Borracha Mexican Cantina offers a lively and casual setting on the casino floor. Their Happy Hour, running 4–6 PM weekdays, features a concise but popular menu. Just two prices; For $8, you can choose among sliders, street tacos, nachos, wings, and the must-try Taquitos—all classic comfort foods with a Mexican twist. Meanwhile, the $9 drink menu includes house margaritas, well cocktails, and house wine, making it easy to find a go-to beverage without breaking the bank.

Borracha offers free chips and salsa, even during Happy Hour. The serving is generous, and the salsa offers a tangy kick that pairs well with the bar snacks and drinks. Nikki, the friendly and informative bartender, recommended the house margarita and the Taquitos, explaining that they’re both favorites among regulars. The margarita was smooth and balanced—not too tart—and the Taquitos were indeed a highlight: freshly rolled, not overly dense, and packed with flavor. Best Taquitos ever!

The bar itself provides plenty of seating, some with poker machines for those who enjoy a little gaming, and others without, which is refreshing if you prefer not to enjoy their meal and cocktail over a video poker machine. Service is also very quick—no waiting around for a refill or a fresh basket of chips. There are plenty of TVs for sports fans, so you can easily catch a game while you sip your drink.

Once you’ve polished off your Taquitos, consider dipping your leftover Taquito guacamole with the complimentary chips and salsa—it’s a nice, resourceful way to enjoy every last bite. Overall, Borracha offers a laid-back atmosphere, great drink specials, and crowd-pleasing bites, making it a solid choice for an escape from the casino action.

Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca exudes a mid-priced upscale charm, marked by a light, flowery décor that’s both refreshing and undeniably feminine. The walls are adorned with red flowers, the furnishings are bright white, and the seats boast vivid red cushions, creating a space that feels like a whimsical garden retreat. This airy ambience extends to the marvelous outdoor patio, perfect for soaking up the sunshine—or cooling off under the stars—while enjoying a drink or a meal.

Inside, lots of TVs allow you to catch the big game without detracting from the restaurant’s refined character. The Happy Hour, served at the bar, features $9 beverages across the board, including house wines, well drinks, and six specialty cocktails. I tried the Endless Summer, an undeniably popular vodka-based choice served in a generously sized glass—perfect if you’re looking for a refreshingly long-lasting sip. Although a touch sweet for my personal taste, it was still an enjoyable cocktail that lived up to its name.

On the Happy Hour food menu, all dishes are $8, offering a range from salads to meatballs and Pizzettas. My selection, the Spicy Pizzetta Diavolo, was just right—flavorful but not too large, saving me from that all-too-familiar pizza coma. Service was exceptionally quick, with both drinks and food arriving promptly—no small feat during a bustling Happy Hour.

As a testament to Bottiglia’s popularity, I unexpectedly ran into an old acquaintance, Gloria (a discerning food critic), which I consider a solid endorsement of the restaurant’s quality. However, if your aim is to socialize, note that each corner of the bar has a large pole that can block your view. Sit towards the center of the bar for the best line of sight and ease of conversation.

Overall, Bottiglia Cucina & Enoteca is a charming alternative to some of the heavier Happy Hour spots around town—a place where you can enjoy a delicate atmosphere, vibrant cocktails, and a dash of good luck in who you might run into. Bottiglia Cucina is a light and bright alternative to their neighbor Hank’s Steakhouse.

Bardot Brasserie is a mid-priced French restaurant located in the restaurant alcove on the second floor of Aria Resort and Casino. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, it offers a popular brunch from 9 AM to 2 PM on days it’s open. However, I visited for their Happy Hour, available 5–7 PM each day they operate. Neighboring upscale spots like Carbone and Jean Georges Steakhouse share this prime alcove location at Aria, which makes Bardot part of a refined culinary lineup.

If you plan to take advantage of this limited Happy Hour, arriving right at 5 PM is key. Within minutes of opening, the bar area can fill up quickly—especially when conventions are in town and Aria’s foot traffic is high. They do accept reservations, so it might be worth booking if you can’t arrive exactly at five. Keep in mind that there are few other Happy Hours at Aria—just Cathedrale and Proper Eats—so Bardot’s attracts quite a crowd.

