📰 This Week in Chinatown
Published by ChinatownVegas.com
📅 May 11, 2025
AAPI Heritage Month Spotlight
We’re celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with pride in our Chinatown community!
NAAAP LV Leaders Shine
NAAAP Las Vegas (@naaaplv) recently shared their joy in uplifting AAPI leaders on Instagram. KLAS 8 News spotlighted NAAAP LV Founder & President Joyce Tsai and Director of Executive Development Rico Nason.
Joyce shared her journey from corporate life to founding NAAAP LV to serve the AAPI community. Rico opened up about breaking stereotypes over his 20-year career.
Their stories highlight our community’s strength and diversity. Big thanks to KLAS 8 News for amplifying these voices!
AAPI Networking Event
Join the celebration at an AAPI Heritage Month Networking Event hosted by the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) and Palms Casino Resort.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Ghostbar @ Palms Casino Resort (4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103, ~10-15 min walk from most of Chinatown)
What’s Included:
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, and one bar drink per person
No cover charge and free parking
Door prizes, including a $250 dinner for two at Scotch 80 Prime and a Lobster Buffet Dinner for two at AYCE
Phone: 702-737-4300
Connect with AAPI professionals and honor our heritage at this vibrant event. Don’t miss out!
Live Performance Vibes: Music and Dance
Chinatown’s Stages Come Alive!
Sand Dollar Lounge (21+, No Cover Charge):
The Sand Dollar Lounge offers a range of music performances, all 21+ and free to attend. Here’s the schedule:
Sunday, May 11, 2025: The Swamp Coolers perform tonight, likely in the evening, perfect for winding down the weekend and setting the tone for the week ahead.
Monday, May 12, 2025: The Sandbox showcases original music by Las Vegas locals, highlighting our talented community.
Friday, May 16, 2025: Red Eye Gin delivers Americana rock for an after-party following the Dead & Company concert.
Saturday, May 17, 2025:
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Shattered Star
10:00 PM: The Moanin’ Blacksnakes
For the complete calendar, visit the Sand Dollar Lounge
3355 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Phone: (702) 485-5401
Chinatown Spotlight:
Griff’s Billiards – A Community Cornerstone
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Griff’s Billiards, a true gem in our vibrant Chinatown community. More than just a pool hall, Griff’s is a beloved hub for billiards enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, offering a warm, energetic atmosphere where everyone feels at home. The clack of balls, friendly banter, and focused competition create a lively and welcoming vibe, perfect for forging friendships and enjoying a night out.
Griff’s isn’t just about casual games; it’s a hotbed for competitive spirit with its exciting tournaments, drawing players of all skill levels. Here’s what’s on deck this week:
Sunday, May 11, 2025: Singles 9-Ball Chip Tournament. Practice at 1 PM, and the tournament starts at 2 PM. $25 entry.
Thursday, May 15, 2025: Singles 9-Ball Chip Tournament at 8 PM—ideal for an after-work challenge.
Friday, May 16, 2025: 9-Ball Scotch Doubles Chip Tournament at 8 PM. $50 per team for some thrilling doubles action.
Griff’s Billiards embodies the heart of Chinatown’s community spirit, where local talent shines, and everyone’s welcome. Whether you’re a cue sport pro or just looking for a fun evening, swing by Griff’s this week to join the action and see why it’s a cherished local favorite!
Shop Local Sunday: Savor the Savings
Support our Chinatown markets this Sunday and score some amazing deals on fresh ingredients for your next meal!
99 Ranch Market: A cornerstone of our community, 99 Ranch Market offers a wide selection of authentic Asian groceries, from fresh produce to premium meats, perfect for every home cook. Stop by for these great deals:
Beef Shank Boneless: $5.99/lb
U-Gua (Gourd): $3.99 each
Nishiki Rice (15 lbs): $12.99
Pork Belly: $3.29/lb
Berkshire Ground Pork: 2 lbs for $10.00
168 Market: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings, 168 Market is a go-to spot for fresh seafood, quality meats, and tropical produce right here in Chinatown. Check out these steals:
Mango (Kent or Tommy): $0.99 each
Pork Chop Bone-In: $1.99/lb
Organic Chicken Whole Leg: $4.99/lb
Live Maine Lobster: $10.99 each
Stock up on these essentials and more while supporting our local markets. Happy shopping!
