This Week in Chinatown
Published by chinatownvegas.com
Monday, November 24, 2025
Welcome to This Week in Chinatown!
Happy almost-Thanksgiving, Chinatown! 🦃✨
As the Strip cleans up from the F1 chaos and the rest of Vegas braces for holiday traffic, our little 24/7 corner of Spring Mountain keeps doing what it does best: serving world-class food, live blues until the sun comes up, and that unbeatable neighborhood energy that makes you feel at home the second you pull in.
This week we’ve got a massive exclusive on the future of the original Chinatown Plaza mall, the Chinatown Vegas Scavenger Hunt, the Sand Dollar’s killer holiday-week lineup, Seoul Plaza flexing its culinary muscle, and yes, the traffic gripes we all feel in our souls.
Whether you’re cooking a feast, hiding from relatives, or just looking for the perfect late-night bowl, we’ve got your plans covered.
Let’s eat, listen, vent, and celebrate the best district in Vegas. Grab a boba, turn up the heat on that Hot N Juicy sauce, and let’s dive in!
🔥 Share your Chinatown vibe with #ChinatownVegasVibes!
Breaking News: Chinatown Mall Set for Major Food Hall Transformation
Original Chinatown Plaza Mall to Become Vibrant Asian Culinary Hub
LAS VEGAS, NV – In a game-changing move for the beating heart of Las Vegas’s iconic Asian district, This Week in Chinatown by chinatownvegas.com has breaking news of bold plans to reimagine the enclosed mall space inside the historic Chinatown Plaza as a dedicated Asian Food Hall.
This isn’t just a refresh—it’s a full evolution, turning the long-standing interior mall (home to retail and offices for decades) into a buzzing, centralized showcase for the neighborhood’s unmatched food scene.
“The original Chinatown Plaza is the cornerstone of our community, and this food hall concept is planned to bring dynamic, new energy to a familiar space,” a source close to the project told chinatownvegas.com. “It’s a natural evolution that capitalizes on what Chinatown does best: exceptional food.”
Details on the New Culinary Hub
The Chinatown Mall—anchoring the plaza since its 1990s debut—will undergo a complete renovation to emerge as a modern, communal dining destination.
The proposed Food Hall is set to feature a curated lineup of individual stalls dishing up authentic flavors from across Asia: think regional Chinese specialties, Korean street eats, Japanese classics, and beyond.
It’s all about lowering the barrier for fresh talent—giving up-and-coming chefs and restaurateurs a prime spot to shine without the full weight of a standalone buildout. New centralized seating zones are planned to foster that lively, electric buzz of classic Asian night markets right here on Spring Mountain Road.
Specific opening timelines and confirmed tenants are still under wraps, but construction is eyed to kick off in early 2026.
Chinatown Plaza Evolution: A Timeline of Transformation
From its Tang Dynasty-inspired gates opening in 1995 to anchoring the district’s explosive growth, Chinatown Plaza has always been ground zero. Now this food hall push builds on recent wins like the $200M Spring Mountain Corridor Redevelopment and ongoing glow-ups at Hotai and Shanghai Plazas.
For more on Chinatown Plaza’s legacy, check out our in-depth feature in the Looking Back section back in September.
We will continue to track this story and provide updates as soon as they are announced. 🥡 What do you think—hype or just rumors? Share with #ChinatownVegasVibes!
Live Performance Spotlight
Live Performance Vibes: Music and Dance Take the Stage
A Chinatown icon, The Sand Dollar Lounge continues to be one of Las Vegas’ most beloved live-music bars. Known for its no cover charge, late-night craft pizza, expert bartenders, and signature beer vending machines, it’s the spot where locals and industry insiders end their night. Here’s who’s taking the stage this week:
The Sand Dollar Lounge
Location: 3355 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
All shows start at 10 PM • No cover • 21+
Here’s the Lineup:
- Monday, Nov 24: Down South Jukers – High-energy Southern blues & rock (10 PM)
- Tuesday, Nov 25: The All You Can Eat Orchestra – Funk, soul, rock & improv jams (10 PM)
- Wednesday, Nov 26: The Funk Jam – Spontaneous midweek funk session (10 PM)
- Thursday, Nov 27: Closed for Thanksgiving
- Friday, Nov 28: The Chris Koman Band – Blues & rock firepower (10 PM)
- Saturday, Nov 29: Catfish John – Grateful Dead-inspired jam band (10 PM)
- Sunday, Nov 30: The Smokestacks – Vintage-style blues & soul (10 PM)
🎸 Grab a pizza, grab a stool, and let the blues carry you into the holiday weekend! Share your Sand Dollar nights with #ChinatownVegasVibes!
Chinatown Spotlight
Shining a light on the vibrant heart of Chinatown. Stay tuned for this week’s business spotlight!
Seoul Plaza — Small, Mighty, and One of Chinatown’s Greatest Culinary Powerhouses
Seoul Plaza may be one of the smallest plazas in all of Las Vegas Chinatown, but don’t let its size fool you: it is an absolute culinary heavyweight.
Despite the Korean name, this compact strip has quietly become ground zero for some of the very best Japanese (and beyond) food in the entire city—so much so that regulars jokingly call it “Tokyo Plaza.”
Step inside its unassuming parking lot and you’re surrounded by legends: Raku, Monta Ramen, Zen Curry House, Trattoria Nakamura-ya, Endo, Chamon, Ten Second Noodle, Hwaro, and Raku’s tiny reservation-only Spanish-inspired sibling – Casa de Raku.
Together, these restaurants transform Seoul Plaza into a concentrated explosion of flavor, diversity, and outright excellence: a small footprint with massive influence — a pilgrimage spot for locals, industry chefs, and food-obsessed visitors.
Location: 4255 Spring Mountain Rd (corner of Spring Mountain & Hauck St)
When: Vary by restaurant — most open lunch through late night
Cost: $$–$$$
🔥 Share your Seoul Plaza adventures with #ChinatownVegasVibes and #SeoulPlazaVegas!
Shop Local: A Feast of Fresh Deals
Inside an Asian Market in Chinatown, Las Vegas.
🛒 Stock Up on Asian Favorites!
Thanksgiving week calls for epic cooking, hot pot nights, and pantry restocks — Chinatown’s markets are bringing the heat. Here’s what to grab Nov 24–30:
99 Ranch Market – Deals Valid This Week
4155 W Spring Mountain Rd • (702) 364-8899 • 8 AM – 10 PM daily
Deal of the Week
- Chicken Drumettes: Buy 1 Package, Get 1 FREE!
- Brown Chicken (Whole): $1.49/lb
- Fuji Apple with Chinese Letter (FU): 9 lb case $29.99
Pantry & Specialty
- Samyang Dry-Noodle Hot Chicken Flavor (5 pk) – $6.49
- SPAM (Original or Less Salt) – 2 for $7.50
- Asian Taste Brown Rice 15 lb – $13.99
- Ichikami Premium Shampoo/Conditioner Set – $17.99 ea + tax
- 99 Ranch Cooked White Rice 7 oz (3 pk) – $5.99
Pro Tip: Hit 99 Ranch early Friday morning for the freshest drumettes!
168 Market – Deals Valid This Week
3459 S Jones Blvd • (702) 363-5168 • 8 AM – 10 PM daily
Produce & Seafood
- Fresh Durian (500 g) – $24.99
- Rambutan – $2.19/lb
- Live Maine Lobster (Small) – $11.99/lb
- Fresh Ginseng (Extra Large 8 oz – $16.99
- Dassai Blue 35 Junmai Daiginjo 720 ml – $45.99
- PMO Topokki (selected) – $5.49
Pro Tip: Grab a live lobster and that Dassai Blue — instant luxury hot pot upgrade!
Stock up and share your hauls with #ChinatownVegasVibes and #ShopChinatownVegas!
