Barbecue Throwdown

Freemont Street Experience and the Nevada Barbecue Assn. will host the 2nd Annual Downtown Throwdown Barbecue Championships on Dec. 13 and 14. The public is invited to sample chili, ribs, chicken, brisket and pork and to purchase food from some of the best cowboy cooks around. Attendees’ votes determine the “People’s Choice” winner, based on their opinions of 2 oz. sampling cups, available for $1 each. The prize for the victor is $10,000.

Downtown Throwdown 425 Fremont St. 702.595.5018 www.nvbbq.org

Historic Atomic Liquors

Atomic Liquors is a piece of true Las Vegas bar history. Founded at the end of World War II, it is the city’s oldest freestanding bar. At its height, the watering hole was frequented by the Smothers Brothers after their nightly shows, and singer Barbra Streisand even had her own barstool. Today the establishment has a remodeled but classic interior and a cocktail menu mixing new and retro concoctions. The local favorite recently partnered with the National Atomic Testing Museum to produce NATM’s official alcoholic beverage, the F Bomb. The drink is made of fireball whiskey, Fernet and Atomic’s own custom energy drink. That’ll give you a jolt!

Atomic Liquors 917 Fremont St. 702.982.3000 www.atomiclasvegas.com

Pizza Rock Shakes Up Vegas

Pizza Rock has brought their celebrated pies to 3rd Street. Started in Sacramento by 11-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani and partners Trevor Hewitt and George Karpaty, the restaurant revolves around the concept of high-end pizza combined with nightlife sophistication. There are seven ovens going at once and two dozen pizzas to choose from. Hewitt recommends the margherita and La Regina 30 -- a pie with sopressata, prosciutto, arugula and mozzarella, provola, parmaigiano and piave cheeses.

Pizza Rock 201 N. 3rd St. 702.385.0838 www.pizzarocklasvegas.com