Welcome to This Week in Chinatown!

Hey Chinatown Fam! ☀️

Your weekly roundup for the Spring Mountain corridor (Monday–Sunday) is here, and there’s some real breaking news shaking things up right now. From major openings and live performances to community updates and ongoing advocacy, this week captures Chinatown’s momentum in full swing.

Let’s get into it.

🌟 Share your Chinatown vibe with #ChinatownVegasVibes!

Breaking News

Breaking News: ChinatownVegas.com delivers real-time updates from the heart of Las Vegas Chinatown.

Kyoto’s Famed Hatoya Targets Late March Debut in Asian Pacific Plaza

The “Chinatown 2.0” movement continues to gain momentum as one of Japan’s most prestigious matcha brands prepares to make its American debut right here on Spring Mountain. Hatoya Ryoyousha, the Kyoto-based sensation known for its artisanal approach to Uji matcha, has officially set its sights on a late March opening.

Located in the Asian Pacific Plaza (5650 Spring Mountain Rd), the new tea stand is moving into the heart of one of the neighborhood’s most popular strips. Situated just two doors down from the iconic Tang Tang Tang, Hatoya joins a high-traffic row of authentic favorites, making this corner of Chinatown a major destination for dessert and tea enthusiasts.

Hatoya, the acclaimed Japanese matcha brand, is targeting a late March opening for its first-ever U.S. location in Chinatown, Las Vegas.

Fans are eagerly awaiting Hatoya’s signature menu, which features hand-picked, stone-ground matcha and their world-famous layered lattes topped with creamy, house-made matcha soft serve. The sleek “Coming Soon” signage is already a fixture for locals, signaling a new level of high-end, international imports choosing Chinatown for their first U.S. flagship.

You can read our original exclusive breaking news on Hatoya’s first U.S. location in Chinatown, Las Vegas, here.

Live Performance Spotlight

Live Performance Vibes: Music and Dance Take the Stage

🎶 Chinatown nights stay loud, soulful, and unapologetically local this week, with nightly live music at The Sand Dollar Lounge—still one of the best no-cover live-music rooms in the city.

Monday, February 9
• The Chris Koman Band – Blues-rock grooves and guitar-driven energy to kick off the week.

Tuesday, February 10
• Monk & the Po Boys – A Sand Dollar staple delivering classic blues and deep roots vibes.

Wednesday, February 11
• Mimi & The Riviera’s – Retro-inspired blues, swing, and vintage soul take over the stage. (10 PM)

Thursday, February 12
• Jimmy Carpenter – High-energy blues led by powerhouse saxophone and seasoned musicianship.

Friday, February 13
• Sam Chambliss (early set)
• Chris Tofield Band – Hard-hitting modern blues and fiery guitar work to start the weekend.

Saturday, February 14
• The King James Brown Band – Funk-forward, soul-driven sounds perfect for Valentine’s weekend.

Sunday, February 15
• P.S. I Love You – A lively blues-rock set to close out the week on a high note.

All shows typically start around 10 PM. No cover. 21+. Craft cocktails, late-night pizza, and some of the best live sound in Chinatown. Insider tip: Arrive early on weekends—the vibe fills up fast with locals and visitors craving authentic blues energy!

Chinatown Spotlight

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

Neon Spotlights Chinatown Vegas: 8 Standout Restaurants to Try Right Now

Last week, the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Neon section put the spotlight on Chinatown with a curated list of eight new and buzzing restaurants that capture the neighborhood’s explosive growth as one of Las Vegas’ top dining districts. As we gear up for Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse starting Feb 17), these spots are perfect for exploring fresh flavors and favorites.

Here’s the quick roundup from Neon—and why they’re worth hitting this week:

• Ellie’s Chinese Restaurant — Family-owned Cantonese classics like BBQ pork buns, crispy rice noodles, and ma-la boiled beef. Traditional flavors executed perfectly.
• Gastropub Nisei Bar & Grill — Creative mash-up of American gastropub and Japanese izakaya from Chef Winston Matsuuchi—small plates, hearty dishes, lively bar vibes.
• Kao Gang — Cozy Thai spot with tom yum goong, pad see ew, papaya salad—straightforward, satisfying comfort food.
• Lullabar Thai Fusion & Izakaya — Northern Thai meets izakaya plates, late-night energy (open till 6 a.m. weekends!), live music, bold flavors.
• Oden Spicy Hot Pot — Build-your-own hot pot with customizable broths, ingredients, sauces—great for groups and cooler evenings.
• Pop Café — Café-kitchen hybrid with matcha/hojicha drinks and inventive pizzas (try prosciutto and burrata kumo).
• Sen Thai Noodle — Crowd-pleasing Thai noodles: pork/shrimp dumplings, larb salad, rich curries.
• Shoo Loong Kan Hot Pot — Sichuan-style hot pot with bold ma-la and tom yum broths—spice lovers’ dream.

