I did not know that Rí Rá Irish Pub in Las Vegas was actually one of four locations: Las Vegas, Charlotte, Burlington, and Portland in Maine. When we decided to dine there, I initially thought that the Las Vegas location in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas property was the only location. After having dined on authentic Irish cuisine in Ireland and Northern Ireland only five months earlier, I was somewhat skeptical about dining here — but most of the other dining options were crowded with long waits for a table or closed to the public altogether due to two conventions that Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino was hosting.
Rí Rá Irish Pub in Las Vegas. Restaurant Review.
This location of Rí Rá claims to have been constructed from a pub that was meticulously restored in Ireland before it was shipped to Mandalay Place, which is a shopping and dining area that is located adjacent to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Rí Rá epitomizes the true Irish pub experience with its comfortable neighborhood environment where conversation flows as smoothly as Guinness ebbs in the glass — and one look inside did feel like I was stepping into an authentic Irish pub.
We were seated at a table towards the back of the pub. Thankfully, we were able to order our food as soon as we were ready.
Despite my not particularly liking cream soups, the Potato & Leek Soup was good and accompanied by dark Irish bread and butter. The leeks were fried and used as a garnish on top. The butter was okay; but it was clearly not as good as traditional Irish butter. $6.45; but starters and appetizers were half price before 6:00 in the evening — and we arrived at 5:50, unaware of this discount but were able to take advantage of it.
If the pan seared Traditional Potato Cakes did not have cheese in it, I would have considered them to be very good. Listed on the menu was mashed potato, green onion, cheddar cheese, savory sour cream, and balsamic glaze drizzle. The server claimed that one barely notices the cheese in this dish — but although it was not obvious, I still noticed. $13.45; but again, this appetizer was purchased at half price.
Although it was not the best chicken I have ever had, the Chicken Bites was a rather generous dish. I chose the Guinness BBQ sauce as one of five flavors from which one can select. Eight large pieces of fried buttermilk-battered white meat chicken with celery sticks and honey mustard dip could almost be a meal in and of itself. $17.45; but again, this starter was purchased at half price.
The Beef & Guiness Stew with tender Guinness stewed beef, barley, root vegetables, and a dollop of pub mashed potatoes tasted okay. Although I will eat it from time to time, stew is not exactly one of my favorite foods; but it did not hold a candle to its brethren in the oldest pub in Ireland, which was absolutely fantastic. $23.45.
The Fish & Chips comprised of a generous portion of lager battered Icelandic haddock, hand cut fries, tartar sauce or Irish remoulade, and a lemon wedge. Cod is normally used in traditional fish and chips; but Icelandic haddock? Hey — it worked here. The batter was nice and crispy; and the fish itself was tender yet firm. Malt vinegar was automatically served with it, which earned “bonus points”. The fries were left over and were completely consumed later. $27.45
A serving of Bachelors Mushy Peas was ordered. It was okay and not nearly as good as the mushy peas for which I craved while I was in Ireland and Northern Ireland, as it was too runny with not enough flavor. $3.25
The traditional bread pudding is prepared on premises and must be ordered approximately 25 minutes before serving. It was okay; but I do not particularly like bread pudding. It was not on the menu and I did not take a photograph of it.
The bar area was quite long and was actually divided between two of the rooms of the pub. A Guinness store is located next door, which seems to be the case at the other locations as well.
Final Boarding Call
We did not order any alcoholic beverages, as none of us were interested in them. Also, we were there too early to experience the live Irish music that is played there on a nightly basis.
On a separate occasion, we dined here for breakfast and enjoyed our experiences immensely.
The dining experience of Rí Rá Irish Pub was quite good overall, with prompt, friendly, attentive, and excellent service. The ambiance was nice and comfortable. Although the prices are slightly more expensive than I would have liked, I recommend dining here if you want a reasonably quick — and definitely filling — meal; and starters and appetizers are half price before 6:00 in the evening, if you want to create a meal out of them at better prices.
Although waiting for a table is possible, I never saw a line for a table.
Rí Rá Irish Pub
Located inside of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas property
3950 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
702-632-7447
Operating Hours
8:00 in the morning through midnight, seven days per week
Self parking costs:
- First 60 minutes: no charge
- Up to a maximum of four hours:
- $15.00 Monday through Thursday
- $20.00 Friday through Sunday
Valet parking costs:
- $35.00 Monday through Thursday
- $40.00 Friday through Sunday
All photographs ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
