The Minus5 Ice Bar’s in Las Vegas are some of the coolest places to visit in the city – pun intended! When they say everything is made of ice, they mean everything. The walls, chairs and even the drinking glasses are completely frozen.
If you’re looking for a unique bar to sip cocktails in sub-zero temperatures (and take lots of pictures for your Instagram), then you’ll love taking a trip to one of the Minus5 Ice Bars in Vegas!
Before you visit, here’s everything you need to know about the Minus5 Ice Bars in Vegas, including how to book, what to wear, how much drinks are – and everything else in between.
What to Expect When Visiting a Minus5 Ice Bar
If you’ve never been to an Ice Bar before, it’ll be an experience like no other! Here’s what to expect when you visit.
1. Lots of Interactive Ice Sculptures
There will no shortage of ice sculptures scattered around the bar. Each one will have its own unique theme that’s constantly refreshed. You could see Game of Thrones inspired works of art and famous musicians from across the ages.
What’s even better is that some of the ice is interactive. You can sit on thrones, put your head in silhouettes or even play games in the ice!
2. There’s a DJ and Other Entertainment
To keep energies high, the Ice Bars in Vegas have DJs that are always on the decks creating a feel-good vibe.
There’s also no shortage of entertainment during your stay. As well as exploring the ice sculptures, you’ll find LED lighting displays, vodka tasting sessions (some involving the ice!) and the occasional performer.
3. Everything Will be Made From Ice
As expected, everything in the ice bar will be made from ice. The only exceptions are the ceiling and floor, so there’s no need to get your ice skates on.
With the entire venue being made of ice in the middle of a desert, the freezing process is very intricate. There’s all sorts of special procedures in place to keep the venue cool enough. That includes using distilled water and freezing it at just the right temperature. This helps the process, but also means there’s never any cracks or bubbles, so you can expect the ice to be crystal clear and shiny!
4. You’ll Find Something New Every Time You Visit
Just because you’ve been to the Ice Bar in Vegas once, that doesn’t mean you’ve seen it all! To keep things fresh, the bar is constantly adding new sculptures and interactive features.
At least once a year, the whole bar is melted down completely and rebuilt again.
Top Tips When Visiting a Minus5 Ice Bar in Vegas
There are lots of myths around visiting the Ice Bar, like that you can’t bring your phone, or you have to wrap up warm. Here are our top tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1. There’s No Need to Wrap Up Warm
One of the myths around visiting the Ice Bar is that you need to wrap up in layers of clothing before you visit. That couldn’t be further from the truth!
Your admissions ticket will include getting you kitted out in warm gloves and a parka jacket or a faux fur coat, so you’ll be nice and toasty. If you’re prone to feeling cold, it’s a good idea to wear trousers and closed-toe shoes.
2. Drink Quickly!
One of the coolest things about the Ice Bar is that your drinking glass will be made entirely of ice. It’s the only place in Vegas where you drink will get colder the longer you drink it!
The glass is specially made to withstand you holding it, so it won’t melt immediately. However, you’re advised to drink quickly to prevent things getting messy. Plus, the quicker you drink, the quicker you’ll warm up!
3. Book in Advance
Everyone is welcome at the Ice Bar in Vegas – even kids (although they have to be over 7 and accompanied by an adult). To avoid a hefty wait at the door, it’s best to book in advance.
If you’re looking for a bargain, consider subscribing to their email list to hear about promotions and discounts.
4. Take Your Phone or Camera With You
It used to be a rule that you couldn’t take your phone into the Ice Bar, since they collectively give out a lot of heat. But the rules have changed and you can now take as many pics as you like on your phone or camera.
If you prefer to leave your phone outside, you can still capture the experience. For a charge, ask the photographers floating around to snap some great shots of you and your friends.
5. Keep the Party Going Without Leaving
Most people don’t spend too long in the Ice Bar. But that doesn’t mean you have to cut your night short!
When you’re too cold to stay any longer, you’ll be transported to a cosy lodge with a fireplace and bar. You can either keep the party going with a few drinks, or just warm up by the open fire before you leave.
How Cold is the Minus5 Ice Bar?
To keep the ice frozen, the temperatures are maintained at an average of -5 degrees or 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s so cold that juice boxes (used to make the cocktails) can freeze over! After a certain period of time, the bartenders have to swap them out for a new one that’s stored outside.
How Old Do You Need to be to Visit?
Even though it’s a bar, Minus5 is a family-friendly experience. Before 9pm, children aged 7 and over are welcome to visit when supervised by an adult.
Ticket prices are cheaper for kids, but you can upgrade their ticket so they get to experience their first mocktail!
After 9pm, the bar is adults only.
How Long Can You Spend in the Minus5 Ice Bar?
You’re welcome to spend as long as you like in the Ice Bar, as your ticket doesn’t have a time limit.
However, most guests usually spend no more than an hour in the Ice Bar, since the cold will seep through your jacket eventually!
