HAPPY HOUR ODYSSEY 2024
By John Kruxhammer
Audacious author of HEARTBREAK EPIPHANIES AND JUSTIFIED LUST
Beer and a tune, life is good. That so damn much to ask?
Endless quest for best Happy Hours in Vegas—and beyond!
Any great Happy Hours to recommend?
Contact: birdseyebeyond@gmail.com
Been to a lot of Happy Hours. I know what I like.
Score based on four priorities:
Beer, 4.0
Music, 3.0
Other stuff, 2.0
Atmosphere, 1.0
Maximum total: 10.0
Would be a lot easier if those who liked my book just showed up at the library and told me who they are. But if I have to go to every Happy Hour in Vegas, and beyond, to find some of them, I suppose that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make.
Born And Raised® Las Vegas
Date, time, place: 30 December, 3 pm, 7260 S. Cimarron Rd.
Moon phase, illumination: New Moon, 0%
Elapsed time for first beer: 5 minutes 12 seconds
3.0, Beer
2.0, Music
1.0, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
7.0 Total
A long dark-wood polished counter has stools for about 20 people, but only one or two spots did not have video poker. Lots of TVs, but not too many over the bar area. My first choice, Hop Vegas IPA. Tasty, but lacking my desired zest of the best. Hurricane Sue had a Kona Big Wave, described as ‘pretty good.’ Both beers, sadly, were served without coasters. Enjoyable classic rock could have been louder. The mood in this sparsely occupied establishment wasn’t quite dead, but still, more relaxed than we prefer. Happy Hour only for plain domestic beers, which explains our $20 tab for two. Clean, spacious, well-decorated, with an outdoor patio. But we decided to go elsewhere.
Rounders Spirits & Gaming
Date, time, place: 13 December, 2:15 pm, 4455 S. Buffalo Dr.
Moon phase, illumination: Waxing Gibbous, 96%
Elapsed time for first beer: 2 minutes 4 seconds
2.5, Beer
0.5, Music
1.5, Other stuff
0.5, Atmosphere
5.0 Total
Not all bars are the same. I’ve enjoyed the Rounders on Blue Diamond Road several times over the years. Excellent beers, lively atmosphere, with favorite classic rock music at good volume. But this Rounders closer, so we gave it a try. What a difference, and not in a good way. Maybe due to a struggling neighborhood, but this place was dead. Could barely hear music, the spacious surroundings mostly empty, minimal interaction with the bartender who disappeared out of sight. My Sam Adams Lager could best be described as adequate. Heck, on way back from tap handles, the purple feather fell out of my hat. I did not view that as a positive sign. Although it did land on my shoulder, not all the way on the floor. Hurricane Sue and I drank up and took off. I was told they do have a limited Happy Hour though, from 2-6 pm daily.
Let’s try BJs on Charleston. Much better—music, atmosphere, and beers. Even met an interesting patron named Chris, a successful businessman, who I later learned on Google graduated summa cum laude with an accounting degree from UNLV. After working hard and doing quite well, he confided in contemplating slowing down and branching out into other creative interests, such as music, and hosting gatherings for creative people at a warehouse he owns near Town Square. But will also stay involved with his thriving financial interests, including minority stake with a billionaire’s business which has the perk of private jet trips three or four times a year. And he had the pictures to prove it.
This was one unique afternoon, especially since Friday the 13th with nearly a full moon. The bartender named Mike wore a few loops of Christmas lights around his neck, since he liked to stay ‘lit.’ Hurricane Sue had the Lightswitch beer, while I enjoyed Pirhana Pale Ale and Hopstorm IPA. That’s more like it. Chris invited me to some upcoming events at his warehouse and I told him about my new beer book due in April. We’ll see what happens. In this city, just never know. On the way out, Chris mentioned driving a fancy Maserati. If you got it flaunt it. But I didn’t want to boast and make him jealous of my late model, fuel efficient, Honda Civic!
The Spot LV
Date, time, place: 14 November, 3:20 pm, 8410 W. Desert Inn Rd.
