly Madison performs 3 times nightly, and the shows run from 11p-​2a.
Jazz band plays intermittently throughout the night as well as a house DJ. They have a small specialty cocktail menu, Pisco Sour included. Our bartender, Marvin, was able to create a cocktail off menu by us telling him what our likes are.
They have a cigar room in the back and they also sell them at the bar. They do allow smoking in the lounge, and it did get pretty smokey between the cigarettes and cigars, so be warned.
I loved the burlesque dancers, the 1920’s inspired outfits of the cocktails waitresses and bartenders were classy, and the prohibition style cocktails were good. I’d for sure come back.

Though I made it late to the party (a little after 2 am) and all the fun shows I heard about were over, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here.
I had been hearing about this place for weeks, and being a speakeasy themed lounge lover, knew that I had to pay this place a visit. I raced over to the Mandalay via the walkways from the Luxor and walked about halfway thru the casino before I found a security guard who had heard of the place and turned me in the right direction. Turns out I had passed it, it’s so discreet outside, nestled underneath the escalators connecting the two hotels, across from Criss Angel’s magic shop.
The outside, as I mentioned, is pretty discreet, showing only a desk tucked in a corner in front of a gorgeous gilded mirror with a couple of bookcases and various other décor surrounding it and that famous white 20’s car off to the side. I found a guy just outside and asked if it was still open. He said they were coming to a close but there were still some partiers inside, opened up a bookcase to reveal a door and a dimly lit hallway, and I was in.
Everything about the inside politely taps you on the shoulder, telling you you’ve been transported to a 20’s era speakeasy and you don’t want to go back. One walkway around the bar has a few black and whites taken during the time period while another surprises you with a small stage in the wall for a band, instruments set up with musicians or not. At the center lies the main stage, more long than wide, with what appeared to be a smaller bar down alongside it, slightly below stage level so as not to interfere with the acts, comfy chairs and tables lining the area. An upright piano sits discreetly off to the side of the stage, not too far from the DJ’s booth, also nicely blending in with the décor. In the midst of all that raised in the center of the lounge is the main bar, a nice square fully stocked with the makings of their specialty cocktails and any other drink concoction you desire.
Employees are dressed as newsboys or corseted gals as they cheerfully and quickly take your drink orders. As they were winding down I was unsure if I’d be able to sample a cocktail, but as I hoovered on the bar, a friendly blonde brought me a menu and happily made me a drink, making suggestions when I asked. I ordered That Strange Rush, a delicious blueberry liquor mixture, that had me wishing I had arrived earlier for more. The bar area has many more tables and chairs, all elegant and comfy.
I roamed the place beverage in hand to check out the landscape and stumbled upon the cigar room, decorated with nice white couches and portraits, keeping with the 20s theme.
Everyone was very friendly and inviting, I never felt like I was intruding as I worried I might, coming in so late. The other party’s seemed to be enjoying themselves as well, joint with the bartenders as if they were old friends while sipping their drinks.
I finished my drink and regretfully left, walking down an adjacent dimly lit hallway near the entrance and discovering I had walked thru a brick wall by the car.
I definitely want to come back again, this time for the shows!