This Week in Chinatown
Published by chinatownvegas.com
August 25, 2025
Welcome to This Week in Chinatown! 🌟
Chinatown Fam! As we kick off Labor Day weekend on September 1, 2025, your week is packed with excitement!
Start your day with an authentic Chinese breakfast at China Mama’s new breakfast at 3420 S Jones Blvd. Enjoy Scallion Pancakes, Pork Buns, and Soy Milk & Fried Dough Sticks from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Rock out at Sand Dollar Lounge with The Deltonics, catch ‘The Cottage’ at The Las Vegas Little Theatre, or vibe with Lullabar’s karaoke and happy hour.
Celebrate MINISO’s growth from Shanghai Plaza, grab deals at 99 Ranch Market and 168 Market, and welcome Bowl of Fortune’s Szechuan flavors.
Look ahead to the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on September 21, and reflect on Chinatown Plaza’s 1990s roots in what may be our biggest issue yet!
Happy Labor Day—let’s groove, savor, and celebrate together!
🎵 Live Performance Spotlight:
Live Performance Vibes: Music and Dance Take the Stage
Sand Dollar Lounge
Get ready to rock and roll through the week at the legendary Sand Dollar Lounge! Here’s a look at the incredible lineup of live music you won’t want to miss.
Monday, September 1: Kick off your week with the soulful sounds of The Deltonics, as they blend Southern rock, blues, funk, and soul into a groovy, foot-stomping performance.
Tuesday: It’s a night of raw energy with the John Zito Band, delivering a powerful mix of blues and rock that will have you on your feet.
Wednesday: Prepare for a face-melting experience with the Chris Tofield Band, as they shred through high-voltage blues guitar and classic rock anthems.
Thursday: Join the Vegas All-Stars with Bootylicious for a night of pure rock and roll. This supergroup is guaranteed to bring down the house.
Friday: Get ready for a blast from the past with a fresh twist! The New Waves Live reimagines your favorite ’80s new wave hits as surf rock anthems, creating a unique sound you have to hear to believe.
Saturday: It’s a double dose of incredible music! Start your evening with the smooth blues of The Shufflairs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Then, stay for The Blues River Band, who close out the night with amazing classic and Southern rock, featuring a dynamic performance from multiple vocalists.
All shows begin at 10:00 PM, unless otherwise noted.
While you’re there, grab a slice of their famous craft pizza and a cold drink from their extensive selection of beer and cocktails. Or, if you’re in the mood for a no-fuss experience, grab a beer from their vending machine—how cool is that?
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The Las Vegas Little Theatre
The Las Vegas Little Theatre presents The Cottage, a hilarious and surprising play by Sandy Rustin. The show unravels a ridiculous—and potentially murderous—web of secrets in a 1923 British tale of sex, betrayal, and love. The story begins when Sylvia Van Kipness decides to expose her affair to her husband and her lover’s wife, forcing everyone to question the true meaning of fate, identity, and marriage.
Live Performances:
- Fridays, September 5, 12, 19 at 7 PM
- Saturdays, September 6, 13, 20 at 2 PM and 7 PM
- Sundays, September 7, 14, 21 at 2 PM
All seats are $37. Students 18 and younger can purchase tickets for $20 by calling the box office at 702-362-7996 during office hours.
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Your Week Just Got a Lot More Fun: Happy Hour & Late-Night Vibes at Lullabar! 🍹🎤
Looking for the perfect spot to kick back and have a good time? You need to check out Lullabar, a late-night Thai fusion and izakaya spot that’s an absolute gem in Las Vegas’s Chinatown.
We’ve been loving their weekly events, which offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a karaoke star, an industry pro, or just looking to enjoy some live music, Lullabar has you covered.
Here’s the weekly lineup:
- Mondays & Tuesdays: Get your karaoke on and earn a free shot for every two songs you sing.
- Wednesdays: Industry Night is all about those $6 well drinks, all night long.
- Thursdays: Ladies, grab your friends because it’s BOGO on bottle beers and house cocktails.
- Friday, Saturday & Sunday: The weekend is for live music and a DJ to keep the party going late.
Beyond the specials, the food is incredible, with authentic Thai flavors and Japanese izakaya dishes that are perfect for sharing.
