Sammy’s Restaurant & Bar, affectionately known by locals as Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, is a must-visit gem on West Sahara in Spring Valley near Rainbow. A favorite among my peers, it stands out with its diverse menu and unbeatable Happy Hour. Running daily from 3–6 PM, Happy Hour offers half off select items—leaving specialty cocktails around $7 and most food items about $8. This is a true bargain for the extensive selection available.

During my visit, I sampled the Old Fashioned (one of the most popular cocktails here) and also heard rave reviews about the Raspberry Martini. Happy Hour dining isn’t restricted to the bar; you can enjoy these deals throughout the restaurant. I visited on a windy, rainy Tuesday afternoon, which slightly dampened the usual lively vibe and limited my interactions with the regulars.

Sammy’s is part of a family of locations, with five in Southern California and two here in Las Vegas (the other being in Henderson). The menu is impressively diverse, far beyond just pizza. Locally sourced and organic ingredients are a highlight, as seen in their Mini Duck Tacos and Hawaiian Pizza. The tacos, served in crunchy shells, were perfectly executed, and while the Hawaiian Pizza was tasty, it could have used a bit more pineapple (controversial, I know!). Importantly, all items are served in full dinner-sized portions—no skimping during Happy Hour.

The Sahara location also features a charming outdoor dining area with comfortable couches and a stylish overhead roof structure, making it a great spot to relax. The large selection, friendly staff, and creative, high-quality menu make Sammy’s a true standout. A tip of caution: when paying your bill, note that the recommended tip amounts are based on regular prices, not the discounted Happy Hour rates—so tip generously regardless!

STK Steakhouse is one of the standout upscale dining destinations at The Cosmopolitan on the Las Vegas Strip and part of a worldwide chain with locations across the US as well as in London, Milan, Ibiza, Doha, and Dubai. At the Las Vegas location, the ambiance is sophisticated and modern—ideal for a special dinner and an enticing Happy Hour experience.

Happy Hour here is a refreshing early starter, running from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM daily. Although the restaurant is open earlier in the day, Happy Hour begins at 2:30, so arriving early is essential, especially since the bar area is quite small, seating only about 15 people.

The Happy Hour menu is simple and fun—every cocktail or food item is priced at just $7, covering all specialty cocktails. Wine lovers can also enjoy a glass of Justin Cab or Whispering Angel Rosé for $10.

I sampled two signature cocktails. First, I tried the “Not Your Daddy’s Manhattan”—a well-balanced classic made with Woodford Reserve served over rocks. Next, I ventured into the Fade To Blackberry, a creative blend of Jack Daniels, mint, blackberries, and fresh lime. Both drinks showcased STK’s innovative approach to mixology.

On the food side, the menu is designed as a sampler selection to tease your palate for a full dinner later. I ordered the Salmon Slider and the Chilean Sea Bass sampler. Although the portions were modest (especially the Sea Bass), they perfectly reflected the restaurant’s quality and left me eager to return with my date for a full dinner experience.

LPM Restaurant & Bar—short for La Petite Maison—is an upscale gem on the 3rd floor of the Cosmopolitan, right next to the refined STK. With a French Riviera-inspired vibe, LPM’s bright and open bar and lounge offers cuisine, wine, and cocktails that evoke the glamour of the Riviera. While La Petite Maison is a global brand, the LPM name in Vegas has just one other sibling in Miami. Not sure about the strategy behind the acronym, but it works, and it sets the tone for an elegant yet relaxed dining experience.

LPM is open Wednesday to Friday for happy hour and dinner, and on weekends it opens from 10am. Their Happy Hour, known as Cocktail Hour, runs from 5pm to 7pm every day they are open. I sampled the Old Fashioned, Riviera style—a standout among six cocktail options on the menu, priced at $12. Not only was the cocktail exceptionally tasty, but it also came in a generously filled glass—almost twice the size of similar offerings at spots like Al Solito Posto in Tivoli Village.

