Welcome to This Week in Chinatown!

Happy holidays, Chinatown fam! As we dive into the final week before Christmas, Spring Mountain Road is buzzing with festive energy—twinkling lights, packed markets, last-minute gift hunts, and the irresistible aroma of hot pot and fresh ramen drifting through the air.

This week brings a mix of exciting exclusives (from major new developments to viral tea openings), live music every night, unbeatable holiday deals, and even a stormy forecast that’s perfect for cozy indoor feasts. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, prepping for New Year’s, or just soaking in the neighborhood vibes, there’s no place like Chinatown right now.

Share your holiday moments with #ChinatownVegasVibes!

Breaking News

Development Watch: Inside the Vision—An Exclusive Interview with Ali Kaveh

First, we broke the news. Now, we have the full story.

On December 1st, This Week in Chinatown was the first to report on the massive 6-acre development planned for the “missing tooth” in our skyline—the vacant lot between Bank of America and Japan Market Fukuya. While recent reports in the Las Vegas Review-Journal have since confirmed our scoop, we knew there was more to the story than just blueprints.

Shannon Yang sat down for an exclusive 8-minute interview with the man behind the project, Ali Kaveh, to discuss what this transformation means for the corridor.

What We Learned:

• The “Pedestrian-First” Philosophy: Wide sidewalks and landscaped corridors designed to boost walkability.
• The Connection: Seamless flow from Wynn Rd to Valley View Blvd via Pioneer Ave.
• Beyond the Blueprints: Why this parcel stayed vacant for so long—and why now is the perfect time.
• A New Hub: Six buildings (A–F) balancing retail, dining, and community spaces.

“Chinatown is the hottest real estate in Las Vegas after the strip” — Ali Kaveh

Check out the complete article here: Chinatown Las Vegas Development: Ali Kaveh Reveals 6-Acre Vision

Watch the Exclusive Interview:

As always, This Week in Chinatown Las Vegas highlights what’s happening now and what’s coming next across the district.

---

Live Performance

Live Performance Vibes: Music and Dance Take the Stage

The iconic Sand Dollar Lounge (3355 Spring Mountain Rd ) continues to be Chinatown’s go-to spot for live blues, soul, and rock every single night—including Christmas Day and Christmas Eve!

Doors open at 4:00 PM daily, with music starting in the evening. Here’s the lineup for December 22–28:

• Mon, Dec 22: 6:00–9:00 PM The Chicago Joe Blues Band · 9:00 PM Castro (Igloo) · 10:00 PM Dave T & The Soul Juice Band
• Tue, Dec 23: 9:00 PM Kid Charlemagne (Igloo) · 10:00 PM Jimmy Carpenter
• Wed, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve): 9:00 PM Funky Ruben (Igloo) · 10:00 PM Christian Phifer Band
• Thu, Dec 25 (Christmas Day): 10:00 PM Lara Ash & Infernos
• Fri, Dec 26: 10:00 PM Perfect Strangers
• Sat, Dec 27: 10:00 PM THE KING JAMES BROWN BAND
• Sun, Dec 28: 10:00 PM Red Eye Gin Sunday Show

No cover most nights—come early for a spot!

Chinatown Spotlight

Shining a light on the vibrant heart of Chinatown. Stay tuned for this week’s business spotlight!

You heard it here first: CHINATOWN SPOTLIGHT: Cutie Corner & The Third Act

The momentum in Shanghai Plaza is unstoppable! The team behind one of Chinatown’s biggest recent hits has struck gold again with the now-open Cutie Corner at 4266 Spring Mountain Rd—a vibrant, must-visit spot that’s quickly become a favorite for its fun atmosphere and creative Asian-inspired snacks and desserts.

But that’s not all… chinatownvegas.com has the exclusive scoop: this powerhouse restaurant group is already gearing up for their third concept in Shanghai Plaza!

