Las Vegas Weekly

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Sometimes the coolest live music spots spring up in the least expected places. Think Arlene’s Grocery in NYC, Hollywood Forever Cemetery in LA or, closer to home, Yayo Taco near UNLV. Enter Beach Hut Deli on Eastern Avenue.

A franchised sandwich store was hardly the first place I’d go looking for punk rock, but Saturday night proved that the place, which opened last May and intends to host more shows in the coming months, has potential as an all-ages spot. With about 60 bodies inside—almost all of them college age or younger—Beach Hut felt full but not overcrowded. The main dining area was cleared out for standing room in front of the bands, and the outdoor patio was opened to offer some extra space.

One of the bonuses of seeing a show at a deli, of course, is that instead of typical deep-fried bar food, you can get delicious California-inspired fare with your tunes. I saddled up to a booth with a Surfin’ Bird (turkey, avocado, bacon and cream cheese) and a beer while I watched local hardcore bands Habit, Oranges, These Colors, Bass Reeves and 1819. The show came with a $2 cover, but you can recoup that and then some with Beach Hut’s drink and dining specials.

The setup might not be up to touring-act standards—the “stage” actually consists of converted booths minus their tables—but Beach Hut would be a great place to see your buddy’s band play. Or, in my case, stuff your face with cold cuts while a roomful of teens wonders, “Who invited that old guy, and why is he so hungry?”