Welcome to the Latest This Week in Chinatown
Published by chinatownvegas.com
March 16, 2025
Welcome to This Week in Chinatown! As we track the pulse of our vibrant community, this issue delivers the freshest updates—plus a taste of St. Patty’s Day buzz with special events lighting up the streets.
We’ll explore the latest redevelopment news, spotlight projects shaping Chinatown’s future, and dive into the growth and expansions breathing new life into our neighborhood.
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a sneak peek at restaurants opening soon you won’t want to miss. Then, we’ll stroll through each of Chinatown’s malls to see what’s new and noteworthy.
From past weeks to the present, we’ve got you covered—let’s see what’s happening in Chinatown this week!
This way to Chinatown Vegas
Kicking Off at Sand Dollar
When we explore Chinatown, we love to start at the Sand Dollar and head west. It’s one of the first tourist stops—and a beloved locals’ hangout—making it the perfect launch point or end of night place
This week, the Sand Dollar Lounge (3355 Spring Mountain Rd) is buzzing with live music and special events.
Here’s what’s on tap. All 21+ and no cover.
Monday, March 17 Double the fun! First, the Karaoke Showcase from 9 PM – 1 AM—grab the mic and shine. Then, the O’Rhyolite Sound St. Patty’s Day Bash, 10 PM – 2 AM, a full-on St. Patty’s Day Party rocking the house with an Irish flair.
Swing by for craft cocktails, artisan pizza, and unbeatable vibes. See the full schedule at thesanddollarlv.com for more acts and updates, as things can shift. More Chinatown highlights coming soon!
Just down the road, the Las Vegas Little Theatre is celebrating fresh talent with its 2025 New Works Competition. Big congrats to this year’s winners!
Typing up a storm of creativity! The Las Vegas Little Theatre’s 2025 New Works Competition crowns its winners—fresh scripts, bold stories, and local talent shining bright just up Chinatown
2025 New Works Competition Winners
- 1st Place: The State of Virginia by Robb Willoughby – A standout story taking the top spot.
- 2nd Place: No Experience Necessary by Marshall Logan Gibbs – Creativity that shines.
- 3rd Place: That Jack Valentine by Jay Huling – Rounding out the podium with style.
St.Paddy’s at Más Por Favor
On the Spring Mountain Rd side of The Center at Spring Mountain strip mall, Más Por Favor is your St. Patrick’s Day hotspot! (The Las Vegas Little Theatre sits just three buildings back in the same complex.)
Join the fun on Sunday, March 16th, and Monday, March 17th—doors open at 3 PM. Happy Hour runs from 3-6 PM both days with $3 green beers, $5 Irish whiskey shots, and $5 margaritas. Get lucky, sip some green, and sham-rock the weekend away!
Shout-Out: Moignet A Social Cafe
Also at The Center at Spring Mountain, Moignet A Social Cafe is a must-visit gem. This cozy, modern Japanese-European spot serves up pastries, cakes, crepes, coffee, and quick bites for $10–20.
Wondering why the pastries are so good? The pastry chef hails from Sweets Raku, bringing that top-tier flair. The same team also runs GYU+, one store over with a backspace hidden gem. They sling bold sandos and rice boxes up front—pro tip: their backspace boasts a Master Sommelier. Does your Chinatown have a Master Sommelier?
Get Naughty at Play It Again Sam’s St. Paddy’s Bash!
Looking for a naughtier St. Paddy’s? Head across the street to Play It Again Sam’s for their St. Paddy’s Day Bash. Jameson Irish Whiskey leads the charge, paired with themed cocktails that pack a mischievous punch. MUST be 21+ to join the fun.
Live music keeps the energy high, perfect for a rowdy Irish toast. Right across from Moignet, this spot brings wild vibes. Sláinte! MUST be 21+ to enter.
Play It Again Sam’s
4120 Spring Mountain Rd.,
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(702) 876-1550
Fun fact: Las Vegas Chinatown is so big it spans THREE zip codes! 89102, 89103 and 89146
Chinatown Plaza with Big Updates
Chinatown Plaza, the birthplace of Las Vegas Chinatown, still beats as the heart of this vibrant community. What started here in 1995 has exploded into over 25 strip malls along Spring Mountain Road, stretching across three zip codes. This week, we’re buzzing about the plaza’s latest glow-up—a very expensive remodel. The rebuild is stunning and going to turn heads. It’s spectacular.
We always love seeing Chinatown businesses expand, like Paris Baguette. Franchisee Andrew Yoo, who runs the plaza’s location in the plaza, is opening a third Vegas spot this fall at 10965 Lavender Hill Dr., with plans for eight total in the valley. We’re thrilled to see growth like this—Paris Baguette’s expansion keeps Chinatown buzzing with excitement and pride.