Chinatown isn’t just growing—it’s leveling up. Whether revisiting an old favorite or discovering something new, these eight give a tasty snapshot of the neighborhood’s range.

Pro Tip: Many are in high-traffic plazas along Spring Mountain—park smart, go mid-week to beat crowds, and share your pics with #ChinatownVegasVibes!

Shop Local: A Feast of Fresh Deals

Shop Local: A Feast of Fresh Deals — Support Chinatown businesses and discover fresh finds throughout the Spring Mountain Road corridor.

Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family dinner, game-day spreads, or just stocking up on pantry essentials ahead of the busy week, Chinatown’s grocery giants are delivering unbeatable prices right now. From premium proteins and fresh seafood to seasonal fruits and bulk staples, here are the standout bargains from 99 Ranch Market and 168 Market this week.

99 Ranch Market
Located in Chinatown Plaza

• 99 Jasmine Rice (25+3 lbs Special): Only $21.99/ea – A generous 28lb bag at an incredible value.
• Envy Apples: Now just 99¢/lb – Crisp, sweet, and perfect for snacking or salads.
• Chicken Mid Joint Wings: BUY 1 GET 1 FREE (at $26.99/pk) – Stock up for game day or stir-fries.
• Shin Ramyun Family Pack (5pk): Discounted to $3.99/pk – The gold standard of spicy instant noodles.
• Mizuo Frozen Glutinous Corn: 2 for $5.00 – Chewy, comforting, and great steamed or grilled.

168 Market
Located in Spring Mountain Center

• Lamb Roll (Family Pack, 2.5 lb): $29.99 (Regularly $36.99) – Ideal for hotpot or grilling.
• 16/30 Wild Red Shrimp (1 lb): $7.99 (Regularly $13.99) – Sweet, juicy, and perfect for stir-fries or cocktails.
• Asian Taste Jasmine Rice (50 lb): $41.99 (Regularly $49.99) – Bulk savings for big households or frequent rice lovers.
• JB Napa Kimchi (2.64 lb): $10.99/ea – Authentic, perfectly fermented, and ready for banchan.
• Calbee Shrimp Chips (Value Pack): 2 for $7 – The ultimate savory, crunchy snack.
• Fresh Young Coconut (9 ct case): $16.99/cs – Refreshing hydration straight from the shell.

Pro Tip: If you’re hitting 168 Market, make sure you have your physical Club Card or the app ready—the “Club Card” price often saves an additional 10-20% on weekly specials. Mid-week shopping is usually less crowded, so grab these deals before they’re gone!

Coming Soon: Chinatown’s Scene Heats Up

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

This February, don’t miss a chilling and thought-provoking theatrical experience right here in Chinatown! The Sin City Players are bringing a gripping psychological drama — Boy Gets Girl — to the intimate Black Box stage at Las Vegas Little Theatre (LVLT).

📅 Performance Dates:
Friday, Feb. 20 & 27 @ 8 PM
Saturday, Feb. 21 & 28 @ 8 PM
Sunday, March 1 @ 2:30 PM

💡 Written by Rebecca Gilman, Boy Gets Girl follows Theresa Bedell, a successful New York literary magazine writer who agrees to a blind date that takes a dark turn. What starts as an ordinary evening quickly spirals into an unsettling tale of obsession and danger, putting a spotlight on the fine line between romantic pursuit and stalking.

🎟 Tickets: $25 general admission | $15 for students 18 & under (call the box office for youth pricing)

⚠️ Content Advisory: Due to mature themes, this production isn’t recommended for young children.

Whether you’re a local theater fan or looking for thought-provoking entertainment beyond the Strip, this intimate production is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Stay tuned for ticket links and cast highlights — and get ready for a powerful night of live drama in the heart of Chinatown!

Still more to come…..

Weather: Chinatown Weather Post – February 9–15, 2026

☀️ Weather Watch: This Week in Chinatown (Monday–Sunday)

A calm, classic desert week ahead in the Spring Mountain corridor. Expect a run of mild days, cool nights, and just enough sunshine to make daytime errands and food crawls comfortable—without the summer heat creeping in yet.

Monday (Feb 9): Cloudy, high 71°F, low 50°F
Tuesday (Feb 10): Cloudy, high 68°F, low 53°F
Wednesday (Feb 11): Cloudy, high 66°F, low 49°F
Thursday (Feb 12): Sunny, high 66°F, low 49°F
Friday (Feb 13): Partly cloudy, high 61°F, low 46°F
Saturday (Feb 14): Sunny, high 65°F, low 46°F
Sunday (Feb 15): Cloudy, high 65°F, low 48°F

Bottom line: Days are perfect for patio lunches, exploring new spots, or catching the Dream Asia Festival vibes downtown on the weekend. But once the sun dips, it gets chilly fast—bring a light jacket or hoodie. Use the cooler nights as an excuse to linger longer over steaming bowls. Chinatown weather doesn’t get much better than this for mid-February comfort and outdoor energy.

