Raku is where Vegas chefs go after their shifts to eat the kind of food they wish they could serve. This late-night Japanese robata grill in Chinatown has become legendary among industry people, and once you taste what they're doing with charcoal and skewers, you'll understand why. It's not fancy, it's not cheap, but it's some of the best Japanese food in Vegas, and the late-night hours make it perfect for the kind of people who operate on vampire schedules.

The Happy Hour Lowdown

Raku doesn't really do traditional happy hour because they open late (6pm) and stay open until 3am, which means the whole operation is basically happy hour for night owls and industry folks. Drink specials rotate, but the real draw is the food and the atmosphere. Sake, Japanese whisky, and beer are the moves here, and while prices aren't discounted, the quality justifies every dollar. This is a destination restaurant that happens to have great late-night energy, not a happy hour spot per se.

Why You're Actually Here

The robata-grilled items are incredible—skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables cooked over charcoal with that perfect char and smoke. The pork cheek, the chicken meatballs, the duck—everything off the grill is a revelation. The rest of the menu is equally strong: housemade tofu, fresh sashimi, noodle dishes that hit different at midnight. And the late-night crowd creates a vibe you won't find at normal dinner hours: chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, all the people who make Vegas restaurants work, finally getting to enjoy great food themselves.

The Vibe Check

Casual, intimate, and unpretentious for how good the food is. It's a small space with counter seating where you can watch the chefs work the grill, and a handful of tables that fill up fast. The lighting is warm and low-key, the atmosphere is convivial, and there's a sense that everyone here is in-the-know. You'll overhear shop talk from industry people, see chefs from other restaurants eating here, and feel like you've stumbled into Vegas' culinary inner circle.

Real Talk

It's tiny, it's popular, and waits can be brutal, especially after 10pm when the industry crowd descends. Reservations are accepted but limited. The menu is in Japanese with English translations, and some items are authentically challenging (think offal and unconventional cuts). If you're squeamish about adventurous eating, stick to the safer grilled options. It's not cheap—this is high-quality Japanese food prepared by serious chefs, and the bill reflects that. But it's worth every dollar if you appreciate the craft.

Pro Tips

Go late on a weeknight (like midnight on Tuesday) for the best chance at getting in without a massive wait. Sit at the counter if possible—watching the grill masters work is half the experience. Order a variety of skewers and share family-style; that's how the menu is designed. The pork cheek and kurobuta pork belly are must-orders. Sake is the traditional pairing, but their Japanese whisky selection is excellent if you want something stronger. And pace yourself—it's easy to over-order when everything sounds amazing, but the richness adds up.