Meanwhile, Shoo Long Hot Pot adds to the plaza’s allure. Chinatownvegas.com and past “This Week in Chinatown” breaking news reports have us anticipating an imminent announcement on its opening date—stay tuned.
The remodel’s not just cosmetic—steps we’ve reported on at Chinatown Vegas, taped off with yellow tape for over a year, are finally getting fixed. Parking and traffic upgrades, part of the 2025 redevelopment push, are also rolling out. We’re hoping to bring you news next week about the indoor Chinatown Mall—fingers crossed for more big reveals!
Shanghai Plaza
Shanghai Plaza Packs a Punch!
Parking’s getting a big lift. Commissioner Jones, a fierce Chinatown advocate, touted upgrades we’ve followed at chinatownvegas.com—think fixes near Pioneer from past reports. More spaces mean more visitors, and we’re thrilled to see it roll out.
Chinatown’s growth shines here. Local stars like Weera Thai, China Mama, Paletta Bar, and ShangHai Taste have stretched beyond Spring Mountain. ShangHai Taste’s own James Beard semifinalist Chef Jimmy Li just dropped big news—his second Texas spot, STREET, will open in Plano, Texas next month.
- Kura Sushi (600+ locations worldwide)
- Pepper Lunch (500+ locations)
- Sharetea (500+ stores)
- 85°C Bakery Cafe (1,000+ spots)
- Crunchees Korean Hotdog (11 locations)
- Sul and Beans (8 locations)
Collectors score big at Magna Hole and 888 Collectibles, while Moxie Lounge, which is also located upstairs, rivals Strip nightlife. Whether you’re craving sushi or shamrock vibes, Shanghai Plaza delivers.
Shan Tau Square & XYZ Square Step Up!
Across Spring Mountain, XYZ Square’s glow-up is turning heads. Chinatownvegas.com’s “This Week in Chinatown” in November of last year, hinted at big moves here, with new tenants and rebranding making it a hotspot to watch.RTC hub rumors at XYZ Square, serving eastbound passengers, combined with this, will draw crowds valley-wide.
Westward Malls & Petrol Head Buzz
Las Vegas Chinatown rolls west past Shan Tau Square and XYZ Square. This week, we’re cruising the strip malls beyond Arville, where Hotai Plaza and the Decatur/Spring Mountain intersection shine. With over 25 malls along this 3+-mile stretch, it’s growth we’re thrilled to cheer.
Hotai Plaza’s on a hot streak. Chinatownvegas.com’s September 1, 2024, “This Week in Chinatown” teased Chubby Skewer from Chubby Cattle, hinting at three or four new eateries filling big spaces—details coming soon! At Decatur and Spring Mountain
Spring Oaks Shopping Center: Another Chinatown Hidden Gem
Formerly called the Decatur Twain Shopping Center and re-branded into the Decatur Chinatown Mall
Chinatown Decatur, nestled between Spring Mountain Rd and Twain on Decatur Blvd, is experiencing a surge of energy and growth. Chinatownvegas.com’s February 23, 2025, “This Week in Chinatown” reported the arrival of Old-School Barbershop and Dice Smoke Shop. Now, the momentum continues with whispers of a new boba spot potentially taking over the old Green Dispensary corner.
But that’s not all! Chinatown Decatur is already home to a diverse mix of businesses:
- Entertainment: Enjoy a game at Griff Billiards or explore the vibrant atmosphere of Gimik Republic.
- Dining: Savor delicious offerings at Ramen Boys, Beyond Pho, Sanga and more
- Personal Services: Get inked at the local tattoo shop, nail salon, and two massage spas
This growing variety of establishments is attracting more foot traffic, a welcome development that’s breathing new life into the area. We’re thrilled to see Chinatown Decatur evolve into an even more dynamic and exciting destination!
Seoul Plaza: Dubbed our “Little Tokyo
Just west of Decatur, Seoul Plaza—“Little Tokyo” is a sizzling standout on Spring Mountain Rd. This hot spot’s lineup is pure fire: Raku, Monta, Chamon, Kabuto, Zen Curry, and Nakamura Ya serve up Japanese gems—Michelin-grade sushi, ramen that slap, and curry with soul. Toss in a Japanese head spa for a Zen-charged escape—scalp massages that melt stress away.
Pacific Asian Plaza delivers Sushi Neko, Jin Jin, Yohama, Ninjia Karaoke, and many more, while Seoul Plaza—“Little Tokyo”—rocks Raku, Monta, Chamon, Zen Curry, and Nakamura Ya. Chinatown Decatur buzzes too, with Pho and Beyond revamping the old Green Dispensary spot (July 28, 2024, news).
