Back at Body English at the Hard Rock Hotel
Sometimes you just can’t top a classic. While Vegas continues building bigger and better clubs, one more fabulous than the next, there is still an instinct to stick with what you know and love.
And so, Body English at the Hard Rock Hotel endures. In fact, HRH tried to close down Body English and replace it with another nightclub—and while that one had its merits (Vanity is a beautiful room, and now makes a great event space), the BE fans would not be denied. The classic is back, and with just a bit of polish, better than ever.
There’s just something cool about Body English. The underground location gives it a secretive feeling, and when you come down the center staircase onto the dance floor, you really feel a sense of arrival. I remember my first time, looking around and feeling like I’d never seen such a concentration of beautiful people in one place, seriously like being an extra in a Bond film.
Nowadays, the club has even more of a secretive, steampunky vibe, but also books the kind of legendary DJs that real music heads can appreciate: Cut Chemist, Doc Martin, even guest bands like Imagine Dragons taking a spin. It’s meant to be different from all the clubs on the Strip, and that’s a good thing.
They go late here, though (yes, it’s an Afterhours spot, too), so don’t think about rolling in too soon. Once you’re at Hard Rock, you might wanna get your drink on first. The center bar in the casino never fails (the HRH tower casino bar is pretty cool, too), but if you want to sit down and chill, maybe check out the Ainsworth (where you can do some sports betting in a more sophisticated setting) or 35 Steaks + Martinis, which has a really great lounge area.
If you’re hungry, you can certainly stay there and get your meat fix, hit the classic Nobu for some sashimi, Pink Taco for fast Mexican or maybe the newer kid on the block, Culinary Dropout.
What’s cool about this spot, decorated to look like a glorified roadhouse, is you can go in a bunch of different directions depending on your mood. Order some classic antipasti, Jamon Iberico, breasola, culatello and some soft, velvety burrata with a glass of wine. Maybe a nice grilled artichoke, simple and perfect. Or get a fancy cocktail (the gin and sake “Persuasion” or the Bloody Mary with rye “Last Man Standing”) and order some steaming hot soft pretzel knots with provolone fondue. Then get some of their fried chicken, crispy, savory and juicy or fall-off-the-bone sweet pork ribs.
That’s a good solid foundation for a long night ahead. Now go live it. And don’t worry, they’ll let you know when it’s time to shift gears for the afternoon pool party.
Special Thanks to E.C. Gladstone who helped out with this piece on Body English. Somehow when I'm done dancing, drinking and eating he finds his second wind and goes back for more.