Coming Soon: Chinatown’s Scene Heats Up
A vibrant gateway to what’s next — Chinatown Vegas prepares to unveil its newest additions.
December is already loading up with can’t-miss events. Mark these now!
Chinatown Las Vegas Scavenger Hunt
Clark County Commission District F candidate Minja Yan invites everyone to explore Chinatown the fun way: a family-friendly scavenger hunt through beloved small businesses, cultural landmarks, and hidden gems.
Where: Starts in the heart of Chinatown (check-in location sent to RSVPs)
When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE
RSVP link coming soon — watch @chinatownvegas!
More December events are dropping all week. Join the hype with #ChinatownVegasVibes!
🍜 Marufuku Ramen x GYU+ Social Collaboration!
Get ready for a rare culinary event rooted in Japanese tradition and modern craft!
Marufuku Ramen is teaming up with GYU+ Social Lounge for a single evening of elevated Japanese cuisine right here in Chinatown. This is a chance to experience Marufuku’s handcrafted ramen legacy fused with GYU+ Social Lounge’s transportive, Tokyo-style dining atmosphere.
📅 Event Details
When: Friday, December 5, 2025
Seating Times: 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM
What: A thoughtfully curated 5-course menu
Paired With: A premium sake program guided by an in-house Master Sommelier
Desserts: Provided by the renowned Moignet Cafe
Where: GYU+ Social Lounge
This is an intimate, limited-seating event described as a “cultural exchange.” Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity for an elevated Japanese dining experience!
🎨 Family Fun Paint Jam: December Edition
Get ready to channel your inner artist for a festive evening! The Family Fun Paint Jam: December Edition is heading to the Desert Breeze Community Center right on Spring Mountain Road.
Where: Desert Breeze Community Center, 8275 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89117
When: Friday, December 5, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Cost: $2.00 per person
Details:
- Ages 6+
- All supplies included!
- Pre-registration required — space is limited
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Grab your loved ones for one last colorful holiday memory of the year!
Weather: Chinatown Weather Post: November 24–November 30, 2025
Get ready for a beautifully clear and dry Thanksgiving week! Highs stay in the comfortable mid-to-high 60s, nights dip into the 40s, and the sun is basically on vacation here. Perfect weather for market runs and late-night Sand Dollar shows.
Daily Breakdown:
- Monday, Nov 24: ☀️ Sunny – High 64°F / Low 45°F
- Tuesday, Nov 25: ☀️ Sunny – High 66°F / Low 46°F
- Wednesday, Nov 26: ⛅ Sunny/Partly Cloudy – High 66°F / Low 48°F
- Thursday, Nov 27 (Thanksgiving): ⛅ Sunny/Partly Cloudy – High 67°F / Low 48°F
- Friday, Nov 28: ⛅ Sunny/Partly Cloudy – High 66°F / Low 46°F
- Saturday, Nov 29: ⛅ Partly Cloudy – High 61°F / Low 43°F
- Sunday, Nov 30: ⛅ Sunny/Partly Cloudy – High 55°F / Low 40°F
Pro Tip: Layer up for those crisp nights — it’s hoodie + hot pot weather! Tag your adventures with #ChinatownVegas!
Community Corner
Highlighting the people and places that make our Chinatown special.
🎭 Calling All Local Playwrights!
The Las Vegas Little Theatre (LVLT) is seeking submissions for its 17th Annual New Works Competition.
First-place winner gets a full production + $150 cash prize. Deadline Dec 31, 2025.
Full rules & submission at lvlt.org/newworks.
Join the discussion with #ChinatownVegas and #ChinatownVoice!
Looking Back
A look back at the time of Las Vegas Chinatown
A major turning point came when Adam Richman and the TV show Man v. Food visited the original Spring Mountain location. The national exposure introduced a massive new audience to the Las Vegas-born seafood boil experience, giving the young brand the rocket fuel it needed to expand.
