Scotch 80 Prime, on the casino floor of the Palms, delivers an upscale classic steakhouse experience. Upon entering, a long hallway lined with striking, backlit 3D artwork leads you to the main dining area. Their Social Hour, running 5–7 PM Monday through Thursday, takes a unique approach—certain menu items, marked with a small “Scotch 80” icon, are 30% off.

While there are just 3 specialty cocktails, 4 beers, and 4 wines offered for Social Hour, wine lovers will be pleased to see Caymus included. Even better, the Social Hour menu is available throughout the restaurant, not just at the bar. The limited drink selection might feel restrictive, but there are plenty of food options to explore. If you’re unsure what’s on special, check their website for a specific list of discounted items.

Although it’s a signature steakhouse, I opted for the New Zealand King Salmon, a flavorful highlight of the menu. For cocktails, I started with the Rambling Rose, made mostly with Blackberry Whiskey—a sweet, rich way to begin. Feeling adventurous, I asked the bartender for a surprise and was served the Sleeping Beauty, an aptly named mix of Blanco Tequila and Mezcal that provided a smoky twist.

Scotch 80 Prime features a small outdoor patio—rarely used but perfect for a quieter setting. Be aware that the bar does reserve seats, so arriving early helps secure your spot if you’re walking in. Overall, Scotch 80 Prime offers an elegant environment and a friendly bar scene, ideal for stepping away from the casino’s bustle to enjoy refined food, well-crafted drinks, and a unique Social Hour experience.

Leoncito, located on the casino floor of the Red Rock Resort, brings an upscale modern Mexican twist to the vibrant hotel setting. You can enter from both the casino level and an outdoor entrance, which is handy if you’d like some fresh air before diving into the buzz of the gaming area. Inside, you’ll find a sleek, contemporary design that complements the classic Mexican fare and signature cocktails on the menu. Their liquor selection goes beyond the basics, highlighting artisanal tequilas and mezcals for those looking to explore more refined agave-based spirits.

We’re here for Happy Hour, which runs 4–6 PM daily (though note they’re closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The deal is only offered at the bar, and it’s unclear if the outdoor patio is included—check in advance if alfresco sipping is your preference. Regardless, ordering off the Happy Hour menu is straightforward. All tacos are $5 each, letting you mix and match between Chicken, Beef, and Shrimp options. If you’re craving a bit more variety, the $10 menu has Quesadillas, Tostadas, and Fundido. Even better, you can pair your food with a $10 Margarita, a classic staple that lives up to Leoncito’s modern Mexican theme.

A strong point of Leoncito is the staff, who prove both attentive and quick to serve. Don’t be surprised if your food and drinks arrive sooner than expected—a welcome perk in the hustle of a casino environment. Whether you’re taking a break from the slot machines or just seeking a laid-back spot for after-work relaxation, the vibe strikes a balance between lively and sophisticated.

All in all, Leoncito at Red Rock Resort offers a memorable Happy Hour experience, thanks to its authentic flavors, artisanal spirits, and efficient service. The tacos and margaritas are a must-try, and while the menu may be compact, it packs plenty of flavor in every bite. If you’re a fan of modern Mexican cuisine—or simply love discovering new Happy Hour gems—Leoncito belongs on your list.

COMING SOON

What Makes a Great Happy Hour?

People often ask me where my favorite happy hour spot is, but there’s no single answer. It depends on what I want that day: sometimes it’s about getting good food and drinks at a great price, other times I’m after a certain atmosphere, and the deals are just a nice bonus. Still, over time, I’ve identified a few key features that make any happy hour stand out.

First, consider the timing. If the place opens with a happy hour, expect service to start slowly as bartenders prep the bar. You might have the bar to yourself, but the trade-off is that it may take a bit longer to get your order. On the other hand, if happy hour starts mid-shift, the bar should be fully ready, but possibly crowded, making it hard to find a seat.

Next, note where the happy hour specials apply. Are they available only at the bar, or throughout the restaurant? This can influence where you choose to sit. I also look for variety in the food selection. Some places only offer a few appetizers, while others have a wide range of menu items.

Cocktails are another important factor: Are there specialty cocktails at a discount, or just well drinks? Premium brands on happy hour menus show that the place is serious about quality. I like to check the regular menu, too, so I know I’m truly getting a deal.

Finally, I’ve learned to verify the bill to ensure I was charged happy hour prices rather than regular prices. Simple mistakes happen, and it never hurts to double-check.

