Las Vegas Weekly

• Tweet
• 
• Print
• 

All hotels should have a cool, quiet spot for enjoying an early evening drink and nosh. You probably haven’t heard about 221, the new drink-and-noshery inside Summerlin’s JW Marriott. Hidden behind the J.C. Wooloughan pub, this space was once a dark cigar lounge. Now it’s been brightened up as a happy hour spot focused on small plates and wine. During the actual happy hours (5-7 p.m.) there are $5 specials for select beer and wine, crazy color-coded martinis like a blue curacao and agave nectar concoction, and tasty snacks like curried vegetable empanadas.

Later, sample 6- or 9-ounce glasses of red or white priced between $7 and $16 and experiment with 221’s other shareable bites. There’s chicken satay with Thai peanut dipping sauce ($6), pan-seared scallops with sweet corn ($7) and larger cheese and charcuterie boards. The prices alone make it worth an adventure through this serene neighborhood resort. Here’s a hint: Drive past the resort on Rampart and take Canyon Run Drive west. Park in the back to avoid the casino, pretend you’re on a relaxing golf/spa vacay, and get your happy hour on.