19 Nov A Local’s Guide to the Weirdest Neighborhood in Las Vegas
There are two kinds of Vegas tourists. Some are here for bottle service and dayclubs, and others are here to get weird. The first group rarely leaves the Strip, but the second group? Those are Fremont folk. Fremont Street is “old Vegas,” or at least what people think of when they think of “old Vegas.” It’s historic, yes, but also eccentric—and that’s precisely its appeal. Even locals love Fremont for what it is: a no-frills neighborhood in downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) teeming with entertainment and dining options, bathed in blinking neon and the steady color-shifting glow of the world’s largest LED screen. Where the Strip can be an unrelenting, merciless shake-down, Fremont is just fun. Bookmark this list for the next time you’re looking for things to do on Fremont Street.
Shopping in Fremont
Downtown Container Park in the Fremont East District is exactly what it sounds like a park made from shipping containers. One of the first and largest developments of its kind in the US, Container Park consists of nearly 40 repurposed shipping containers stacked two to three floors high. Inside you’ll find dozens of locally owned and independent bars, restaurants, specialty food businesses, art studios, toy stores, gift stores, clothing stores, and more.
For brunch needs: At the newly opened La Mona Rosa, “the pink monkey,” think and drink pink at their “Pink Brunch,” which features rose-colored drinks, dishes, and decor every Saturday. Barbie girls and guests are encouraged to dress the part, and everyone receives free pink heart-shaped sunglasses and hand-held paper fans to complete their look. Downtown Terrace can’t be beat with all day breakfast and bottomless mimosas served seven days a week from open to close, and the second-floor patio is a great perch for watching the crowd at Container Park. PublicUs, an outstanding neighborhood café that roasts its own coffee, bakes all its own breads and pastries, and serves breakfast and lunch items with a ninth island flair. Literally everything here is fantastic, but do not miss out on the pastries. The bread pudding is chef’s kiss. Beer and wine are also available.