Tag a friend you need to go with! 👇
#LullabarLV #ChinatownVegas #LasVegasFood #VegasNightlife #VegasHappyHour #VegasLocals #KaraokeVegas #VegasEats #LatenightVegas
🌟 Chinatown Spotlight:
Shining a light on the vibrant heart of Chinatown. Stay tuned for this week’s business spotlight!
MINISO’s Vegas Debut at Shanghai Plaza Sparks Citywide Expansion
When MINISO first opened its doors in Las Vegas at Shanghai Plaza in Chinatown, it wasn’t just another store arrival — it was the beginning of something bigger. The global lifestyle retailer, famous for its adorable and affordable household goods, electronics, beauty products, and quirky collectibles, quickly captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
That Chinatown debut set the stage for what has now become a fast-growing Las Vegas presence. On Saturday, August 23, 2025, MINISO celebrated the grand opening of its newest location at Montecito Crossing (6690 N. Durango Drive), marking its third store in the valley alongside its flagship Shanghai Plaza location and its popular outpost inside the Fashion Show Mall. Shoppers lined up to snag opening-day deals, including a 20% discount, cementing MINISO’s status as a retail favorite.
What makes this expansion especially meaningful is that it all began right here in Chinatown. The success of the Shanghai Plaza store proved that Las Vegas had an appetite for MINISO’s unique blend of style, affordability, and fun. From there, the brand built momentum, growing into other neighborhoods and solidifying its reputation as a must-visit shopping destination.
This story is a reminder that Chinatown isn’t just where trends arrive — it’s where they launch and thrive. MINISO’s rapid rise across Las Vegas is proof of the community’s role as a dynamic hub that sparks innovation and growth.
🛍️ Shop Local: A Feast of Fresh Deals
Shop local and save big! There are only four days left to grab these fantastic deals from your favorite Chinatown markets, as these flyers are valid through Thursday, September 4th.
99 Ranch Market
A cornerstone of the community, 99 Ranch Market offers an incredible selection of authentic Asian groceries, fresh produce, and unique imported goods. Stock up on your kitchen essentials and discover new flavors with these great savings.
- LKK Soup Base for Pork Bone: $1.99 per pack
- Want Want Shelly Senbei: $1.49 per bag
- Wong Lo Kat Herbal Tea Drink: $4.99 per 6-pack
- Thai Taste Jasmine Rice: $24.99 per 25lb bag
- Hello Kitty 99 Ranch Bathroom Tissue: $16.99 per pack
- Greenmax Go Grains Milky Tea: $5.49 per bag
- Pring Pao Preserved Cabbage: $1.99 per can
- Nongshim Potato Chip: $1.49 per bag
- Zojirushi Stainless Tumbler: $29.99 each
- Tayama Cordless Kettle: $24.99 each
168 Market
From the freshest seafood and meats to a wide array of pantry staples and specialty items, 168 Market is your one-stop shop for all things Asian cuisine. Don’t miss out on these limited-time prices!
- Pork Loin Rib Chops: $2.29/lb
- Greenland Turbot Halibut: $6.99/lb
- Kinmen Kao Liang Wine: $13.99/bottle
- Ziyuan Peanuts: $1.99 each
- Yuki/Love Cake Bar: $2.99 per box
- Bok Choy: $0.69/lb
- Green Bell Pepper: $0.99/lb
- Golden Pomfret: $2.99/lb
- Sato Sushi Rice: $22.99 per bag
- Hsin Tung Yang Shredded Pork: $3.99 per can
🌱 Coming Soon: Chinatown’s Scene Heats Up
A vibrant gateway to what’s next — Chinatown Vegas prepares to unveil its newest additions.
New Additions: Cool Bar Sold and Reopens as Bowl of Fortune
It appears there has been a recent change of ownership and concept on Spring Mountain Road. Our previous information was incorrect, and thanks to a tip from a dedicated reader and a look at the latest updates, we can confirm the news. Cool Bar, a longtime fixture in the Las Vegas Chinatown scene, has indeed sold and its location has been taken over by new owners, who have opened a restaurant called Bowl of Fortune.