🔜 Coming Soon: A Look Ahead
Chinatown’s food scene is heating up with these exciting new spots on the horizon!
Shoo Loong Hotpot: After a recent tour, we thought this hotpot haven was close to opening, but it’s likely a few months away. Stay tuned for steamy, communal dining!
Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori: This legendary California yakitori chain is bringing its famous skewers to our neighborhood, promising smoky, savory delights.
TP Tea: The originator of bubble tea is setting up on Spring Mountain, across from Crown & Anchor. Get ready for refreshing sips!
Master Sushi & Oyster: Taking over the former Pho spot in Golden Dragon Park, this new venture will elevate your sushi and oyster game.
Sea Harbour Seafood by Chef Tony: Landing at 5780 Spring Mountain Rd, Chef Tony’s dim sum legacy is set to shine, with an expected opening around February 2025.
VT Mania: Having passed all inspections, this spot is ready to open soon, bringing Vietnamese vibes (or maybe something else?) to Chinatown.
Pho Saigonese: Moving into Lamoon’s former space, this pho joint teased an opening last November but missed early May. Mid-May is the next bet for soul-warming bowls.
Lula Bar – Thai Izakaya to open at The Center of Spring Mountain’s “Square” located in front of Chengdu Taste and Yunnan Garden
Still More to Come: Experience the “Domino Effect” on Your Chinatown Adventure!
Planning a trip to Las Vegas’ vibrant Chinatown this month? Add a splash of interactive art to your journey with the “Domino Effect” — a captivating public art installation happening for one month only!
📍 Location: The Great Hall at Fashion Show Mall, right on the Las Vegas Strip
🎨 Cost: Free and open to the public
🚍 Transit Tip: The #203 Chinatown bus picks up at the northern entrance of Fashion Show Mall, making it a perfect start or finish to your Chinatown excursion.
This stunning installation features 120 giant, illuminated dominoes, each one producing unique sounds and vibrant lights. From marimba melodies and rhythmic beats to vocal-like tones, this immersive experience invites you to create your own domino symphony — alone, with friends, or with curious strangers turned collaborators.
Domino, then dim sum? Why not! With Chinatown just a short bus ride away, this interactive exhibit is the perfect prelude or encore to a day of cultural exploration, world-class dining, and unique shopping.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the Domino Effect — where art, music, and motion meet in dazzling harmony!
Looking Back
A look back at the time of Las Vegas Chinatown
From Joyful House to Palette Tea Lounge’s Iconic Flavors
This week, we pause to reflect on a cherished piece of Chinatown’s past: the former Joyful House restaurant.
Joyful House was a bustling cornerstone of our community, where families and friends gathered over steaming dishes and shared stories. Its warm, lively atmosphere left lasting memories for so many in our neighborhood.
In October 2022, This Week in Chinatown broke the exclusive news, months ahead of any other source, that this beloved space would transform into Palette Tea Lounge. Brought to life by the renowned Koi Palace team, this vision promised a fresh wave of culinary artistry.
Now open and an iconic spot in Chinatown, Palette Tea Lounge has delivered on that promise with its vibrant flavors and elegant dining experience. From delicate dim sum to bold seafood dishes, it’s a testament to our neighborhood’s evolving food scene.
While we hold dear the memories of Joyful House, we celebrate Palette Tea Lounge’s success and its role in shaping Chinatown’s future.
Stay tuned for more “Looking Back” moments and all the exciting developments in our vibrant community!
Community Corner
Last Chance for Flavor Fiesta Just West of Our Neighborhood!
Hey Chinatown food lovers! Today, Sunday, May 11, is your LAST CHANCE to experience the delicious Great American Foodie Fest, located just a short hop west of Spring Mountain Road! Ranked among the Top 10 Food Festivals in America and a multiple “Best of Las Vegas” winner, this culinary extravaganza is wrapping up today. If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the time to enjoy incredible food featured on the Food Network and Cooking Channel.
Don’t Miss Out On:
Some of the nation’s best food trucks and vendors are offering a diverse range of mouthwatering eats.
Carnival rides for the whole family.
