Key Points:
- Everything inside is made of ice, including the walls, chairs, tables, decor… even the cups.
- The bar is visually stunning, and I enjoyed wandering the room to see every icy detail.
- While this isn’t something I’ll do frequently, I found it to be a fun novelty worth the price.
While the concept of ice bars in Las Vegas has existed for over a decade, I had yet to visit one for some reason.
Perhaps it’s because I’ve historically dedicated my time to the craps table and the pursuit of cheap drinks at dives like Casino Royale and Stage Door Casino.
That all changed this past summer in the midst of a 105+ degree day.
The idea of stepping into a frigid bar was so appealing after taking 20K steps that I pulled out my phone, booked a time, and made my way to the LINQ Promenade to cool off.
For those unfamiliar, Minus5 Icebar is just that… a bar made entirely of ice and kept at a frigid -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit).
Everything inside is made of ice, including the tables, seating, walls, sculptures, decor, and even the cups.
Guests are given a coat and gloves, and are then escorted in.
Minus5 Ticketing & Packages
“Cool Experience“: The baseline package costs $24 and includes entry, gloves, and a parka. No drinks are included, but they can be purchased inside.
I personally opted for this ticket with a plan to buy one drink inside.
“Coolest Experience“: An upgraded package, the Coolest Experience costs $49 and includes 2 cocktails along with a parka, gloves, and entry.
“V-ICE-P Experience“: The best of the best, the V-ICE-P package costs $79, and includes a souvenir gift, 1 digital photo, and the use of a more fashionable fake fur coat in addition to 2 cocktails and entry.
Notably, the Icebar is also an attraction suitable for kids until 9 pm daily – They even serve mocktails!
Notably, there’s no time limit. Stay as long as you want.
In addition to LINQ, Minus5 has bars at The Venetian and Mandalay Bay.
My Experience Inside the Minus5 Ice Experience
I was able to snag an 11am entry, their first slot of the day. I showed up promptly at that time, checked in, was fitted for a basic parka, and was handed a pair of thin gloves.
Once geared up, I was escorted into the Icebar.
Before diving into what’s inside, I want to point out that I’ve always considered Minus5 Icebar in Las Vegas as a bit “gimmicky”, at least subconsciously in the back of my mind.
It isn’t that I was necessarily averse to the idea of visiting, but it always seemed like a minimally appealing novelty.
That opinion was misguided.
It’s difficult to express the immediate relief I felt upon stepping inside from the heat.
After walking nearly 5 miles in the desert sun and triple-digit heat that morning, this moment alone was almost worth the $24 + tax I paid.
Here are a few first impression shots I took as my core temperature slowly ticked down:
The iced-over cocktail lounge is a bit of a feast for the eyes.
Not only is every surface made of ice, but the ice is illuminated and choreographed to music, creating an upbeat vibe featuring music from artists like Rihanna, Drake, Katy Perry, and Niki Minaj, among others.
Fun decor is scattered about the room, either encased in ice or made of ice. Examples included a snowman, an ice Stanley Cup, chandeliers, an ice fireplace, miscellaneous sculptures, and more.
There’s something to see in every nook and cranny – Definitely take the time to wander.
Uniquely, there was even a QR Code on the bar top that takes you to a scavenger hunt of the space.
When they say even the seating, tables, and glasses are made of ice, they aren’t kidding. The bartender even warned me to hold my icy glass with both hands to avoid dropping it – There’s a $3 charge for broken glasses.
The ice benches are lined with animal hides to protect you from coming into direct contact with ice when taking a seat.
I only purchased one cocktail, a rum & Coke, which cost $16.95 after-tip.
While my drink was strong enough, it certainly landed on the small side of the spectrum. It’s not a place I’d be hanging out at to catch a full-on buzz, as the tab would escalate quickly.
Is Minus5 Worth Tackling?
I had my doubts, but I loved it. Give it a shot if you’re on the fence.
Especially if you’re visiting in the summer, book a mid-afternoon cool-down sesh. It’s the best use case I can think of.
While the experience is more expensive than a traditional bar, the novelty is drinking in a sub-freezing environment, sitting on ice, and drinking from ice. It’s fun!
Package-wise, just go with the cheapest one, which will get you a basic parka/gloves and allow you to buy drinks as you go.
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I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.