This exciting new “kudos-friendly” venture (think high-quality, innovative cuisine that earns serious praise) will take over the massive upstairs space formerly home to a prominent crab restaurant—right above Kura Revolving Sushi Bar.

This is a major win for the plaza and further proof that Shanghai Plaza is at the forefront of Chinatown’s next wave of dining destinations.

We broke this news first and are tracking all the details—name, full concept, and opening timeline coming soon. Stay tuned to chinatownvegas.com for the exclusive updates!

Shop Local: A Feast of Fresh Deals

Shop Local: Fresh Deals & Holiday Steals

With the holidays in full swing, Chinatown’s markets are loaded with premium seafood, hot pot essentials, and gift-ready treats. Most deals end December 24th or 25th—shop soon!

99 Ranch Market – Premium Holiday Picks (valid through Christmas Day)

• Live Maine Lobster: $9.99/lb – star of any feast (stock moving fast!)
• Japanese Wagyu Ribeye Slices: $12.99/pk – perfect for luxurious shabu shabu
• Large Fuji Apple Gift Boxes: $16.88/box – beautifully packaged traditional gifts
• Shirakiku Rice (20 lb bag): $13.98 – stock up the rice ATM
• Korean Singo Pears (3 ct): $6.99 – massive, crisp, and peak season sweet
• Haidilao Hot Pot Soup Bases: 2 for $7.00 – grab Tomato and Mala for cozy nights

168 Market – Fresh Finds & Pantry Staples (check flyers for mid-week changes)

• Fresh Pork Belly (skin-on): $4.99/lb – ideal for braising or crispy dishes
• Napa Cabbage: $0.49/lb – ultimate volume-filler for soups or kimchi
• Frozen Dumplings (various brands): $3.99/bag – quick meal savior (look for Wei-Chuan or Prime Food)
• King Oyster Mushrooms: $1.99/lb – meaty addition to any stir-fry
• Taiwanese Cauliflower: $1.29/lb – sweeter, crunchier local favorite
• I-Mei Choco Puffs (family pack): $5.49 – nostalgic guest-pleasing snack

Pro Tip: Hit 99 Ranch before 10:00 AM—the seafood counter lines get crazy closer to Christmas Eve!

Coming Soon: Chinatown’s Scene Heats Up

A vibrant gateway to what’s next — Chinatown Vegas prepares to unveil its newest additions.

Molly Tea Makes Its Las Vegas Debut!

The viral “Oriental Jasmine Tea” sensation that’s taken over California and New York is finally here in the 702! Premium bubble tea brand Molly Tea—known for its elegant floral-infused brews and chic “Modern Eastern” vibe—is opening its first Las Vegas location in Chinatown at 3400 S Jones Blvd #20.

Get ready for a full-scale launch celebration:

Soft Opening: Dec 24–26

– Early access to the menu

– Live DJ daily from 2:00–4:00 PM

Grand Opening: Dec 27–28

– Exclusive BOGO (Buy One Get One) on drinks

– Every purchase gets a Las Vegas-exclusive Molly Tea fridge magnet

New Product Drop: The King Apple Series launches here!

– Dec 24–26: Buy any King Apple drink → free Christmas Scented Card (limited 300/day)

– Dec 25 only: Buy King Apple + Jasmine Milk Tea → free Christmas Badge (limited 250)

Follow @mollytea_lv for updates—this is going to be the hottest tea spot of the season!

Also coming up:

Four Old Broads Auditions at LVLT (just minutes from Chinatown)

Director David Ament is casting this hilarious comedy about retired burlesque queens turned mystery solvers.

– Auditions: Jan 5 & 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM (attend one night)

– Cold readings (headshots optional) · Roles for 20s+

– Shows: March 6–22, 2026

Details: lvlt.org/four-old-broads-auditions

Coming Soon:

Claw World Brings Viral Arcade Fun to Spring Mountain Road

Chinatown’s entertainment scene is about to get a major level-up! Claw World, the viral claw arcade and collectible boutique, has officially announced its arrival in the heart of the district.