Their Happy Hour menu is somewhat modest, mostly featuring appetizer-style dishes rather than full entrées. The drink offerings revolve around beer, wine, and cocktails crafted with brandy, vodka, or mezcal. Curiously, there’s no whiskey option, which may disappoint some. Following my usual tradition, I asked for the most popular picks: the Moulin Rouge cocktail and the Heritage Pâté Melt. The cocktail had a pleasant blend of flavors, and the melt was flavorful—though definitely on the smaller side, befitting a Happy Hour snack.

With the bar seating in high demand, the space can feel cramped. While the bartenders are attentive and efficient, the tight quarters prompted me to finish my food and drinks rather quickly before heading elsewhere. Still, if you’re craving a taste of French brasserie fare in a sophisticated, bustling setting, Bardot’s Happy Hour offers a glimpse of its menu at more approachable prices. Just be sure to arrive early, or secure a reservation, to fully enjoy the experience without feeling squeezed.

COMING SOON

Bin 702 is nestled within the vibrant Container Park in Downtown Las Vegas—a creative complex built from shipping containers, with an impressive entrance, a central playground, shops, restaurants, and a stage for live entertainment. The bar itself is housed in one of these containers, offering a truly unique setting. Its elevated patio faces the playground and the stage, providing a lively daytime scene of children at play and a more adult-focused vibe after dark, once the stage lights up.

Upon entering Bin 702, you’ll find a counter to place your order and receive a stanchion with an order number. Seating inside the container is limited, with a few cute tables and benches, but the patio is the best place to relax. During Happy Hour, the friendly staff—led by the swift and efficient bartender Ali—works hard to keep up with demand, so expect a short wait when it’s busy.

Bin 702 specializes in beer and wine pairings, along with charcuterie, cheeses, and sandwiches. I opted for a standard well cocktail and the “charcuterie of the month” board. The quality of the food and drinks, combined with the welcoming, local atmosphere, made for an enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re seeking a casual daytime hangout or a fun nighttime spot to take in live music, Bin 702’s Happy Hour provides a relaxed and memorable stop in an already eclectic and entertaining environment. It’s a must-see for anyone looking to explore the heart of Downtown Vegas’s creative culture.

Bonefish Grill, a successful chain that originated in Florida and now operates in 27 states, offers a delightful dining experience focused on fresh seafood and inventive cocktails. While I’m quite familiar with the Denver location—which has more of a singles bar vibe—the Summerlin spot on Charleston Blvd provides a dining-oriented atmosphere with a somewhat small bar area. This creates a cozy environment ideal for both intimate dinners and casual gatherings. There’s also a Bonefish Grill at Town Square on Las Vegas Blvd for those closer to that area.

The Social Hour at the Summerlin location runs daily from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM, though their outdated Google listing mistakenly shows it as 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During my visits, I’ve noticed that it’s not particularly busy during happy hour, making it a great choice for those who prefer a quieter setting.

To give our readers a comprehensive view, we sampled some of their specialty cocktails instead of standard mixed drinks. I tried the Mango Cocktail and the Blueberry Cocktail—both were tasty but leaned toward the sweeter side. If you prefer something less sweet, consider trying their “Aged at Sea” bourbon drinks, which I plan to explore on my next visit.

A must-try appetizer is the Bang Bang Shrimp, their most popular dish known for its crispy texture and spicy sauce. To experience a variety, I ordered the Crowd Pleaser Combo, which includes the Bang Bang Shrimp, Sashimi Tuna, and Brussels Sprouts. This trio offered a nice balance of flavors and was a satisfying start to the meal.

They also serve complimentary bread and pesto with any order. While the pesto was flavorful, the bread seemed a bit simple and plain to me. On a positive note, the service was impressively fast, both from the bartenders and the kitchen staff. Meals are served in metal trays—adding a casual touch—which was efficient and suited the overall dining experience.

In summary, Bonefish Grill in Summerlin delivers a pleasant dining atmosphere with quick service and a menu that appeals to seafood enthusiasts. When ordering specialty cocktails, be mindful that some may be on the sweeter side. The relaxed environment during Social Hour makes it a great place to unwind, and I look forward to returning to try their bourbon selections.

