The Vantage LV #27

Good morning, Vegas! If Cinco de Mayo had you sprinting between tacos and umbrellas, you weren’t alone. The weekend brought the party—and the rain—but we’re not in the clear just yet. Monday’s looking stormy again, but after that, things dry out and heat up. The celebrations continue, the calendar doesn’t let up, and Vegas stays very much in motion. Buckle up—it’s another packed week.

Here’s what’s worth your time:

🍛 A stylish sequel from one of Vegas’ OG Thai crews.
🪐 Lightsabers, lingerie, and zero plot holes
🎭 Fringe is back—louder, bolder, and deeply unhinged

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

Blue Orchid Thai Kitchen
📍 Las Vegas Blvd & Cactus
​From the team behind Pin Kaow, Blue Orchid Thai Kitchen brings an elegant calm to the chaos of South Las Vegas Boulevard. The setting is intimate, the flavors are bold, and the focus is clear: classic Thai dishes done with care. Think tamarind-forward pad Thai, luxuriously rich Panang curry, and delicate satays grilled just right. It’s the kind of place that turns takeout staples into something you want to linger over—with soft lighting, warm hospitality, and just enough edge to feel fresh.

Swig
📍 South Rainbow
​The dirty soda craze has officially landed in South Vegas—and Swig’s new location near Rainbow & Warm Springs is already pulling lines of the soda-curious and sugar-devoted. The Utah-based chain specializes in wildly customizable drinks: think Diet Coke spiked with coconut cream, peach puree, and a maraschino on top. (Yes, really.) It’s nostalgic, over-the-top, and undeniably fun—even if you’re not entirely sure what’s in your cup. Pro tip: the drive-thru moves fast, but the brain freeze does not.

Bobae Noodle House
📍 Chinatown
​Bobae Noodle House isn’t just new—it’s a genre mashup. This Korean-Chinese fusion spot in Chinatown is serving up jjamppong, creamy crab pastas, and chewy hand-pulled noodles in a space that feels halfway between Seoul street food and LA minimalist chic. It’s cozy, contemporary, and just chaotic enough to keep things interesting. The must-order? Their black bean noodles (jjajangmyeon), equal parts comfort food and Instagram bait.

Aina Saimin & Diner
📍 South Rainbow
​This new Hawaiian diner is all about home-style hospitality—and saimin that hits like a warm hug. Aina keeps the vibe unfussy: counter seating, plate lunches, and the kind of broth that tastes like it’s been simmering since sunrise. Beyond the noodles, expect buttery fried rice, spam-heavy breakfasts, and all the mac salad your carb-loving soul could ask for. The Aloha spirit is strong here, and the prices stay mercifully pre-Strip.

Nomikai Speakeasy
📍 The Venetian
​Nomikai already made waves with its sushi bar on the Strip—but now there’s a secret hiding behind the host stand. Step through the concealed door and you’ll find their new speakeasy: a dimly lit jewel box of rare whiskeys, seasonal cocktails, and DJ sets that lean lowkey and late-night. It’s polished without being precious, and the menu brings more of what made the original a hit—think torched nigiri, creative rolls, and share plates built for lingering. Just don’t expect a sign outside. Or a quick exit.

Empire Strips Back
📍 Rio Hotel & Casino
​The Force is strong—but the costumes are optional. The Empire Strips Back, a long-running burlesque parody with a cult following, just crash-landed at the Rio this May 4th with lightsabers, latex, and a very sultry Vader. It’s Star Wars like you’ve never seen it: cheeky, campy, and absolutely not for kids. If you're a fan of the galaxy far, far away and partial to glitter, this one’s got your name on it—written in LED.

Cinco de Mayo with Todo Bien
📍 May 5 @ UnCommons
​Still feeling festive after the weekend and want to celebrate proper? Todo Bien is letting the party ride with their Cinco de Mayo blowout this Monday—complete with DJs, mariachis, and Mexican hot dogs (which are the best kind). It’s a polished but playful hang at UnCommons, perfect if you missed the weekend wave or just aren’t ready to hang up your sombrero yet.

