China Poblano

José Andrés looked at the Cosmopolitan and said "what if we did Chinese and Mexican in the same restaurant?" and somehow it works. China Poblano is a glorious mashup that shouldn't exist but absolutely does, and the happy hour gives you the perfect excuse to experience both cuisines without committing to a full meal. It's casual, it's fun, and it proves that sometimes the weirdest concepts are the best ones.

The Happy Hour Lowdown

Happy hour is available with deals that let you sample both sides of the menu without maxing out your casino ATM withdrawal. We're talking discounted tacos, dumplings, and drinks that span margaritas to Asian-inspired cocktails. The exact times and pricing vary, but expect late afternoon into early evening. It's one of the more affordable ways to eat José Andrés' food on the Strip, which is saying something considering his empire.

Why You're Actually Here

The flexibility is unbeatable. Half your group wants tacos, half wants dumplings? Problem solved. You can build a whole meal bouncing between Chinese and Mexican small plates, which during happy hour becomes an extremely cost-effective food tour. The tacos are legit—this is José Andrés, not Taco Bell—and the dumplings are expertly made. The drinks menu pulls from both traditions with tequila and mezcal alongside sake and Asian-inspired cocktails. It's the kind of place where you can have a margarita with your pork buns and nobody bats an eye.

The Vibe Check

Bright, energetic, and unpretentious for a Cosmopolitan restaurant. The space is split down the middle—China on one side, Mexico on the other—with a casual counter-service vibe that feels more food hall than fine dining. The crowd is young, adventurous, and here to eat a variety of things quickly before moving on to the next spot. It's fast-paced but not stressful, and the open layout means you can watch both kitchens work simultaneously.

Real Talk

It's counter service, which means you order at the register and they bring food to your table. Some people love this casual approach; others feel weird about it in a place where they're still spending decent money. The happy hour deals are solid but you'll still walk out having spent more than a typical off-Strip meal. And while the concept is fun, the food is good-not-great compared to Andrés' other projects. You're trading some quality for convenience and variety.

Pro Tips

Don't commit to one cuisine—the whole point is mixing and matching. Get tacos AND dumplings. The pork belly bao and the short rib tacos are both highlights worth ordering at any price. Sit at the communal tables in the middle where you can see both sides working. If you're solo or a couple, this is an easy stop since you don't need reservations and the turnover is quick. And if you end up loving it, check out Andrés' other Vegas spots—é by José Andrés and Jaleo—for different experiences at different price points.