Imagine an exclusive bar tucked away in the middle of one of Las Vegas’ biggest, liveliest and most popular resorts but that’s so secret most visitors don’t even know it’s there.
Picture a hidden drinking den with the ambiance of a modern speakeasy where a select few gather to sip tequila, mezcal, and cocktails under dim lighting and surrounded by idiosyncratic décor, quietly content that the crowds just outside are unaware of the bar’s very existence.
It might sound like something from fiction, but it really exists – and you can go there if you can find it. The bar is called Ghost Donkey, and in this post, we have all the info you need about how to access this near-mythical venue.
Ghost Donkey – What Is It?
The original, award-winning Ghost Donkey opened in New York City, combining a classic New York speakeasy vibe with a strong Mexican flavor – and the resulting blend also found a natural home in the trendy Cosmopolitan Las Vegas resort.
However, this is no ordinary bar, and you won’t see giant signs in the hotel telling you how to find it. In fact, even if you ask the staff for directions, you may get only a playful hint rather than a full guided tour.
This is because Ghost Donkey is one of The Cosmopolitan’s secret bars – and although this particular secret is not especially well guarded, unless you know where you’re going, you might walk right past it.
It’s worth tracking down, though, and once you’re inside, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.
Having located the inconspicuous green door that leads to the bar and pushed through to the other side, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a hidden, forbidden world.
The sensation of being in a slightly naughty place that’s off-limits to the masses and accessible only to those “in the know” adds to the thrill of the bar, and the tiny size of the venue creates an intimate, exclusive atmosphere.
There’s more to it than just mysteriousness though because the food is also excellent and the list of specialist tequilas and mezcals is impressively extensive.
The service is outstanding too, and the bartenders are highly knowledgeable about everything they serve. They’re usually ready to help customers select the kind of drinks they’ll love from the almost bewildering selection on offer, contributing to the unforgettable experience.
The Food
The food menu is limited to the kind of bar snacks designed to complement the cocktails, tequilas and mezcals that Ghost Donkey specializes in, but everything they do is excellent.
The signature order for many visitors is still the nachos. Black Truffle Nachos are the best-known option, with black truffles, white cheddar sauce, and chives giving them a more indulgent feel than regular bar food.
However, the menu can also include other nacho options and Mexican-inspired bar snacks, depending on the current menu.
If nachos are not your thing, you may also find options such as queso, guacamole, chips, salsa, and other shareable bites that work well with tequila and mezcal cocktails.
Menus at Las Vegas bars can change, so check the current Ghost Donkey menu if you are visiting for a specific dish.
The Drinks
While the food in the bar is of impeccable quality, it’s really designed to play a supporting role to the drinks, and for tequila or mezcal aficionados, it doesn’t get much better than this.
You’ll be able to choose from a long list of tequila, mezcal, tasting flights, and cocktails made with traditional Mexican spirits and artisanal brands.
Of course, there are plenty of more approachable options too, although there’s nothing about Ghost Donkey that feels like a budget bar.
If you don’t know which ones to go for, you can choose a tasting flight instead, and the friendly staff are usually on hand to help you decide what to order if the selection is making you dizzy.
For those not into tequila or mezcal, there are interesting cocktails to sample too, and everything comes expertly mixed and beautifully presented, as you would expect.
Of course, they also offer Mexican beers for those of a less adventurous disposition, but having made the effort to find such an original and idiosyncratic bar, just ordering a beer would almost seem like an anti-climax.
Opening hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 4pm – midnight
- Friday – Saturday: 2pm – 2am
- Sunday: 4pm – midnight
The opening hours at Ghost Donkey can change for holidays, private events, and resort operations, so for the most up-to-date info, check The Cosmopolitan’s website.
How to Get to Ghost Donkey Las Vegas
One of the things that make this near-mythical bar so intriguing is its secretive nature, and if you want to drink there, you’ll have to find it first.
Ghost Donkey is located at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Level 2 of the Boulevard Tower, behind Block 16 Urban Food Hall.
To reach it, first head toward Block 16 Urban Food Hall inside The Cosmopolitan. Walk toward the back of the food hall and look for the small, unassuming green door with a donkey marking.
The door looks like the kind of service door that you’re not supposed to go through, but if you push it open and step through, you’ll find yourself in Ghost Donkey, one of The Cosmopolitan’s hidden secret bars.
Tips On Visiting Ghost Donkey
Once you finally make it to Ghost Donkey, there are a few ways to enjoy your trip in the best possible way. Here are our top tips for visiting the famous bar:
- If you are in a large group, arrive early or as soon as the bar opens to improve your chances of getting seats together – the bar is small and fills quickly during busy periods.
- Sitting in a booth with a small group can make the experience feel more social. If you want privacy, the small tables or the bar stools are usually better places to sit.
- Ask the knowledgeable bartenders for the best mezcal or tequila to try – they can recommend a pour or cocktail that matches your taste and preferences.
- Visit the bar for pre-drinks and a snack before a night out for the best experience. You can stay longer if you like, but the bar is best enjoyed as part of the night, not always as the main feature.
- The nachos are irresistible, especially the black truffle ones, so visit when you are hungry if you can.
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FAQs
Can You Reserve a Table at Ghost Donkey?
Ghost Donkey is generally best treated as a small walk-in hidden bar rather than a full reservation restaurant. For private events or special bookings, contact The Cosmopolitan directly.
Because the room is small and seating is limited, the best way to get a table is to arrive early, especially if you have a group.
Few first-time visitors know exactly where the place is, so you may not always find a long queue out of the door. However, with only limited seating at the bar and inside the room, it isn’t meant to hold large crowds.
Do They Have a Happy Hour at Ghost Donkey?
Ghost Donkey is not mainly known as a happy-hour bar. It is better known for mezcal, tequila, cocktails, tasting flights, and nachos.
If happy hour is important to you, check the current Cosmopolitan listing or ask when you arrive, because promotions at Las Vegas bars can change.
Is There a Dress Code at Ghost Donkey?
Ghost Donkey does not have the same strict dress code as a nightclub. However, it is inside The Cosmopolitan, so smart-casual resort attire is a good choice.
You do not need to dress formally, but you will probably feel more comfortable if you avoid beachwear, swimwear, or overly sloppy clothing.
A Fun Concept that Will Appeal to Those Who Like to Be “in-The-Know”
The idea of a secret speakeasy hidden in plain view behind Block 16 Urban Food Hall is sure to appeal to many visitors to Las Vegas, especially those who want to do something a bit more original than the most obvious tourist stops.
With this guide, you now know where this secretive bar is located and how to get in – as well as what to expect when you step through that special green door. But just one thing. Don’t tell anyone else!