Moon phase, illumination: Waxing Gibbous, 97%
Elapsed time for first beer: 1 minute 35 seconds
4.0, Beer
2.5, Music
2.0, Other stuff
0.5, Atmosphere
9.0 Total
Bartender named Brie readily offered several beer samples to narrow down our choices. I picked Tenaya Creek (now Beer Zombies) Oktoberfest Marzen, tasted first-rate. Hurricane Sue liked the Mother Orange Creamsicle. Good classic and pop rock music playing, but a little too low. Though at least not drowned out by chatter since no other patrons at the bar. Don’t like it when too crowded, but don’t like it totally empty, either. Beer is best when enjoyed with other people.
Spacious tavern, clean, modern, well-decorated, especially liked a colorful neon sign near the entrance, ‘Stay Weird.’ Only open here for seven months. Always something exciting about a new place. This business began with popular food trucks and aggressively expanding at other places too. At this location, they have the shiny vats in place, but are still waiting for brewing permits. Lots of TVs high above center island bar, though not in direct line of sight. Good idea. Only a few video poker machines planned for the future.
They have a Happy Hour from 3 to 6 pm, M-F, and later at night, plus during football and hockey games. Finished up with Ballast Point Grapefruit Sculpin IPA, another fresh excellent selection. Start early, finish early, had a great time.
The Grand Canyon Brewing +
Date, time, place: 22 October, 3 pm, 312 E. Beale St, Kingman, AZ
Moon phase, illumination: Waning Gibbous, 74%
Elapsed time for first beer: 3 minutes 55 seconds
3.5, Beer
3.0, Music
2.0, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
9.5 Total
When I mentioned three choices interested in, soon given samples of each. Now that’s a good bartender. Went with 3 Kings Kolsch, nice flavor but a little flat. Good reggae-style music played, while from my vantage point had to turn away from the bar to see any TVs, as it should be. Beautiful warm sunny day, with lots of fresh air flowing through due to wide open windows. Recently recovering from a nasty skin rash on the chest, so this pub was the perfect remedy to get back to normal. Reliable as any medicine out there!
Second beer, Horseshoe Bend Pale Ale, from Core Beers list. Foamy, fresh, first-rate taste, just how I like it. Spacious establishment with shiny vats and a second-floor dining area with pool table too. They had a late lunch special with pizza and beer, but no official happy hour. Close enough. Had a fine time.
Sean Patrick’s Pub & Grill
Date, time, place: 26 September, 4 pm, 3290 W. Ann Rd.
Moon phase, illumination: Waning Crescent, 33%
Elapsed time for first beer: 1 minute 48 seconds
3.0, Beer
3.0, Music
1.0, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
8.0 Total
Greeted by a bartender that if not gambling, don’t sit at the bar. So, Hurricane Sue had to move, and I followed. Despite the gruff beginning, we received beers from the server at our high top table faster than usual. First beers, Harp, tasted okay, from a selection of 18 taps, but no coasters for our mugs. Good thing music played at the right volume, with songs I liked. Dark sturdy solid wood construction, mostly video poker machines for each seat at the bar. Plentiful TVs, though not too excessive.
Nicely decorated for Halloween. Flooring by main bar area designed with distinctive green Irish tiles. Classy place, not too fancy. Sue wanted to go to a more familiar pub. But I had a second beer, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing IPA, delicious, hoppy, a hint of fruit flavor. Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm, which explained our costly tab for being early. Although, happy enough!
Chicago Brewing Company
Date, time, place: 30 August, 5 pm, 2201 S. Fort Apache Rd.
Moon phase, illumination: Waning Crescent, 12%
Elapsed time for first beer: 4 minutes 55 seconds
3.5, Beer
3.0, Music
2.0, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
9.5 Total
Large bar, dozens of seats, video poker at each, but Hurricane Sue and I sat in the adjoining area with high top tables. Main restaurant located through other doors, but we weren’t there to eat. My first choice, Ramblin’ Wreck, hoppy amber, excellent. Sue’s Golden Ale tasted a little flat, so good thing I didn’t drink more than half. Music played at the right volume, loud enough, but can still talk.