Community Corner

Highlighting the people and places that make our Chinatown special.

🧧 Lunar New Year Spotlight: Two Major Celebrations, One Big Day in Chinatown

Las Vegas’ Chinatown will once again be the epicenter of Lunar New Year festivities on Saturday, February 28, with two distinct celebrations happening the same day—each offering its own vibe, programming, and experience.

🏮 Chinatown Plaza Lunar New Year Celebration
Chinatown Plaza’s annual Lunar New Year celebration returns as the district’s most traditional, community-rooted event, anchoring the day with cultural performances and time-honored rituals.

The free daytime festival runs from late morning through the afternoon, featuring:
• Classic lion dances and drum performances
• Cultural blessings and ceremonial moments
• Participation from longtime businesses and community groups

New this year, organizers have confirmed an evening VIP experience, extending the celebration into the night with a more curated, indoor program. While general admission remains free, the VIP portion offers a more elevated way to experience the holiday.

This event remains the heart of Chinatown’s Lunar New Year—deeply traditional, family-friendly, and firmly rooted in the neighborhood’s history.

🎉 Korea Town Plaza Lunar New Year Festival
Just a short distance west, Korea Town Plaza will host a large-scale Lunar New Year festival organized by the AAPI Chamber, marking the plaza’s first-ever Lunar New Year celebration.

The free festival runs from early afternoon into the evening, offering a broader, festival-style experience with:
• Live cultural performances and entertainment
• Food vendors and participating restaurants
• A live tuna carving ceremony, officially confirmed as one of the event’s highlights
• Family-friendly activities and interactive programming

Like Chinatown Plaza, this event also features a VIP area, offering premium access and exclusive experiences beyond general admission.

This celebration leans more modern and pan-Asian in scope, transforming Korea Town Plaza into a high-energy Lunar New Year street festival as the sun goes down.

🧨 One Day, Two Experiences
While both events celebrate the Lunar New Year, they offer distinctly different experiences:
• Chinatown Plaza delivers tradition, ceremony, and daytime cultural roots
• Korea Town Plaza brings scale, spectacle, and a festival atmosphere that carries into the evening

Together, they highlight just how expansive—and diverse—the Lunar New Year in Las Vegas’ Chinatown has become.

Pro Tip: Plan your day to hit both if you can—start at Chinatown Plaza for the morning traditions, then head west to Korea Town Plaza for afternoon-to-evening energy. Bring comfortable shoes, cash for vendors, and your camera for all the lion dances and lights!

Share your Lunar New Year plans or photos with #ChinatownVegasVibes—we’d love to feature community highlights.

Looking Back

A look back at the time of Las Vegas Chinatown

🕰️ Looking Back: When Chinatown Was Still “Canned” (2005)

Twenty years ago this summer, Las Vegas Weekly published a column titled “The Consumer: Canned Chinatown”—a snapshot of Las Vegas’ Chinatown taken a full decade after Chinatown Plaza had already opened, but long before the district exploded into the vibrant, sprawling hub we know today.

At the time, Chinatown Plaza was no longer new. It had already proven itself commercially successful, drawing steady crowds and supporting a growing cluster of businesses. Yet the article reflects a moment when the very idea of a master-planned cultural district still felt unfamiliar—even slightly manufactured—to mainstream observers. The tone wasn’t outright dismissive, but cautious: it questioned whether a planned neighborhood could feel truly authentic or would remain somewhat packaged and artificial.

What makes the piece so fascinating in hindsight is what it got right—and what time would ultimately settle.

The column openly acknowledged that the concept was working. Businesses were thriving. The plaza had become a genuine destination. And for locals, it was already filling a real community need, far beyond just serving tourists. What hadn’t fully clicked yet was that this Chinatown wasn’t meant to be frozen in time or judged against coastal templates—it was already evolving on its own terms, shaped by the people building it.

Reading it now, two decades later, the irony is unmistakable. What was once labeled “canned” became the solid foundation for one of the most dynamic, diverse, and organically grown Chinatowns in the country. What started as a single planned plaza has since stretched miles along Spring Mountain Road, expanded by generations of business owners, families, immigrants, and entrepreneurs from across Asia and beyond—not just developers.

That 2005 column captures Chinatown mid-stride: past its origin story, but not yet at its full stride. In that way, it’s less a critique than a perfect time capsule—reminding us how long it can sometimes take for a neighborhood’s true identity to be fully seen and appreciated.

