Vegas: The Best Openings and Saddest Closures of 2015

Editor’s note: We’ve asked our writers and contributors for their opinions on the best/worst and noteworthy of all things Vegas for 2015. Unlike other sites, a list of options to choose from was not given. Instead, a list of categories was presented letting our staff write their answers freely.

BEST OPENINGS

Vegas Bright. That’s not pandering or being self-serving, but the loss of Vegas Chatter left a void. Other Vegas-related sites and blogs have their niche in the Vegas corner of the interwebs, but Vegas Chatter was unique in that the stories were easy reads, offered the writers room to editorialize, was well laid out and easy to navigate, without trying to prove anything to anyone. Vegas Bright has picked up the torch and ran with it very well.
– MICHAEL JAMES

I would say, Britney Spears. Huge hype, she brought a great performance even though she lip-syncs.
– GREG BENNETT

Omnia because it’s the “in” club.
– PAPERPOSTER

Rock-n-Rio…although it was brief!
– GREG C

Casa de Shenandoah The most dramatic moment of 2015 was when the grand gates of Wayne Newton’s estate finally opened to the public, revealing the splendor and wonders of his lavish home and grounds. Stunning views, opulent gardens, and every detail you could imagine making this a must-see trip back in time to Vegas glitz.
– SAMMASSEUR

Anchor Bar at the Venetian. I was raised on the east coast, NYC to be exact. I haven’t found a decent buffalo wing out on the west coast, ever. I’ve looked, I’ve tried many places. Nothing special. Then comes Anchor Bar at the Venetian, by the people who invented Buffalo Wings. I just had to try it out, and it was bliss. The way to my heart is through my stomach, but before that, it starts with the taste buds. Those wings put a smile on my face, a huge wing-eating smile. I’m not a foodie, I swear.
– MICHAEL MOVESTRO

SADDEST CLOSURES

Book and Stage at the Cosmopolitan. Just a nice place to kick back with a premium drink and play some video poker.
– MICHAEL JAMES

BAZ. I thought it was a fantastic show! High energy, entertaining, fun! I don’t know where it went wrong to close!
– GREG BENNETT

Riviera, since the hotel has been such an iconic location in Las Vegas.
– CATHY VO

Sad to see the Riviera go. I feel like if they could have hung on for a few more years, they would have been OK because Resorts World, etc. will revitalize that area. (I hope)
– BLONDE4EVER

Vegas Nocturne at the Cosmo, enough said. It was great.
– PAPERPOSTER

The Riviera…….hands down
– GREG C

Tie between Riviera Hotel and For The Record: BAZ. One iconic hotel that helped defines an era and an innovative new production that single-handedly displayed what the future of Vegas entertainment could be. Both unfairly shuttered before their time, both sorely missed. Runner-up: Jubilee at Bally’s…another Vegas institution gets shown the door.
– SAMMASSEUR

For me, it’s a tie between the Riviera and the Beatles Revolution Lounge. Just goes to show that one should make the most of every moment because in the blink of an eye, everything changes.
– MICHAEL MOVESTRO

There you have it… What would you say were some of the Best Openings and Saddest Closures of  Vegas 2015? Sound off in the comments below!

Vegas Bright