One would think that the global leader on all things decadent and naughty — the city isn’t called Sin City for nothin’ — would be a desert epicenter for gay debauchery. Au contraire. Compared to the thrilling likes of Los Angeles’ West Hollywood, San Francisco’s Castro or even tiny Palm Springs, Las Vegas might seem downright boring. But, fret not, that isn’t the case. Below are the best the city has to offer. — Marco Medrano

Krave Nightclub

3663 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 836-0830
www.kravelasvegas.com

It’s hard to believe that prior to 2004, the millions of gay visitors to Las Vegas didn’t have a venue to call their own on the Strip and were relegated to the honky-tonk bars and clientele of the decidedly less glamorous (um, scary) “Fruit Loop” along Paradise Road. Then came Krave and Vegas stepped up its gay game a million-fold. Great lighting, world-class DJs, hot go-go snacks (AKA dancers) — the club has it all. Hours: nightly, 10:30 p.m. to close.

8 ½ Ultra Lounge & Piranha Nightclub

4633 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89169
(702) 791-0100
www.piranhavegas.com

In the heart of the Fruit Loop lies a delicious gooey center-of-it-all called Piranha Nightclub (and its cozy/glam little sister, 8 ½ Ultra Lounge). The drab exterior is a major fake-out for what lies behind those walls: Las Vegas techno luxe hedonism unleashed. Theme nights, adult film superstar hosts, sexy tourists, hot DJs — what more can anyone ask for in a club? Hours: nightly, 10 p.m. to dawn.

Candy Bar at Krave

3663 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 836-0830
www.kravelasvegas.com

For those ladies who follow Katy Perry’s lead and kiss girls and like it, Krave Nightclub’s Saturdays-only intimate lounge next door, Candy Bar, is just what the doctor ordered. Great dance music, cool ratio of locals to tourists and plenty of eye candy to enjoy, Candy Bar is aptly named to be sure. Hours: Saturdays, 10:30 p.m. to close.

Charlie’s Las Vegas

5012 Arville Street
Las Vegas, NV 89169
(702) 791-7001
www.charlieslasvegas.com

For those dudes who really, really — REALLY — like Tim McGraw, Billy Currington and Keith Urban, have we got the spot for you. Charlie’s Las Vegas is a local institution for a reason. Rugged (and not-so rugged) men freely two-step on the vast dance floor nightly, but it’s the bar’s legendary Sunday afternoon beer blast that really packs them in. Giddy up! Hours: open 24 hours.

Closet Sundays @ Revolution Lounge

The Mirage Hotel and Casino
3400 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 692-8383
www.mirage.com/nightlife

So the weekend’s just about over and you’re mentally preparing for the work week ahead: Not so fast, amigo. Sin City’s must-go/must-be-seen-at party is just about to kick off — the office can wait. Large dance floor, hot boys (and girls) everywhere, stiff drinks. Better call in late Monday. Hours: Sundays, 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.