Review of Vetri Cucina at the Palms Resort and Casino:

Perched on the 56th floor of the Palms Casino, Vetri Cucina offers an exceptional dining experience with some of the most breathtaking views in all of Las Vegas. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow for a stunning panorama of the city skyline, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a spectacular view. However, taking photos can be a challenge due to the reflections from the interior lights. To get there, head to the elevator on the first floor, located between Ghost Bar and Scotch 80 Prime, and let it whisk you to an unforgettable experience.

The bar area, located right at the entrance, is small but inviting, setting the stage for a perfect Aperitivo Hour, which starts at 5 PM. The menu offers a selection of refined small plates that pair perfectly with the atmosphere. I tried the Pizzetta, a small pizza with rosemary and an abundance of Parmesan cheese. The flavors were simple yet elegant, creating a dish that left me thoroughly satisfied. The Roasted Pumpkin Culurgiones, a customer favorite, will definitely be my choice for a future visit.

Drinks during Aperitivo Hour are an incredible value at just $12, including expertly crafted cocktails and wines. For such a high-end restaurant, this pricing is rare and makes the experience feel even more indulgent. The staff is friendly, professional, and attentive, even asking about food allergies or dietary preferences before taking your order—a small but thoughtful touch that adds to the overall experience.

The ambiance is both upscale and comfortable, striking a perfect balance that makes you feel special without being over the top. The happy hour selections and reasonable prices make Vetri Cucina feel like a hidden gem, perfect for unwinding or celebrating a special occasion.

I left impressed by the quality of the food, drinks, and service. Vetri Cucina exceeded my expectations and is a spot I’ll undoubtedly revisit. Next time, I’ll bring a date to enjoy the experience with me—it’s the kind of place that’s sure to impress. If you’re looking for a sophisticated yet approachable happy hour with world-class views, this is the spot for you.

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.

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.

Ambiance: 595 Craft And Kitchen is the kind of place that perfectly embodies the charm of a neighborhood dive bar, but with a twist—an impressive selection of craft beers that would make any beer enthusiast’s heart skip a beat. The laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere immediately makes you feel at home, whether you’re a local or just dropping by. The bar’s name is a nod to their extensive craft beer selection, which is prominently featured throughout their menu.

Happy Hour Offerings:

• Time: 3 PM – 6 PM (Regular Happy Hour) and 11:30 PM – Close (Late Night Happy Hour)
• Discount: 20% off any item on the menu marked with a beer glass icon during happy hour.

Menu Highlights:

• Beer Selection: The beer selection is extensive, with Russian River beers taking center stage, but a variety of other brands are available as well. Matt, the bartender, recommended the Dead Leaf Green amber, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The craft beer menu is one of the most impressive aspects of 595 Craft And Kitchen, catering to a wide range of tastes.
• Buffalo Chicken Tacos: For my meal, I opted for the Buffalo Chicken Tacos. These weren’t your average tacos; they were generously stuffed with flavorful chicken and served in soft tortillas. The portion size was substantial, making them a fulfilling choice that paired well with the craft beer.

Experience:

• Service: One of the standout aspects of 595 Craft And Kitchen is the service, particularly from Matt, the bartender. Matt is a true beer aficionado with a deep knowledge of craft beers. He’s passionate about what he does and loves talking about beer with customers, making recommendations, and sharing his expertise. His friendly and welcoming demeanor enhances the overall experience, making you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
• Bar Features: The bar itself has some unique touches, like the stainless steel strip that runs along the bar top, keeping your drinks cold. It’s a small detail, but one that adds to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the experience.
• Ambiance: The dive bar feel is something that really stands out at 595 Craft And Kitchen. It’s the kind of place where no one judges you for who you are; they’re just happy to have you there. It’s a local favorite for a reason, and it’s easy to see why it’s now one of my favorites too.

Room for Improvement:

• Bar Top Surface: If I had to point out one area for improvement, it would be the bar top surface. It looks a bit unfinished and could use some refinement to match the otherwise welcoming atmosphere of the bar.

Final Thoughts: 595 Craft And Kitchen is a hidden gem in Las Vegas, offering an exceptional happy hour experience that combines great craft beers, tasty food, and a welcoming dive bar ambiance. The 20% discount on select menu items during happy hour is a nice perk, especially given the quality and variety of the offerings. The knowledgeable and friendly service, particularly from Matt the bartender, is a major highlight, making each visit feel like catching up with an old friend. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, 595 Craft And Kitchen is definitely worth a visit. With its relaxed vibe, impressive beer selection, and hearty food, it’s the kind of place that quickly becomes a favorite. Just be prepared to be hooked after your first visit—I know I was.