Chinatown Chronicles: A Weekly Update

Las Vegas Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood with more than just mouthwatering cuisine. This hidden gem offers surprising experiences, from delicious food to unique attractions.

A Sprawling Hub: Geographically, Chinatown begins right at the edge of the Las Vegas Strip and extends westward across three zip codes. The main concentration of businesses, shops, and restaurants starts just 1,500 feet from the Strip. Conveniently located 1,000 feet from the I-15, Chinatown is easily accessible to everyone. With six large Asian supermarkets and over 150 restaurants, it’s a true foodie’s paradise.

Beyond the Plate: But Chinatown offers more than just delicious cuisine. Explore its vibrant nightlife scene with karaoke bars, nightclubs, and even a shooting range for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Unique Experiences: Remember that article we published back in March 2019 titled “8 Cool Things to Do in Chinatown”? It highlighted some truly unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Channel your inner action hero at a shooting range, get your sweat on at Floyd Mayweather’s Gym (if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot!), unwind with a relaxing foot reflexology or full-body massage, or explore other hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Modern Meets Tradition: Immerse yourself in the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines Las Vegas Chinatown. The architecture itself is a striking juxtaposition, showcasing traditional Chinese elements against the iconic Vegas skyline.

Now let’s take a look at what’s new in our ‘hood.

This way to Chinatown Vegas

Calling All Aspiring Stars!

The spotlight is on a fantastic opportunity for young performers right here in Chinatown.

Auditions for Annie: The Musical

Lights, Camera, Action at the Las Vegas Little Theatre: Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Las Vegas Little Theatre (LVLT) is holding auditions later this month for their upcoming production of the beloved musical Annie.

Don’t miss this chance if you have a budding star at home! Head to the LVLT website (lvlt.org/auditions) for more information and details. This is a great opportunity for young performers to showcase their talents and gain valuable stage experience.

Tiki Teaserama Hits Chinatown’s Golden Tiki!

Get ready for a night of tropical fun and entertainment! The Golden Tiki is hosting its next Tiki Teaserama on August 13th.

This month’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a lineup of talented performers including the sensational Mimi Meow as your host, live music by Rhythm Ace & The Nu Tones, and captivating burlesque performances.

Enjoy delicious Bettie Page Rum drink specials, exciting raffle prizes, and dance the night away with DJ After School Special.

Don’t miss this unforgettable night of tiki-themed fun!

For more details, check out The Golden Tiki’s social media pages.

Chinatown Updates: Noodle Delays Leave Diners Wondering

Following up on some previously anticipated openings, two noodle restaurants in Chinatown remain shrouded in mystery.

Former Cafe Sanuki Space: Back in August 2023, we announced the exciting news of a “Specialty Noodle” restaurant replacing Cafe Sanuki. While the space at the corner of Spring Mountain and Decatur has seen occasional activity, a year has passed with no firm opening date in sight.

Xiao Noodle House: Similarly, the fate of Xiao Noodle House, slated to replace Lilly’s Kitchen over 18 months ago, remains uncertain. As reported in February 2023, the project aimed for a late winter or early spring opening, leaving eager diners waiting in vain.

What’s next?

The lack of updates on these two noodle houses has left many in the community wondering. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.

Chinatown Update: Progress on Redevelopment and Infrastructure

Chinatown is on the move!

There’s exciting progress to report on both the long-awaited Chinatown redevelopment project and the ongoing road construction saga.

The Decatur and Spring Mountain intersection, a notorious traffic bottleneck, is finally nearing completion. While there’s still work to be done, the end is in sight. However, drivers are urged to exercise caution, as the remaining construction and the numerous potholes on Spring Mountain just west of the intersection can still pose challenges.

On a brighter note, the proposed pedestrian bridge connecting the Chinatown and Shanghai Plazas has been approved! This much-anticipated project will greatly enhance accessibility and pedestrian safety within the neighborhood.

As a reminder, we encourage you to check out our dedicated Chinatown redevelopment issue for a deeper dive into the project and how you can get involved. Special Chinatown Redevelopment Issue

Stay tuned for more updates as Chinatown continues to evolve!

KT Lucky Claw is getting ready for its Gran Opening

A Third Chinatown Claw Machine Spot This Year in the old K-pop Store location

We are always buzzing with exciting new developments!

K-pop fans, take note: K-pop USA, the popular K-pop store, has relocated to the newly named Dragon Gate Park, formerly known as Mountain Point Business Park West. Although it’s no longer visible from Spring Mountain Road, it remains a must-visit destination for K-pop enthusiasts.

