HAPPY HOUR ODYSSEY 2025

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!

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 books 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.

Neon Desert Brewing

Odyssey number: 48

Date, time, place: 25 Jan, 3:30 pm, 7380 Eastgate Rd., Henderson, NV

Elapsed time for first beer: 2 minutes 12 seconds

  • 4.0, Beer

  • 2.0, Music

  • 2.0, Other stuff

  • 0.5, Atmosphere

  • 8.5 Total

I tried two beers, Czech Mate in 3, a fresh tasty pilsner, and Heaven in Helles, a Munich style lager. Both were excellent. Bartender Cassandra was very friendly, along with a nearby patron named Chris. Music was too low at first, but better later. No slots, no TVs that I noticed. In other words, perfect. Decorated with some Chinese letters around the small bar area, with plentiful basic seating in this warehouse district location. Jimmy the owner brewer chatted with us for a while as well. Had a good time. Limited Happy Hour from Monday to Wednesday, 4-6 pm.

Brewskes Bar & Grill

Odyssey number: 47

Date, time, place: 10 January, 3 pm, 3645 S. Durango Dr.

Elapsed time for first beer: 2 minutes 20 seconds

  • 3.5, Beer

  • 3.0, Music

  • 1.0, Other stuff

  • 0.5, Atmosphere

  • 8.0 Total

A long spacious bar counter mostly had standard video poker machines, but I found one without. The Elysian Space Dust IPA was excellent, although served with no coaster. Rock music to my liking played at a satisfying volume. Lots of dark wood décor, mindful of an Irish bar. Not much interaction with Amanda the bartender. Too many TVs, as usual, but they were mounted high enough to be easily ignored. Good idea.

Second beer, Stella Artois, tasted good. Just a few other patrons, mood not quite dead, so let’s just call it ‘relaxed.’ On the way out, I confirmed with Amanda there is a Happy Hour, but not today on Friday, of course. It goes from Monday to Thursday with a discount for selected beers and glasses of wine.