We were sucked in (or should I say suckered in) by their happy hour special — $5 apps, $7 cocktails and wines by the glass, and $4 beers. It sounds better than it actually is. The apps are small. Very small. So small you’ll have to order at least 6 per person to fill yourself up if you’re hungry. This happy hour is best if you’ve got little to no appetite.
The apps we tried weren’t bad. One order of oysters came with two oysters, one topped with a mignonette, the other with a bloody mary granité. The crab truffles were three crab balls with a crunchy rice cracker coating. The BBQ meatballs had the best flavor of them all. The description mentioned baked beans and corn bread. There were beans lining the bottom of the dish, but the “corn bread” was more like bread crumbs topping the meatballs.
What I enjoyed most was the interior of the restaurant. They managed to create a rustic, outdoorsy environment that is modern, elegant, and inviting. It’s one of my favorite, and most memorable, interiors on the Strip. The highlight of the interior is the scene behind the bar where, with a few trees and mirrors, it looks like an endless forest. There are also large windows that allow you to peek into the kitchen.
Our drinks were good (a cava and Bramble) and the rest of the menu looked interesting enough to warrant a return visit, but if we go back it’ll be for a proper meal, not the happy hour.
3 Stars
Aria Las Vegas
3746 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(877) 230-2742
