A saloon is different than a bar, a pub, or a tavern – or at least it should be. The word saloon conjures images of a western-themed watering hole, a little rough around the edges but not as dangerous as they were in the days of outlaws that were quick on the draw. Of course, sometimes a little bit of danger just makes the experience more memorable.

Here are 4 Vegas area saloons worthy of the name.

Pioneer Saloon

There’s history in every corner of the delightfully dilapidated Pioneer Saloon, which has been serving drinks since 1913, and looks as if it’s been around even longer. The bullet holes in the walls date back to a famous game when two aces of spades unexpectedly turned up on the table, and the guy who produced the second one was gunned down. The original poker tables are still there, along with the coroner’s report from the shooting, which lists the cause of death as “cheatin’ at cards.” It’s located in Goodsprings, which is about a half-hour outside of town, but the drive is worth it for those who want to drink in an authentic Wild West establishment.

10 W. Spring Street
Goodsprings, NV
Pioneer Saloon

Double Down Saloon

The wildest bar in Vegas (and that’s saying something) is worth a visit, but only for those who are not faint of heart. If you’d rather hear Black Flag and the Circle Jerks instead of Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood, this is the place for you. It’s dark, it’s nasty, there are things on the walls that are too bizarre to explain, it has a sick sense of humor (one of the most popular libations on the menu is called “Ass Juice” served in a mini toilet bowl), but it’s also surprisingly friendly. Join the social outcasts for a walk on the wild side, and don’t miss their famous Bacon Martini, which is exactly what it sounds like. However, if you have to use the restroom, either head for the nearest gas station or bring an oxygen tank.

4640 Paradise Rd.
Las Vegas, NV
702-791-5775
Doubledown Saloon

Hogs & Heifers

If a saloon is designed from opening day to look rundown and lived-in, does it lose some of its authenticity? Fans of Hogs & Heifers would beg to differ. Whether it’s the original New York location or the Vegas location that opened in 2005, there is always a line of motorcycles parked out front, and plenty of women – both bartenders and patrons – who are ready to dance on the bar. All those bras prominently displayed in the place came from customers, and your odds of seeing the collection grow are usually pretty good, especially on weekends.

201 N 3rd Street
Las Vegas, NV
702-676-1457
Hogs & Heifers

Badlands Saloon

It looks like your traditional working class cowboy-style saloon, with six-shooters displayed on the walls and country music on the jukebox. But the clientele here is more Brokeback then horseback; yes, it’s a gay bar, but one where the crowd is usually a mix of gays and their straight friends. It’s comfortable without being cliché, and a great place to hang with the locals.

953 E Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV