Welcome to This Week in Chinatown
A New Year Dawns in Chinatown!
Welcome to 2025’s first This Week in Chinatown! As Chinatown continues to thrive as a hub for mouthwatering cuisine, cultural fusion, and boundless innovation, we’re excited to kick off the new year with all the exciting developments in our community.
Before we embark on our journey along Spring Mountain Road, we want to highlight two special events: the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration, which promises to be the biggest yet, and the highly anticipated Cat Ce’s comedy at the Jimmy Kimmel Theater. More below.
Each week, we’ll indulge your curiosity with the hottest new dishes and highlight extended hours at your favorite spots. We’ll also give you a glimpse of the new businesses that are set to shape Chinatown’s landscape in 2025!
Throughout the year, count on us for construction updates, details on upcoming Lunar New Year festivities, and stories of inspiration from local business owners who make this neighborhood shine.
Join us each week as we explore the vibrant heartbeat of Chinatown and make 2025 a year filled with flavor, culture, and unforgettable moments!
— The ChinatownVegas.com Team
Before We Dive Into What’s New in Our Neighborhood, Let’s Spotlight CES and Two Major Events
Lunar New Year Festival 2025
Happy New Year! Get ready to welcome the Year of the Snake at the heart of our community with the Lunar New Year Festival 2025, presented by the AAPI Chamber, right here at the birthplace of Las Vegas’ Chinatown—Chinatown Plaza!
Mark your calendars for February 1st, from 2 PM to 11 PM, for a day filled with cultural festivities, vibrant performances, and community spirit. This free event invites everyone to join the celebration, with an RSVP option available by scanning the QR code or emailing info@aapichamber.com.
The festival promises a rich tapestry of traditions, showcasing the unique cultural mosaic of Chinatown. Expect traditional Chinese lanterns, awe-inspiring performances, delectable food, and a joyful celebration led by our charming snake mascot. Don’t miss this spectacular event that brings the spirit of the Lunar New Year to life. Let’s kick off 2025 with a bang in our beloved Chinatown!
Cat Ce Takes the Stage at the Jimmy Kimmel Theater
Comedy fans, prepare for a side-splitting weekend with the one and only Cat Ce! This Chinese-American actress, comedian, writer, and filmmaker is bringing her incredible talents to the Jimmy Kimmel Theater on January 31st and February 1st.
Cat Ce has headlined sold-out shows at iconic venues like the Ice House, Comedy Store, and Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club. She’s also appeared in hit TV shows like Snowfall and the blockbuster Space Jam: A New Legacy, proving her versatility as both a comedian and an actress.
Beyond the stage, Cat Ce is a social media sensation with over 150 million views on her comedy videos and has been featured as an influencer in the popular NBA 2K game series. She uses her platform to uplift communities, organizing charity events for the Asian American community and the NBA 2K League, and supporting organizations like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Cat Ce takes her comedy to the next level with her podcast, Cat Jam in the Car. Recorded in her custom baby blue Porsche Taycan, the podcast offers intimate and hilarious conversations with comedians, actors, and influencers, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look into their lives.
Don’t Miss Out! Join Cat Ce for a weekend of laughter and unforgettable memories at the Jimmy Kimmel Theater. Tickets are selling fast, so grab yours today!
Learn More: Cat Ce’s Website:
This week at The Sand Dollar Lounge in Las Vegas
Music lovers have a lineup of fantastic performances to look forward to. Starting, today, January 12th from 10 pm to 2 am, SOUL TOWN & JACK CONNER will be bringing the soulful vibes of Soul and R&B to the stage, offering a night of smooth tunes at no cover charge for patrons 21 and over. The next evening, January 13th from 10 pm to 2 am, THE HANG will take over, promising an engaging session of music with no cover for those 21+. On January 14th at the same time, VELVET MOON BAND will dive into classic rock, filling The Sand Dollar Lounge with timeless hits. ELECTRIC WITNESS is set to electrify the crowd on January 15th from 10 pm to 2 am with no cover, ensuring a lively atmosphere for the 21+ crowd. Moving to January 16th, there’s a split location event; at 9 pm, DAN FESTER presents his unique One Man Jam Band at The Sand Dollar Downtown with free parking validation, while back at The Sand Dollar Lounge at 10 pm, THE SPANKERS will keep the party going with no cover for the 21+ audience. Finally, wrapping up the week on January 17th from 10 pm to 2 am, CLASSIC CHAOS will rock the house with Classic Rock n’ Roll, again with no cover for those 21 and older. All these events at The Sand Dollar Lounge promise to deliver a rich musical experience, continuing the venue’s legacy of hosting memorable live entertainment in Las Vegas.. No cover. Must be 21+
This week at the Las Vegas Little Theater
Get ready to set sail on a comedic adventure with Four Old Broads on the High Seas by Leslie Kimbell. Here’s the schedule for the live performances:
Friday, January 17, 24 & 31 @ 7 pm
Saturday, January 18, 25 & February 1 @ 7 pm
Saturday, January 25 & February 1 @ 2pm
Sunday, January 19, 26 & February 2 @ 2 pm
Embark on a hilarious voyage with four sassy senior women as they set sail on a cruise. The ladies find themselves entangled in a whirlwind of mischief, mayhem, and unexpected romance. With witty banter, outrageous escapades, and laugh-out-loud moments – along with a helpful drag queen – this comedy celebrates the enduring spirit and camaraderie of friendship, proving that age is just a number when it comes to living life to the fullest.
