Ghost Donkey

Most people walk right past Ghost Donkey at the Cosmopolitan without noticing the small donkey logo marking the entrance to one of Vegas's best agave spirit bars. Hidden behind what looks like a regular wall, this intimate speakeasy specializes in mezcal, tequila, and everything agave with a selection of 200+ bottles and bartenders who are genuinely passionate about Mexican spirits.

The Agave Happy Hour

When: Daily, 5pm-7pm
The Deals: Select agave cocktails $12 (down from $18+), mezcal and tequila flights $15, Mexican beers $6, wines $8. Small plates like guacamole $8, ceviche $12, tacos $10-12.

If you think you don't like mezcal or that tequila is just for shots, Ghost Donkey will change your mind. The bartenders are educators as much as mixologists, and they're happy to guide you through regions, production methods, and flavor profiles.

The 200-Bottle Selection

The back bar looks like an agave library—bottles from Oaxaca, Jalisco, and beyond. Rare expressions you won't find elsewhere. Small-batch mezcals from family producers. Tequilas at various ages and from different terroirs.

During happy hour, the flights ($15) let you taste and compare without committing to full pours. Try different regions, different ages, different production styles. It's agave education in the most enjoyable format possible.

The Hidden Entrance Adds Theater

Look for the small donkey logo on the second floor of the Cosmopolitan. The entrance is unmarked and easy to miss, which is entirely the point. Walking through feels like discovering a secret, even though plenty of people know about it.

The space inside is intimate—seats about 40 people max. Exposed brick, Day of the Dead artwork, dim lighting, and a focus on the spirits rather than flashy decor. It feels like a serious mezcaleria that happens to be in a Vegas casino.

Cocktails That Respect the Spirit

The cocktail program showcases agave spirits in creative ways without burying them in sugar or mixers. You can actually taste the mezcal or tequila in each drink, with other ingredients complementing rather than masking.

Want something smoky? They've got you. Bright and citrusy? Covered. Complex and sipping-focused? Absolutely. The menu offers range while maintaining quality across the board.

The Small Plates Pair Well

The guacamole is made fresh and seasoned properly—simple but executed well. The ceviche is bright and acidic, perfect for cutting through smokier mezcal cocktails. The tacos are quality bar food that pairs thoughtfully with agave spirits.

Nothing's groundbreaking, but everything's done with care and designed to enhance the drinking experience.

Bartender Knowledge Is the Star

The staff genuinely loves agave spirits and wants to share that passion. Ask questions. Tell them what flavors you like. Mention if you're new to mezcal or want to explore beyond basic tequila.

They'll guide recommendations without being pretentious or gatekeepy. The vibe is educational enthusiasm, not sommelier snobbery.

Who This Spot Is For

Agave enthusiasts: Heaven on earth
Tequila beginners: Perfect place to level up
Cocktail nerds: Creative program worth exploring
Date nights: Intimate setting, interesting conversation starter
Small groups: Space is limited, 2-4 people ideal

Less ideal for: Large groups (space constraints), people who hate anything agave, party crowds

The Crowd and Vibe

Because it's hidden and specialized, the crowd self-selects for people genuinely interested in the spirits. You'll see Cosmo guests who did their research, local cocktail enthusiasts, agave nerds, and couples looking for something different.

Weekday happy hours are notably less crowded than weekends. If you want more bartender attention and easier conversation, Monday-Thursday is the move.

Strategic Intel

Arrive early: Space is limited and fills up. Earlier in the happy hour window means better seating odds.

Bar seating is ideal: You can watch bartenders work and have better access for questions and conversation.

Try flights: At $15, they're the best value for exploration.

Be adventurous: This isn't the place to order vodka sodas. Lean into the agave experience.

Compared to Other Cosmo Bars

Ghost Donkey is the opposite of The Chandelier's spectacle or Clique's people-watching. This is intimate, focused, and educational. All three are excellent for different reasons, but Ghost Donkey offers something more niche and knowledge-driven.

What Makes It Special

In a city of themed bars and corporate concepts, Ghost Donkey is genuinely passionate about a specific category of spirits. The 200+ bottle selection, knowledgeable staff, and thoughtful cocktail program show depth rather than breadth.

It's proof that Vegas can do specialized and serious when it wants to, not just spectacle and volume.

The Honest Take

If you have zero interest in mezcal or tequila, this might not convert you (though it has a decent shot). If you're curious or already appreciate agave spirits, this is one of the best spots in Vegas to explore them.

Happy hour makes it more accessible to experiment without the full menu pricing. You can try things you'd normally skip and discover new favorites.

Bottom Line

Hidden behind an unmarked entrance at the Cosmopolitan sits one of Vegas's best agave spirit bars. Happy hour offers accessible pricing for exploring 200+ bottles, creative cocktails, and bartenders who actually care about education.

The Move: Find that donkey logo, step through the hidden entrance, grab bar seating, tell the bartender your flavor preferences, and let them guide you through a mezcal or tequila flight. Leave with newfound appreciation for agave spirits and maybe a bottle recommendation for home.