ONE WICKED GOOD TIME

Monday, July 23, 2007

FIESTA FRATERNIZATION HITS THE STRIP

(Las Vegas Magazine – October 2007)
By Kiko Miyasato

HE WAS THIRSTY… STILL THIRSTY. MR. D. ABLO HAD BEEN SCOURING THE LAS VEGAS STRIP DAY AND NIGHT AND STILL COULD NOT QUENCH HIS THIRST. HE HAD BEEN TO JUST ABOUT EVERY WATERING HOLE IN THE CITY – COMING UP AS DRY AS THE DESERT IN WHICH HE SEARCHED. HE NEEDED A NAMESAKE. A PLACE WHERE HIS DEVILISH DEEDS DIDN’T HAVE A LIMIT – WHERE A SPRING BREAK VIBE COULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR. FINALLY, D. ABLO DECIDED TO ERECT HIS OWN PLACE OF WORSHIP, A PLACE WHERE THE CITY OF SIN COULD RAISE ITS FLAG – A PLACE AFTER THE DEVIL’S OWN HEART.

PLEASE WELCOME LAS VEGAS’ NEWEST CONTENDER, DIABLO’S CANTINA. Connected to the Monte Carlo and managed by The Light Group, the 10,000-square-foot Diablo’s is located right in the thick of the action as the establishment stakes its claim on the Boulevard. Diablo’s gates allow easy access directly off the Strip. The two-story den of iniquity entices passerby as they can catch their first glimpse through the near floor-to-ceiling windows as pumping music flows out the door.

Soft lighting combined with strings of holiday lights and candles cast a gentle glow onto the rustic and vibrant décor, creating the perfect ambiance for naughtiness. An ample bar beckons patrons to sidle up. For a bite to eat, take a few steps up where you can find groups of tables and cozy booths. The dining menu is both inventive and extensive, featuring Mexican, Southwestern and American cuisine.

But what the sinners of Diablo’s really want to give up their souls for are the drinks. The tequila list features more than 80 choices of the libation – everything from your typical tequila to the rare and the exotic. In addition to the staple margaritas, sangrias and beer, specialty drinks like the Sinful Vixen, Karma, The Chupacabra and The Frida Kahlo can be ordered by the pitcher. Drinks by the pitcher? Now we’re talkin’!

Tucked in a corner is a set of stairs to the second floor, where the first thing you’ll feel is the gentle breeze. The open-air design creates a coastal feel and allows unobstructed views of the Strip. Feeding the frenzy is another bounteous bar where the “wheel of sin,” once spun, will determine drink specials. There’s plenty of seating for the weary, but why would the weary come? Here is where the real licentiousness begins, as a stage hosts live bands and DJs, who draw patrons to the dance floor. Helping to raise your spirits and blood alcohol levels are the roaming tequila vixens – let’s just say, muy caliente!

This multilevel playground named Diablo’s is a friend to all: No cover, long lines – or elitist attitude. This place was built on fun; the upscale cantina is an unpretentious place to revel. As the 27-foot she-devil balances her pitchfork in her hand and watches from her perch on the roof, Mr. D. Ablo smiles on.