O’Sheas
What is it?
A reinvention of the former O’Sheas casino as a bar with some gambling tables and beer pong.
Where is it?
It’s accessible through The Linq on the Center Strip.
What kind of crowd does it draw?
Mostly curious tourists and those with an appreciation for beer pong.
What are the prices like?
Although they have frequent drink specials, prices in general are more expensive than they were when it was it’s own place.
When is the best time to go?
Weekend nights is when you’ll find the most people.
Why should I go here?
Because you are amused by the idea of a leprechaun named Mr. Lucky wandering around.
What else do I need to know?
Some of the original O’Sheas building was preserved and reused here.
What’s the bottom line?
Not the same as it was, in both good and bad ways.
The casino closed in 2012 to make way for The Linq, a pedestrian mall of shops, restaurants, and bars including a new version of O’Sheas.
There really is no real comparison between the two. First, the old O’Sheas was a multi-level casino with several bars, fast food outlets, and more. The new one is about 5,000 square-feet, so not tiny, but nowhere near the size of the original. It has a handful of gaming tables, some beer pong tables, a couple of bars with video poker, and that’s about it. Rumors abound that an expansion will add food service but for now you’ll have to go somewhere else if you’re hungry.
Second, let’s face facts: the old O’Sheas had grown pretty shabby. Worn carpeting, tired slots, and the smell of spilled beer were common. This place is all shiny and sparkly and new, although they did resuse some of the original fixtures including pieces of the stamped tin ceilings, one of the bars, and the sign outside.
Third, let’s talk about prices. Although cheaper than a lot of places on The Strip, the drinks and (very limited) gambling here are noticeably more expensive than they were in the old days. Such is the way of the world, I suppose.
They are trying to recapture the original spirit. As mentioned, there is beer pong so that’s a start, plus frequent live entertainment at night creates a party mood. They even brought back Lucky, who will be happy to stir up a little mischief when the room is rocking.
Whether or not this place succeeds or fails is dependent on them finding their new identity. If it were up to me, I’d try to position the place as the spiritual successor to Rockhouse, the frat house style bar that was located at the front of this building when it was the Imperial Palace. That bar moved up the street and got more serious, leaving a big gaping hole that O’Sheas could fill nicely. That’s something they could accomplish, but trying to evoke the cheap original O’Sheas while moving decidedly upscale in cost and amenities seems like a a strange choice.
The place is a little hard to find if you aren’t paying attention. If you are walking through The Linq it is just opposite the entrance to The Flamingo (the one with the giant flamingo statues flanking it).