Las Vegas’ oldest free-standing bar, Atomic Liquors, celebrates 70 years

A Las Vegas landmark celebrates a major milestone. Atomic Liquors, known for being Las Vegas’ oldest free-standing bar, is celebrating 70 years in the valley.

Atomic Liquors was started in 1952 when Joe and Stella Sobchik converted their family’s cafe into a liquor store. It was the first liquor store license issued in Las Vegas. Looking to expand their business, the couple purchased a pouring license from a bar closing in a nearby casino. This allowed them to serve liquor and mixed drinks over the counter, making Atomic Liquors the first bar to open outside of a casino in Las Vegas.

It was named Atomic Liquors because customers used to watch the atomic bomb testing from the roof of the family’s cafe.

The bar became popular with many people, including famous Las Vegas entertainers and Hollywood stars.