Tucked away in the Evora building on the northwest corner, Basilico Ristorante Italiano can be a bit tricky to find on your first visit. But once discovered, it offers a modern and inviting atmosphere that makes the search worth it. On a Thursday afternoon during happy hour, it wasn’t particularly busy, but I was told the place fills up as the evening progresses.

The restaurant boasts a nice open-air reflective pool next to the patio seating, which creates a serene and enjoyable outdoor dining experience. The setting is clean, sleek, and modern, with a wall that opens up to the bar, creating an open-air vibe. Sunshades effectively shield the space from the bright western sun as it sets, adding to the comfort.

Curious about the most popular items on the happy hour menu, I asked the bartender for recommendations. I started with the Fiore Di Fiamma, a vodka and elderflower martini served with a beautiful edible flower. Not only was it visually appealing, but it was also tasty and refreshing—and at $9 during happy hour (regularly $16), it felt like a great deal.

For food, I ordered the Cavatelli pasta with sausage ragu. Priced at $15, it was flavorful but the portion was small, leaving me wanting more. To satisfy my hunger, I followed up with the Pizza Margherita, which was large, delicious, and more than made up for the light pasta dish. The pizza’s crust was perfectly cooked, and the fresh ingredients elevated it beyond the usual margherita pizza.

I couldn’t resist trying another cocktail, so I opted for the Fuma E Spezie, a mezcal and aperitif cocktail served with a large clear ice cube. I love cocktails with high-quality ice, and this drink was not only beautifully presented but also smoky and spicy, a perfect pairing for the food.

If you visit later in the week, you’ll be treated to live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday after happy hour, adding another layer of ambiance to the already inviting setting.

Overall, Basilico offers a stylish, modern setting with tasty cocktails and a mix of smaller and more filling food options. While the Cavatelli left me a bit hungry, the Margherita pizza and exceptional cocktails more than made up for it. For those seeking an upscale yet relaxing spot for happy hour, Basilico is definitely worth checking out.

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.

Brio Italian Kitchen combines a charming atmosphere with good food and drinks, making it a standout spot for happy hour. As you step in, the soothing Italian music sets the tone, while the large outdoor terrace invites you to sit back and relax, especially during the fall when the weather is perfect. It’s an ideal retreat after the scorching summer heat, and the terrace really shines as a peaceful and scenic place to unwind.

I started my visit with a Manhattan, a strong and hearty drink that was well-crafted and satisfying. The bartender was quick on the draw when it came to making drinks, though a bit slower in taking my food order. But in his defense, he was really hustling to keep up with a busy bar, and his energy was appreciated. Despite the rush, his service was friendly and efficient, ensuring that customers were taken care of in a lively and bustling environment.

The happy hour menu is cleverly priced, with $7 for all items, making it accessible for locals while still maintaining the upscale appeal of a venue you’d expect on the Strip. Happy hour is available both at the bar and on the outdoor terrace, which is spacious and particularly inviting on a nice day. The superb terrace is one of the best features of Brio, offering a pleasant space to enjoy your drinks and food while watching the world go by. There are also charming shops and a courtyard nearby where kids can play, making it a convenient stop for families.

For food, I ordered the Margherita Flatbread Pizza, which was topped with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella on a crispy cracker-like crust. Simple yet flavorful, it was a great accompaniment to my Manhattan. I also had the Carpaccio, which was tender, well-seasoned, and delicious. The only small downside was that Brio typically serves complimentary bread, but I didn’t receive any during this visit—perhaps due to the busyness of the bar staff. While it wasn’t a dealbreaker, it’s something I missed, as their bread is usually quite good.

One thing worth noting is the frequent sound of jets flying overhead, reminding you of Brio’s proximity to Las Vegas’ airport and tourist centers. However, this was a minor distraction in what was otherwise a serene setting. The overall vibe is upscale yet approachable, perfect for locals and tourists alike.

In summary, Brio Italian Kitchen offers a great combination of beautiful outdoor seating, an excellent happy hour menu, and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy after work or a casual place to meet friends, Brio provides an experience that’s both enjoyable and memorable.