Next beer, Hardway IPA. I liked it, nice flavor with hoppy taste. No coaster, but I heard several favorite songs which made up for it. Extensive food menu available, but we just tried the wings. Pretty good, went well with our beers. Pleasantly-decorated, not too many TVs, with false brick wall design and unused fireplace near where we sat.
Our server was a personable guy named Billiam, who I recognized from years ago, even though he now had a long black beard, big Mohawk, and shiny shaved bare head on each side. Happy Hour Sunday to Thursday, 3-6 pm. This was Friday, but still as happy as we wanted anyway. Finished up with Old Town Brown, darker beer than my usual preference, but tasted great.
Sand Bar
Date, time, place: 19 August, 1:50 pm, 1654 AZ-95, Bullhead City, AZ
Moon phase, illumination: Super Duper Blue Full Moon, 100%
Elapsed time for first beer: 5 minutes 21 seconds
4.0, Beer
2.5, Music
1.5, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
9.0 Total
Surprisingly busy on a Monday afternoon, taking longer than usual to get my first drink as music blared for diehard customers, and a group gathered for a birthday party complete with helium-filled balloons. Due to the bartender’s hastiness, a glass mug shattered on the floor. But no beer in it so no harm done. First choice, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Tasted great, especially on a scorching hot summer day, reaching 112 degrees outside. Mostly country music playing, with some classic rock thrown in to preserve my sanity. The drinks in this authentic dive bar were served on a coaster. How hard is that?
L-shaped countertop, seats for 17, best I could count without looking like I was counting. Four regular size screens mounted at regular intervals, not too annoying. Blue-felt pool table took up room in the middle. Tried not to get smacked in the head by somebody waving around a pool cue. Wooden bar counter, wood beam foot railing. Works for me. Loud raucous place, maybe blame it on the full moon. Can only imagine how crazy weekends must be. My second beer was Elysian Space Dust, another excellent choice. Even that country music sounded a little better.
This place has high energy and strong personality, like something in a movie. Too loud to talk about my book, or anything else, unless you want to shout. So, just hunker down with a nice cold brew. Talking is highly overrated anyway. I’ll spend hours searching for just the right words in my writing, but talking to someone at a bar? That’s asking too much. Let them talk to me first. But this afternoon, had only minimal interaction with the bartender. When about to be sensible and ask for my tab, got offered a piece of birthday cake. No turning that down! Or a reliable Miller Lite to go with it. If too many calories, don’t blame the beer. Even for country, this place rocks. No official Happy Hour here, but I was happy enough.
Roadrunner Saloon
Date, time, place: 9 August, 2:30 pm, 921 N. Buffalo Dr.
Moon phase, illumination: waxing crescent, 24%
Elapsed time for first beer: 4 minutes 33 seconds
3.5, Beer
3.0, Music
1.0, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
8.5 Total
The exterior deceivingly plain, compared to stepping inside to a spacious, nicely furnished, bar and restaurant, with booths, armchairs, pool table, and a high top table that Sue and I sat at. Western historical items up on shelves definitely mindful of an old-time saloon. Sue started with a Kona and I played it safe with Modelo, which was okay. Enjoyable music played at a good volume.
The long bar had room for 20 stools, but with mostly video poker machines at each spot. TVs were mounted at close intervals above, and other locations as well, in my opinion too many. The glass mugs were served on napkins, not coasters. My second choice was Stone IPA, fantastic crisp cold beer with a nice foamy head. Perfect, good as it gets. A few sips of Sue’s Kona turned into a few more, which tasted excellent as well. Happy Hour goes Monday to Friday, 4 to 6 pm. Surprisingly, not very crowded during our visit. I also felt it was a little too dark inside. Wearing my sunglasses, I could barely see.
Atomic Liquors
Date, time, place: 19 July, 3:20 pm, 917 E. Fremont St.
Moon phase, illumination: waxing gibbous, 95%
Elapsed time for first beer: 3 minutes 50 seconds
4.0, Beer
3.0, Music
2.0, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
10.0 Total
Loud Elvis music played before we even stepped inside, very appropriate for an establishment where the Rat Pack used to hang out. Classic rock and other favorite selections continued at a good volume throughout our visit. Started with Czech Pilsner, Tahoe Pils, by Fifty Fifty Brewing. Sue had Atomic Light, a local lager. Both tasted excellent. When I mentioned people used to watch atomic blasts in the Nevada desert from here, a friendly patron named Jason pointed out a replica in the corner, which I took a picture of. This place is pure vintage Vegas, filled with nostalgic decorations. No video poker and no TVs. My kind of bar.
