Normally, as a Vegas resident, the last place you go for a good time to drink is the Strip. Sure, it's great for all those vacationing there. But if you live there, you know that you can save the Strip for the tourists. Maggiano's Little Italy is the exception to this.
The happy hour is one of the best that I've experienced in Las Vegas. Boasting $2.50 appetizers and well drinks with $3 premium drinks and beers. This place is a great place to stop after work. You have to get there somewhat early or be forced to wait outside. The dining area is a bit cramped. But it's best just to situate yourself at the bar.
The appetizers are tasty and not of your typical bar flair. I usually favored the calamari and tomato mozzarella. Free Italian bread with Vinaigrette sauce make it even more delectable. All the better to wash down the drinks with.
With the main dining so close and the tunes of classic jazz standards overhead the ambiance can be busy. But it never seemed to escalate over a dull roar. So keeping conversation is never a problem. Along the walls are classic pictures of "Old Vegas" and it's easy to get stopped along the way to the restrooms and take in these old photos as if you were in a museum.
The bartenders pour a mean drink and remember the locals well. This isn't an easy feat when you serve as many drinks as these guys do. Each bartender has their "specialty" drink but don't push it down your throat. Ask bartender "Chris" about his Poma-tini. It's a pomegranate flavored martini that is refreshing, smooth, and very drinkable.
Sadly, I've never had a full fledged meal there. The happy hour was always enough for us. I have indulged in a slice of the cheesecake, which gives the Original Cheesecake Factory a run for it's money. The filling was smooth and creamy and the strawberry topping tart and sweet. And the best part was the price. Only $5 for this massive chunk.
Maggiano's Little Italy inside the Fashion Show Mall is outstanding and I recommend this place to any friends who are visiting.
The only think keeping this place from a Five Star Rating is the fact that it does get very busy and sometimes the bartenders tend to lose track of you.
Four Stars for:
Great deals
Strong drinks
Super Hour
Tasty appetizers