Double Down and Frankie’s Doing Well In Recession, Says P Moss

Las Vegas' famous punk bar, the Double Down Saloon, celebrated its New York location's third anniversary this weekend, and the throwdown there was even nakeder than it would have been in Vegas, perhaps. There were topless women, a chainsaw juggler, DJ Rex Dart from Vegas' Bargain DJ Collective, firebreathers and controlled debauchery to go around.

In Vegas, the Double Down has to adhere to gaming regulations, since it has video poker at the bar. The regulations were put in place years ago, Vegas-wide, to keep gambling spots from becoming too naked or sexy. Sounds like an outdated concept now, obviously, but so be it.

The Vegas Double Down, years ago, was told to stop showing midget porn on TVs, for instance. And topless good times became covered-up good times. New York's Double Down -- there was a little more freedom there this weekend.

Owner P Moss, a favorite source for entertainment journos in town, called me from New York on day five of the celebration, and told me that despite the recession, both Double Downs and his other Vegas venture, Frankie's Tiki Room (which has good word of mouth), are doing really well, partly because people are sick of going to expensive clubs on the Strip, paying entrance fees and coughing up big dough for little drinks.

There's a lesson in Moss' hot spots that a small businessman in Vegas can still outclass big companies, by giving clientele what they want (at Double Down, "ass juice," punk bands, laid back atmosphere) and not robbing them blind -- also known as "respecting your customers."

(Photos by Cap'n Jesse)