Take a walk down Water Street and enjoy the small-town atmosphere. The arched vintage signage and classic storefronts feel like a walk down Main Street, complete with local bakeries and boutiques and the sound of children playing at the park. Cozy up at the bar at several local breweries or browse the shops to while away an afternoon before returning to city life.
Eat
Several bars have small appetizers or tapas bites, always a good idea if you have more than a drink or two. Full-service restaurants are limited in the area, but those making a point of offering stellar quality and service. Biscuits and Bourbon serves up classic smoked meat plates and sandwiches, along with flights of biscuits, seasonal kinds of butter and local kinds of honey. Or go for dinner and a show at Juan's Flaming Fajitas, where the skillets come out hot and flaming to the table. Pace yourself on the free chips, salsa and bean dip, because you can quickly fill up before your entree even arrives. Pop by Chef Fleming's for something sweet to eat between meals or later as dessert. The classic Danish bakery makes pastries and cakes fresh every day, and their display cases will make your eyes bigger than your stomach.
- Biscuits and Bourbon, 109 S. Water St., 702.986.0307
- Juan's Flaming Fajitas, 16 S. Water St., 702.476.4647
- Chef Fleming's Bake Shop, 7 S. Water St., 702.566.6500
Drink
Water Street is making itself known as the new brewery row in Vegas. Mojave, next door to the barbecue joint, boasts a mix of creative local beers as well as ciders. Lovelady Brewing is right down the street, family-owned and operated with a dog-friendly patio and taproom. If live music and daily happy hour are more your styles, Gold Mine Tavern has been keeping "Hendertucky" happy for over 50 years. Sticks Tavern and Hardway 8 are newcomers to the scene, both with thoughtful food menus to complement their extensive drink offerings.
- Gold Mine Tavern, 23 S. Water St., 702.478.8289
- Mojave Brewing, 107 S. Water St., #100, 725.204.1387
- Lovelady Brewing, 20 S. Water St., 702.564.3030
- Sticks Tavern, 203 S. Water St., 702.900.3969
- Hardway 8, 46 S. Water St., 702.410.5124
Shop
Local businesses abound for window shopping galore in this quaint area. Remodeled storefronts still maintain a small-town vibe as you wander the options from art to floral to jewelry and more. City Lights Art Gallery has art available for purchase and offers art classes for adults and children. Enlight Artz & Apothecary mixes in a range of locally made unique crafts and healthy living products.
- City Lights Art Gallery, 3 E. Army St., 702.260.0300
- Bonnie's Floral Boutique, 117 W. Atlantic Ave., 702.565.7888
- Gold Casters Fine Jewelry, 34 S. Water St., #7223, 812.332.1071
- Enlight Artz & Apothecary, 121 S. Water St., 702.401.7797
Play
Whether you're looking for photo ops or sporty activities, Water Street's got options. Keep your camera ready to snap from the refurbished Water Street District arch over the thoroughfare to the street art murals lurking around corners. If you make it all the way down the street, you'll find an open-air plaza and amphitheater boasting live performances and watch parties. Along the way are facilities for sports from swimming to ice hockey, whether you want to participate or observe.
- Water Street Plaza & Amphitheater, 240 S. Water St., 702.267.2171
- Lifeguard Arena, 222 S. Water St., 725.201.3032
- Downtown Recreation Center, 105 W, Basic Rd., 702.267.4040
- Proctor Judicial Park, 243 S, Water St.
Recreation Center Pool (©Thomas Park)