TAO Asian Bistro

TAO is the nightclub-restaurant hybrid that proved Vegas could turn dinner into a full production. Giant Buddha statues, infinity pools, beautiful people everywhere—it's over-the-top in that specific Vegas way that's either your nightmare or your Friday night. The happy hour is weird: daily from 8:30-10pm, which is basically late-night for normal people. Everything is $10, which is both the deal and the gimmick.

The Late-Night Window

8:30-10pm every single day is an odd happy hour slot, but it works if you think of it as pre-gaming for the nightclub upstairs or a post-dinner drinking session. The $10 everything deal is simple: select cocktails, select apps, everything on the happy hour menu is a flat ten bucks. No math, no confusion, just decide what you want and multiply by ten.

The $10 Game

The cocktails are TAO's signature moves—lychee martinis, sake-based creations, tropical bombs that taste like dessert. At $10, they're a solid deal considering the regular menu would charge you double. The apps are hit-or-miss: some are legitimately good (the crispy rice with spicy tuna is a staple), others feel like they're priced at $10 because that's the theme. Order smart and you'll eat well; order randomly and you might feel like you overpaid.

The TAO Experience

You're not just here for food and drinks—you're here for the scene. The space is massive, dramatic, and designed to make you feel like you're at the coolest party in town. The crowd during late-night happy hour is a mix of people pre-gaming for the club, hotel guests who wandered in, and groups celebrating something (birthdays, bachelorettes, questionable life choices). It's loud, energetic, and absolutely not the place for a quiet date unless you're trying to avoid conversation.

Food That Works

Stick to the greatest hits: crispy rice with spicy tuna, edamame dumplings, satay skewers. The sushi is fine but not mind-blowing—you're paying for atmosphere as much as food. If you're actually hungry, the portions are decent enough that a few apps will fill you up. If you're just drinking, order something to soak up the alcohol and keep the night moving.

When It Makes Sense

This happy hour works best as part of a larger plan: dinner somewhere else, then drinks at TAO, then upstairs to the club (if you're into that). Or a show earlier, then late-night bites and cocktails before calling it. The 8:30pm start is too late for traditional happy hour vibes but perfect for Vegas, where nobody eats dinner before 9pm anyway.

It's expensive even with the $10 deal, but you're paying for the full TAO experience—the space, the energy, the spectacle. If you want low-key, go anywhere else. If you want Vegas excess with a side of Asian fusion, this is your spot.