Second beer, Wayne Frewton IPA, then half pour of Able Baker Nevada State Flower, double hazy IPA, that bartender didn’t want to waste after I switched my choice. Both pretty good. Last pick when finishing up, pFriem Mexican Lager, excellent. Jason also introduced me to his brother, the owner, and both told stories and showed pictures of famous people who visited over the years. Barbara Streisand had her own favorite bar stool. Carlos Santana seemed to like it here. The singer Jewel once got turned away at the door on a busy night since she didn’t have ID and was not recognized. Good thing someone let her in the back door.
Anthony Bourdain filmed the season finale of “Parts Unknown” traveling food show at Atomic Liquors in November 2013. And the leading figure in Las Vegas downtown revival, who moved his Zappos shoe company here that same year, Tony Hsieh, also liked it here. Jason told a surprising anecdote about Tony Hsieh preferring, at least temporarily, to live in an RV trailer parked just a block away. I was also impressed that Bourdain (Kitchen Confidential) and Hsieh (Delivering Happiness) were best-selling authors. Both men’s lives were tragically cut short, but their legacies live on. And no better place to toast their accomplishments than at historic Atomic Liquors. Doesn’t get any more 'Vegas’ than this.
Hennesssy’s Tavern
Date, time, place: 7 June, 2:35 pm, 425 Fremont St.
Moon phase, illumination: waxing crescent, 1%
Elapsed time for first beer: 1 minute 46 seconds
2.5, Beer
2.0, Music
2.0, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
7.5 Total
This Irish pub is located inside the world’s largest pint glass, with Happy Hour 4-7 pm, Monday through Friday. Hurricane Sue and I got there early, which might explain subdued atmosphere and my overall dull impression. None of the beers on tap appealed to me, so had to resort to a bottle of Sam Adams Boston Lager just to think straight. Sue had her standard Michelob Ultra. I liked the rock music, but either it was playing too low or people talking too loud. Two female bartenders chatted mainly with each other, not as friendly as other places. On this hot sunny day, swirling air wafted through an open front entranceway, feeling pleasant despite reaching 108 degrees outside.
Since this was an Irish pub, with a world-famous attraction, I paid my respects to Dublin by ordering a pint of dark famous Guinness. I can see why people like it. I should like it. I tried to like it. Not sure what’s wrong with me—but I just don’t like it! With its long and prestigious history, I am not worthy to even look at the keg handle one is poured from. Sorry, just a lightweight, need to stay in my own lane—mostly pale ales, pilsners, and IPAs.
Only two TVs at the bar, less bothersome than most places. But too many video poker machines, though other table tops away from the bar did not have them, though Sue and I preferred to stay put, at the dark polished wood counter and a sturdy brass foot rail below, like there should be. Interesting décor, with paintings of Irish people and musicians along the far wall. Nice enough place, but we got restless and went elsewhere.
Rockhouse, at Venetian Casino
Date, time, place: 22 April, 1:45 pm, 3377 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Moon phase, illumination: full moon, 97%
Elapsed time for first beer: 3 minutes 0 seconds
3.5, Beer
2.5, Music
1.5, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
8.5 Total
It was a real adventure just getting there. Experienced a 20-minute delay due to maintenance issue with the monorail. Then, when walking along the Strip, I stepped on a metal grate. Surprisingly, a strong updraft blew my fedora straight up, rest of my hair flying around too. After turning around to search, it landed flat, right in front of me. No damage to the feather and no one stepped on the hat. Lucky day. Not long after, found two seats at the bar, not too crowded on a Monday afternoon, happy hour from 11 am to 7 pm. Hurricane Sue and I both started with Battleborn Lager, from Reno, one of the beers on special for $5. Tasted good on a warm sunny afternoon, with entrance doors open, nice breeze blowing through. Pleasant, mostly light rock music played at loud enough volume.
