Gonzalez Y Gonzalez Happy Hour. The Strip

The $6.95 16oz Modelo draft is the quiet winner here, cheaper than the $9.95 house margarita, the $9.95 paloma, and even the $8.95 wells. But if you came for tequila, the house margarita and paloma are the signature pours, big and built for an afternoon. Add one of the four $9.95 food specials so you're not drinking on an empty stomach.

Gonzalez Y Gonzalez is the festive Mexican spot at New York-New York, heavy on color, loud music, and party energy. Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday, 2 to 4pm. That's firmly day-drinking territory, which suits a group killing time before a show or recovering from a late night.

The room leans into kitsch with bright decor and an upbeat soundtrack. This is where groups come to start their drinking, so expect noise and enthusiasm rather than a calm sit-down. The food is Americanized Mexican done as solid bar fare, and pairing chips or nachos with the margaritas keeps the 2pm start from catching up with you.

It's a spontaneous stop more than a planned outing. If you're at New York-New York on a weekday afternoon with a group, it fits. Resort parking and valet serve the whole property, and the bar sits right off the casino floor. No pretension, strong pours, and a weekday window that rewards showing up early.