Las Vegas Insider: Discovering Downtown & The Arts District

The second installment in our 'Las Vegas Insider' series heads Downtown to discover local music, culture, dining, and digs.

How does a classically trained pianist become a super cool DJ spinning in some of Las Vegas's hottest venues? For Pei-long Maeder, who offers her insider access for EDGE readers, it was a combination of a passion for music and growing up as "an Air Force brat" whose home shifted with her father's assignments. She entered a DJ contest in an attempt to shake some creative blocks, and the result was a passion that keeps her spinning to this day.

Pei keeps her finger on the pulse of what's new and has an appreciation for how the city has evolved, particularly for the creative community. "I feel like I've watched Vegas grow throughout the years and watched our music scene grow," she says. "I have friends who are in cover bands, others who are doing their own music projects, and discovering their own sound and influences."

Downtown Project has been a driving force in enabling small businesses to support creative types like Pei. Since its founding in 2012, the initiative has allocated and invested $350 million towards the area's revitalization, resulting in more than 165 new businesses and 1,000 new jobs.

Pei encourages tourists to venture off the Strip to discover a different side of Las Vegas. Fortunately, she's left EDGE readers with a pretty terrific road map.

Bars & Lounges

Oddfellows - You'll find Pei spinning at Oddfellows on "ThursgayZ" night, when she programs pop music from throughout the decades, including some of her favorite queer artists such as RuPaul and Hurcules and the Love Affair, and. "I feel like Downtown nightlife is a laid back welcoming vibe," says Pei. "You'll discover a lot of creative people and have a great time."

Artifice Bar - For a three-in-one stop, be sure to check out Artifice, which occupies a 3,400-square-foot space in Downtown's Arts District. The three separate rooms offer a range of music and a collection of art and photography from local as well as globally recognized artists, including the recent urban, comic book-inspired exhibition by Giovanni Morales.

Velveteen Rabbit - You can get seriously crafty at this cocktail and beer bar, which specializes in libations with fresh produce and house-made ingredients. Vintage furniture and an outdoor patio add to the kicked-back vibe, but make no mistake: these drinks are serious business. The menu changes seasonally, but if you ask nice, be sure to request The Nevadan (bourbon, yellow chartreuse, orange bitters) any time of year.

Phoenix Bar & Lounge - Locally gay-owned and operated, Phoenix Bar & Lounge has something for everybody: happy hour specials, karaoke, pool tables and darts to encourage mingling, and monthly events like Broadway Brunch.

Dining

A night out - especially in Las Vegas -isn't complete without some gourmet grub. Two of Pei's favorite picks run the gamut and are perfect to fuel up before a night on the town.

Cornish Pasty Company - Once the food of England's working class, founder Dean Thomas brought these handheld savory bites of his childhood to the United States. The traditional Oggie (filled with steak, potatoes, onion and rutabaga) is a must-try, but there are dozens of variations to satisfy every palate.

Le Thai - Chef Dan Coughlin brings his signature take on regional Thai specialties, along with a few Vegas twists including his famous three-color curry. The outdoor beer garden is the perfect backdrop for sampling some of his other creations such as green papaya salad with Thai chile, short rib fried rice, and classic pad Thai.

Downtown Digs

Step off the Strip and stay a while at these two Downtown properties.

El Cortez - A cornerstone of Downtown Las Vegas since its opening in 1941 and has been family run since Jackie Gaughan purchased it in 1963.

Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013, you'll find plenty of character among its stored walls... along with 1,000 slot machines (including coin-operated for a vintage throwback), the 24-hour Siegel's restaurant (named after former co-owner Bugsy Siegel), and renovated rooms with modern amenities.

The Plaza - This iconic property anchors the west end of Fremont Street Experience and sits at the site of the city's first train depot.

A $35 million renovation completely overhauled the hotel while still maintaining its character, including the recently completed, Instagram-worthy wall murals by D*Face and Shepard Fairey that grace the hotel's exterior.

Be sure to allow time to explore all that The Plaza has to offer, including the new Pool at the Plaza (featuring a 70,000-square-foot deck for requisite people watching), William Hill Race and Sports Book (Downtown's largest with 75 screens), and breakfast at Hash House a Go Go after a full night of revelry.