Jaleo

José Andrés doesn't do boring, and Jaleo proves it. This Spanish tapas spot brings the energy of a Barcelona market to the Strip, with small plates that actually justify their price tags and a happy hour that makes you feel like you're getting away with something. It's lively without being obnoxious, authentic without being pretentious, and perfect for when you want something more interesting than another damn burger.

The Happy Hour Setup

Weekdays run Sunday through Thursday from 5-7pm, while Friday and Saturday shift earlier to 4:30-7pm—which is smart, because weekends get packed fast. You're looking at $7 beer, $9 wine, and $12 cocktails, which is solid for this caliber of spot. The tapas range from $4 to $9, and here's the move: order a bunch and share. That's literally how Spanish people eat, and it works.

What to Actually Order

Don't sleep on the patatas bravas—crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and aioli that'll ruin you for regular fries. The jamón ibérico is the real deal if you want to splurge a bit, and the gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) are stupid good. If you're feeling adventurous, the pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) is tender as hell and actually tastes like something. Skip the basic stuff—you can get croquetas anywhere. Go for the items you can't pronounce.

The Vibe Check

It's colorful, energetic, and loud in the best way. The open kitchen adds to the theater, and the Spanish music keeps things from feeling like every other casino restaurant. You'll see couples on date nights, groups of friends making poor decisions, and the occasional food nerd taking iPhone photos of their plates. Dress code is "nice casual"—you can wear jeans, but maybe not your "I ♥️ Vegas" tank top.

Pro Tips

Get there right when happy hour starts or you'll wait. The bar seating is primo for solo diners or couples. If you're with a group of four or more, make a reservation even for happy hour—they'll usually accommodate. The sangria is always tempting, but stick with the $9 wine if you want the best value. And if you've never had proper Spanish tapas before, just ask your server—they're usually pretty enthusiastic about walking you through it.

This is one of those rare Strip spots where the food actually matches the hype, and happy hour makes it accessible without feeling like you're settling for the cheap stuff.