Public School 702

Public School 702 is the kind of gastropub that Vegas needed more of—a place where the food is actually good, the beer selection doesn't suck, and you can wear jeans without feeling underdressed. It's off the Strip, which automatically makes it better, and it's got that neighborhood-spot energy where locals keep coming back because it's consistently solid.

Gastropub Done Right

Public School 702 nails the gastropub concept: elevated bar food that's creative without being pretentious, plus a beer and cocktail program that shows some actual thought. The menu covers all the bases—burgers, wings, tacos, flatbreads, salads that don't taste like punishment—but everything's executed a level above your typical sports bar. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are dialed in, and the kitchen clearly gives a shit. You're getting food that's worth the price instead of just "good enough to soak up beer."

The Burger Situation

Any gastropub lives or dies by its burger, and Public School's holds up. We're talking a properly seasoned patty, quality toppings, a bun that doesn't disintegrate mid-bite, and enough creative variations to keep things interesting. Whether you go classic or try one of their specialty burgers, you're walking away satisfied. Pair it with their fries (which are actually crispy, not limp and sad) and you've got a solid meal.

Beer and Cocktails

The beer list is what you'd expect from a place calling itself a gastropub: solid craft selection, local Vegas breweries represented, seasonal rotations, and enough variety to keep beer nerds happy. If you're not into beer, the cocktail menu is legit—creative drinks that aren't just sugar bombs, proper classics if you want an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, and bartenders who know what they're doing. The pours are fair, the prices are reasonable for the quality, and happy hour (when they run it) offers actual value.

Atmosphere and Crowd

Public School 702 has that modern-industrial vibe with exposed brick, wood accents, and a layout that works for groups, couples, or solo diners posted at the bar. It's lively without being loud, social without being scene-y. The crowd is mostly locals—professionals grabbing after-work drinks, friends meeting up for dinner, couples on casual date nights. Everyone's chill, the staff is friendly, and there's no weird pressure to perform or impress anyone.

Off-Strip Perks

Being off the Strip means no tourist crowds, no inflated pricing, no dealing with the chaos of Fremont or the main drag. Parking is easy, the staff isn't burned out from serving drunk bachelor parties, and the whole vibe is just more... normal. You're here because you want good food and drinks, not because you stumbled in after losing $200 at blackjack.

When It Makes Sense

Public School 702 works for casual dinners, after-work drinks, watching games (they've got TVs but it's not overwhelmingly sports-bar), or anytime you want gastropub food done right. Happy hour is the move if you want to maximize value. Weekends get busier but never unbearably packed. Weeknights are chill if you prefer a more relaxed scene.

What to Order

Burger is mandatory at least once. Wings are solid if you're into that. Whatever seasonal special they're running usually slaps. Beer selection is deep enough to explore, and the cocktails are worth trying beyond your usual order. If you're with a group, order a bunch of different stuff and share—that's when gastropub menus really shine.

Bottom Line

Public School 702 delivers quality gastropub food and drinks off the Strip without any Vegas gimmicks. It's the kind of neighborhood spot you wish was closer to your house, and if you live nearby, you're lucky as hell. Solid food, solid drinks, solid vibes—sometimes that's all you need.