Maxie's

The Strip has cocktail bars for days, but most of them are either hotel lobby afterthoughts or overpriced temples of mixology that take themselves way too seriously. Maxie's splits the difference perfectly—a proper cocktail bar that actually wants you to enjoy yourself. Located smack in Strip chaos, it's a refuge for people who care about what they're drinking but don't need a 10-minute explanation of every ingredient.

The Happy Hour Lowdown

Maxie's happy hour is where the value shines. Expect discounted cocktails (classics and signatures), beer specials, wine deals, and reduced-price bar bites during their afternoon to early evening window. The cocktails are actually crafted, not just poured, and the happy hour pricing brings them from "splurge" to "go ahead and have another." This is skilled bartending at accessible prices.

Why You're Actually Here

You're here because you want a real cocktail without the pretension or the damage to your credit card. The bartenders know their classics and their house creations, the ingredients are quality, and the execution is consistent. During happy hour, you're paying neighborhood prices for Strip-adjacent location. It's the cocktail education you want without the price tag that usually comes with education.

The Vibe Check

Maxie's feels discovered rather than touristy—a neighborhood bar that happens to be on the Strip. The lighting is dim enough for atmosphere but bright enough to see your drink. Seating accommodates both intimate conversations and group hangs. The crowd is a mix of hotel guests, locals in the know, and service industry folks pre-gaming properly. There's music, there's energy, but nothing's overwhelming.

Real Talk

In a city full of cocktail bars charging $18 for a vodka soda with a sprig of something, Maxie's is a breath of fresh air. The happy hour is genuinely generous, the drinks are made by people who care, and the atmosphere is enjoyably unpretentious. You're getting craft cocktails at prices that suggest the owners actually want regulars, not just one-time tourist marks.

Pro Tips

The bartenders** are the move—sit where you can interact and let them guide you. Classics are executed properly here, but the signatures show creativity. The bar snacks are worth ordering, especially during happy hour. Come early for a seat because it fills up. And don't be afraid to ask questions—the staff wants you to like what you're drinking, not just pay for it.