Sampling the vibe at 7 new bars and lounges in Las Vegas

Although the mega nightclubs of Las Vegas have become one of the biggest attractions in the city, smaller, more intimate bars and lounges certainly have their place in the beverage landscape.

Each of these seven relatively new bars has its own vibe. Find out where you can dine on celebrity-chef fare, get a great view of the Strip or just plug in while you imbibe.

The year-old Delano Las Vegas’ chic lobby features Franklin Lounge, with its great selection of whiskeys and wines not found anywhere else in Las Vegas. Guests can sit in the living room setting and pick up conversation cards to connect with others. Best bet, the punch bowls with a rotating flavor of the day meant for sharing.

Opposites attract at Vdara’s new Vice Versa Patio & Lounge. By day, guests can plug in and finish up business; at night, the indoor lounge evolves into a nightspot with live entertainment. Outdoors, the patio features fire pits, water features and couches. The lounge has dueling menus with classic or twisted cocktail selections and light or indulgent cuisine.

The two-story LAX Nightclub recently underwent a renovation that includes its neighboring LAX Lounge at the Luxor. Find a deejay and a full bar with a cocktail-centric menu. Consider this a pre-gaming spot before heading to the club or an end point for the evening.

While not new, Hyde Bellagio goes from lounge to nightclub with its view of the Fountains at Bellagio. New to the space, fare from Lago by Julian Serrano, the neighboring Italian restaurant. Try the crostini topped with gorgonzola and ‘nduja, crudo di pesce and scallops dressed with citrus olive oil.

Gaming and whiskey combine at Whiskey Down, the MGM Grand’s new lounge on the casino floor. The gaming lounge features more than 100 brown spirits in its beverage lineup, including a mint-infused Old Forrester Bourbon and MGM Grand’s own personalized spirit, Wood Reserve MGM Select Barrel Bourbon.

The 24/7 Alibi Lounge at Aria Resort & Casino features prime people watching with its view of the casino floor. Try the cocoa puff-infused Pierre Ferrand 1840, rosemary-infused 50 Bleu or coffee-infused George Dickel Rye.

Chef Alain Ducasse’s Skyfall Lounge makes its debut soon on the 64th floor of the Delano. The theater-style drinking, dining and dancing experience offers up 180-degree views of the city and dishes from Ducasse’s neighboring Rivea’s kitchen such as squid fritters with spicy pink dipping sauce. Night owls can cap their evening with some dancing when Skyfall’s house deejays spin upbeat house music nightly.