No video poker machines in the black polished bar counter. So that was good. However, six big-screen TVs for a medium bar seating only 16 was excessive in my opinion. A couple walls were more interesting, with colorized head shots of celebrities, such as Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Andy Warhol, plus many others, even O. J. Simpson who died 12 days ago. Second beer, Elysian Space Dust IPA, which I thoroughly enjoyed, washing down an appetizing hamburger and fries, also on special. The bald female bartender, Cassie, was friendly but busy. After I paid the tab, she recommended more good happy hours downtown.
Happy Earth Day, this odyssey continues!
The Hideout
Date, time, place: 8 April, 11:00 am, 2311 S. Casino Dr., Laughlin, NV
Moon phase, illumination: new moon, 0%; solar eclipse
Elapsed time for first beer: 2 minutes 38 seconds
3.5, Beer
2.5, Music
2.5, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
9.5 Total
Entered this spacious second-floor bar and started with a pint of Modelo, surprisingly good. Not only did bartender provide a coaster, also handed out special dark sunglasses for the solar eclipse. Her name not Blondie, but Ondie, something else unusual. First song I heard playing was “Twilight Zone” by Golden Earring, one of my favorites, with plenty more to follow, although prefer the volume louder. Usually don’t drink whiskey, but 11:19 am was maximum eclipse of 55% from our Nevada location. So, I celebrated with shots of Fireball for me and another patron named Tony, a skilled tradesman, telling stories of construction projects near and far, plus how his grandfather in Missouri taught him valuable expertise at a young age.
The bartender brought me another Modelo, which I didn’t ask for so doesn’t count. Next I chose Voodoo Ranger IPA, and eventually got around to Corona Light. Maybe something about a lunar event, but these beers tasted great, almost as if directly from a microbrewery. Happy Hours here are an amazing 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, especially suited to my habit of starting early and finishing early. Also enjoyed gorgeous views of desert mountains to the east, past the Colorado River, with casinos bordering the shore. Also watched a Sun Country jetliner taking off in blue sky with a full load of gamblers from the Laughlin/Bullhead City airport.
The bar with a solid gold-colored footrail had room for 30 or 40 customers, and plenty other space, with a door to the balcony on a pleasant sunny day. Enough seats without video poker screens, so that was good, especially high top tables. Had a great time. Usually don’t give more than 2.0 for ‘Other Stuff’ category, but when the bartender provides darkened glasses to safely view a solar eclipse, even a partial one, that is going far above normal service.
12 Gates Brewing Company
Date, time, place: 27 March, 5:30 pm, 80 Earhart Dr., Williamsville, NY
Moon phase, illumination: waning gibbous, 96%
Elapsed time for first beer: 1 minute 18 seconds
3.5, Beer
2.5, Music
2.0, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
9.0 Total
Fortunately, their Happy Hour goes from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesdays. I started with House Lager Pilsner, adequate. I liked the music selection, light rock, but prefer a bit louder. Nice tall glass, with customized coaster. Solid wood counter, sturdy foot rail, rapid fire chatter between female bartender and female customer, impossible to keep up with, though soon ready for another drink. I picked their Buzz the Tower, hazy IPA, first rate, excellent taste. Two TVs mounted high above, not distracting from the bar name and plentiful taps in the center. Also, could see tall shiny vats behind floor to ceiling glass windows. Surely better than annoying commercials!
April, the bartender, very personable, even reminded everyone of last beers before Happy Hour over. No passing that up, ordered Abominable IPA, another high-quality selection. Plenty of customers, more friendly than usual, much laughter, great sense of humor. I suppose I can allow that. One couple, named George and Melissa, had 18 warmed-up cookies delivered in a pizza box, which they shared with everyone. First time I ever saw that in a bar. Not quite ‘icing on the cake’, but were a perfect treat while finishing my beer.
Tim Ho Wan, Palms Casino
Date, time, place: 29 February, 3:45 pm, 4321 W. Flamingo Rd.
