Artifice

Very smoky. I can’t be messing up my hair. I’m just saying. And there is like no one here.

I finally got around to going to Scarlet, the spooky night at Artifice. Parking was plentiful, the sound system was great, and the bar was the perfect venue for this regular event. I don’t smoke and have been spoiled by many years of living in states where clubs are smoke-​free inside, so I appreciate that the place is well ventilated. I live on the W end of town, but it was an easy ~20 min jaunt.
Regarding Scarlet, the number of gawkers was minimal and DJ Morpheus Blak kept the dance floor alive. I’ll definitely be back.

I have been here a few times, always have fun…

Decent Place in the 18b Arts District. Plenty of space and booth seating around the perimeter with a large U shaped bar in the center. Tuesday nights they have live Jazz for entertainment. There is a cover charge if you want to go behind the curtained area, however you can still here the music just fine at the bar while still enjoying your frosty glass of beer and conversation with friends. Decent craft beer selection carrying «Arrogant Bastard» and other great selections of Stone’s fine beverages. I still can’t get over how all these hipster places carry PBR on tap and cans at some spots.
Overall cool place to stop for a drink or brew. Being located in the heart of the «First Friday» Footprint I am sure this place gets «rockin» that time of the month.

I briefly checked out Artifice on my most recent First Friday visit. The bar, of course, was poppin’. The bar provided a brief respite from the nighttime heat upon walking in. The bar manages to be dark but not gloomy, hip but not hipster. All the seating areas along the walls were full, so my small group just hung out by the main stage. The acoustics by the stage are probably great for a live band, but bad for conservation. Since Artifice was buzzing, chatter just bounced off the walls and reverberated around the room. Trying to talk in there was pretty difficult.
Moving closer to the bar, it got a little quieter. Prices were extremely reasonable for a beer. Most drafts were $ 5 or $ 6. PBR isn’t on the menu, but is offered on tap. Two drafts of PBR came to a measly $ 6.50. Thanks Artifice!
Worth a Return Visit?
I’m planning on it! I know Artifice regularly puts on events and hosts quite a few concerts.
Unilocal 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #125

A great bar in the Arts District. Plenty of comfortable seating and space on the dance floor, plus a stage for live events. Solid drinks, plenty of free parking. What’s not to love.

Great jazz every Tuesday night! Friendly service and great drinks! Easy to park and fun location
surrounded by lots of art studios and places to eat.

This place is pretty much my favorite bar.
It’s got a lot of character. It has a stage and dance area. I’ve seen bands perform. I’ve also been on a night where they had subjects hold still and artists draw them. Seems that they have different sort of things happening on that stage. Plus, it’s next to Art Square Theatre, so there’s a lot of art going on in this place.
For brews, they have my favorite beer on tap, Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA. This is a dangerously good brew. The barkiness of an IPA is offset by the citrus flavors they add. So it’s the best of both worlds. I could drink that all night. If you are into cocktails, the bartenders usually know how to make you something you like. I was in one night where the bartender would just make me random cocktails. All the bartenders were super nice, though, last time I went, one of the bartenders was in his underwear. Don’t know why, but I figure it’s probably normal for this place.
The bar is also huge. You can hide in the back where there is some sofas and couches or you can catch a seat at the bar. It can get loud sometimes if you are near the stage but it isn’t something so terrible that you couldn’t still have a conversation. If it is loud, you can usually head to the back of the bar.
The greatest thing about the bar for me is that it is never fully packed. It can be busy but there is always room to operate, room to grab a beer, room to have a conversation, room to go to the bathroom, room to breathe. This is something I find very important as places like The Griffin, which is a bit similar to this bar, fails as it’s always asses to elbows at The Griffin.
This bar has a ton of character, a ton of space, and is a ton of fun.

I think this place is a great touch to the area. I have been here several times – for a special event, for a show at the Cockroach theater, for meeting up with friends. There is always a pretty awesome vibe going on here and the bartenders are really attentive.
It is clean, parking is easy to score, usually plenty of seating. I just really have never had anything to complain about when I have been here except they took Delerium Tremens off their tap. Which another bar I went to did the same, so maybe the beer is going the way of the dinosaur.