For those who knew and loved Cool Bar’s laid-back atmosphere and unique offerings, this is a significant change. The new establishment, Bowl of Fortune, is a wok-focused restaurant that brings a different flavor to the space. Fantuan delivery service menus confirm the location’s new identity, listing Bowl of Fortune’s Szechuan dishes.
We at This Week in Chinatown will be keeping a close eye on this new addition and are excited to see what Bowl of Fortune brings to the neighborhood. We encourage you to stop by and check it out for yourselves.
Just a Few Blocks West of Chinatown: Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Get ready to celebrate! The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is coming to Las Vegas, offering a night of food, fun, and community. Join your friends and family for an evening filled with delicious food, live performances, and activities for all ages.
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Desert Breeze Community Center (8275 W Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89117)
There’s a suggested donation of $5 for entrance, which also enters you into a drawing for prizes. The festival will feature a variety of activities, including a martial arts performance, a fashion show, a magic show, face painting, and a boba tea stand. Don’t miss out on this vibrant celebration!
☀️ Weather: Chinatown Weather Post: September 1–7, 2025
Weather Overview: The week ahead will see typical Las Vegas weather with high temperatures remaining in the high 90s and low 100s. The days will be mostly sunny or partly cloudy, with a slight chance of rain on Tuesday and Saturday.
Daily Breakdown:
- Monday, Sep 1: High of 103°F, Low of 82°F. Sunny during the day, becoming mostly cloudy at night.
- Tuesday, Sep 2: High of 96°F, Low of 80°F. Cloudy with a 10% chance of rain.
- Wednesday, Sep 3: High of 97°F, Low of 78°F. Partly cloudy with a 5% chance of rain.
- Thursday, Sep 4: High of 98°F, Low of 78°F. Mostly sunny.
- Friday, Sep 5: High of 96°F, Low of 78°F. Mostly sunny.
- Saturday, Sep 6: High of 96°F, Low of 78°F. Sunny with a 15% chance of rain.
- Sunday, Sep 7: High of 96°F, Low of 76°F. Sunny.
Humidity:
The humidity feels high, even though it may be lower than in other parts of the country. This is a common perception in Las Vegas, particularly during the “monsoon” season, which can bring in moisture.
The humidity for the upcoming week is expected to be as follows:
- Monday: 15%
- Tuesday: 24%
- Wednesday: 28%
- Thursday: 27%
- Friday: 29%
- Saturday: 28%
- Sunday: 23%
🌐 Community Corner:
China Mama’s Breakfast Debut
China Mama’s Mountain View Plaza Location Is Now Serving Breakfast!
Get ready to start your day the delicious way! China Mama‘s original location at 3420 S Jones Blvd is now serving authentic Chinese breakfast.
Feast on classics like:
- Scallion Pancakes
- Pork Buns
- Beef Porridge
- Potstickers
- and the classic pairing of Soy Milk & Fried Dough Sticks (豆浆油条)!
Breakfast is available starting today, September 1st, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Come on down and enjoy a taste of home in the heart of Chinatown!
📍 3420 S Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146
📜 Looking Back: From Bright Idea to Cultural Anchor
When Chinatown Plaza first opened its doors in the mid-1990s, skeptics questioned whether a purpose-built Asian shopping center could flourish in the Las Vegas desert. That bold vision came from a Taiwanese immigrant, who imagined not just a strip mall but a vibrant cultural anchor blending food, art, and tradition into one dynamic space.
Rising from an empty stretch of Spring Mountain Road, the plaza stood out with its Tang-dynasty-inspired architecture, striking entrance gate, and the now-iconic “Journey to the West” statue welcoming visitors. Early tenants—authentic restaurants, grocery stores, jewelers, and specialty shops—brought a taste of home for Asian families while igniting curiosity across the broader Las Vegas community.
By 1996, the once-doubtful project had transformed into a bustling hub, drawing 3,000–5,000 daily visitors. What started as a single development soon laid the foundation for an entire district. Within years, Chinatown earned official recognition from Clark County and the State of Nevada as the Asian Pacific American Cultural Center, solidifying its status as a cultural and commercial cornerstone.
Nearly three decades later, that original dream still resonates. Chinatown Plaza remains a landmark, and the community it sparked continues to expand westward, evolving Las Vegas Chinatown into one of the nation’s most vibrant cultural corridors. This issue, packed with more highlights than ever, may just be our biggest to date—celebrating that enduring legacy!