Ultimately, there’s no single happy hour I prefer above all others. The best happy hour is one that ticks all these boxes and matches what you’re craving that day. Enjoy!

Oscar’s Steakhouse occupies a premier location at the end of the Fremont Street Experience, inside the Plaza Hotel. Its dining area features an iconic view overlooking the buzzing Fremont scene, making it one of the best upscale dining experiences in the area.

However, the Happy Hour menu, limited to the bar area and lounge areas, is surprisingly small, offering only four food items—No Nose’s Meatballs, steak fries, shrimp cocktail, and oysters—and a drink menu consisting of house wines, domestic beers, and well cocktails. The prices are reasonable for a refined steakhouse, yet you won’t find the super-low deals typical of other spots on Fremont.

Curiously, the Happy Hour menu doesn’t feature a steak option, despite Oscar’s being a legendary steakhouse. Instead, the primary draw is No Nose’s Meatballs, which are a local favorite, and the oysters—sold individually—that I couldn’t resist. Although ordering seafood in a steakhouse might seem unusual, Oscar’s takes great pride in the quality of everything it serves. These oysters, imported from Vancouver, Washington, come with a fresh-ground horseradish so good it elevates the entire dish.

If you plan to drive, parking at the Plaza is $10 on weekdays, but you can get it validated through the host at Oscar’s for free.

While the Happy Hour menu is limited, the overall ambiance and spectacular view make it worth a visit—just don’t expect a classic steak offering on the discounted bar list. The experience is still sophisticated, and the food and drink selection, though small, maintains the high standards you’d expect from this iconic steakhouse.

Eureka! is a mostly California-based chain, with only one location in Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Texas, and Washington. Situated in Downtown Las Vegas, just a short walk east of the Fremont Street Experience, it offers an upscale vibe compared to many other spots on Fremont East. Despite its classy feel, it retains a laid-back charm that appeals to locals and tourists alike.

One of the highlights at Eureka! is their Hoppy Hour, which includes a variety of wines, spirits, and a rotating beer menu—check the chalkboard for the latest selections. Their focus on all-American beverages shines through, featuring craft beers, small-batch whiskeys, and classic cocktails. During Hoppy Hour, you can also pick from a few signature cocktails, though the selection is relatively limited.

As for food, the menu is somewhat short for Happy Hour, but the dishes offered are well-crafted. The Eureka! American grilled cheese is popular, but I couldn’t resist the mac n cheese balls, which turned out to be the best I’ve ever had. Served with beer cheese sauce, Fresno chiles, chives, Parmesan, and ranch, these spicy fried delights were bursting with flavor—elevating a traditional comfort food to a whole new level.

Overall, Eureka! provides an elevated yet relaxed environment in Downtown Vegas. Whether you’re there for Hoppy Hour brews or indulging in their mac n cheese balls, it’s worth the stroll from the main Fremont strip to enjoy a taste of high-quality American-inspired fare and drinks.

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.

Tipping during happy hour should be simple, but a few key tips can help ensure you tip fairly and accurately. The standard tip is 20% of the bill, though I often round up or down for an even dollar amount of the total—that’s just my Engineer’s precise nature at work. To easily calculate a 20% tip, move the decimal point one spot to the left on the total and double it. For example, a $50 total becomes $5.00 (after moving the decimal), then doubled to $10.00 for the tip.

Be wary of establishments that provide “suggested tip amounts” on your receipt. These are often incorrect—sometimes including sales tax (which shouldn’t be tipped on) or using faulty math. Always calculate the tip yourself to avoid overpaying.

Happy hour prices can make standard tipping seem too low for the service provided. At Echo & Rig, for instance, two cocktails and two hotdogs cost just $12. A 20% tip would only be $2.40, which didn’t feel fair considering the excellent service and space I occupied at the bar. Instead, I tipped $6—still a bargain for the overall experience.

In Las Vegas, always check the bill for added fees. Some venues, like Blue Martini, include a 20% gratuity (sometimes even on the taxed total) automatically, then present another receipt with space for an additional tip. This practice can be misleading, so make sure you’re not tipping twice unless you truly feel it’s deserved.

Ultimately, tipping is your choice, based on the service you received. While the standard is 20%, you can tip more or less depending on your experience. Good tipping practice ensures you reward great service while retaining control over how much you choose to leave—it’s your decision, not the establishments.

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.

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.