One of the few places in Las Vegas I’m actually comfortable in. The strip feels superficial and vapid, locals avoid it anyway. The Artifice has easy parking compared to most places downtown, the inside is gorgeous, there’s plenty of seating and the bar is huge. I haven’t tried ordering anything crazy yet, but I’m sure if I was feeling whimsical the bartenders would have me covered. I’ve been here for the goth night Scarlet, as well as a regular night when a cover band was playing a free show. Always a fun atmosphere.

I’ve been meaning to come here for some time, but somehow it’s been one of those spots that’s slipped through the cracks.
I came as our friends were having their first show here! The Grenades are worth checking out

I wish I could comment on the cocktail quality as I love libations, but alas I am on a no alcohol phase currently and just had water. The bartenders were fast though, as various friends disappeared to the bar and emerged from the throng fairly swiftly.
I do like this place as a venue. Theres a room with a stage and is standing room aside from a few stools on the side or from parts of the bar you can look in and watch the show. The sound was decent in the space and not too loud.
Somehow the space achieves being open, while having smaller booth nooks and areas that are segmented.
Hopefully the next visit won’t be too far off. It’s a good spot to drop in if you’re watching something at Art Square or checking out a gallery next door.

I came here for a friends benefit for his son. No more details need to be explained but it was for a great cause. This place opened its doors, offered its people and singers/​bands performed. For the cause, I am glad I came and saw this place. I have never been to the arts district for a nighttime experience/​bars!
It was hard to find because the link to the Unilocal map does take you to the wrong location. Once getting to the right location it is pretty much on the down low the lighting in the sign only light half of the sign and there are no signs around the door. Little shady looking, but after walking in wow. Nicely decorated in hip décor lighting is awesome for the nighttime experience and the staff is nice.
Prices are middle ground and the acoustics are good even though we were sitting on the other side of the bar from the bands.
Definitely a do over!

I went to the Artifice last night for a drink before a play at the Art Square Theatre. The Artifice is part of the whole Art Square building at the Corner of First and Hoover. The Artifice has a performing section in two different sections and last night they were having an art class in the section closest to the theatre.
The Artifice is part of the whole Art Square building at the Corner of First and Hoover.
I went to the bar and got a diet Coke. The bartender asked if I was going to the theatre. When I told him I was, he put the drink in a plastic cup which is allowed in the theatre.
It was fairly quiet last night. The bar area is a large, dimly lit place with lots of seats at the bar and at booths in the bar area. It appears like it’d be a good spot to spend some time with your friends and have a few drinks before going somewhere in the Arts District downtown.

This place is Smack !! The best mixologist I’ve come across in this town who isn’t pretentious about what he does. Thank You Scott!!! My new drink you made up on the spot. I said, make me something Primal!
Chris the best! Shit! This drink is like smoky tobacco and Steak!!! I’m naming it «Primal Smoke»

Came here before attending a play at the Cockroach theatre. Got AWESOME service by one of the bartenders named John. He was quick to offer up to go cups and get our cocktails quickly. I was on a «date» so I didn’t get to take the time to check out their signature cocktails but overall it looks like this place has ample seating and a nice vibe. I really enjoyed how friendly all the bartenders seemed and when my drink got low many were quick to come and offer a refill. I can’t wait to come back and try it out with my friends.

Don’t come here to get your boring common drinks.
They open around 4ish and close… uhm I don’t know. Haha. But their happy hour is from open to 9 pm. $ 2 off speciality, $ 2 PBR, $ 4 well drinks, $ 5 jameson cocktails, $ 5 Kettle One cocktails, and $ 6 house wine. EVERYDAY.
Bartenders are very. Doesn’t get busy until 8 or 9 or 10. Best time to go? Opening time. Bar ALL FOR YOURSELF!!!

I’ve been to Artiface a few times, only for Scarlet, the best goth night in Vegas.
I love coming to goth night here. The bar and entryway areas have plenty of seating, with ample open space.
There is a separate area just off the bar that is a large open room with a stage, and a dj booth. this is the dance floor. This is where you will find me doing the «I’m so goth, I’m going to dance in a circle around myself and look bored» dance. :)
there is a row of seats and a small bar set up along the far wall leading to the bathrooms in this room, where people can sit and watch us dance, and where we can leave our drinks/​coats, etc (with supervision, of course.)
The bathroom is clean (at least the ladies’ is, I don’t know about the men’s.)
I really like this place.
Drinks are a little pricey, but… its really pretty much on par with a lot of other places. I’m used to divey dive bar prices. It was $ 15 for 3 whiskey and cokes (one double, and a single)…I’m used to a few dollars cheaper than that when I go out drinking, but… its really much cheaper than a lot of other places out there, so… I’m just cheap, what can I say. ;)
I’d like to come out on a non-​goth night, just to see what other people gather here, and what other events are here too.