Located on Spring Mountain Road—right next door to LV Pho—the new space is currently under construction and preparing to bring a blend of high-energy gaming and trendy retail to the neighborhood.

What to Expect

Claw World isn’t your average arcade. Based on their massive social media following and “premium arcade” status, visitors can look forward to:

• The Hunt for Collectibles: A huge focus on “blind box” culture, featuring highly sought-after figures like Labubu, Sonny Angel, and Smiski.

• Viral Treats: The shop plans to carry trendy snacks that are taking over the internet, including Silky Gem crystal candy, fruit ice cream, and specialized “viral snacks.”

• Community Vibes: In a message to the Chinatown Vegas team, the Claw World crew expressed their excitement to “be part of the Chinatown community” and their commitment to supporting fellow local businesses.

Location: Spring Mountain Road (Next to LV Pho) Status: Under Construction / Coming Soon Follow for Updates: @clawworld_usa

Stay tuned to This Week in Chinatown for official grand opening dates and a first look inside!

Still more to come:

Still to come – Major Openings Update

• Sea Harbour by Chef Tony (5780 Spring Mountain Rd) – Almost here!
• Oden Spicy Hotpot (Hotai Plaza) – Signage up!
• Matcha Cafe Maiko ( Hotai Plaza) Opening is imminent
• Mukgo Nolza (west of I-15) – 21 sci-fi karaoke rooms, 2025
• Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori – Targeting 2025
• Kao Gang Thai Fast Food (Spring Oaks Plaza) – Now soft opened!
• Shabu Rokka Premium Revolving A.Y.C.E. Hotpot, which is gearing up to be the neighborhood’s very first All-You-Can-Eat hotpot spot to feature a conveyor belt

Weather: Chinatown Weather Post – December 22–28, 2025

A Wet Holiday Week in Chinatown!

Hello Chinatown lovers! If you were enjoying the mild, spring-like vibes earlier this month, it’s time to grab your umbrellas. While the week starts pleasantly, a significant storm system is moving in just in time for the holidays. Expect heavy rain mid-week and a noticeable cool-down as we head into the weekend. Perfect weather for a steaming bowl of ramen or some spicy hot pot on Spring Mountain Road!

Daily Breakdown:

• Monday, Dec 22: Partly Sunny – High 67°F / Low 50°F. A beautiful start to the week with just a 1% chance of rain. Great for some last-minute holiday shopping.
• Tuesday, Dec 23: Mostly Cloudy – High 63°F / Low 51°F. Temperatures begin to dip slightly as the clouds move in.
• Wednesday, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve): Heavy Rain – High 58°F / Low 53°F. A 90% chance of rain. Expect a wet commute if you’re heading out for a Christmas Eve dinner.
• Thursday, Dec 25 (Christmas Day): Showers – High 61°F / Low 48°F. The rain continues with a 79% chance of precipitation. A cozy day to stay indoors!
• Friday, Dec 26: Scattered Showers – High 60°F / Low 47°F. The worst of the storm passes, but keep the umbrella handy for lingering showers (23% chance).
• Saturday, Dec 27: Cool & Showery – High 56°F / Low 44°F. A bit of sun peeks through, but it stays chilly with a 32% chance of rain.
• Sunday, Dec 28: Partly Cloudy – High 56°F / Low 43°F. Finishing the week on a crisp, dry note with only a 13% chance of rain.

Community Corner

Highlighting the people and places that make our Chinatown special.

Attention, Las Vegas playwrights! The clock is ticking on the Las Vegas Little Theatre’s 17th Annual (2026) New Works Competition!

Submit your original script for a chance to have it fully produced by LVLT this season—a huge opportunity to showcase your work right here in our local theater scene (just minutes from Chinatown).

Deadline: December 31, 2025—don’t wait!

Get the application and full rules on the official LVLT website.

