As the story goes, the proprietors grew weary of cooking and capitalized on the popularity of their secret-ingredient Atomic Cocktails, which patrons sipped while witnessing the above-ground nuclear tests from the Nevada Proving Grounds (now the Test Site) starting in 1951.Īnyway, some confusion has been caused by the nuclear proliferation of the Atomic brand, spreading over Las Vegas like a mushroom cloud.

It will remain the oldest freestanding bar in Las Vegas, having opened and operated continuously in the same location, 917 Fremont Street, since 1952.Īctually, it was founded in 1945, though it was called Virginia's Cafe.