Music was once the centerpiece to any trip to Las Vegas. In the 1960s, stars like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra would perform in lavish showrooms with grand orchestras. Simultaneously, the lounges – smaller, more intimate bars often overlooking the casino floor – offered a stage for budding talents to truly shine. These vibrant jam sessions often lasted until 5 in the morning, ensuring that no matter when you arrived, a captivating show was always just beginning.
While those freewheeling days might seem like a distant memory, the classic lounge experience is actually enjoying a significant revival. From modern spots influenced by artists like Bruno Mars’s Pinky Ring to exclusive speakeasy-style venues like Easy’s and the Count Room, there’s a renewed enthusiasm across the Strip for bars and restaurants that highlight incredible local singers in intimate, theatrical settings. Just remember to bring your requests!
In the late 70s, Bill Murray famously embodied the lounge singer caricature on “Saturday Night Live,” a portrayal that still resonates. Unlike typical singer-songwriters, lounge performers excel at diverse genres, often covering a vast array of hits, and brimming with undeniable charisma. Their primary goal is simple: to meticulously craft an unforgettable atmosphere.
“We’re not 100 percent the focus point,” explained Christina Amato, a featured singer at the Wynn’s sophisticated supper-club, Delilah. “We’re creating an environment where people want to come, feel good, and be entertained.”
Ready to experience it for yourself? Here are a few outstanding venues where local singers are masterfully keeping the old-school Vegas charm alive.
Delilah
Christina Amato, a featured performer since Delilah opened in 2021, captivates audiences at this elegant supper club.
Securing a table at Delilah, the Wynn’s magnificent tribute to Jazz Age opulence, is highly recommended. The opulent dining room, adorned with glossy emerald and brass accents, seats 160 guests, yet each performance feels incredibly exclusive and personal. Unlike the bustling crowds at mega-nightclubs such as Omnia and Drai’s, Delilah’s patrons are often more than happy to sing along, truly embracing the interactive spirit of the evening.
“We kept hearing over and over that the music’s just not as good in the clubs,” shared Brian Toll, a co-founder of h.wood Group, the company behind Delilah and other popular nightlife spots. “People wanted to go out, but they specifically wanted to hear songs they genuinely love.”
The stunning dining room at Delilah, with its 160 seats, offers an intimate atmosphere where performances feel like private, invitation-only events.
While a typical entree might cost around $55, it’s the lively, late-night shows that truly distinguish Delilah. Expect spectacular performances featuring feathered dancers and horn players gracefully weaving between tables. And, of course, the extraordinary singers. Christina Amato has been a celebrated fixture here since the club’s opening in 2021, with Delilah also having locations in Miami and Los Angeles, and a New York outpost arriving in May.
A true Las Vegas native with a flair for dazzling gowns and high heels, Ms. Amato describes her role at Delilah as a dream come true. The audience frequently includes A-list celebrities, ensuring that every night is packed with exciting possibilities and unexpected moments.
“The first night I worked here, I got to sing Dua Lipa for Dua Lipa,” she recalled, highlighting the unique thrill of her job.
It’s not just visitors vying for a seat; Delilah has also become a highly sought-after stage for performers. This competitive environment, Ms. Amato believes, is what upholds the exceptional quality of the music. “Every musician friend wants a good word at Delilah,” she added, emphasizing the club’s reputation among local artists.
Nowhere
Mikalah Gordon’s talented backup band enchants the crowd at Nowhere, located within the Fontainebleau.
The Fontainebleau’s second-floor bar, Nowhere, presents itself as a speakeasy, though its ambiance leans more towards Park Avenue elegance than the covert charm of New York’s East Village underground havens. Guests are welcomed through a grand foyer into a main room characterized by soaring columns, plush wraparound banquettes, and gleaming mirrored tabletops. One might easily imagine the likes of Truman Capote discreetly observing the scene from behind a curtain.
Mikalah Gordon ensures her audience feels completely immersed in the show at Nowhere.
At its heart, Nowhere is a vibrant jazz club, hosting several house bands performing nightly. With free entry and an impressive selection of signature cocktails (starting from $21), it’s an ideal destination for a romantic date night or for solo travelers eager to connect with others. Singer Mikalah Gordon masterfully keeps the energy light and engaging.
“You want them to feel like they’re involved in the show,” Ms. Gordon remarked, speaking of her connection with the audience. Her powerful voice shines as she fearlessly blends classic tunes with contemporary hits. For instance, one memorable medley seamlessly weaves together “Georgia on My Mind” and Justin Bieber’s “Peaches.” Should she spot any newlyweds in the audience, she’ll often serenade them with Etta James’s timeless “At Last.” Naturally, beloved Rat Pack anthems also feature prominently in her dynamic sets.