Looking Back

A look back at the time of Las Vegas Chinatown

The Evolution of a Storefront: How It Started vs. How It’s Going

Flashback to 2018! Remember the buzz when this “Coming Soon” banner for JJ Noodle Cafe went up on Spring Mountain Road? It had everyone in Chinatown excited for Hong Kong-style comfort food, late-night milk tea, and those classic cart noodles.

Fast forward to today—that same storefront has evolved into Pho 79 DC, keeping the noodle tradition alive with steaming bowls of flavorful Vietnamese pho and hearty broths.

It’s a perfect reminder of how quickly our neighborhood transforms while staying true to its roots: always serving up bold, comforting flavors on Spring Mountain.

We want to hear from you:

• Did you ever try the original JJ Noodle Cafe?
• Or have you already visited Pho 79 DC for their signature broth?

Share your memories (and photos!) with #ChinatownVegasVibes!

Chinatown Gripes

🚦 This Week in Chinatown Update: The “Gripes & Gains.”

The Big Win: We’re All Clear!

We are thrilled to report that the new traffic light and pedestrian crosswalk (connecting the Chinatown and Shanghai Plazas) are expected to be fully operational today! This is a massive victory for safety and connectivity in our corridor. A huge thank you to everyone who pushed for this—walking across Spring Mountain just got a lot less like a game of Frogger.

The “Still Pending” Gripes

While we celebrate the new light, there are a few “ferocious” issues we’d like to see corrected—or at least temporarily patched—asap:

• Speed Limit Slowdown: The current 45 mph limit feels like the Autobahn in a neighborhood full of pedestrians. We need a reduction to reflect the “Main Street” reality of Chinatown.

• The Left-Turn “Hunger Games”: Navigating a left turn out of the Spring Mountain plazas is currently a nightmare. We need clearer signaling or turn restrictions to prevent the daily gridlock and near-misses.

• Ferocious Potholes: Our suspensions are screaming. The “cratered” sections of the road need immediate attention—even a temporary patch would be better than the current suspension-destroyers.

• Bus Stop Realignment: Transit riders deserve better. We are looking for the realignment of bus stops and pick-up zones to better match where people actually need to be, ensuring smoother traffic flow for everyone.

Note to Officials: We see the progress, and we love it, but don’t stop now! These “small” fixes would make a world of difference for local businesses and visitors alike.

Explore More Chinatown

Ready to dive deeper into everything our neighborhood has to offer? Whether you’re hungry, curious, or just looking for something new to experience—we’ve got you covered. This Week in Chinatown knows Spring Mountain Road offers endless adventures, from dining to community events. Revisit our past guides for more inspiration at chinatownvegas.com/past-guides.

Master Martial Arts in Chinatown’s Core

Channel your inner warrior at Chinatown’s premier martial arts dojos, offering Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and more. From kids to adults, beginners to experts, these studios blend fitness, focus, and tradition—perfect for building strength and discipline year-round.

Pro Tip: Many dojos offer free trial classes—test your skills risk-free!

Must-Try: A beginner Kung Fu class for a mix of strength and mindfulness.

Chinatown Vegas Features Perfect Places to Master Martial Arts for Kids and Adults

Share your experience with #ChinatownVegasVibes!

Karaoke Nights That Steal the Show

Unleash your inner pop star at Chinatown’s lively karaoke lounges. With private rooms, neon vibes, and endless song choices, these spots bring AAPI flair to every night out.

Pro Tip: Reserve early—weekend rooms fill up fast!

Must-Try: All-you-can-sing sessions with unlimited soda for just $20/hr at spots like J Karaoke Studio.

Chinatown Karaoke Revealed: 8 Amazing Must-Visit Spots

Share your experience with #ChinatownVegasVibes!

9 Ramen Bowls to Warm Your Soul

Chinatown’s ramen scene rivals the best, with steaming bowls of tonkotsu, spicy miso, and more. These dishes deliver bold flavors any time you’re craving comfort.

Pro Tip: Add extra chashu for a protein-packed treat.

