🍸 The best happy hours in Vegas

🚨 Pastor Arrested with Guns and Drugs at The Strat

An evangelical pastor was arrested at The Strat. Police say he had drugs and guns, including one inside a guitar case, in his hotel room. He flew to Vegas on a private jet and posted online suspicions about his daughter living in an underground tunnel. [KLAS]

🚔 Criminal Controversy

A hotly debated court program focused on reducing crime on the Strip is coming to an end, drawing criticism from the sheriff, district attorney, and casino reps. The Resort Corridor Court currently has the ability to ban offenders from the Strip for up to a year. [Las Vegas Review-Journal]

🗳️ Nevada Revamps Election System

In a move to improve elections — but will no doubt be catnip for conspiracy theorists — Nevada has unveiled a new statewide voter database and management system that will make elections more accurate and secure while helping provide real-time results. [KSNV]

• The Green Party won’t be on Nevada’s presidential ballot after all. [Nevada Independent]
• Tim Walz flies into Vegas tonight, making his first solo campaign appearance as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee tomorrow — the same day Kamala Harris and Donald Trump square off in their first debate 👀 [KSNV]

For the longest time, Herbs & Rye and sister steakhouse Cleaver had the best happy hours in Vegas locked down, although those deals have now been absorbed into the regular menus. So what’s left?

🥩 Scotch 80 Prime

Mon - Thurs (5 - 6:30 p.m., 8:30 - 10 p.m.)

When it comes to happy hours, file this one under “unreal.” Twice a night at the Palms, Scotch 80 Prime cuts the price by 50% on select steaks (a ribeye cap and filet), seafood, appetizers, and more during Social Hour, newly introduced during the dog days of summer. Even drinks are fair game. Enjoy this one while it lasts.

🍸 Downtown Cocktail Room

Daily (5 - 8 p.m.)

One of the best bars in Vegas has an inventive cocktail menu that changes by the season. Those drinks at the Downtown Cocktail Room are just $10 during happy hour. Well spirits, beer, punch bowls, and wine are half-off.

🥙 Ortikia

Sunday - Thursday (8:30 - 10 p.m.), Friday - Saturday (9:30 - 11 p.m.)

Ortikia, a new Mediterranean restaurant at Green Valley Ranch, mixes things up with a late-night social hour. The $15 Lamb Souvla is like a gyro reimagined as a burger and the $14 build-your-own meze plate packs in plenty of value. Just save room for a sticky-sweet $8 baklava dessert. All the social hour wines are Greek, running $6 to $13 a glass.

🥂 RPM Italian

Monday - Friday (3 - 6 p.m.)

This high-end Italian restaurant at the Forum Shops isn’t cheap, but RPM Italian slashes the prices in the bar during happy hour. An impressive selection of cocktails, wine, and small bites are just $8 each, adding up to one of the best values on the Strip.

🍕 Boom Bang Fine Food & Cocktails

Tuesday - Thursday (4 - 6 p.m.), Friday - Saturday (11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

We love a happy hour that doesn’t just offer discounts, but menu exclusives. Happy hour is the only time you can order thin-crust Connecticut-style pizza at Henderson’s Boom Bang, courtesy of “Top Chef” alum Elia Aboumrad. All cocktails are $9 and select bites are $4 to $12.

🥟 Japaneiro

Daily 11 p.m. - 3 a.m.

Japaneiro has long been a favorite with the industry crowd in the Southwest for a reverse ultra-late happy hour, featuring discounts on sake and Asian-inspired dishes with quality ingredients like Hokkaido scallops and Scottish salmon.

🥓 Nicco’s

Sun - Thurs (4-6 p.m)

Nicco’s steakhouse recently launched a Golden Hour menu, allowing you to try one of Durango’s best restaurants at a discount while sitting at the bar and lounge. Small dishes (including a delicious BLT toast) are $8 to $15, while a choice of highballs are $10 each.

🍣 Blue Ribbon Sushi

Monday - Thursday (3 - 5 p.m.), Friday - Sunday (11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Blue Ribbon Sushi at Red Rock Resort offers bang for your buck during Social Hour with hearty portions for rice bowls topped with sashimi (including the $34 Chirashi, which is almost like a mini-omakase) with miso soup and wakame. Request the $9 hand rolls sliced for maximum value. Any of the restaurant’s signature cocktails are just $10.

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