Few bars have rolled with the challenges of the past year better than Commonwealth. The two-level bar shifted focus from beer to craft cocktails, taking inspiration from its own hidden speakeasy, the Laundry Room, which hosted pop-up takeover events in the main space throughout much of the pandemic. A new concept, Commonwealth Cocktail Club on Friday and Saturday nights, has live piano music and guest performers, including DJs who keep the party going all night long on the upstairs patio.

One of the best things about the new Circa resort on Fremont Street is the Legacy Club, a rooftop cocktail lounge on the 60th floor that pays tribute to the glory years of Old Vegas. The first thing you see when stepping off the elevators is a collection of busts modeled after iconic casino magnates. Yet the crazy 360-views of the Las Vegas Valley are what you'll be talking about long after your visit is over.

When it comes to sky-high views, the top of The Strat is as good as it gets without an aircraft. And if you want to enjoy the scenery with a drink in hand, 108 Drinks is your place. Located on the 108th floor of the tower formerly known as the Stratosphere, the bar recently introduced a new happy hour (Monday–Thursday from 3–7 pm) with discounts on drinks and two-for-one admission to the outdoor Skypod observation deck one floor above.

The Downtown Container Park may be a tourist trap, but it's got one of the best bars in Las Vegas. Just like every other business on property, Oak & Ivy was designed from an old shipping container. That leaves limited space inside, but the patio was recently expanded and if that's not enough, extra seating is available up on the roof. The bar is known for a killer whiskey selection, barrel-aged cocktails, and nine different takes on a Moscow Mule, all prepared with house-made ginger beer.

With clear, unobstructed views of the Strip from the 64th floor of the Delano resort, Skyfall Lounge could get by on atmosphere alone. Yet the bartenders reign over a strong, elevated cocktail program. After reopening during the pandemic, Skyfall Lounge now operates on Friday and Saturday nights with a truncated drink menu. Twenty bucks may seem like a lot for a Manhattan, but at least there's no cover charge.

Ever since the pandemic, most of the action at Omnia nightclub has been on the outdoor terrace, which comes with cabanas, bottle service, and colorful neon-soaked mid-level views of the Strip. The place isn't the same with headliners like Calvin Harris on hiatus (and prices are high, even for rum and cokes), but the atmosphere is hard to beat. Expect the party to pick up as restrictions continue to loosen over summer.

After sitting out 2020, Drai's is back open for the spring and summer seasons. No big name headliners have been announced this year (so far), but the poolside party runs day and night on the rooftop of The Cromwell, offering ridiculous 11-story views of the Strip. Even without the surrounding scenery, the outdoor deck is a photogenic sight all by itself, with towering palm trees, plush cabanas, and multiple swimming pools. Music skews heavily toward hip-hop and R&B.

While most nightclubs remained quiet during the pandemic, Chateau continued to keep its rooftop patio open on weekends. The second-floor deck is full of charm and character, sitting directly underneath the Paris resort's half-size Eiffel Tower replica with bistro lighting and unobstructed views of the Bellagio fountains. Live DJs recently returned to help pick up the pace and make the place feel like a dance party again.

Games like pool and giant Jenga remain on hold for now, but the real fun at Beer Park comes from the crazy views of the Bellagio fountains directly across the street. The selection of more than 100 beers is relatively mainstream, but you’ll also find a fair share of local and regional craft favorites. Can't decide? Customize a flight. If beer’s not your thing, stay focused on the cocktails and wine on tap, plus food by the same team who handles Hexx downstairs.

Originally an exclusive private club for members only, the Foundation Room sits on the 63rd floor of Mandalay Bay, offering up staggering views of the Strip to the north and the airport to the east. The food menu follows a tapas format, making good use of grass-fed, dry-aged beef. Meanwhile, the cocktail program takes full advantage of esoteric touches, including sage and herbal infusions. Despite a few changes over the years, the Foundation Room has resisted the urge to go modern.

Carson Kitchen knows how to remix familiar ingredients within somewhat unconventional dishes. The crispy chicken skins and bacon jam (staples on the menu since day one) are both great examples. The restaurant carries on the vision of founder Kerry Simon and remains in good hands with the late celebrity chef’s brother Scott Simon in charge of the kitchen team. Menus and cocktails change frequently, so ask about the latest seasonal additions.