When the desert outside is pushing 110°F, the idea of voluntarily walking into a room held at 23°F sounds insane. That is exactly the pitch of Minus5 Ice Bar, and somehow it works. Everything inside — the walls, the bar, the seats, the sculptures, even the glass your drink comes in — is carved from solid ice.
We visited Minus5 to find out whether this frosty novelty is a must-do Vegas experience or an overpriced photo op. Here is the honest breakdown.
What Is Minus5 Ice Bar?
Minus5 (pronounced "minus five," referencing its native New Zealand roots where the brand began) is an ice lounge concept. The Las Vegas location is one of several the company operates, and it is the only permanent ice bar on the Strip. The entire interior is constructed from imported, crystal-clear ice, and the temperature is held at a constant 23°F year-round. The space is redesigned with new sculptures periodically, so even repeat visitors see something different.
The bar has operated from inside the Venetian and, at various points, other Strip properties; confirm the current location when you book, as ice-bar operators occasionally relocate. Regardless of address, the experience itself is consistent.
How Much Does It Cost?
Minus5 uses a tiered pricing model. The headline figure you see advertised is usually the basic entry, but most people end up with a package. Here is how the tiers typically shake out:
| Package | Typical Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Entry only | $25–$30 | Admission, parka/gloves loan, one drink voucher |
| Standard package | $40–$50 | Admission, gear, two drinks, souvenir cup |
| Premium / VIP | $60–$80+ | Admission, premium drinks, fur coat upgrade, photo |
Prices fluctuate with season, promotions, and whether you book online in advance — which almost always saves you money. Walk-up pricing at the door tends to be the highest.
What Happens When You Arrive
The experience follows a set sequence. First, you check in and choose your package. Then you are kitted out: everyone gets a hooded parka and gloves, and premium packages add a faux-fur coat that is genuinely warm and genuinely ridiculous-looking in the best way. You stash your belongings in a locker (do not bring large bags), and then a staff member opens the door to the ice lounge.
Inside, you have a limited window — usually around 30 to 45 minutes — because that is about how long most people tolerate sub-freezing temperatures even in a parka. A bartender serves drinks in glasses made of ice (yes, you literally drink out of ice), and you are free to wander, pose with the sculptures, and sit on the ice furniture, which is draped with fur throws.
The ice glass is the magic trick. You sip your vodka, and by the time you are done, the glass has already begun to melt in your hand. It is the most literal interpretation of "drink fast" in Vegas.
The Ice Sculptures
The sculptures are the visual centerpiece, and they are genuinely impressive — not hotel-lobby ice swans, but detailed, glowing works lit from within. Expect Vegas-themed pieces (showgirls, dice, the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign) alongside abstract art and seasonal designs. Photographers will be happy: the blue and pink LED lighting bouncing off clear ice is striking, and the staff will happily snap photos of you with your phone.
Take Photos Early, Not Late
Hit the sculptures and selfies in your first ten minutes. By the end of your session, your hands will be too cold to operate a phone reliably, and your nose will be running. Get the shots while you still feel your fingers.
What to Wear
The provided parka and gloves are non-negotiable — you will not be allowed in without them, and you would not last five minutes bare. But you can make the experience more comfortable with smart choices underneath:
- Long pants. Shorts and a parka is a bad combination when the seat is made of ice.
- Closed-toe shoes. Sandals will leave your feet miserable.
- A base layer. A long-sleeve shirt under the parka adds real warmth without bulk.
- Skip the hat and scarf. The hood on the parka does the job, and you will warm up fast once you leave.
Is It Worth the Price?
This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you value. If you are looking for a cheap drink or a long, leisurely bar session, Minus5 is not it — your time inside is short and the per-drink cost is high. But if you treat it as a compact, memorable experience rather than a bar, the value makes more sense. Where else in Vegas do you get a 23°F room, an ice glass, and a guaranteed conversation piece for under $50?
It is best as part of a night out rather than a destination in itself. Pop in for the novelty, grab your photos and a drink, and then head to a warmer spot for the rest of your evening.
Who Should Skip It?
If you run cold easily, have young children who cannot tolerate the temperature, or are sensitive to confined spaces, Minus5 may not be for you. The room is small and the cold is real. There is also a non-ice lounge area adjacent where non-participants can wait comfortably.
The Bottom Line
Minus5 Ice Bar is a quintessential Vegas novelty: expensive, short, and completely unforgettable. It is the kind of thing you do once, tell everyone about, and remember far longer than the 30 minutes you actually spent inside. For a summer visit when you are desperate to feel cold, it hits differently — and it pairs perfectly with our guide to cooling off on the Strip.
Want a longer, more active ice experience? The Cosmopolitan ice rink gives you more time on the ice (literally), and for a fully air-conditioned alternative, browse our roundup of indoor attractions when it is too hot.
