Las Vegas Mixtape v45: Eclectic Vegas: Dark, Rhythmic, and Fragrant

Track #1 (of 5): Dark Sister @Arts District

Some like it dark. (Image: Vegas 411)

For many years now, Vegas has steered away from building themed hotels (think the Excalibur, Venetian, etc.) in favor of erecting sleek glass towers like the Cosmopolitan, Aria, and Fontainebleau. Perhaps you’re rooting for the return of more themed palaces? Then you’ll likely applaud the under-construction Hard Rock Hotel, with its signature guitar-shaped tower, when it reportedly opens in 2027.

Until then, those who crave high-concept places certainly have their pick in the Arts District, where there’s one themed bar/lounge after another. To wit: the nautical-styled Stray Pirate, the self-described “jungle cocktail hideaway” Prowl, the desert-centric Dustland, and the Doberman Drawing Room, which definitely “evokes the moody elegance of a 19th-century drawing room” (their words).

There’s also the alluringly named Dark Sister on Main St which debuted this past September. Fittingly, it has a mysterious ambience with dark woods, old books, skull replicas, and assorted oddities. Everyone looks fabulous under the dark and sympathetic lighting, which is reason enough to be seen here.

Is it a cocktail or dessert? Or both? Either way, it’s a total winner. (Image: Vegas 411)

Among the many drink offerings at this “apothecary style cocktail lounge” that concocts “elixirs for the soul” is “Fireside Ritual,” with graham cracker–infused vodka and espresso, topped with a chocolate-accented marshmallow. It awakened my senses—and kept me up all night. Grab a seat at the bar or at an intimate table with a velvety covering.  Also get cozy with others on a couch or at an old dining room table while listening to songs on the sound system like “Walk The Night” by Blood Dance. Why not share the darkness—it’s infectious.

Be sure to view Dark Sister’s calendar of events posted on their Instagram. In December they offered a “Magical Spell Class” and “Vision Board” meet-up, along with tarot card readers. This is a place that proudly wears its dark-but-positive theme on its sleeve.