GoldenSky Mall: Chinatown’s Unsung Strip Mall
Nestled between Seoul Plaza and Pacific Asian Plaza, GoldenSky Mall shines brightly on Spring Mountain Road with its bright purple color. This mall is anchored by the Evangelical Church of Christ in Las Vegas, drawing a vibrant crowd that fills the parking lot during services—a testament to its community presence. Inside, a cozy indoor mall pulses with life.
Noodle Man tantalizes taste buds with dishes like savory shrimp chow mein, plump stuffed dumplings, and artfully hand-made noodles. Cantonese restaurant Fortune Seafood 财门 offers authentic Cantonese flavors, while Souperb offers hotpot, grill, and a dessert shop to satisfy every sweet craving. GoldenSky Mall is an important part of Chinatown’s ever-growing energy, and we’d love to see it receive the recognition it deserves.
Next door, at 5150 Spring Mountain Rd., is a strip mall directly across from Pacific Asian Plaza. While it doesn’t have a distinct name, it’s a popular destination anchored by New Asian BBQ, known for its dim sum and Peking duck. The mall also includes Pho Thanh, Tiger Sugar, Feng Shui Ming Li – 拉斯维加斯风水店 Buddhist Temple, a hair salon, a foot spa, and Hung Thai HTH Ginseng and Asian Grocery.
Next week we will start at the next mall heading west of Cathay Hills and will continue to cover each mall until we reach the end of Chinatown on Rainbow Blvd.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from ChinatownVegas.com! Green vibes light up Las Vegas Chinatown—cheers to luck! #StPaddysChinatown
Still to Come in Chinatown: What’s Cooking Next!
Las Vegas Chinatown’s food scene is heating up—here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Shoo Loong Hotpot: Simmering at 4125 Spring Mountain Rd. Ste B203, Chinatown Plaza. Chinatownvegas.com’s November 3, 2024, tease hints at a spring opening—remodel’s in full swing.
- KROK: A wild card with no pin yet—whispers point to Asian fusion flair, but details are TBD.
- Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori: This legendary California yakitori chain brings its famous skewers to our ‘hood.
- Sen Thai Noodle: Slated for 3380 Arville St., per January 12, 2025, chinatownvegas.com—Thai noodle bliss incoming.
- Sea Harbour Seafood by Chef Tony: Landing at 5780 Spring Mountain Rd., per February 9, 2025, update—Chef Tony’s dim sum legacy’s set to shine.
- VT Mania: No trail yet—Vietnamese vibes or something else? It’s a tasty mystery.
- Pho Saigonese: Taking over Lamoon’s old haunt, teased November 3, 2024. Missed January—April’s the next bet.
Spring Mountain’s 25+ mall empire keeps growing—watch these spots light it up!
The Expanding Gateway to Chinatown
The official “entrance” to Chinatown has long been Spring Mountain Rd, from Las Vegas Blvd to Rainbow. But lately, community leaders are talking about stretching it to Tenaya. If that happens, we’d add a Walmart Super Center, Target, Krispy Kreme, Sam’s Club, and more to Chinatown’s roster. For now, Chinatown Vegas is focused on Spring Mountain Rd from I-15 to Rainbow, reporting on and promoting businesses there for free.
We’d be thrilled to include the expanded area if it becomes official. South of Spring Mountain, growth is popping up to Twain, with more expected soon. It won’t go much past Twain, though—that’s where “Little Ethiopia”starts, shaping up as a great cultural neighbor. North of Spring Mountain, expect big things too, with the Jade Apartments (more later!) and new spots along Valley View, Wynn, Arville, Decatur, and Jones near Desert Inn Rd.
More Chinatown Gems to Explore!
Want more Chinatown magic? Roll the dice with our Chinatown Vegas Gambling Guide —find the strip’s hidden bets! Master your moves at top martial arts picks with our Perfect Places to Master Martial Arts Guide Or dive into our rich Chinatown’s past with the History of Chinatown. Keep exploring Spring Mountain’s 3+-mile buzz!
Boost Your Biz with ChinatownVegas.com!
Before we roll out, a quick shout: ChinatownVegas.com’s dishing free ads to amp your business! With killer Google juice and buzzing socials, it’s Chinatown’s top marketing megaphone—perfect for hot new eats, grand openings, or wild events. Hit engaged locals and visitors craving the latest scoop, no budget bleed required. Targeted, effective, and zero cost—email us to lock it in and shine!
Closing Out This Week in Chinatown
That’s a wrap on another sizzling week along Spring Mountain Rd.! From GoldenSky Mall’s noodle buzz to the Culinary Union’s big land grab, Las Vegas Chinatown’s pulsing with moves—new eats like SUMIRE and Sen Thai Noodle are revving up, and free ads at ChinatownVegas.com are ready to boost your hustle. We’re thrilled to watch this strip keep climbing. What happens in Chinatown happens here, See ya next week!
