Vegas on Two Wheels: LINQ Promenade

Well hello there! Seems like forever since last I wrote a V-twin roaring article for Vegas Bright. I took a little break to visit the family in Florida just in time for Bike Week! As much as I would love to write about my trip, this article was made for you to experience Las Vegas, and one of the first places I visited after getting back from Daytona Beach was the Linq Promenade! Kick up your stand and burn some rubber with me; The Linq Promenade is this week’s Vegas on Two Wheels!

The Linq Promenade is a side street filled with shops, bars, and restaurants that you cannot miss. But, if you are having trouble finding it, just look to the skyline and find the High Roller; the largest observation wheel in the world! Glowing through cycles of neon, blue, pink, purple, red, yellow, orange and green, The High Roller is at the end of the promenade area.

Two-Wheels wise, it’s a sinch to get there. Just take Las Vegas Blvd down to the Flamingo Hotel and Casino and drop your stand in their parking garage. Or, take Koval St. located just behind Las Vegas Blvd. using Tropicana East. Take a left onto Koval and after a few lights, there will be a glowing sign for the Linq on your left. Pull in and there is a massive back parking lot overlooking the High Roller. Either way is a quick ride but can be challenging thanks to everyone else on the road. Major congestion and aggressive drivers swarm the roads at all hours around the boulevard. Take it slow and be alert but for the most part, it’s a quick, smooth and eye-appealing ride.

The Linq Promenade as a whole is rather new to Las Vegas. In fact, The Promenade was built around the same time as the High Roller was built; both made to complement one another. The well-rounded promenade offers around 40 shops and restaurants. Restaurants and nightlife include: O’Shea’s Casino, Chayo, The Haute Doggery hot dog shop, Off the Strip Bistro, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Starbucks, Ghirardelli, Yard House, Tilted Kilt and Flour & Barley.

Shops include Photo & Go, Pier 30, Bella Scarpa, 12 A.M. Run, Chilli Beans, Goorin Bros. and Ruby Blue.

The Linq Promenade also features a happening place called the Brooklyn Bowl. It’s a music venue that can hold 2,000+ concert goers. Brooklyn Bowl also has a restaurant, 32 bowling lanes, a section to watch sports during the day, nightly live performances and a nightclub area.

This place is fantastic for anyone there is a place for any kind of personality including the motorcycle rider! The downside to this place is that it is part of the Vegas Strip which means you pay Vegas Strip prices. If the bars are not doing any happy hour deals, expect to pay $9-$12 just for a 16oz beer; mixed drinks, $12-$25.

Now, is it worth it? You know I told you guys I love coming here! The Linq Promenade was made to be like the Fremont Street of new Vegas. As soon as I stepped foot down this street of shops and restaurants, bars and entertainment, I felt charged! I normally visit at night, and it really is a sight to see! From the brick laid street to the neon signs dancing, flickering, and flashing through the cool night to local musicians playing hits from the 80s, 90s and today some acoustic, some full out electric guitar amps cranked high. I can’t help but smile and feel excited ready to be out to have a little fun!

Sights and sounds are one thing, but man-O-man does the Linq smell fantastic! From Yard House grillin’ burgers to the Pizza shop taking fresh pepperoni pies out of the oven to Sprinkles frosting freshly made carrot cake cupcakes. My mouth was constantly salivating. I always partake in food at the Linq. Again, still slightly pricey so be ready for it. But I find myself always walking around with a food baby in my stomach and with all the smells, I somehow find myself eating one more morsel from somewhere.

It has that relaxed atmosphere like Fremont does too. I love that. I don’t feel rushed/ in a hurry to get somewhere and depending on the night; the Linq actually has breathing room. Now a Friday or Saturday night, be ready to bump into people but even so, I always leave the Linq satisfied. Bikers coming to Vegas, you’re going to find a bar for sure here, and it’s a lot of fun people watching! I totally recommend a visit to this place if you get a chance.

[Images: Greg Bennett]

Greg Bennett

Greg Bennett is the morning meteorologist on KTNV’s Good Morning Las Vegas newscast. He is an avid Harley rider but also is a huge classic car fan and loves to work on both. In his free time, you can catch Greg riding his bike around town, working out at the gym, hanging out with his Pit Bull (DewPoint), or getting his hands dirty by volunteering across the city of Las Vegas.