We are proud to partner with visionaries who understand that in Las Vegas, history isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a foundation. Our work on Whiskey Licker Up Saloon is the realization of a bold vision by Terry Caudill, the owner of Binion’s Gambling Hall and Four Queens, to breathe new life into the “pioneer” spirit of Downtown Las Vegas.
At ACG Design, we don’t just design spaces; we curate legacies. Our work on Whiskey Licker Up Saloon was more than a construction project—it was a mission to bridge the gritty, pioneer spirit of Benny Binion with the high-tech future of the Fremont Street Experience.
A Hands-On Vision for Fremont Street
Since Terry Caudill acquired the iconic Binion’s in 2008 through his firm, TLC Casino Enterprises, his mission has been clear: honor the “good food, good gamble” philosophy of Benny Binion while transforming the property into a premier destination for a new generation.
Known for his hands-on leadership and “walking the floor,” Caudill’s vision for Whiskey Licker Up was to create a venue that didn’t just exist alongside the Fremont Street Experience, but actively participated in it. He saw the potential of the second floor—previously underutilized space—as a prime opportunity to offer guests a “bird’s eye view” of the downtown Fremont Street Experience. His goal was to marry high-quality hospitality with the immersive energy of the 1st Street Stage.
The House That Benny Built
To understand the significance of this project, you have to understand the soil it sits on. Since 1951, Binion’s Horseshoe has been the heartbeat of Downtown Las Vegas. Founded by the legendary Benny Binion, this wasn’t just a casino; it was the birthplace of “No Limit” gambling and the original home of the World Series of Poker. Benny’s philosophy was simple: good food, good whiskey, and a fair deal for the gambler.
In 1988, the Binion family expanded their footprint by acquiring The Mint Hotel, the mid-century icon next door. By merging these two legends, Binion’s became a city block of pure Nevada history. When ACG Design was tasked with creating Whiskey Licker Up, we knew we had to respect that “Old Vegas” soul while delivering a “New Vegas” spectacle.
A Landmark Hidden in Plain Sight
One of the most remarkable aspects of the site is its visual history. While the name on the door changed, the architecture remembers. If you stand on Fremont Street today and look up at the Whiskey Licker Up balcony, you can still see a preserved portion of the original Mint landmark sign. We integrated the new venue’s footprint to ensure this iconic piece of neon history remained a focal point, serving as a glowing bridge between the 1950s and today.
Engineering the Spectacle: The Rotating Bar
Benny Binion was a disruptor, and we wanted the design of Whiskey Licker Up to reflect that same boldness. We engineered a 10,000-square-foot facility featuring the only open-air, rotating bar in Downtown Las Vegas.
This wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a structural feat. We transformed former executive offices and historic casino space into a reinforced, high-capacity venue. The rotating platform allows guests to transition from a view of the high-energy “scratch kitchen” to a front-row seat for the Viva Vision light show, all without leaving their barstool.
A Sensory Experience: Scratch Kitchen & Skyline Views
In keeping with the Binion’s tradition of “good food at a good price,” the venue features a state-of-the-art scratch kitchen. We designed the flow to handle the demands of a high-volume saloon while maintaining the quality of a gourmet eatery.
By installing massive retractable glass walls, we literally opened up the building to the street. The result is a seamless connection to the energy of Fremont, where the scent of world-class burgers meets the neon glow of the canopy.
The ACG Touch: Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Whiskey Licker Up is a testament to what is possible when you respect history rather than erasing it. It is a remarkable transformation that honors the Mint’s neon legacy and the Binion family’s legendary hospitality.
Project Spotlight: Whiskey Licker Up
Location: Binion’s Gambling Hall, Fremont Street
Design & Execution: ACG Design
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