The Las Vegans’ guide to local pride

By Molly O'Donnell, Special to The Sunday

Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016 | 2 a.m.

Being an insider in Las Vegas means knowing what has stood the test of time and what’s just a fad. And there are a lot more advantages to being local than show-ticket discounts and free parking (although those don’t hurt). One way to show your pride is by collecting swag that tells the world you’re a Las Vegan who knows everything there is to know about the city, on and off the Boulevard.

TO DRINK

The Golden Tiki’s Banana Batida mug ($30 with drink) and a Frankie’s Tiki Room swizzle stick (free)

Most people don’t think “tiki” when they think “Las Vegas.” That is, most people who don’t live here. Those who do know that we have not one, but two amazing tiki joints. New kid on the block Golden Tiki serves more drinks that are on fire than not and offers this monkey mug with its signature banana liquor, coconut cream and Dole whip concoction. But don’t let this dessert-y drink fool you: It’ll still knock you all the way to Brazil. Our other tiki staple is, of course, Frankie’s. Hit it up for a Green Gasser, slipping one of the signature swizzle sticks (formerly the owner’s head) behind your ear.

Atomic Liquors crowler ($15-$19)

What could be better than craft beer from your favorite bar? The ability to take it to go! Atomic Liquors uses its canning machine for this purpose, helping you take a little bit of its slick atmosphere on the road in a combination can/growler. Nothing screams local like a 32-ounce can of Joseph James, CraftHaus or Bad Beat from a bar where watching atomic blasts was common practice back in the day.

TO WEAR

Luv-it tee ($6)

The custard joint that’s been around since the ’70s offers this glorious throwback at Gerald Ford-era prices. So next time you’re craving a Western Sundae, pick up a tee on the cheap and represent the sweet side of Sin City.

Willis watch ($125)

The Neon Museum has gone from underground boneyard to respectable tourist destination right before our eyes. You, however, being the insider you are, know that it was Betty Willis who designed the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign and that neon is all but gone from the town it once defined. Now you can sport the retro watch inspired by Las Vegas’ glowing heart.

Huntridge sunglasses ($10)

Whether or not you were around for the movies, school musicals and ’90s punk shows, you know the Huntridge Theatre is a monumental part of Las Vegas history. The Huntridge Foundation works to preserve that history and promote the building’s preservation. Rock these Ray-Ban-ish benefit shades and you’ll be doing your local duty.

TO DISPLAY

Peppermill napkin (free)

The Peppermill has made a brand out of weird and dated. With its neon lights, blue flames, loud prints and servers clad in support hose and what appear to be jewel-tone lederhosen, it’s Las Vegas for tourist and townie alike. The disposable napkin’s lovely floral motif echoes the geriatric kitsch of “The Golden Girls.” You know Dorothy would be into the Brotato Skins.

Radioactive warning magnet ($6)

The specter of radioactivity looms over Las Vegas. Only in this city could we take all that’s scary about the atomic blast and thematize it for kicks. Think about how often you’ve seen reprints of the Miss Atomic Bomb photo, from The Killers’ album art to your local watering hole’s wall. What isn’t funny about a fridge magnet that suggests guests might want to stay away from your leftovers?

Vintage postcard of a Las Vegas that no longer exists ($3)

The good part of how fast things disappear in this town is remembering where they used to be. Main Street Peddlers Antique Mall has a lot of interesting ephemera from vanishing landmarks. The best finds are postcards from bygone days: the Strip before the Excalibur was built, or featuring the long-gone Desert Inn. These mementos are good quiz-game fodder and serve as a reminder of the city’s knack for reinvention.