For travelers captivated by the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, Fremont Street in Downtown is an iconic destination steeped in history. One of its most colorful landmarks was Sassy Sally’s, a casino that embodied the exuberant spirit of the old Las Vegas Strip. While the establishment no longer exists under that name, its legacy endures, woven into the evolving fabric of Fremont Street’s dynamic story. Let’s delve into the vibrant history of Sassy Sally’s and the other enterprises that have graced its famed address.
The Origins of Sassy Sally’s
Sassy Sally’s opened in the early 1980s as part of a wave of themed casinos designed to attract a growing number of tourists seeking a whimsical yet affordable Vegas experience. It was located at 1 Fremont Street, a prime spot at the western end of Fremont Street, where neon lights lit up the night sky and street performers entertained crowds.
The casino’s theme leaned heavily on caricatured Western kitsch. Sassy Sally herself, a larger-than-life cowgirl mascot, became an instantly recognizable figure in advertisements and signage. The establishment catered to budget-conscious gamblers, offering low-stakes tables, affordable drinks, and slot machines with playful themes. Visitors fondly recall the free drinks, high-energy promotions, and a staff known for their friendliness—a hallmark of downtown’s charm.
Transition to Mermaids Casino
In 1999, Sassy Sally’s was rebranded as Mermaids Casino, embracing a new underwater-themed aesthetic. While the Western charm of its predecessor faded, Mermaids quickly garnered its own loyal following, thanks to a lively atmosphere and a few notable quirks.
Mermaids became famous for its deep-fried delights, including Twinkies, Oreos, and other carnival-style snacks, which drew hungry visitors and late-night revelers. The casino stayed true to its downtown roots, focusing on affordability and fun rather than high-roller luxury. Slot players, in particular, appreciated the variety of machines, while others simply came to bask in the over-the-top décor—complete with seafoam-green hues and whimsical undersea motifs.
The Evolution of 1 Fremont Street
In 2016, Mermaids Casino closed its doors, along with the neighboring La Bayou Casino, which had been one of the oldest continuously operating casinos in Las Vegas. The closures marked the end of an era for Fremont Street, as developers planned a major revitalization project for the space.
The address, 1 Fremont Street, was transformed into part of the Circa Resort & Casino, a state-of-the-art establishment that opened in late 2020. Circa brought a new level of sophistication to downtown Las Vegas, boasting modern amenities like a multi-level sportsbook, rooftop pools, and elegant dining options. However, Circa also paid homage to the area’s history, incorporating vintage Vegas charm into its design. Artifacts and memorabilia from defunct establishments like Sassy Sally’s can be found throughout the resort, connecting the past to the present.
Technical and Architectural Highlights
The 1 Fremont Street address has seen significant transformations, particularly with the construction of Circa Resort & Casino. The property spans 1.25 million square feet, with a 35-story hotel tower that dominates the downtown skyline. Circa’s architects focused on blending cutting-edge technology with classic Vegas showmanship. Features include:
- The Stadium Swim Complex: A rooftop pool area with massive LED screens for sports viewing.
- Vegas Vickie: A restored neon sign of a cowgirl (often seen as a counterpart to Sassy Sally) now displayed prominently in the resort’s lobby.
- The Garage Mahal: A transportation hub designed for ride-share services, showcasing Circa’s commitment to accessibility.
Sassy Sally’s in Memory
Although Sassy Sally’s is long gone, its spirit lingers in the hearts of those who experienced its unique charm. It’s a reminder of a bygone era when Vegas wasn’t just about luxury but also about quirky fun and personal connections. Today, visitors to Fremont Street can explore its modern attractions while still finding traces of the past, whether in vintage signage, restored neon art, or the stories shared by locals.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Vegas traveler, the history of Sassy Sally’s and 1 Fremont Street is a fascinating chapter in the ever-evolving story of Sin City. So, the next time you stroll through Fremont Street, take a moment to reflect on its past—because every neon-lit corner has a tale to tell.
Owner Herb Pastor remodeled and connected the two businesses over Thanksgiving weekend, as he explained, “while the city council was at home and not paying attention.”
TOPLESS BAR IRKS OFFICIALS. The city ordered Herb Pastor to close his doors because he didn’t properly notify the city that the facility was becoming a sexually oriented business. “I think that is the worst thing that could ever happen to Fremont Street,” Mayor Jan Jones said. “A topless bar is inconsistent with the image the city is trying to create in downtown.” – Review Journal, 12/4/91
Golden Goose and Glitter Gulch casinos underwent a dramatic transformation when owner Herb Pastor turned them into a strip club, The Girls of Glitter Gulch. The remodeling and merging of these two iconic establishments occurred over a Thanksgiving weekend, a strategic move Pastor later admitted was timed while the city council members were likely preoccupied at home, allowing the change to go largely unnoticed. The swift and discreet execution of this transformation underscored the boldness of Pastor’s business approach, leveraging a holiday to implement a significant shift in the establishments’ offerings.
However, this bold move did not sit well with city officials. The city ordered Pastor to shut down the operation, citing his failure to properly notify them of the venue’s transition into a sexually oriented business. The announcement sparked controversy, with Mayor Jan Jones expressing strong disapproval. “I think that is the worst thing that could ever happen to Fremont Street,” she stated, emphasizing that a topless bar clashed with the city’s vision for downtown’s image. Despite the backlash and regulatory hurdles, The Girls of Glitter Gulch persisted and continued operating until its closure in 2016, marking a significant chapter in the evolving landscape of Fremont Street’s entertainment offerings.
Fremont & 1st, Las Vegas, 1987. Photos by Walter Rudolph.
Aladdin’s lamp, Las Vegas Strip, 1980s.
