Vol. 4, No. 6, June 2008
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Tavern with a twist
The Griffin caters to hip locals
Amidst the seedy neon glamour of Downtown’s Fremont East District hides a gothic wonderland, a smoky haven for hipsters with an affinity for martinis and jukeboxes.
Walking into the Griffin is like exploring a darkly romantic hideaway—after opening the nondescript door, push aside a heavy velvet curtain to enter the bar. Let your eyes adjust to the dim lighting, which is provided mostly by the room’s two fireplaces and a sprinkling of soft, deep yellow bulbs ensconced on the walls. Then, if the bar is packed, take a seat on one of the sofas scattered throughout the room and bob your head to the jukebox tunes. Or, if it’s a weekend, head to the back, where a DJ spins everything from Le Tigre to Michael Jackson and there’s more room to dance.
After you get used to the lounge’s medieval atmosphere and select a song on the jukebox, head to the bar to order a drink. You’ll notice the absence of video poker embedded in the tabletop as you motion to the bartender that you’d like a drink. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, try one of the martini varieties: the chaitini, pomegranate martini and the house specialty Griffin martini are all wise choices. The drinks are usually excellent, though some nights the Black Russians have been overwhelmingly strong (but who’s complaining?).
If you’re looking to save your cash, stick to beer. The well selection is a bit limited, but there are plenty of bottles to choose from.
The Griffin is an unexpected oasis in a town dominated by bright lights and vacationing party girls. In short, it has character and grit, which is strange for a city that changes its identity like most people change socks.
According to manager Johnny Hempstead, the bar appeals to Vegas residents seeking to escape the noise and glitz of the Strip.
“You can come and have a good time and talk to people,” Hempstead said. “There’s no slot machines or televisions. It’s a very people-oriented place.”
And the people who frequent the place are usually locals of all stripes: scenesters, lawyers, club kids, and people who work at the shows on the Strip or in the service industry. Those looking for a great after-work cocktail show up for the mellow early evening hours, while weekend nights are packed with chatting revelers.
The Griffin was established in 2006 as part of Downtown’s revitalization and the creation of an entertainment district to rival those of New York and New Orleans. While the process has been slow, Hempstead said he is happy the Griffin is a part of it.
“I’m just impatient because I see the potential for everything…it seems like it’s crawling along,” he said. “But I’m happy with how it’s going.”
While an accidental tourist will occasionally happen upon the Griffin or its neighbors, Downtown Cocktail Room and the Beauty Bar, so far the Fremont East District has gone unnoticed by out-of-towners.
“If you look down on this end of the street there’s only three places to go to,” Hempstead said. “A lot of tourists don’t know what’s going on down here. I think once a few more things open, a lot more people will come.”
Las Vegans may rue the day their favorite watering hole is besieged by non-locals, but so far the Griffin is a well-kept secret. So bring your best friends, a pair of dancing shoes and a couple of quarters for the jukebox—it’s going to be a long night.
