Ole Red vs. Jason Aldean
If you only had a limited time in Vegas, which new country bar would you pick?
A country bar is our kind of thing, and neither of these were here when we were in Vegas last, two years ago. We are staying at Cosmo, so they both seem close. I know Ole Red is 4 stories, vs. Jason Aldeans' 2 stories, but otherwise they seem fairly similar.
Based on the online menus, it seems Ole Red's food and drink selection is much wider, but looking for opinions on value, food quality (which is probably not stellar at either, but that's okay) and drink selection.
Thanks for any input.
If you're trying to decide between Ole Red and Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, both are solid choices for a country bar experience in Las Vegas. Since you’re staying at The Cosmopolitan, both are conveniently located nearby. Let’s break down the differences based on your preferences for food, drink, and atmosphere to help you make the most of your limited time:
Ole Red – A newer addition to the Las Vegas Strip, Ole Red offers a bigger space with four stories of country vibes, including a rooftop bar with great views. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Atmosphere: Ole Red tends to have a more lively, "honky tonk" feel. With its four floors, it’s usually bustling and offers more options to find a vibe that suits you. The rooftop is particularly fun for sunset drinks and views of the Strip.
- Food: The food menu at Ole Red is definitely more extensive, offering Southern comfort food like fried chicken, burgers, and BBQ. The quality of food generally gets mixed reviews — it’s not gourmet, but it's solid bar food that fits the vibe. If you want variety, this is the place to go.
- Drinks: Ole Red offers a wide selection of drinks, with a focus on cocktails, beer, and whiskey. Their drink menu is definitely more varied than Jason Aldean's, which could be a plus if you’re into trying different cocktails or sipping whiskey.
- Entertainment: Expect live country music performances throughout the day. Ole Red often hosts a variety of live acts, which can provide a fun and energetic atmosphere if you want to be immersed in the country music scene.
Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar – Slightly smaller than Ole Red, but still a solid choice for country fans. Here’s how it compares:
- Atmosphere: The vibe at Jason Aldean’s tends to be a bit more laid back compared to Ole Red. With only two stories, it has a more intimate feel, but still maintains that lively country bar energy. The rooftop is fun and offers great views, though it’s less expansive than Ole Red’s.
- Food: The menu at Jason Aldean's also features Southern-inspired food but is more focused on classic bar fare like smoked wings, sliders, and mac and cheese. Some people find the food here a bit more on point compared to Ole Red, but again, it’s not gourmet by any means.
- Drinks: Jason Aldean’s drink selection is decent but more limited compared to Ole Red. They offer country-themed cocktails, beer, and whiskey, but you may not have as much variety. It’s a good spot for basic drinks and a fun atmosphere, but not as much of a standout for unique cocktails.
- Entertainment: Like Ole Red, Jason Aldean’s features live music and country tunes, though the acts may not be as varied. If you’re a fan of Jason Aldean’s style, this could be a more personalized experience.
Verdict:
- If you’re looking for a bigger space with more variety in food and drinks, and enjoy a more energetic atmosphere, Ole Red might be your best bet.
- If you prefer a more intimate, laid-back environment with solid food and live country tunes but don’t mind a smaller selection of drinks, then Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar could be the perfect spot.
Overall, both bars offer a great country bar experience with live music and fun vibes, but the choice comes down to whether you prefer more variety and a bigger space (Ole Red) or a more intimate, themed experience (Jason Aldean’s). Whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your time in Las Vegas!
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