Moon phase, illumination: waning gibbous, 79%
Elapsed time for first beer: 6 minutes 43 seconds
1.5, Beer
1.0, Music
1.0, Other stuff
0.5, Atmosphere
4.0 Total
Good thing a leap day like this only comes every four years, since this visit did not turn out well. Took a long time waiting to get seated for two openings at the bar. This place was more of a restaurant, but mention of a Happy Hour on their website made me curious. After a longer than usual wait to get served, Sapporo draft was plain, no coaster. Hurricane Sue’s Kirwin Ichiban tasted a little better, but just average. Background music came from the adjacent casino space, while the small bar area was brightly lit as if in a hospital, although the food did look great. But we weren’t here for that. Interesting Japanese knick-knacks were on display, and a high wall on far side was painted in a puzzling combination of light green mountains and trees, with a block of Japanese writing, and in the foreground bright red fish with fluffy tails, among tall grasses.
Bartender way too busy for any interaction, although did inform me when handing the bill that there was no Happy Hour, unlike what I read online. After doublechecking, sure enough, their location in California had a Happy Hour. Okay, he said the place next door, Mabel’s BBQ had one though. So, we went over, found last two seats at a crowded bar with better music playing, and enjoyed a couple beers. Apparently, this rare leap day also meant rare disappointment, since by the way when time to pay, no Happy Hour. First time been tricked twice in the same night.
Rickety Cricket
Date, time, place: 21 February, 3:45 pm, 532 Beale St., Kingman, AZ
Moon phase, illumination: waxing gibbous, 92%
Elapsed time for first beer: 1 minutes 48 seconds
4.0, Beer
3.0, Music
2.0, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
10.0 Total
Due for some good beers and I drove to the right place, after first encountering a detour for road construction on the same block. Thought they might not even be open, but was able to circle back from opposite direction. First choice Hippie Bus Pale Ale, fresh brewed, nice and cold. Favorite classic rock music loudly played inside this warehouse type environment with a bar, tables and chairs, booth, shiny kegs stacked high, vats, and even a pizza oven kitchen area. Plus, fully restored red and white Volkswagen van by far wall. From where I sat, only one TV mounted off to the side, with one more above and another behind, so I was not looking at any screens when drinking. Perfect.
Second selection, Anaconda Squeeze IPA, incredibly good. Not only that, fantastic! I asked the bartender, Amanda, if they usually played classic rock and she said whatever the owner felt like. Enjoy now, but don’t always count on it. I also learned they have Happy Hour, noon to 6 p.m., Sunday to Friday. What’s not to like?
After ordering my next choice, Antonio Blonderas Blonde Ale, I noticed rain pouring down outside with sunshine as well. Just as I’m wondering if there’s a rainbow somewhere, Amanda points one out through the big window behind me. Tough to beat that. Combined with raising the music volume even louder, I found it very difficult to leave. So I stayed, and asked for one more small pour, Kingman Club Kolsch, top notch just like the others. I will be back.
Yard House
Date, time, place: 17 January, 3:10 pm, 3545 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Moon phase, illumination: waxing crescent, 43%
Elapsed time for first beer: 4 minutes 48 seconds
3.5, Beer
3.0, Music
1.5, Other stuff
1.0, Atmosphere
9.0 Total
First choice, Great Basin Ichthyosaur Icky IPA, pretty good. Sue had House Honey Blond, excellent for that type. Music played at proper loudness, with many favorite rock selections. When getting first beer, bartender mentioned this the only Yard House location WITHOUT a Happy Hour, which I did not recall on their website. However, beers only about $7, a good price for the Strip. Especially since the bartender readily provided IPA samples to choose from to begin with.
Shiny stainless-steel countertop, coasters, good ambiance, with comfortable leather cushioned seats on bar stools. Small TVs, three above each side of long bar. Annoying, but not distracting. About 150 taps on display, although Rogue Dead Guy Ale and another selection I asked about were not available. So, when in Vegas, don’t believe everything you see.
Second beer, Gaffel Kolsch, almost excellent, a bit flat, but with a cold glass and distinctive flavor, tasted fine. Sue’s Kona Big Wave Golden Ale was excellent. After enough water, could not leave without trying Yard House Give ‘Em Helles lager. I liked it.