Comedian Gary Brightwell Says Alcohol and Climbing Ropes 'A Winning Combination'

We've enlisted comedians, some based here and others who spend their time on the road and come through Vegas, to share their recommendations on great places to dine in Sin City for a feature dubbed Comedian Confidential.

Southern California native Gary Brightwell has 18 years of experience in the comedy scene. He has numerous television appearances and can be heard regularly on his own weekly show Off The Cuff on Sirius/XM satellite radio. During his career, he’s opened for Bill Engvall, Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno and Julio Iglesias. He performs at the Improv at Harrah’s through Saturday night. Here he talks about drive-thru wedding chapels, restaurants with wine towers and more.

How often do you get to Las Vegas?
I get to Vegas about four to five times a year. I'm here enough to know how to tell a cab driver the most direct route all while avoiding the Strip.

Do you remember your first trip to Vegas?
Yes. It was for a bachelor party weekend. I ran through my "gambling money" in 45 minutes.

Do you have any favorite restaurants you like to visit here?
I like Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill in Caesar's Palace. And I have eaten at Aureole in Mandalay Bay. It has a four-story wine tower. Any restaurant that includes alcohol and climbing ropes is a winning combination.

Do people approach you while you're dining out?
It only happened once, and they wanted to know directions to the restrooms.  

What about nightlife? Do you ever go out after a show to unwind?
A Las Vegas trip is not complete without experiencing a Cook E. Jarr show.

What was the first thing that shocked you in Las Vegas?
I love that there is a drive through wedding chapel. It's full-blown matrimony without getting out of your truck.

What can we expect at your show?
A really fun, light-hearted comedy show without jungle cats.