The clocking is ticking down for the start of my latest trip to Las Vegas.
One of my favourite places to take the weight off my feet and chug back a cool one is Stage Door Liquor. For years I'd walked passed this bar/convenience store hybrid often on my way to Ellis Island to enjoy one of their steak specials for $7. I'm not sure why I ventured in but I'm glad I did. The prospect of $1 bottles for Michelob will no doubt have helped. Inside are a couple of small bar areas with video poker at all the seats.
Over the years there has always been the same barmaid on duty, Britney. Like most American bar staff she always ready to chat and ask a few questions about where your from. Also always quick to suggest another round. Well it is more tips after all. These visits have always taken place during day light hours.
Last year I ended up in Stage Door with the clock getting ready to strike the midnight hour. Still open, still $1 Michs. Gone was Britney, shift ended and gone was the Kenny G jazz of the days. Gangsta rap was blaring out of the jukebox and it was certainly more street than during the day. The armed guard can be a reassurance at times but when they spend most of their time with a mop in hand this isn't always the case. Are things that bad that the cleaning crew need a weapon? I will soon find out.
