Benihana - Fashion Show Mall

Benihana at Fashion Show Mall isn't trying to reinvent teppanyaki—it's the same hibachi chain you've probably seen in suburban malls across America. But the happy hour is legitimately solid, the location's convenient as hell if you're on the Strip, and sometimes you just want to watch a chef flip shrimp into his hat while you drink wine that costs less than a coffee at Starbucks.

The Happy Hour Specifics

Monday through Friday from 3-6pm gets you $3 edamame, $6 beer, and $9 wine. The edamame's a no-brainer at three bucks—it's fresh, properly salted, and gives you something to do with your hands while drinking. The beer selection includes domestic and imports, so you're not stuck with bottom-shelf options. The wine's decent quality for $9, which in Vegas Strip pricing is basically theft in your favor.

The Mall Location Advantage

Being inside Fashion Show Mall means you're right on the Strip but away from casino chaos. There's actual parking if you're driving, the AC's always perfect, and you can easily combine happy hour with shopping or just escaping the heat. The mall's connected to Treasure Island via bridge, so it's accessible even if you're staying at a casino. It's basically the Strip's most convenient non-casino dining option.

What Makes This Different

Most Benihanas are all about the hibachi tables with the chef entertainment. At happy hour, you can skip that and just post up at the bar or grab a regular table. You get the same drink specials without committing to a full teppanyaki show. But if you do want the hibachi experience, you can still order happy hour drinks while watching someone juggle knives and make onion volcanos. Best of both worlds.

The Strategy

This is perfect for a mid-afternoon break from Strip walking. You're probably exhausted, sunburned, and need food and drinks that won't cost $80. The 3-6pm window aligns perfectly with that "too late for lunch, too early for dinner" dead zone. The edamame and a couple beers will tide you over, and you're in and out without the time commitment of a full hibachi dinner.

Real Talk on Value

$6 beers on the Strip is genuinely good, especially for a sit-down restaurant where you're not fighting casino floor noise. Add the $3 edamame and you've got a reasonable snack and drink setup for under $10. The weekday-only schedule is a bummer for weekend visitors, but if you're here Monday through Friday, this is worth the mall detour.

Is it the most exciting happy hour in Vegas? Nah. But it's reliable, the prices are actually reasonable, and you can recharge in air-conditioned comfort before heading back into the chaos. Sometimes boring and affordable beats exciting and expensive.