Then & Now: Chinatown Plaza
1996
- A single plaza rises from the desert at Spring Mountain & Wynn.
- Tang-dynasty-inspired gateway and “Journey to the West” statue unveiled.
- Anchored by early restaurants, jewelry shops, and an Asian grocery.
- Around 3,000–5,000 daily visitors within the first year.
- First official recognition as the Asian Pacific American Cultural Center.
2025
- Chinatown now stretches over 3 miles west along Spring Mountain Road.
- More than 200 restaurants representing nearly every Asian cuisine.
- Home to acclaimed chefs, late-night eateries, and trendy lounges.
- Global brands like MINISO and 85 Degree Bakery sit beside family-owned shops.
- Recognized as one of the most dynamic cultural districts in the U.S.
The still of the night. The Chinatown Plaza in the wee hours of the morning.
🚦 Chinatown Gripes: Persistent Community Concerns
All of our gripes remain the same
- Potholes and Infrastructure: The potholes between Decatur and Jones are still among the worst in the nation. Yes, they will be repaved next year, yes, we would love some emergency patchwork done
- Traffic and Parking: Parking is being addressed. Traffic timing is counterproductive to traffic flow
- RTC Buses in Chinatown: The RTC buses themselves, probably the best in the nation. The pickup and drop-off spots make absolutely no sense!
🌍 Explore More Chinatown
Your Adventure Starts Here!*
Your Guide to Chinatown’s Best
Ready to dive deeper into the vibrant heart of Las Vegas? This is your passport to the ultimate Chinatown experience—from mastering ancient disciplines to uncovering hidden culinary treasures.
Perfect Places to Master Martial Arts
Unleash your inner warrior! Our guide to Chinatown’s top dojos is your ticket to training in Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and more. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a new hobby or an expert honing your skills, these studios are welcoming, authentic, and ready to help you reach your full potential.
Chinatown Karaoke: 8 Spots to Sing Your Heart Out
The stage is yours! Get ready to belt out your favorite tunes at eight of Chinatown’s must-visit karaoke venues. From the electrifying energy of Jones Station Karaoke at Kangnam Square to intimate private rooms, these spots are perfect for a night of unforgettable fun.
9 Amazing Ramen Dishes You Need to Try
Slurp your way through a flavor-packed adventure! We’ve scouted the top ramen joints in Chinatown to bring you the nine most amazing bowls. Savor the rich, creamy goodness of tonkotsu, the fiery kick of spicy miso, and other mouth-watering creations that will warm your soul.
For more information, visit chinatownvegas.com. Share your epic adventures with the world using #ChinatownVegas and show everyone how you explore more!
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📹 New Video Alert
*Catch the latest from our YouTube channel*
How to Get to Chinatown from the Strip
Have you ever wondered how to get to Chinatown from the Las Vegas Strip? Your hosts, Shannon and Rose, will be bringing you a brand new video guide! They show you the easiest transportation option – rideshare – and provide you with the best tips for your trip.
💼 Supercharge Your Business
Chinatown Vegas: Boost Your Business with Free Advertising
*Chinatown Vegas: Boost Your Business with Free Advertising*
*You Asked, We Responded: Amplify Your Business in Chinatown!*
ChinatownVegas.com has always offered 100% free promotion for our local businesses—and that’s not changing! But for those ready to take things to the next level, we’re proud to introduce our new dedicated marketing and PR company: Chinatown Amplify.
Whether you need professional branding, public relations, or a serious visibility boost, Chinatown Amplify is here to help you grow. We know Chinatown—because we live it, breathe it, and build it every day.
Meet the dedicated team behind ChinatownVegas!
🎉 Let’s Celebrate
Cheers to an incredible Labor Day weekend, Chinatown Fam! Celebrate the new breakfast at China Mama, the beats at Sand Dollar Lounge, and MINISO’s rise from our roots. Join the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival buzz and explore more with Shannon and Rose’s new video. And remember: If it happens in Chinatown, it happens here!
Tag your adventures with #ChinatownVegas and keep the spirit alive—follow us for next week’s excitement!