Joe Downtown: Bartending contest touts bringing ‘the Strip to Downtown’

By Joe Schoenmann

Friday, March 22, 2013 | 10 a.m.

A bartending contest in the Fremont East Entertainment District?

Can a roaring volcano, German tiger tamers and dancing waters at the El Cortez be far behind?

Well, OK – a bartending contest doesn’t quite have the cachet as some of the more extravagant Las Vegas Strip sights – even if promoters tout the contest as bringing “the Strip to Downtown.”

And, in many ways, a bartending contest fits downtown Las Vegas. Even though the Fremont East Entertainment District currently caters largely to local customers, there are a dozen establishments within about a block of the Fremont and Sixth Street intersection that currently serve alcohol, with more on the way.

So if you want to see how bartenders do their thing, the Industry All-Stars Bartender Competition Series will be contested at Insert Coin(s), 512 Fremont St., every last Wednesday of the month, from March through June.

“Industry” means the competition features local bartenders, including those from Moon in Palms, Crazy Horse III, Commonwealth and Pure nightclub at Caesars. Challengers will compete for $1,000 in cash and prizes.

The second-annual contest showcases speed – bartenders “will use their talent and hustle to sell the most drinks,” a press release says.

Each month’s winner will compete in a final competition July 31.

For more information, visit Insert Coin(s)' website.