The Cocktail Hour food menu, aptly named the Snack Menu, features just five items. I opted for the $13 Prawn Skewers, marinated in a flavorful chili sauce. The skewers came with four prawns (two per stick), each a healthy size and more than just a one-bite treat. They were so delicious that I ended up eating two skewers before I even remembered to take a photo!

Throughout the experience, the bar staff were attentive, clearly proud of their carefully curated menu choices. Their enthusiasm and efficiency added to the overall welcoming atmosphere.

I highly recommend LPM not only for Cocktail Hour but also as a stellar dinner spot for a date. With its unique Riviera flair, generous cocktails, and standout snacks, LPM offers an experience that is both refined and refreshingly casual.

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.

Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martini Bar has a reputation as one of the most popular upscale dining venues off the Strip and in Henderson and Green Valley, and it’s easy to see why. While the website lists Happy Hour as starting at 4 PM, in reality, it begins at 3:30 PM daily and runs until 7 PM. You’ll want to arrive on time—despite a large bar area with plenty of table seating, it fills up quickly.

Known for its fine dining steaks, Hank’s also impresses with its stylish ambience. Dinners here are remarkable, making it a great spot for date nights—especially when the fireplace in the dining area is lit. Tonight, however, my focus was on the Happy Hour itself, and Hank’s didn’t disappoint.

The star of the show is the martini menu, arguably one of the best in Las Vegas. During Happy Hour, martinis are half-priced, bringing them down to roughly $8–$10 each. I tried the cucumber martini, which truly tasted like biting into a freshly cut cucumber—refreshing and memorable. I’m tempted to recreate these martinis at home for my next gathering.

By contrast, the Happy Hour food menu is more limited. Surprisingly, there’s only one steak option—the Wagyu Sliders—despite this being a renowned steakhouse. I ventured away from red meat and sampled the Scallop Crudo instead, which arrived as four scallop “patties” draped in a sauce of pimentón, agrumato, and orange supreme. I might not fully understand the sauce’s ingredients, but it certainly added a vibrant, tangy twist that complemented the scallops beautifully.

At opening, the bartenders were busy handling a surge of drink orders, so my food request took a moment to place. Once ordered, though, it arrived quickly, and it was well worth any brief wait. If you’re seeking a lively Happy Hour spot with top-tier martinis and a convivial atmosphere, Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martini Bar should be on your list.

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.

The Cheesecake Factory may be best known for its family-friendly ambiance and extensive menu, but don’t sleep on its Happy Hour, served 4–6pm Monday through Friday. In Las Vegas alone, there are four convenient locations—Boca Park, Green Valley Ranch, Caesars Forum Shops, and the North Premium Outlets—but I opted for the Boca Park spot this time around. The parking lot at Boca Park can be a bit hectic, yet once inside, the welcoming environment and vast menu easily justify the minor hassle of finding a spot.

Despite its reputation as a go-to destination for families, the Cheesecake Factory’s Happy Hour is surprisingly appealing. The bar stools might be a bit stiff, but the bar area itself offers plenty of seating, and there’s also a nice outdoor patio if you prefer to dine al fresco. Happy Hour choices are available only in the bar area though. One small caveat for sports fans: you’ll only find one small TV, so it’s not exactly a sports bar.

Where the Cheesecake Factory really shines is in its wide-ranging Happy Hour food offerings. At $9 or $10, you can choose from a generous variety of items—a standout for me was the Thai Chili Shrimp, which comes in a large portion (tails removed for easy eating) and a touch of sweet heat. Meanwhile, the $8.50 Long Island Ice Tea offers a solid value for those craving a classic cocktail. In typical Cheesecake Factory fashion, you’ll find calorie counts listed on the menu, which can help you stay mindful if you’re counting. And don’t forget the complimentary bread and butter—a comforting staple that’s part of the experience.

Although the massive placemats felt a bit clunky, I understand their practicality in such a high-traffic, family-focused environment. All in all, the Cheesecake Factory’s Happy Hour delivers a balance of affordability, variety, and convenience. The next time I visit, I’ll make sure to arrive with a bigger appetite and a thirst for more of their vast menu—and perhaps save room for a slice of the famous cheesecake to top it all off.

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.