Chinatown Gripes

😤 Chinatown Gripes (Still Unchanged)

We wish we could report progress here. We can’t.

So once again, we’re echoing the same concerns—because they’re still unresolved, still affecting daily life in Chinatown, and still being felt by every business owner, worker, and visitor who travels Spring Mountain Road.

Until meaningful change happens—or larger voices finally help amplify this message—we’ll keep repeating it.

• The speed limit on Spring Mountain Road remains too high for what is clearly a dense, walkable, pedestrian-heavy cultural district.
• Traffic signal timing is still wildly out of sync, creating unnecessary congestion, unsafe crossings, and frustration in every direction.
• Bus stops and ride-share pickup zones remain poorly placed, often blocking entrances or backing up traffic where it makes the least sense.
• Left turns out of strip malls continue to snarl traffic and create dangerous near-miss situations that could be easily prevented.
• And yes, the potholes are still ferocious—to the point where driving the corridor feels less like commuting and more like a suspension stress test.

At this point, we’re half-serious about launching a contest:
If you make it down Spring Mountain Road without losing a side mirror, rattling something loose, or throwing out your back, you win a free almond cookie.

Chinatown is one of Las Vegas’ most vibrant districts. It deserves infrastructure, safety planning, and basic maintenance that match its importance.

We’ll keep saying it.
We’ll keep writing it.
And we’ll keep echoing it—until someone with the power to fix it finally listens.

Bright side note: With major redevelopment projects (like Jade Promenade, Pacifica Vegas, Chubby World, and others) moving forward, there’s real hope that better traffic flow, pedestrian safety upgrades, and road improvements are in the works as part of the bigger picture. Hang in there—we see the vision, even if the road feels bumpy right now.

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. Spring Mountain Road offers endless adventures, from dining to community events. Revisit our past guides for more inspiration.

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 Max 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 My Business 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.

Introducing Vegas Amplify: Amplifying Brands Across Las Vegas—Rooted in Chinatown

Vegas Amplify is the expanded evolution of Chinatown Amplify, built on years of proven success promoting businesses in one of Las Vegas’s most dynamic districts. While Chinatown Amplify remains a core division and cultural foundation of the company, Vegas Amplify now brings the same results-driven approach to brands and businesses across the entire Las Vegas Valley.

Born from the trusted marketing arm of ChinatownVegas.com, Vegas Amplify specializes in high-impact campaigns that convert visibility into real growth. We combine strong Google authority, active social platforms, strategic media relationships, and deep community connections to help businesses stand out—locally and beyond.

What We Do Best

Custom Social Media Campaigns
Professional content creation paired with strategic boosted campaigns designed to reach the right audience at the right time. From viral short-form video to high-performing reels that spotlight signature dishes, experiences, or services, our campaigns are built to drive engagement and foot traffic.

Events & Public Relations
Gain high-value visibility through curated events and targeted press releases distributed to Las Vegas media outlets. From neighborhood activations to citywide moments, we position your brand where attention already is.

Premium Website Listings, SEO & Branding
Stand out with enhanced, search-optimized profiles on ChinatownVegas.com—one of the region’s most trusted cultural and dining platforms—along with professional branding support and consulting. Designed to attract both locals and high-intent visitors from the Strip and beyond.

Video & Photography Production

High-quality visual storytelling is at the core of everything we do. Our team produces polished photography, dynamic short-form video, behind-the-scenes content, and event coverage tailored for social, web, and press use. Whether it’s a grand opening, a new menu drop, or a brand refresh, we capture content that elevates perception and performs across platforms.

The Best of Both Worlds

Vegas Amplify expands the reach.

Chinatown Amplify remains the heart.

Together, they form a full-service PR and marketing engine—deeply rooted in community, powered by data, and built for measurable growth.

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

That wraps up this week’s Weather Watch and the latest scoop—perfect mild days for patio eats, chilly nights screaming for hot pot or ramen, and Chinatown keeping the momentum with those fresh openings, Pho Concept renderings, Spicy Hero Sichuan claiming space, Hatoya’s March countdown, and those epic Feb 28 Lunar New Year double-header celebrations (tuna carving, lion dances, VIP energy—don’t sleep on it!).

Have you been following our Gripes? We’re not letting up on the classics—speeding on Spring Mountain Rd, pedestrian safety concerns, all the usual headaches—because repeating the callouts is how we stay loud until real fixes happen. Catch the latest unfiltered takes in the full newsletter or over at chinatownvegas.com.

Stay warm out there (light jacket game strong after sunset), hit up your favorite spots this week, and drop your plans, eats, or any new sightings below—we love seeing what you’re loving in the corridor!

See you on the streets 🍜🦁✨

🏮✨ Share your Chinatown stories and tag us with #ChinatownVegasVibes!