Over 50 Vegas : Mermaids Casino became known for its deep-fried treats and vibrant atmosphere, offering visitors a unique experience in Downtown Las Vegas.
An iconic feature associated with Sassy Sally’s was the neon cowgirl sign, originally named Sassy Sally. This sign was later renamed Vegas Vickie as a tribute to the famous Vegas Vic.
Las Vegas Advisor : Designed by sign designer Charles Barnard, Vegas Vickie became a notable landmark on Fremont Street. In 1994, she “married” the neighboring neon cowboy, Vegas Vic, in a symbolic ceremony.
YESCO After the closure of Mermaids Casino, the Vegas Vickie sign was acquired by the Circa Resort & Casino and restored in 2020, now residing inside their establishment.
What’s the Story Behind Vegas Vickie?
By Patrick Blennerhassett Las Vegas Review-Journal
Read article at reviewjournal.com
As the story goes, the iconic 40-foot Vegas Vic neon sign on Fremont Street was getting lonely, so it was only natural that he have a partner.
Michael Green, UNLV professor and chair of the history department said Vickie, a 25-foot neon kicking cowgirl was erected in 1980 for obvious reasons. Vegas Vic was first erected in 1951 outside of The Pioneer Club and Vickie was partially created to offer Vic a lady friend.
“Well poor Vic was getting lonely,” said Green. “And (she) was put above an establishment that was called Girls of Glitter Gultch, and there was a casino nearby named Sassy Sally so they sometimes called her Sassy Sally.”
It wasn’t until 1994 that Vickie “married” Vegas Vic, Fremont Street’s famous “Howdy Partner” cowboy who smokes, waves and at one point talked to tourists passing by.
According to Yesco, a Salt Lake City sign restoration company that restored Vickie in 2020, she was originally designed by sign designer Charles Barnard and then in 2016 Circa Resort & Casino owner Derek Stevens bought the sign and moved her inside their establishment.
Jeff Young, the executive vice president for Yesco said giving Vickie a touch up was a special project for them.
“The restoration work Yesco did with Vegas Vickie in 2020 was about more than just restoring her neon glow, it was about preserving an iconic piece of Las Vegas history,” he said. “Four years later, it’s still rewarding to see how she’s become a beloved fixture at Circa, continuing to connect generations of visitors with the essence of vintage Vegas.”
There is now a Vegas Vickie’s Cocktail Lounge in Circa where she resides and since she’s no longer located close to Vegas Vic, Green said he’s not sure if they’re still hitched.
“I don’t know if they are divorced or it’s a trial separation or a commuter relationship,” he said with a laugh. “So they’re both still around but certainly different now than their original intent.”
Cosmo’s Underground Italian Restaurant
1st and Fremont
1980’s through 1990’s
The entrance to Cosmo’s Underground Italian Restaurant was just west of what was at the time, Sassy Sally’s. In fact it was actually in the basement of Sassy Sally’s although the entrance was on Fremont Street. At the bottom of the stairs was a maitre ‘d who greeted you, checked your reservation and showed you to your table. The place was dimly lit and the tables were adorned with checkered red and white tablecloths. The food was excellent southern Italian cuisine. A friend who visited there a few times in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s with his wife and her parents and aunt, who were frequent
| The half block of Fremont Street from 20 to 32 Fremont has been home to quite a few important and recognizable businesses in the past. The little alley between the Las Vegas Club and the Golden Goose sign is part of the original layout of Las Vegas as surveyed in 1905. I took the picture below in October 2013 and the list shows some of the businesses that took up residence in this tiny patch over the years. | |||
| 20 Fremont | 22 Fremont | 24 Fremont | 32 Fremont |
| Las Vegas Coffee Shopand Bakery(ca. 1926)State Cafe’(ca. 1932-50)Buckley’s (1952-1960)Starlite Sales (1961)Mecca Slots (1973)Golden Goose (1974-1980)Girls of Glitter Gulch(Closed 2016) | Bogg’s Bros Grocery(ca. 1926-1931) 21 Club (1931-1934) Barrel House (1934-1938) Las Vegas Barbecue(ca. 1944-1952) Copper Grill (1953-1954) Golden Slot (1955-1958) Cecil Lynch’s Fortune Club (1958-1966) Goldie’s (1966-1973) Mr. Reed’s (1973-1980) Bob Stupak’s Glitter Gulch (1980-1981) Girls of Glitter Gulch(Closed 2016) | Nevada Bakery (ca.1926-1931) Nevada Shoe Shop(ca. 1945- Dixie Waffle & Sandwich Shop Dixie Delicatessen(ca. 1950-1963) G & G Fremont(Closed 2016) 26 FremontDeluxe Barber (ca. 1932-1945) Mack Louis Bail Bonds(ca.1950} Jay Jewelry & Loan(ca.1952-1953) 28 Fremont Blanding’s Palace Market(ca. 1930-1932) Ethels Delicatessen(ca. 1934) Ethel’s Liquor Store(ca. 1937-45) Thrifty Liquors(ca. 1952) Downtown Liquors(ca.1953) 30 Fremont Oak Hotel(ca. 1930-39) La Bonita Hotel(ca. 1944-1954) | Las Vegas Pharmacy(ca. 1930-1953) Silver Palace (1956-1964) Carousel (1965-1974) Gambler’s Hall of Fame (1974-1976) Sundance West (1976-1980) Sassy Sally’s (1981-1999) Cosmo’s Underground Italian Restaurant in the basement of Sassy Sally’s Mermaid’s (1999-2016)32 Fremont is the corner of1st St. & Fremont St.That corner has changed many times over the years. Click here to seesome photos of that corner over the last 85 years. |
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