Michael Bradford, the drummer for Mikalah Gordon, performs nightly at Nowhere, a speakeasy-style venue renowned for its live bands.
“Sinatra is never going to go out of style,” she confidently stated.
Indigo Lounge
Barraque Monfils-Evangelista, a talented singer and pianist, recently performed at the Indigo Bar, which opens onto the Horseshoe’s lively casino floor.
Forget sequins and showgirls at the Indigo Lounge; this unpretentious bar opens directly onto the Horseshoe’s bustling casino floor. Its affordable drink menu, featuring domestic beers for just $5, and laid-back atmosphere attract a diverse crowd of tourists and business travelers. Catch a live show between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on weekend nights.
On a recent Friday evening, singer and pianist Barraque Monfils-Evangelista captivated the audience with hits like “Fast Car,” “Careless Whisper,” and “As Long as You Love Me,” as two women enthusiastically danced nearby. “We love piano bars!” exclaimed Kelly Holmes, 56, who was visiting with her sister to see “The Wizard of Oz” at the Sphere.
Mr. Monfils-Evangelista embraces the transient nature of his audience. Since moving to Vegas from Houston in June, he has found consistent work performing in hotel lobbies, restaurants, and bars. He admits that while his audience is often distracted, he enjoys the anonymity it provides. “I enjoy it because I get to be a performer, but I also get to be a bit anonymous,” he reflected.
From a career perspective, Las Vegas has been a positive move for him. “People tip more here, which I love,” Mr. Monfils-Evangelista happily noted.
Italian American Club
Nick Cole is a beloved regular performer at the Italian American Club, a classic restaurant and bar located on Sahara Avenue.
Instead of splurging $100 on tickets to a Rat Pack tribute, consider a visit to the Italian American Club. This establishment offers a rich dose of history at the modest price of a cocktail, typically $12.50. This venerable off-Strip restaurant and bar on Sahara Avenue has been a Las Vegas institution since 1960, proudly displaying signed photos of legends like Joe DiMaggio and Tony Bennett as proof of its storied past.
The dinner crowd at the Italian American Club, a cherished venue since 1960, is primarily composed of loyal locals.
The dinner crowd here consists almost entirely of locals, who flock for generous plates of penne rustica ($25) and hearty double-boned pork chops ($33). John Ilyko, a 66-year-old flight attendant for Southwest Airlines and a regular since the 1980s, highlights the old-time ambiance as a major draw. “When you come in, they ask if you want to be in the dining room or lounge,” he said. “I prefer the lounge.”
Most nights, starting at 6 p.m., the talented lounge singer Nick Cole, 45, commands the stage as the restaurant’s official crooner in residence. Born and raised in Las Vegas—his father himself a piano player for Buddy Greco—Mr. Cole began his career at 22 with a gig at the Galleria Lounge inside Caesars Palace. Despite changing audiences, the beloved songs have largely remained constant.
Nick Cole, a Las Vegas native, began his singing career in the city at just 22 years old.
“After dinner, people turn around in their seats — they want to hear ‘One for My Baby’ and ‘Unforgettable,’” he shared. “They get such a thrill out of it.”
Havana 1957
Noybel Gorgoy, a Cuban singer, performs at Havana 1957 inside the Flamingo. She has graced the Strip with her talents since 2004.
Cuban singer Noybel Gorgoy has been a fixture on the Las Vegas Strip since 2004, including a notable role in “Havana Night Club,” a Siegfried & Roy revue at the now-closed Stardust. When approached to create a show for Havana 1957, a vibrant new restaurant within the Flamingo serving authentic ropa vieja ($32) and flavorful empanadas ($18), she recognized a unique opportunity.
“I pulled from everything I know — all the experiences I’ve had as a singer in Vegas, plus my Cuban background,” she explained. Her curated set includes timeless Cuban classics like “Guantanamera” and “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás,” alongside lively cha-cha, modern reggaeton, and popular American hits.
Havana 1957, a new restaurant, brings Latin American culinary delights like ropa vieja and empanadas to Las Vegas.
With an elegant ostrich feather fan and a confident strut in front of a striking lipstick-red piano, Ms. Gorgoy is a master of performance. During a recent show, she charmed the audience with jokes and even invited guests to dance on stage, creating a truly memorable experience. She often hears how much these interactions mean to people.
“They say, I love that this is still going on,” Ms. Gorgoy recounted. “You come to dinner and have a live show. We should have more of this!”
Ms. Gorgoy’s show at Havana 1957 recently went on hiatus. You can catch her at the Bootlegger Italian Bistro’s Copa Room, performing with Santa Fe & the Fat City Horns on Feb. 16 and April 27. A new Latin-focused act is currently being planned for Havana 1957.