Atomic Liquors
Las Vegas, Nevada
In a run-down part of Las Vegas, a neon sign provides a radiant welcome to fans of nuclear explosions and mixed drinks.
Atomic Liquors is a cold-War-era package store and tavern, largely unchanged over the years, and the oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas. The name developed in 1952 when customers would climb onto its roof to watch nuclear flashes and mushroom clouds rising from government atomic bomb tests north of the city. It became a popular watering hole for Vegas show celebs (Barbra Streisand's seat is still displayed).
In 2010 the owners passed away, but by 2012 the bar had been remodeled and reopened by new owners, once again serving Atomic Cocktails.