What Should You Wear to the Ice Bar?
There isn’t a dress code and – despite popular belief – you don’t need to wrap up warm before you visit. Since the Vegas Minus5 Ice Bars are in the middle of the desert, this is good news!
Your ticket will include access to gloves and a parka jacket or faux fur coat, which is usually enough to keep you warm.
If you’re prone to feeling the cold, consider wearing trousers and closed-toe shoes, or buying a furry hat at the on-site gift shop.
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Do You Need a Reservation for the Minus5 Ice Bars in Vegas?
Yes, you will need to make a reservation to get into the Ice Bars at Vegas.
Once you’ve purchased your tickets online, you can reserve your preferred date and time up to six months in advance.
What Does a Ticket to the Ice Bar Get You?
A ticket to one of the Minus5 Ice Bars usually gets you entry and free hire of a jacket and pair of gloves. You can upgrade to get cocktails, souvenir gifts and photos included in your visit.
Tickets cost anywhere between $24 and $75, depending on the experience you want to have. The three main packages include:
- V-ICE-P for $75 per person – includes entry, gloves, faux fur coat hire, two cocktails, a souvenir gift, and a digital photo
- Coolest experience for $49 – includes entry, gloves, parka jacket hire, and two cocktails
- Cool experience for $24 – includes entry, gloves, and parka jacket hire
If you’re travelling in a group of more than 12 people, contact the venue for a special price. They’ll make the occasion even cooler – which is perfect for hen or bachelor parties! Corporate events can even have their own logos made from the ice.
If you’re visiting the Ice Bar with kids, special prices apply that cost between $13 and $29 per person. You can choose from either:
- Kids V-ICE-P for $29 – which includes entry, gloves, parka jacket hire, souvenir gift, and one non-alcoholic mocktail
- Kids cool experience for $13 – which includes entry, gloves, and parka jacket hire
Note: Prices are subject to change. Check the Vegas Ice Bar booking information for the latest prices.
How Much Are Drinks at the Minus5 Ice Bar?
Inside, you’ll find a range of cocktails and mocktails. The bar specializes in creating Vodka-based drinks, since it has one of the lowest freezing points. You’ll usually find a flavoured vodka paired with fruit juice (not soda, since it will explode behind the bar), and no chunks of lemon (again, they’ll freeze!).
Drink prices at the Ice Bar vary, but you can usually expect to pay between $12-15 for a cocktail served in a frozen glass.
The good news is that you’ll get your drink in record-time. Since it’s so cold and the bartenders are kitted out in winter-wear themselves, the cocktail-shaking process has been streamlined to offer you one of the speediest deliveries in the city!
Minus5 Ice Bar Locations in Vegas
There are three Ice Bars scattered around Vegas. You can expect a similar experience at every one, but to help you decide which one is better for you, here’s everything you need to know.
Vegas Minus5 Ice Bar Map:
Mandalay Bay, South Strip
- Location: Inside The Shoppes at Mandalay Place. Right above the escalators by Starbucks and House of Blues.
- Hour: Sun – Thurs 11 AM – 12 AM, Fri & Satur 11 AM – 1:30 AM
- Age: 7+, Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult
The Minus5 Ice Bar at Mandalay Bay was the first ever ice bar to open in Vegas. Since it opened back in 2008, it’s been expanded for a bigger and better experience!
Just because it’s the oldest ice bar, nothing about it is old. Just like all Ice Bars, the entire venue is melted down at least once a year for a refresh. Even if you’ve been before, you can expect a new experience every time.
This Minus5 Ice Bar is situated in Mandalay Place shopping centre. It’s the best Ice Bar to visit in Vegas if you want to grab a bite to eat before or afterwards.
The Venetian, Central Strip
- Location: Inside The Grand Canal Shoppes. Level 2, at the end of the canal, across from Sketchers
- Hour: Daily 11 AM – 11 PM
- Age: 7+, Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult
Nestled in the Venetian Resort is the second Ice Bar in Vegas. You’ll find this Ice Bar in The Grand Canal Shoppes.
It’s the best Ice Bar to visit in Vegas if you’re staying in the hotel, or you want to hit the most extensive selection of slots and video poker machines in the city at the casino later.
The Venetian also has a food court and lots of restaurants to eat at after your visit.
Linq Promenade, Central Strip
- Location: Between Brooklyn Bowl and In-N-Out Burger
- Hour: Sun – Thurs 11 AM – 12 AM, Fri & Satur 11 AM – 2 AM
- Age: 7+, Under 21 must be accompanied by an adult
The third Ice Bar in Vegas is on Linq Promenade between Brooklyn Bowl and In-N-Out Burger.
Since Linq Promenade is one of the most entertaining spots in Vegas, it’s the best Ice Bar to visit if you’re planning on spending a night drinking, gaming, eating or checking out the major rides and concerts afterwards.
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