Blue Martini Lounge

Blue Martini Lounge, located in Las Vegas and part of a chain stretching from Miami to Vegas, offers an upscale, nightclub-like atmosphere that caters to those looking for a more lively and energetic experience. The venue itself is well-designed, with a stylish indoor space and a more casual outdoor patio, creating a balance between sophistication and relaxation. Adding to its appeal, live entertainment is featured nightly, enhancing the vibrant ambiance. However, the overall experience feels more like a club than a traditional happy hour spot, complete with ID checks at the door, even when the venue opens at 5 PM, which can be a bit off-putting for early evening patrons.

Blue Martini’s happy hour consists of half-off martinis and cocktails, alongside a limited food menu. While this sounds appealing, I found the offerings to be somewhat underwhelming. I ordered a Bulleit Old Fashioned, which lacked the flair and presentation I was expecting from a place that emphasizes premium cocktails. The chicken tacos I tried were served with takeout-style garnishes, which seemed a bit out of place for an upscale setting like Blue Martini. The food and drink, while adequate, didn’t live up to the overall chic vibe that the venue aims to create.

One particularly frustrating aspect was the requirement to leave a credit card open before ordering—a practice more typical of a nightclub than a casual lounge or happy hour experience. It added an unnecessary level of formality to what should have been a more relaxed outing. This kind of procedure made the atmosphere feel more transactional than inviting.

What left the most negative impression, however, was the mandatory 20% gratuity automatically added to the bill. The small receipt showed this added gratuity along with the new total cost, but the main bill only reflected the updated total. This could easily mislead customers into adding additional gratuity, unaware that they had already been charged. Anyone wanting to leave less than 20% for any reason would have no option, as the gratuity is pre-set, taking away the choice to tip based on service quality.

While the venue’s upscale design and live entertainment may draw in visitors, the overall experience feels overshadowed by frustrating policies, lackluster drinks, and deceptive billing practices. For those seeking a happy hour in Las Vegas with clearer, more customer-friendly practices, there are better options to consider.