Must-Try: Tonkotsu ramen with black garlic oil at Monta Noodle House.

Monta Noodle House, 5030 W. Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89146

9 Amazing Ramen Dishes to Try in Chinatown

Share your experience with #ChinatownVegasVibes!

Embrace Traditional Chinese Medicine

Discover centuries-old wellness at Chinatown’s herbal shops and acupuncture clinics. From custom tea blends to holistic treatments, these centers offer balance and healing whenever you need a reset.

Pro Tip: Chat with herbalists for personalized remedy recommendations.

Must-Try: A first-time acupuncture session paired with a visit to Wing’s Chinese Herbs.

Wing’s Chinese Herbs, 4300 W. Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89102

Discovering Traditional Chinese Medicine in Las Vegas Chinatown

Share your experience with #ChinatownVegasVibes!

Try Your Luck in Chinatown

No mega-casinos here, but Chinatown’s gaming scene has its own charm. Hit up cozy lounges with video poker or hidden spots for classic betting, all paired with great food and drinks.

Pro Tip: Look for bars with video poker for great drink deals.

Must-Try: A night of gaming and cocktails at The Golden Tiki.

The Golden Tiki, 3939 W. Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89102

Can You Gamble In Chinatown? A Guide To Gambling In Las Vegas’ Chinatown

Share your experience with #ChinatownVegasVibes!

Insider Tip: Visit ChinatownVegas.com daily for breaking news, openings, and the stories behind your favorite neighborhood spots.

Supercharge Your Business

Chinatown Vegas: Boost Your Business with Free Advertising

ChinatownVegas.com is and always will be free, and businesses are encouraged to take advantage of it, our @chinatownvegas social media, and our Google Maps page to boost their visibility in this vibrant district. Feature your business, events, or specials on these platforms to connect with thousands of locals and visitors exploring Spring Mountain Road. But for those looking for a whole lot more, Chinatown Amplify is the ultimate growth engine to make your brand shine in Las Vegas’s most dynamic neighborhood.

• Get listed on ChinatownVegas.com for instant exposure to our engaged audience.
• Leverage @chinatownvegas social media for shoutouts and real-time engagement.
• Optimize your Google Maps presence with our support to attract more foot traffic.

Chinatown Amplify: Your Dedicated Partner for Exponential Growth

Chinatown Amplify, the dynamic, results-focused marketing arm of Chinatown Vegas, is your powerhouse partner for elevating businesses within our vibrant district. Launched specifically to accelerate growth, we specialize in targeted, high-impact promotions that strategically leverage our strong Google presence, active social channels, and deep, exclusive community connections.

• Custom Social Media Campaigns: Professional content creation and strategically boosted posts engineered to reach target audiences—think viral video reels of your signature dishes shared across our premium platforms.
• Event Sponsorships and PR: Secure prime, high-value visibility at major neighborhood events paired with targeted press releases to local Las Vegas media for maximum impact.
• Premium Website Listings and Branding: Unlock enhanced, search engine optimized (SEO) profiles on ChinatownVegas.com, alongside professional branding support and consulting to attract the most lucrative customers from the Strip and beyond.

Ready to supercharge your visibility? Our foundational free tier on ChinatownVegas.com gets your business immediately noticed, while Amplify’s premium upgrades deliver measurable, transformative results—ensuring more eyes on your business, more doors opened, and more sustained success stories.

Get Started Today: Email hello@chinatownvegas.com or visit chinatownvegas.com to claim your free listing!

Join the Movement: Share your success story with #ChinatownAmplify

Let’s Celebrate

Another vibrant week in Chinatown wraps up with exclusive scoops, holiday steals, and plenty of reasons to bundle up and head to Spring Mountain. From groundbreaking developments to new tea obsessions, if it happens in Chinatown, it happens here.

Stay dry, stay warm, and keep supporting our local gems. See ya next week—happy holidays!

Share your Chinatown stories and tag us with #ChinatownVegasVibes!