Libertine Social

Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay is what happens when a cocktail bar and restaurant actually respect your intelligence. Chef Shawn McClain created a space that feels like a modern American gastropub without the annoying pretentiousness that usually comes with that description. The cocktails are creative, the food is thoughtful, and the happy hour lets you experience it without selling a kidney.

The Happy Hour Lowdown

They run happy hour Monday through Friday from 4pm-7pm at the bar area, and it's actually worth planning your afternoon around. You're looking at $8 select cocktails (and these are legit craft cocktails, not well drinks with a garnish), $7 wines, and $6 beers. The food specials hover around $8-12 and include things like their famous duck fat fries, sliders, and crispy Brussels sprouts that'll make you reconsider your relationship with vegetables.

Why You're Actually Here

The cocktail program is no joke—these aren't your standard Vegas "throw some vodka and Red Bull in a cup" drinks. We're talking proper mixology with house-made ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and bartenders who know what the hell they're doing. The duck fat fries are borderline legendary and worth the trip alone. And the overall vibe is upscale-casual in a way that feels refreshing on the Strip—you can show up in nice jeans and nobody blinks.

The Vibe Check

Sophisticated but approachable. The crowd during happy hour skews toward people who appreciate good drinks and know their way around Vegas—locals meeting after work, couples on date night, solo travelers who did their research. The space is stylish without being stuffy, with good music at conversational volume and lighting that doesn't make you feel like you're in a nightclub. The bartenders are knowledgeable and actually enjoy talking about the menu if you're curious.

Real Talk

You're still at Mandalay Bay, so the location is kind of a hike if you're staying mid-Strip. The happy hour is bar-only, which means limited seating and potential wait times if you show up at peak hours. The food portions are sized like upscale small plates, not "feed your entire table" apps, so plan accordingly. But the quality is legit—this is proper cooking and proper bartending at happy hour prices, which is rare in Vegas.

Pro Tips

Show up right at 4pm on a weekday to snag a bar seat without the wait. Order the duck fat fries immediately—they're the move everyone recommends for a reason. If you're into cocktails, ask the bartender what they're excited about; the menu rotates and they love talking shop. The happy hour pricing makes this a solid spot to try their food before committing to a full dinner. Pair a couple small plates with drinks and you've got yourself a proper meal for reasonable money.