VEGAS: 21 essential off-Strip bars and restaurants

AT THIS point, talking about Strip versus off-Strip in Las Vegas seems unfair — it’s like saying Times Square versus not-Times Square when offering up a guide to Manhattan.

Sure, Vegas may at times feel like a big jumble of strip malls and craptacular clapboard houses behind ugly concrete walls, but only the willful could ignore the unique culture of the city, which grew up around gambling and in the process become one of the most cosmopolitan places of its size anywhere.

You name it, at this point you can probably find a restaurant that serves it. Thirsty? Pick a scene — there’s going to be a bar for that (sometimes, without video poker machines, even).

The party crowd at the relatively civilized Downtown Cocktail Room, a respite from typical Las Vegas nightlife.

Photos: VEGAS: 21 essential off-Strip bars and restaurants

Best of all, none of this has anything to do with the Strip, other than the fact that a lot of the good stuff is just a short ride — or in some cases, a walk — away from the bright lights. Viva Las Vegas.

K J KITCHEN

A plain-Jane joint buried deep in the booming Chinatown is a must for cheap lobster ($8.88 a pound on our last visit) and crowd-pleasing Cantonese specialties.

Hot tip Kitsch aficionados will flip for walnut shrimp, that Chinese-American classic. Tossed in tasty mayonnaise (but of course).

5960 Spring Mountain Rd., (702) 221-0456

FRANKIE’S TIKI

A memorable Arts District dive from the folks behind the famous Double Down on Paradise. The only thing more impressive than the classic Polynesian cocktail menu? The size of the classic Polynesian bouncer.

Hot tip Don’t drink the Mai Tais if you intend to be able to drive anywhere else later on.

1712 West Charleston Blvd., (702) 385-3110

TOFU HUT

Even if you go alone and order just one of the sub-$10 tofu hot pots, you’ll get a free assortment of banchan — Korean side dishes including kim chee. The combination is more than enough for dinner, but feel free to come whenever because this spot is open 24 hours. Service isn’t great, but at these prices, you don’t get to complain.

Hot tip If you’re really hungry after a night of partying, all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue is $13.99 after 11 p.m.

3920 Spring Mountain Rd., (702) 257-0072

DOWNTOWN COCKTAIL ROOM

Flexible and friendly bartenders and a pretty decent cocktail menu make this place hiding in plain sight at the corner of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard an address to remember.

Hot tip $7 cocktails during Happy Hour, Mon.-Fri. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Won’t find that at Little Branch.

111 Las Vegas Blvd. South, (702) 880-3696

RAKU

This Spring Mountain Road robatayaki — once the secret late-night hideout of local chefs — has now exploded on the national scene. While it was better when we had the place all to ourselves, you can’t ignore the fact that this is the top spot for late-night Japanese pub food.