Bar: Hard Hat Lounge
Address: 1675 W Industrial Rd, Las Vegas NV 89102
Score: 9.2/10
For about three years now I have been recommended this bar by a good friend that used to live in the Vegas area. Everytime I visited Vegas since, it just never seemed to lineup. This all changed when I went most recently for a trip and made the Hard Hat Lounge my top priority. The second I laid eyes on the bar, I knew I wished I visited sooner. Right when I walked in my perception of the bar changed compared to what I thought it was going to be like from the outside of the bar. Not that the outside was bad, it just did not scream the decor and vibe that I was about to walk into. The interior atmosphere was very dim and I was greeted by soft jazz. Soft jazz in a dive bar? Look I am not sure this is typically or just with this particular bartender, but I damn sure enjoyed it.
After I walked in, I plopped myself down on a chair at the bar (which I will mention, all the Vegas bars have backs on the chairs and not stools and this is greatly appreciated) and my face was lit up by the illuminated virtual game screen at every chair. This is typical at Vegas bars and a great way to pass the time. If you are at a busier bar they will more than likely ask that you play or let another patron sit down. Fortunately this bar was empty on a Thursday afternoon so I did not have this issue.
The bar itself, having a blue collar name, did not give a major blue collar atmosphere other than the hard hats on one of the walls, which was a great play on the name of the bar. The last noteworthy feature in the main area of the bar itself was the bar back mural that was present. This was one of the most unique, prettiest, out of place things I’ve ever seen. If I just showed you this mural, no way you are matching the inside of Hard Hat with it. Nonetheless, it was nice and I enjoyed seeing something new.
One of the most interesting things of this bar was the burger joint inside the restaurant which is under a different name. While Hard Hat is 24/7 the burger spot was not. Boy, they looked damn good as well so this was a little disappointing. Maybe next time.
As I was leaving the Hard Hat, I went to the bathroom before departing to my next stop, the bathroom was an absolute graffiti hotspot. It was the wildest bathroom I’ve ever seen, yet I will admit it was damn clean.
My visit to the Hard Hat was a success. I understand why this is a local institution that has been slingin beers since ‘62. Hopefully 60 more years to come for this bar, it’s a good one.
Price: $5 Millers, not great, but I’ve seen worse.
Decor: Decor was different, but not bad. Not your typical array of neons, but some nice decor.
Service: I was only drinking beer, in an empty bar, but service was still solid.
Atmosphere: I bet this place is awesome when it is packed.
High Life Bottle?: Did not see it.
Bonus Points: 24/7 bar.