Hot N Juicy Crawfish remains a shining example of the creativity and entrepreneurial ambition that define Chinatown Vegas. What started as a local solution to a missing dining experience became a widely recognized name across the country — proving that some of the most successful ideas in Las Vegas are created right here, by the community itself.
Chinatown Gripes
The Perfect Storm of Gridlock
🏎️ F1’s Undeniable Impact on the Asian District
Chinatown recently experienced a severe decline in customer traffic, hitting levels not seen since the original COVID-19 shutdowns.
This significant business slowdown was directly correlated with the Formula 1 Grand Prix preparations and race week. Extensive and prolonged road closures, traffic diversions, and construction surrounding the Strip circuit—particularly affecting major nearby arteries—created an accessibility bottleneck.
For the local businesses along routes like Spring Mountain Road, the combination of chronic municipal infrastructure issues and the sudden, massive disruption caused by F1 made it logistically difficult for regular customers and patrons to reach the area.
The result was a documented, critical drop in foot and vehicle traffic, making the F1 event the single most disruptive economic factor for the district in recent history, outside of a public health emergency.
- 🕳️ Chronic Neglect: The familiar, persistent plague of ferocious potholes and the dire need for a full patch and repair project on Spring Mountain Road, from Decatur all the way to Jones Blvd., remains unaddressed.
- 🚧 Exacerbated Construction: The already miserable conditions are made exponentially worse by single-lane reductions and construction cones stretching from Polaris to Arville.
- 🏎️ The F1 Closure Effect: The closure of Spring Mountain Road at the Strip for Formula 1 Grand Prix setup has severed the primary eastern artery into Chinatown, diverting the entire volume of traffic onto the already choked Spring Mountain corridor.
The RTC Silence is Deafening
We reached out to the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) with emails containing specific suggestions, actionable ideas, and useful information on how to mitigate these traffic disasters.
As of today, we have received no reply.
This lack of communication and apparent indifference is unacceptable. Our local government partners must do better than merely putting up cones; they need to acknowledge the existential threat this gridlock poses to the many small, family-owned businesses that form the heart of our district.
The community demands a response, a plan, and action—not silence.
And our weekly gripes remain the same….
Share your thoughts with #ChinatownVegasVibes and #ChinatownVoice!
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 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 this fall.
💡 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, ideal for November’s crisp energy.
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 your nights—perfect for a Thanksgiving-week sing-along!
💡 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.
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. As the weather cools, these dishes deliver bold flavors to satisfy your autumn cravings.
💡 Pro Tip: Add extra chashu for a protein-packed treat.
⭐ Must-Try: Tonkotsu ramen with black garlic oil at Monta Noodle House.
📍 Location: Monta Noodle House, 5030 W. Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89146
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.
💡 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.
📍 Location: Wing’s Chinese Herbs, 4300 W. Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89102
Share your experience with #ChinatownVegasVibes!
Try Your Luck in Chinatown
No mega-casinos here, but Chinatown’s gaming scene has its own charm. 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.
📍 Location: The Golden Tiki, 3939 W. Spring Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89102
Share your experience with #ChinatownVegasVibes!
🔍 Insider Tip: Looking for hidden gems and real-time updates? Visit ChinatownVegas.com daily.
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Let’s Celebrate
Another week, another reminder that Chinatown runs on its own clock: restaurants open at 2 a.m., karaoke until sunrise, and someone always grilling something incredible.
From the crawfish that went national to the tiny plaza that feeds the entire city’s sushi obsession, this neighborhood keeps proving that big things come in unassuming packages. We’re grateful for every family-owned market, every late-night musician, every chef pushing boundaries, and every one of you who keeps this place electric.
Thank you for reading, sharing, and tagging #ChinatownVegasVibes. Have an incredible Thanksgiving week: eat too much, laugh too loud, and save room for midnight ramen. See ya next Monday!
🦐🎸🔥 Share your Chinatown stories and tag us with #ChinatownVegasVibes!
