Cornerstone Steakhouse, tucked in the far corner of the Gold Coast Casino, greets visitors with a variety of placards advertising its appealing deals, from birthday specials to weekend brunch and chef’s featured choices. This cozy yet upscale venue offers a relaxed, refined atmosphere just minutes from the Strip, making it a great alternative to the usual Las Vegas crowd.

One of Cornerstone’s highlights is their daily happy hour, held from 4-6 PM Wednesday through Sunday. Their drink menu focuses on Prohibition-themed cocktails—mainly whiskey and martinis—each priced at $11. The Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned is a standout, aged in-house for 40 days, giving it a rich, smooth flavor that whiskey enthusiasts will love. Another favorite is the Bourbon Blush, a lighter whiskey option with a fruity twist.

For martini fans, Cornerstone doesn’t disappoint, with dessert-inspired options like the Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini and the Creamsicle Martini. These cocktails are sweet, indulgent, and deliciously nostalgic, making them fun choices for those looking for something unique.

The happy hour food menu is also impressive. I tried the Shanghai Calamari for $12, and it was crispy, well-seasoned, and perfectly cooked. The Tempura Shrimp at $11 was equally satisfying, with a nice crunch that complemented the cocktails. Both dishes felt like excellent value for the quality and portion sizes.

The bar area, open to the main casino floor, is both inviting and upscale, with attentive service that enhances the experience. The setup allows you to enjoy a lively atmosphere without overwhelming noise.

Overall, Cornerstone delivers a quality near-Strip experience with great drinks, delicious food, and a sophisticated yet comfortable setting. It’s an ideal spot for a classy happy hour without the typical congestion of the Las Vegas Strip.

When is a happy hour not a happy hour? Apparently, when Cadillac Mexican Kitchen’s website says they have one, only for it to be cancelled weeks before my visit. Upon pointing out the error, the happy hour listing was promptly removed from the website, leaving a somewhat disappointing experience for those hoping to enjoy discounted drinks and food. It feels like the restaurant is run more by MBAs focused on numbers than on creating the intangibles that contribute to a genuinely pleasant guest experience.

It’s unfortunate, too, because Cadillac Mexican Kitchen occupies a prime location between the parking garage and the pool—a high-traffic area. With a happy hour and some strategic signage, this spot could easily pack in guests when other restaurants nearby are empty. The absence of a happy hour feels like a missed opportunity.

That being said, the food and drinks themselves are quite good. I sampled the Cadillac Vegas Tea, a Mexican take on a Long Island Iced Tea, and my table enjoyed the Prickly Pear Margarita, a flavorful twist on the classic margarita. The appetizers were solid, with generous portions of Chips and Salsa served with guacamole and queso dip, followed by Chicken Quesadillas, which were filling and delicious.

Beyond what was once a happy hour, the experience was pleasant. The restaurant’s location across from the pool makes for great people-watching, and the abundance of TVs creates an ideal setting for enjoying live sports. However, parking at the Golden Nugget detracts from the experience. The $25 fee requires navigating a clunky smartphone system at the garage elevator exits, and a poor cell connection can complicate the process. The surprise 99-cent fee for using the system and the subsequent email prompts from Parking.com asking for a rating add to the frustration.

While Cadillac Mexican Kitchen offers good food and drinks, the absence of happy hour and the cumbersome parking experience make the visit less enjoyable than it could be. At the Golden Nugget, if you’re seeking a happy hour, you’ll have to head over to the Chart House instead.