The Vantage LV #23

Good morning, Vegas! This past weekend was a big one—depending on who you ask, it was either full of pain, puffery, or both. Crowds turned out, the energy was up, and whether you were in the arena, in the clouds, or just along for the spectacle, the city delivered a full-spectrum sensory experience.

🍝 A feast with serious Sunday dinner energy
🍺 A tasting event with more velvet than a backstage lounge
🚗 A sleek new concept is rolling up

Here’s what’s worth your time this week:

The San Gennaro Feast
📍 M Resort (April 23–27)
​One of Vegas’s most enduring food traditions returns this week, filling the M Resort’s outdoor grounds with the scent of sausage, peppers, and powdered sugar. The San Gennaro Feast brings together more than 70 vendors serving classic Italian American fare—plus carnival rides, live music, and a steady stream of Sinatra covers. It’s a celebration of heritage wrapped in red sauce and nostalgia, where kids run wild and grown-ups get misty-eyed over fresh zeppoles. If you’ve never been, go hungry and wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little powdered sugar on.

Aldi
📍 Henderson + North Las Vegas
​A major shakeup in the local grocery landscape: Aldi officially opens its first two Las Vegas locations this week, with a third not far behind. The German-based chain is known for its low prices, compact stores, and a no-frills, no-membership-needed model that prioritizes speed and value. For budget-conscious shoppers, it’s a game changer—particularly when it comes to pantry staples and surprisingly solid wine. The Vegas grocery aisle just got more competitive, and that’s good news for all of us.

Zaxbys
📍 Blue Diamond Rd (Southwest)
​Zaxby’s has quietly planted its flag in Las Vegas with a new location near Blue Diamond and Lindell, marking the Southern chain’s first move into Nevada. Known for its crispy Chicken Fingerz, signature Zax Sauce, and thick-cut Texas toast, the menu blends comfort food with fast-casual convenience. It’s fast food, yes, but with a devoted following—particularly among former Southerners who’ve been craving a familiar fix. Whether you’re Team Ranch or Team Zax, this one’s worth a stop.

KROK
📍 Chinatown
​Mentioned just last week in the “Breaking Ground” section, this exciting new spot has just opened! From the team behind Mama Surang comes KROK, a new Thai concept that’s already turning heads in Chinatown. The name means “mortar and pestle” in Thai—a nod to the flavor-first philosophy behind dishes like lemongrass grilled skewers, crispy garlic rice, and seafood-packed noodle soups. Inside, the space is airy and modern, with a cocktail program that leans fresh, herbaceous, and a little unexpected. It’s not flashy, but it’s confident—and feels like a natural fit in one of the city’s most competitive dining neighborhoods.

Barter Beer+ Mall
📍 Arts District
​Barter is a hybrid concept in the best sense of the word: part vintage store, part beer bar, and entirely unlike anything else in the Arts District. The premise is simple—spend $20 on thrifted goods, and your beer is free—but the result is a space that feels more like a neighborhood clubhouse than a retail experiment. Expect racks of curated clothes and collectibles, cans of local craft brews, and a steady hum of music and conversation. It’s a little weird, a little wonderful, and right at home on Main Street.

Makers & Finders
📍 Town Square
​Makers & Finders has quietly set up shop at Town Square—at least for now. The Latin-inspired café and brunch spot is testing out a new location with a full espresso bar, pastries, and a few fan favorites from the main menu. If the response is strong, the pop-up could become permanent, but for now, it’s a limited-time way to get your cafecito fix a little further south.

Nth Whisky Experience
​📍Wynn Las Vegas from April 23rd to 25th
An elite tasting event for those who know their Islay from their Highland. The Nth brings master distillers, ultra-rare pours, and deep-pocketed collectors together for an intimate (and high-proof) celebration of whisky craftsmanship. It’s not cheap, but for serious enthusiasts, it's as close as it gets to sipping history. If you’ve ever wanted to try a $2,000 dram without buying the whole bottle, this is your moment.

TATTS N TACOS
​📍Studio 21 Tattoo on April 22nd
Flash tattoo events aren’t new—but toss in tacos and a cold one, and you've got yourself a party. Studio 21 is offering small tattoos for $50, with food, drinks, and local vendors rounding out the vibe. It’s part ink, part block party, and a low-commitment excuse to finally get that tiny ghost or lightning bolt. Expect a mix of regulars, artists, and curious walk-ins looking to mark the moment.