Cinco de Mayo in The Front Yard
📍 May 5 @ Ellis Island
​Across town, The Front Yard is going full flavor with their own Cinco setup: $5 tacos, $5 margaritas, and live mariachi under the glow of Ellis Island’s twinkly patio lights. It’s casual, close-knit, and exactly what you want from a Monday night fiesta: simple pleasures, strong drinks, and no need to make reservations.

Velveteen Rabbit’s 12th Birthday
📍 May 8 @ Arts District
​One of the Arts District’s original darlings is hitting year twelve—and throwing a party only Velveteen Rabbit could pull off. Known for its moody cocktails, vintage charm, and always-on-point crowd, this spot helped define the neighborhood before the rest of the city caught on. The birthday weekend promises specialty drinks, DJ sets, and that offbeat, magical energy that’s kept regulars coming back since day one. Come raise a glass to one of the bars that made Downtown cool before it was a scene.

Bottled Blond
📍 Las Vegas Blvd & Flamingo | Opening Summer 2025
After two years of whispers and construction fencing, Bottled Blonde is finally making its move. The $50 million behemoth is planting roots on one of the Strip’s busiest corners—Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvd—with a massive open-air venue that shifts from casual pizza-and-pitchers to full-blown nightclub energy after dark. With its rooftop views of the Bellagio fountains and high-volume party pedigree, this one’s not aiming for subtle. It’s aiming for spectacle.

Midtown Las Vegas
📍 Arts District | Groundbreaking Underway
Downtown’s getting a skyline upgrade. Midtown Las Vegas, a six-building, $300 million mixed-use project, just broke ground around The English Hotel—and it’s betting big on the Arts District. When complete, it’ll bring a walkable mix of condos, apartments, restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops to the area, adding density without killing the vibe.

Sperm Racing Las Vegas
📍 TBD | In Development
Not a metaphor. Not a drill. Sperm Racing is actively planning a Las Vegas debut after its eyebrow-raising LA launch—and the concept is exactly what you think it is. Real donors, real races, real lab results. Organizers say their dream lineup includes, no joke, Shaquille O’Neal and Nick Cannon, which would make for one hell of a bracket. There’s no venue yet, but this might be the only Vegas event where the merch table includes a microscope.

Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
📍 Henderson | Coming Soon
The hoedown is heading to Henderson. Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, a longtime favorite for two-steppers and country fans alike, is opening a second full-scale location at Sunset Station. Expect the same boot-stompin’ energy: live bands, whiskey-heavy pours, and a dancefloor that goes late. It’s a smart move for the east side—and a welcome one for anyone tired of hoofing it to the Strip for a good honky-tonk night out.

Fallout Fringe Festival
📍 Downtown Las Vegas | June 3–25
Downtown’s getting its own weird little wonderland next month, as the Fallout Fringe Festival returns with over 75 performances across 30+ original shows. Theater, dance, comedy, and the completely uncategorizable will pop up at Majestic Repertory, Notoriety, Cheapshot, and more. The best part? Everything’s walkable, bikeable, and City Loop-able. If you’ve ever wanted to bar-hop between experimental plays, this is your moment. Just a heads up: tickets went live last week, and the good stuff goes fast—now’s the time to grab seats before they disappear into the fringe.

AfterDark by Pink Puma
📍 Notoriety, Fremont Street | Opens June 2025
When AfterDark made its Vegas debut, it sold out quick—and now it’s back for another sultry, acrobatic round at Notoriety. Created by world champion pole artist Pink Puma, this 90-minute show blends cabaret energy with aerial athleticism, physical comedy, and a generous dose of flirtation. It’s a tightrope walk between strength and seduction—and it sticks the landing. 18+ only, obviously, and if history repeats, those tickets won’t last long.

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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