Holstein's Shakes and Buns

Holstein's does gourmet burgers and boozy milkshakes in a retro diner setting at The D downtown, and somehow makes it work without being insufferably hipster. The happy hour runs weekdays plus a weird Wednesday late-night bonus, giving you multiple opportunities to pair $5 drinks with burgers that absolutely don't need truffle aioli but have it anyway.

The Happy Hour Details

Monday through Friday from 3-6pm, plus Wednesday 8-10pm, you're getting $5 beer, wine, and well drinks. That late Wednesday window is random but welcome—most happy hours don't give you a second chance at 8pm. The $5 pricing covers all the basics, and the selection's decent. You're not getting craft cocktails, but you're also paying $5, so expectations should be managed.

The Burger Situation

Holstein's burgers are legitimately good—creative toppings, quality beef, proper cooking. During happy hour, burgers are regular price ($15-18), but pair a $5 beer with a $16 burger and you've got a full meal for around $21. That's reasonable for the quality, especially downtown. The fries are hand-cut and come with multiple sauce options. Everything's designed to be indulgent and a little over-the-top.

The Boozy Shakes

The "Bam Bam" and other boozy shakes are Holstein's signature move—massive milkshakes with liquor, ridiculous toppings, and enough sugar to put you in a coma. They're not included in happy hour pricing, but they're worth mentioning because they're absurd and fun. If you're celebrating something or just feeling chaotic, order one and regret it later.

The Wednesday Night Bonus

That Wednesday 8-10pm happy hour is weirdly strategic. Most people don't think "happy hour" at 8pm on Wednesday, which means fewer crowds and good bartender attention. If you're downtown Wednesday night and want cheap drinks without 5pm crowds, this is your window. It's random but appreciated.

The D Casino Location

Holstein's is in The D, which is downtown's middle-tier casino—nicer than the Golden Gate, not as fancy as Circa. The restaurant's right off the casino floor, making it accessible and easy to find. The retro diner aesthetic is fun without being obnoxious. Red booths, classic signage, and enough personality to feel distinct from generic casino dining.

Food Quality vs. Price

Even at regular pricing, Holstein's delivers quality. The ingredients are fresh, the cooking's on point, and the menu shows creativity. During happy hour, $5 drinks make the overall meal cost reasonable. This isn't the cheapest downtown option, but the quality justifies the price if you actually care about your food.

Strategic Ordering

Hit the weekday 3-6pm window for standard happy hour timing. Order a burger (regular price) with happy hour drinks to maximize value. Share fries with your group because the portions are big. The Wednesday 8-10pm window works for late dinner or post-gaming hunger.

Who This Is For

Burger people who want quality over quantity. Groups looking for a sit-down meal downtown with some happy hour savings. Anyone craving comfort food with a side of nostalgia. This isn't a dive bar or quick bite—it's a full meal situation.

The Weekday Schedule

Monday-Friday 3-6pm is standard happy hour territory. The lack of weekend pricing sucks for tourists, but the Wednesday night bonus offers a second weekly opportunity. The three-hour daily window is generous enough for leisurely meals.

Bottom Line

$5 drinks at a quality restaurant downtown is solid. Pair them with a good burger and you've got a legitimate meal for reasonable money. Holstein's isn't trying to be the cheapest option—it's trying to be good, and the happy hour makes that quality accessible.

If you want a proper burger downtown and appreciate happy hour savings on drinks, Holstein's delivers. The retro vibe's fun, the food's legitimately good, and $5 beer with your burger makes the whole thing feel like a deal even when you're paying full price for food.