R&B Bingo Fundraiser
📍The Noypitz on April 22nd
​Hosted by the Inspyr Foundation, this musical twist on bingo pairs R&B hits with a community cause. Expect feel-good tracks, a few singalongs, and a lot of pink—proceeds benefit breast cancer warriors, and the energy leans lively, not solemn. Call it philanthropy with a soundtrack. And with prizes, food, and dancing between rounds, it’s got more going on than your average benefit.

Music Bingo @ Audio Bar
​📍Audio Bar on April 22nd
Yes, there are two bingo events this week—but hey, let’s just roll with it! This one leans more party than purpose, with Audio Bar’s DJs mixing throwback tracks and pop anthems while players mark their cards. It’s chaotic, cheeky, and way more fun than your grandma’s version (unless your grandma’s a DJ, in which case… respect). Winners snag bar tabs and bragging rights, but really, everyone’s just there for the vibe.

Joe Russo's Almost Dead
​📍Brooklyn Bowl from April 23rd to 25th
One of the most celebrated Dead tribute bands in the game returns to Brooklyn Bowl for a three-night run—with saxophone legend Branford Marsalis sitting in for the first two. Improvisational, high-energy, and deeply respectful of the source material, these shows tend to convert even the Dead-curious. The crowd is always dialed in, the band never phones it in, and the setlists are different every night. If you know, you’re probably already going.

SOLARA: A Sunset Ritual
​📍Durango Casino on April 21st
Hosted by Ritual Collective, SOLARA blends movement, music, and mindfulness into a kind of spiritual sunset pregame. Expect yoga, breathwork, live drumming, night swimming, and a closing sound bath—all set against the glow of the desert sky. Come grounded, leave glowing. It’s a softer kind of nightlife, but one that still knows how to move.

With so much already happening in 2025, it’s easy to forget how much more is still to come. From big-name expansions to quietly exciting newcomers, here’s a glimpse of what’s on the way—and why we’re paying attention.

Petrol Head – 📍 Chinatown
A cocktail bar for gearheads? Petrol Head is getting ready to roll out its auto-themed lounge this May, complete with racing décor, dim lighting, and cocktails tuned for drama. It’s hidden, themed, and just wild enough to work.

Blue Orchid – 📍 South Strip
From the family behind Pin Kaow comes Blue Orchid, a new Thai spot just south of the Strip that promises familiar comfort with a fresh point of view. Expect refined takes on pad Thai, curries, and grilled specialties in a setting that aims for casual elegance. It's set to open later this spring.

Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori – 📍 Chinatown
Big news for skewer fans: Shin-Sen-Gumi, the legendary Japanese chain, is bringing its yakitori concept to Spring Mountain. With decades of izakaya cred in California and beyond, this one’s likely to raise the local bar for grilled chicken and cold beer.

Prowl Cocktail Bar – 📍 Arts District
Details are still under wraps, but a sleek new cocktail bar called Prowl is quietly taking shape on Commerce Street. With a name like that and a location this close to the action, it’s safe to assume something moody, modern, and built for nightlife is on the way.

Master Sushi & Oyster – 📍 South Las Vegas Blvd
Another AYCE favorite is expanding. Top Sushi & Oyster is opening a new location near Silverado Ranch, bringing more sashimi, grilled oysters, and that signature all-you-can-eat rhythm to the south end of town.

Sea Harbour Seafood by Chef Tony – 📍 Chinatown
Chef Tony—whose dim sum in LA helped define modern Cantonese dining—is headed to Vegas. His new spot, Sea Harbour, is set to open in Chinatown with a focus on fresh seafood, delicate technique, and a menu that leans classic but elevated.

New York-New York’s Food Hall – 📍 New York-New York
Coming soon: three sweet-tooth-friendly concepts are joining the NY-NY food hall—New York Cookie Bar, The Nut House, and The Last Custard Stand. It’s a playful mix of sugar and nostalgia, and a reminder that resort dining isn’t just for dinner.

Your voice matters! The local residents of Las Vegas are the number one best source of what’s good, great, and amazing here in this ever-evolving city. Every week we are going to feature the best recommendations tips, and shout-outs we receive!

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