A beer garden to relax and enjoy local brews.
Live entertainment to enhance the festive atmosphere.When: Today, Sunday, May 11, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Desert Breeze Park, 8275 West Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89117 (just west of Chinatown!)
More Info: Great American Foodie Fest
Don’t let this delicious opportunity pass you by! Head west on Spring Mountain Road today and experience the final day of the Great American Foodie Fest right in our backyard.
Chinatown Gripes
Community Concerns: Parking, Pedestrian Safety, and Traffic Woes
Our community is buzzing with concerns, and we’re here to amplify your voices!
Parking congestion around busy spots like Shanghai Plaza has been a major gripe. Good news: a three-story parking garage is planned for Shanghai Plaza’s northwest section. We’ll share more details next week! Thank you, Clarke County officials, for all your help.
Pedestrian safety on Spring Mountain Road is another hot topic. The current 45 mph speed limit feels dangerously high compared to the 30 mph limit on quieter Twain Avenue. After yet another accident last night at Spring Mountain and Decatur, we’re pushing for a 35 mph limit to keep our streets safer.
Traffic flow issues are also frustrating locals. RTC bus stop placements, left turn signals, and traffic light timings need expert review to ease congestion and improve visitor convenience.
Take the traffic light at Tenaya and Spring Mountain, for example. For the third week, it favors the barely used Tenaya with a 25-second timer, while Spring Mountain’s east-west drivers get just 10 seconds. You’re almost guaranteed to stop and wait while no one passes on Tenaya!
Resident “Ana” ( No surname given) reported a similar issue at Jones and Desert Inn. Trying to turn left northbound, she waited over six minutes for a signal that never came, so she resorted to an illegal U-turn and another then 3 right turns to finally be able to go west on Desert Inn. It’s quicker to make 3 rights than to wait to make a left. Why is that?
168 Market customer Liz Tran flagged the light at Lindell and Spring Mountain for similar delays, with a timer favoring Lindell over our busy Spring Mountain corridor. These counterproductive signals are driving us up the wall!
Road conditions on Spring Mountain, especially from Lindell to Jones, with the block between Duneville and Red Rock Streets are some of the worst potholes in the nation. The deteriorating pavement is a headache for drivers. How many paving companies are in Vegas? Are there more on the way? Are they hiring more employees to keep up?
We’re digging into this and hope to avoid another two-year construction saga like the one at Decatur and Spring Mountain that lasted over 2+ years.
These issues, especially related to roads and transportation, are hitting local businesses hard. We’re committed to working with community leaders for solutions, from the new garage to smarter traffic management.
Stay tuned for updates on the parking garage, traffic light fixes, and road improvements. Keep sharing your gripes—we’re listening! @chinatownvegas
Explore More Chinatown
Indulge in Krung Siam’s New Tasting Menu
Krung Siam Thai Restaurant & Bar is thrilled to introduce a 5-course Tasting Menu for two, priced at just $40 per person. This culinary journey includes your choice of one cocktail, one bottle of wine, or one pitcher of beer per person to complement the vibrant flavors. Each course offers a shared dish from these tempting options:
Starter: Salmon Carpaccio, Fried Calamari, Baked Mussel, Crazy Wings, or Fried Pork Belly
Soup: Tom Kha Chicken or Tom Yum Shrimp
Entree 1: Pad Thai, Basil, Yellow Curry, Panang Curry, or Thai Fried Rice
Entree 2: Grilled Branzino, Salmon Panang, Shrimps with Glass Noodles, Short Rib Massaman Curry, or Green Curry Pasta with Shrimps and Scallops
Dessert: Roti with Ice Cream or Fried Banana with Ice Cream
Available through the end of May, this tasting menu is perfect for a memorable night out in the heart of Chinatown. Grab a friend and savor the bold tastes at Krung Siam!
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That’s the scoop for this week in Chinatown! Remember to explore local, support our fantastic small businesses, and savor every experience our dynamic community has to offer. Follow us @ChinatownVegas for real-time updates throughout the week, and visit ChinatownVegas.com for even more news and features. And remember, if it happens in Chinatown, it happens here! Until next time, gōng xǐ fā cái, and we’ll see you in Chinatown! 🥢
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