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.

Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar is a themed bar that draws a lively crowd, especially on a busy Sunday. The tropical vibe of the place is enhanced by its open-air design, with all sides of the building opening up to let in a nice breeze, making the atmosphere feel like a vacation in the middle of the city. Located adjacent to a center park and playground, the patio offers covered outdoor seating, which makes it a great spot to relax and people-watch while enjoying your drink.

I ordered the Mai Tai, which was beautifully layered and visually stunning, but be warned—it’s very sweet. While it was tasty, the sweetness might not be for everyone. One downside of the experience was the absence of a happy hour food menu. It’s a bit disappointing that you can’t order discounted bites to accompany your drinks, so don’t expect any food specials during happy hour.

That said, the live music that starts at 5 PM adds a wonderful touch to the evening. The vibe is laid-back and tropical, and the friendly, fast staff keeps the energy high and the service efficient. Being right under the flight path for landing aircraft adds an occasional interruption, but it’s a minor distraction in the overall island-like ambiance.

One unique perk is the bar’s location adjacent to the Tommy Bahama retail store, so you can shop while sipping on your cocktail. It’s a perfect blend of leisure and retail therapy. While the lack of happy hour food is a drawback, the open-air setting, live music, and friendly service make Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar a great spot for a casual drink and some island-inspired relaxation.

Trattoria Reggiano, nestled in the bustling Downtown Summerlin, is one of two locations, with the other situated at the Venetian. This Italian-themed restaurant captures the essence of a traditional trattoria, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. The outdoor seating area is small but charming, reminiscent of the quaint patios in Little Italy, New York City. It’s a prime location on the outdoor mall, allowing diners to enjoy their meal while soaking in the lively surroundings.

Food and Drink

The menu at Trattoria Reggiano is a delightful journey through classic Italian cuisine, with a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. I started with the Caprese Bruschetta, priced at $10. This dish consisted of fresh tomato, creamy cheese, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, served along two pieces of toasted bread. While the flavors were undoubtedly fresh and tasty, the portion felt a bit small for the price, leaving me wanting more.

To satisfy my appetite, I also tried the Eggplant Rollatini, which was a pleasant surprise. For just $10, this dish featured three pieces of eggplant rolled in parmesan cheese and fried to perfection. The combination of the tender eggplant with the crispy, cheesy exterior was absolutely delicious and left me craving more. It’s a dish I would highly recommend to anyone visiting.

One of the standout items during happy hour is the homemade meatballs, a favorite among regulars. Normally priced at $18 on the dinner menu, they are offered at just $12 during happy hour. These meatballs are a must-try, bursting with flavor and embodying the comforting essence of Italian home cooking. Interestingly, many of the happy hour food items are not listed on the regular dinner menu, making happy hour a great time to explore unique offerings.

Bar and Happy Hour Experience

The bar at Trattoria Reggiano, though somewhat small, is often not very busy during happy hour, which means seating is usually available. This makes it a perfect spot for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed environment to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. The focus at this location is clearly more on the dining experience than the bar scene, and it shows in the quality and presentation of the food.

Overall Experience

Trattoria Reggiano in Downtown Summerlin offers a delightful blend of traditional Italian flavors in a warm and welcoming setting. While some items, like the Caprese Bruschetta, may feel a bit light for the price, the overall experience is satisfying, particularly with dishes like the Eggplant Rollatini and the homemade meatballs. The happy hour menu is especially appealing, offering great value for money with items that you might not find on the regular dinner menu.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal with friends or a quiet spot to enjoy a drink, Trattoria Reggiano delivers a charming and authentic Italian dining experience, enhanced by the fun and lighthearted ’80s music that plays in the background. It’s a place where you can savor the simple pleasures of good food, good company, and a cozy atmosphere.

Cocktail Menu: The cocktail menu is somewhat limited but enough variety to find something you would like. The martini with blue cheese stuffed olives are a must-try for anyone who appreciates a good martini. These delicious cocktails perfectly complement the upscale ambiance of T-Bones Chophouse and Lounge.

Food Menu: I tried the happy hour tuna tacos, and they were fantastic. Fresh, flavorful, and a perfect light bite to pair with a cocktail.

Exclusive Happy Hour Menu: Many items on the happy hour menu are not available on the regular dinner menu, adding a unique touch to the early evening experience.

Timing: Arriving before 4:30 PM is key to securing a good spot and enjoying the Happy Hour experience before the evening rush begins.

Casino Comps and Points: It’s a bonus that T-Bones accepts comps and points from the casino, making it a great spot for regulars of Red Rock Resort.

Service and Ambiance: The bar is staffed entirely by an all-female team who provide friendly service. Real cloth napkins add a touch of class to the experience.

Non-Happy Hour Menu: If you’re looking for the full dining experience, the complete menu becomes available at 5 PM.

Areas for Improvement:

• Setup Interruptions: The transition period before 5 PM can be a bit distracting, as employees prepare the space for evening service. This can impact the ambiance and service speed during Happy Hour.
• Limited Happy Hour Cocktails: The cocktail selection for Happy Hour is somewhat limited. Expanding this list could enhance the experience.
• Service Speed: Due to the setup activities, service can be a bit slow and distracted until about 4:30 PM. It took some time for us to order food after our cocktails arrived, which might be an area they could improve.

Personal Experience:

I had a pleasant interaction with Elise, one of the bartenders. She was attentive and friendly, even though it was clear she had a lot to manage with the setup for the evening. A little patience goes a long way here—treat the bartenders with the respect and understanding you’d want if you were in their shoes.

Final Thoughts:

T-Bones Chophouse and Lounge offers a refined Happy Hour experience with some excellent highlights, particularly the martini with blue cheese stuffed olives and the warm service. The exclusive Happy Hour menu items like the tuna tacos make it worth visiting early. However, being aware of the setup activities and timing your visit can make a big difference. Arrive early, relax, and enjoy the classy environment with a touch of patience for the best experience.