I’ve been to this bar a few times and the service is pretty consistent. Bartenders are busy, but friendly. I noticed them having to put up with some very irritating customers but they still remained positive, maybe a little sassy (which made me laugh)
Fun and hip vibe. Drinks are pretty good. They have live bands, last night Red Eye Radio was playing (they did a great job, as always)
For my first drink I ordered a Bloody Mary and it totally hit the spot. Rock salt rim which is my favorite! For my second drink I ordered a dirty martini and it was great. After that I switched to my standby Citron and Water… also good.
The bar seems to get busy about 9pm. As busy as it gets it doesn’t seem too crazy. You can still get to the bathroom with minimal waiting.
I definitely recommend checking this place out when in the area. It’s a great place to grab a drink after checking out the Cockroach Theatre!!!
Pro tip: I’ve noticed people bringing in pizza boxes… I’ve seen it enough that I assume its not taboo… I would definitely ask someone before, but it seems like a great idea.

First time guest of this establishment on a night that they were advertising some cover bands playing The Cure and Joy Division. What’s that you say? Well, yes, I think I will check it out! I really like the décor, layout and spaciousness of the place. I’d say there were a good 100 or so people in there at its peak and I never felt cramped. Plenty of seating in and around the bar.
So, I saw 3 cover bands during my visit. The first was a solo acoustic guitar player who did some Cure covers intermixed with a few one liners. I enjoyed his set very much. The second band was a female led band that also did some Cure covers. It’s been a while since I’ve seen one of those keyboard guitars so that was kind of a trip. The girls voice was a little too shrill for my liking but hey to each their own. The third band was the Union Jacks; the majority of their songs were Joy Division songs and they killed it. Playing some classic hits and rarities that only a true die hard fan would appreciate. I’d go back just to see these guys play for sure.
On to the bar service: Was I really at a bar in Las Vegas? I almost couldn’t believe it. Why? The service was OUTSTANDING. The ladies at the door were pleasant and assured me I would enjoy the show. I arrived alone and made my way to the fairly crowded bar top and was greeted immediately by a very friendly guy behind the bar. Upon ordering and delivery of my Newcastle I realized I left my walking around money at home. I explained to him that I was going to the ATM at the other end of the bar to grab some cash. «No problem man… I’ll bring your beer down to that end and have it waiting for you there so you don’t have to walk back» he proclaimed. WHAAAAAAT!
On to the bathroom attendant: This guy was great and very personable and had a good selection of products that I rarely if ever make use of. That being said the few times I visited the men’s room he was always there greeting me with a smile, some hot water, soap and a clean towel. He kept the place tip top shape.
Finally, the DJ: after the bands were done playing the DJ came back on and wouldn’t you know it he was playing a bunch of «goth» tunes. I swear I heard some Sisters of Mercy but that could just be me dreaming. In any case I was into pretty much all that was being played. Far better than the pop and hip-​hop that most places play.
Thanks for showing the new guy a good time. Will see you May 4 for Scarlet…
One and only complaint… too smoky inside! Get a life smokers, it’s 2015 and you’re not that cool anymore.

Artifice is a solid bar with several good drinks. They have some signature cocktails that are nice plays on some classics. I really enjoyed The Charleston, a variation on an Old Fashioned.
The ambiance is great in that it doesn’t feel like stereotypical Vegas. It fits well in the art district theme, with retro brick walls on one side, and art adorning the other walls. Yet they accomplish this without feeling forced or hollow.
They have a small stage and I have had the opportunity to hear some terrific musicians there including a strong 3 piece jazz group and an insanely beautiful solo violinist. I also have been here before in relative silence however… quite different. I really enjoy that there are no working tv’s…there are a couple cool art pieces in the men’s restroom however. Artifice is confident and knows who it is. This is reassuring in an age of places that try too hard to be too many different things.
Come here for a different feel than usual.
Come here for some quality drinks.
Come here for nice live music… just check with someone else for the schedule.
Don’t come here for food… you never know which food truck will be outside… then again maybe you follow them all on twitter and you do know.