All seats are priced at $35, offering an affordable night of laughter and entertainment at the Las Vegas Little Theater. Don’t miss this chance to join these spirited broads on their high-seas adventure!
Announcement: Spring Mountain Corridor/Chinatown Redevelopment Plan Community Open House
Join Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones and the project team to learn about and contribute to the future of our beloved Spring Mountain Corridor/Chinatown area. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and help shape the redevelopment plan!
Date: January 30, 2025 Time: 4 PM – 8 PM Location: Inside Chinatown Plaza Mall, 4205 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
For more information, visit www.inspiringspringmountain.com.
Come be a part of this exciting opportunity to make our community even better!
As we have been reporting, a new Thai restaurant named KROK Thai Food is set to open in the former Mian Noodle space. This new venture is brought to us by the good folks behind Mama Surang Thai Kitchen on Ft. Apache. KROK Thai Food is currently hiring for various positions including Manager, Server, Busser, Dishwasher, and Cook. You can reach them at 702-595-3878 for more information. Anticipated grand opening earl March.
China Mama Rises from the Ashes: A Triumphant Return
After a Devastating Fire in March 2023, Beloved Restaurant Reopens Original Location
Great news for Chinatown foodies! After a long and challenging period, China Mama has triumphantly reopened its original location at South Jones Boulevard and West Spring Mountain Road on January 8, 2025.
As many may recall, a devastating kitchen fire forced the closure of this iconic restaurant in March 2023 (read our original report: https://chinatownvegas.com/this-week-in-chinatown-march-31-2023/). The loss was deeply felt by the community, who cherished China Mama for its authentic dishes like tofu soup, xiao long bao, and crispy beef.
However, the spirit of China Mama couldn’t be dampened. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the restaurant family expanded their presence in Chinatown. China Mama Express opened for takeout in May 2023, followed by a new sit-down location in Shanghai Plaza in June 2023. In May 2024, they even launched Spring by China Mama, a higher-end dining experience. Today, the China Mama family boasts six locations, a testament to their dedication to serving the community.
The grand reopening of the original location on January 1st was a joyous occasion, marked by traditional lion and dragon dances. It signifies a return to their roots and a chance for fans to once again savor their signature dishes.
Join us in welcoming back China Mama to its rightful place in Chinatown! Let’s celebrate their perseverance and continue to support this beloved local institution.
New Restaurants on the Horizon
Chinatown Las Vegas is buzzing with anticipation as new eateries and projects breathe fresh energy into the neighborhood. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming soon:
- Doya: This Korean restaurant is set to take over the former 702 Karaoke space, joining the plaza already home to favorites like Mr. BBQ and Mama Chai’s.
- Shoo Loong Kan Hotpot: Get ready for a fiery feast! This exciting new hotpot restaurant is slated to open on the second floor of Chinatown Plaza, offering authentic flavors and a cozy dining experience.
- KROK: Thai food enthusiasts, rejoice! KROK is moving into the former Mian location, bringing an enticing menu of Thai specialties to the heart of Chinatown.
- Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori: This legendary California yakitori chain is coming soon to 4810 Spring Mountain Road, bringing its famous skewers and lively atmosphere to the neighborhood.
- Sea Harbor Seafood by Chef Tony: Dim sum lovers, get ready for a treat! Chef Tony’s acclaimed Sea Harbor Seafood will soon open at 5780 Spring Mountain, bringing his celebrated creations to Chinatown.
- Sen Thai Noodle: Expanding Chinatown’s culinary scene, Sen Thai Noodle is coming soon to 3380 Arville St, offering delicious Thai noodle dishes in a welcoming spot.
Exciting changes are on the horizon! The Chinatown Redevelopment Project is set to begin this February, paving the way for even more growth and excitement in the community.
Stay tuned for next week’s edition of “This Week in Chinatown” as we continue to uncover the vibrant pulse of this dynamic neighborhood. Remember, if it happens in Chinatown, it happens here. See ya next week.
Happy exploring!
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