No one coffeehouse fits all types, but I would say that more different types of people will like this place than not, and will travel to downtown Las Vegas from all parts of the valley to enjoy the scene here, which is what I assume the owners intend. In my case, it's certainly true, and given that there are many people here at all times, I can't be the only one who feels that way about The Beat. Its cross-cultural and intergenerational appeal might seem amazing given that it's only been part of the Vegas cultural scene for little over a year, but we cannot forget that the owners are quite connected downtown and are developing other projects in connection with more sustainable downtown life in mind.\n\nSo The Beat is definitely a concept coffeehouse. It did not organically grow up in place but was conceived in the mind elsewhere and brought to a vacant spot in downtown just east of the Fremont Street Experience. But even in that it's very Vegas- just as Imperial Rome, Paris, Italy, Monte Carlo, etc. were imitated here to draw certain types of people to the Strip, so The Beat was artificially planted downtown to act as a magnet of sorts for a \"creative class\" to revive downtown- a \"master planned community\" of funky and creative types beyond the typical tourist or old-time Las Vegan, since the area's revival also includes Insert Coin(s), First Friday, Zappos and the like. \n\nAnd indeed, like all good independent coffeehouses, particularly in major European cities, The Beat has realized its dream of becoming a cultural hub for local creativity of all kinds, be it those active in media, politics, art, information technology, social entrepreneurship, creative writing...in short, a who's who of the \"creative class\" in Las Vegas and its movers and shakers in downtown politics. Other reviews have name-checked those who are regular guests so I won't repeat that, but you can definitely bet - assuming you know what they look like- our emerging elite of twenty- and thirtysomethings active in downtown revival, KNPR celebrities, etc. will easily be spotted day or night. Because a record store is also located on one side of The Beat, music is also a big part of what the scene inside is like, with quirky and eclectic choices being played over the speakers and/or live performances adding more spice to the evening. \n\nI have not yet mentioned the coffee itself, because also like important coffeehouses elsewhere, sometimes the quality of coffee and the service in the place are secondary to the actual experience- the conversations, music, ideas floating back and forth, silent contemplation of the tourists going by, etc. But the coffee is indeed quite good and the beans are intentionally sourced from a local roaster. The espresso and cappuccino also well-crafted by baristas who might not always be the most friendly, but always competent at their craft. \n\nFor those lamenting the lack of true \"Vegas culture\" in town, I say: Leave the Strip, Summerlin, Green Valley or Henderson areas and have a coffee or two at The Beat. Within minutes, you will see that there is a cultural moment here, one that has its epicenter at this at once contrived yet fully authentic independent coffeehouse.
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