But that’s not all—yet another claw machine spot is coming to the western end of Chinatown! The former K-pop USA location will soon be home to KT Lucky Claw, marking the third claw machine store to open in Chinatown this year. This latest addition further solidifies Chinatown as a paradise for fans of these arcade games.

KT Lucky Claw getting ready for its Gran opening

Stay tuned for the grand opening of KT Lucky Claw, and don’t forget to support K-pop USA in their new location.

We’ll keep you informed on these developments and more in the coming weeks!

The Sneak Joint: A Nostalgic Glimpse into Chinatown’s Past

Uncovering a Hidden Piece of Chinatown History

Today, we journey back in time to explore a vibrant chapter in Chinatown’s history. One fascinating piece of this story is The Sneak Joint, a lively lounge and strip mall that once stood proudly at 2358 Spring Mountain Road.

Opened in 1962, The Sneak Joint was more than just a lounge—it was a social hub for the bustling World Wide Mobil City community, a neighborhood of around 200 mobile homes. This thriving enclave was the brainchild of developer Lou Laramore, with backing from notable figures like TV producer Peter De Met, Frontier’s Bill Moore, and Desert Inn’s Wilbur Clark.

Adding to its colorful history, actor Joe Pesci once spent time in Las Vegas, working part-time as a lounge host at The Sneak Joint. By the 1980s, the lounge had transformed into Sonny’s Saloon, continuing its legacy in a new form.

However, the mid-1990s marked the end of an era. The vibrant World Wide Mobil City, along with The Sneak Joint and its strip mall, vanished due to the widening of Spring Mountain Road. Sonny’s Saloon relocated to 3449 S Sammy Davis Jr Dr, leaving behind a legacy of memories.

The Sneak Joint, 2358 Spring Mountain Rd – 1960s Photo: vintagelasvegas.com

This nostalgic glimpse into Chinatown’s past offers a fascinating contrast to the neighborhood’s current dynamism. It’s a reminder of the rich history and constant evolution that have shaped Chinatown into the vibrant community it is today.

Stay tuned for more historical nuggets from Chinatown!

New Event Venue Coming Soon to Chinatown’s Neighboring Area

Exciting News for Event Planners!

While not technically within Chinatown, a new special events venue is set to open just north of our beloved neighborhood. Located in the Desert Breeze Community Center, this new facility is expected to be ready for its debut in mid-October.

With a capacity to host weddings, galas, corporate events, and potentially even concerts, this venue promises to be a popular destination for various events.

We’ll keep you updated on the venue’s progress and its official opening.

Spring Valley Little League Registration Now Open!

Get ready for America’s favorite pastime! Spring Valley Little League is now accepting registrations for its fall baseball season. Focused on developing young athletes, the league offers a fun and competitive environment for players of all skill levels.

With practices starting in late August and games kicking off in September, there’s plenty of time to get your little slugger ready for action. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build friendships, learn new skills, and enjoy the thrill of the game.

For more information and to register, visit the Spring Valley Little League website.

Spread the Word: Free Promotion for Chinatown Businesses on ChinatownVegas.com!

Attention, Chinatown Entrepreneurs!

ChinatownVegas.com is your go-to platform for free business promotion!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, we’re here to help you reach a broader audience and showcase what makes your Chinatown business unique.

Here’s what we offer:

Free Business Listings: Get your business featured on our site, complete with contact info, photos, and a brief description.

Targeted Exposure: Reach customers who are actively looking for Chinatown businesses and experiences. We also promote your business through our @ChinatownVegas social media channels, and the Chinatown Google map page, ensuring your message reaches an even wider audience.

Boost Your Brand: Stand out from the crowd and increase your brand awareness with our free marketing support and consulting services. Whether you need help crafting a marketing strategy or fine-tuning your brand, we’re here to help.

Free Website Hosting: Need an online presence? We’ve got you covered with free website hosting, making it easier than ever to connect with your customers.

Got any news to share?

Know someone opening a new business, or have exciting updates about your current one? We want to hear from you!

Share the love for Chinatown!

Email us at hello@chinatownvegas.com to get your business listed.
Send your news or updates to tips@chinatownvegas.com

That’s a wrap for this week’s Chinatown update! From new business openings to community events, there’s always something exciting happening in our neighborhood. Stay tuned for more news and updates and remember – what happens in Chinatown, happens here! See ya next week!

#ThisWeekInChinatown #ChinatownVegas #SupportLocal

Subscribe to Chinatown’s New YouTube Channel

In our ongoing efforts to promote and highlight what we feel is the best Chinatown anywhere, we have launched a YouTube Channel to capture it.

The channel plans to feature businesses, food, chefs, breaking news, street reports, and much more. Chinatown Vegas’ YouTube Channel hopes to capture a real sense feel of what it’s like to visit the super-fast growing Chinatown.