Atomic Liquors re-opens after begin closed for over 3 years on June 20, 2013, continuing the renewal of Downtown Las Vegas.
Originally built in 1945 called as Virginia’s Cafe, it was later renamed Atomic Liquors due to the above ground nuclear bomb testing at the Nevada Test Site. The patrons use to gather on the roof top to witness the bomb explosion which could be viewed and felt from atomic explosions at the Test Site 50+ miles away to the northeast.
The bar at 971 E. Fremont Street, a couple of blocks east of the Blvd. Barbara Streisand shot pool there, the pools tables are still there, and it is rumored that everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Smothers Brothers stopped in for drinks over the years. You see it is far enough away from the Strip that even headliners could stop in a be a regular Joe, or Frank or Dean. Several movies, including some westerns and 1995′s “Casino,” used the bar as a backdrop. The distinct neon sign can be seen in the movie hit the “Hangover”.
Atomic Liquors is one of the oldest continually open bars in Las Vegas still kept by the original owners, and hold liquor license Number 00001. Stella Sobchick who ran the bar with her husband Joseph, passed away on Jan 15, 2011 at the age of 91. Joe passed away 3 months earlier also at 91 years. They had run the business for 55 years.
Photo By: LasVegas360.com