The Vantage LV #49

Good morning, Vegas! This week is all about different, starting with a new format testing the waters. This weekend, Vegas isn’t easing you in, so get ready for some frighteningly good times. Whether you’re here for the thrills, the eats, or the beats, there’s something waiting to pull you in.

👹 Four horrifying worlds, one ticket away.
🔥 Sichuan broth so spicy it’s a scare of it’s own.
🔊 Forget quiet putts; this is golf with a subwoofer.

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

200+ AI Side Hustles to Start Right Now

From prompt engineering to AI apps, there are countless ways to profit from AI now. Our guide reveals 200+ actionable AI business models, from no-code solutions to advanced applications. Learn how people are earning $500-$10,000 monthly with tools that didn't exist last year. Sign up for The Hustle to get the guide and daily insights.

Get the guide

Universal Horror Unleashed at Area15

It’s finally time to step straight into the nightmare. Universal Horror Unleashed has officially opened inside Area15, and it’s rewriting the haunted-house playbook. Instead of a single walk-through scare maze, you’ll roam four interconnected horror worlds: The Exorcist: Believer, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the Universal Monsters. All packed with live actors, custom sets, and Easter eggs for horror fans. In between, themed bars and roaming characters keep the tension alive, so stay on your toes.

Forget meal prep, this week’s new spots are begging you to ditch the kitchen and dive into something extraordinary.

Shoo Loong Kan just landed in Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road, and it’s bringing legit Sichuan hot pot. Pick a broth: House Chili for the brave, Pork Rib for comfort, or Tomato for a tangy twist; then pile your table with shrimp dumplings, short rib, or wild-card picks like duck gizzards. You cook it all right there in the pot, and that Sichuan peppercorn kick sneaks up to take everything to the top.

A hop away, Master Sushi & Oyster is doing all-you-can-eat right. Their nigiri is traditional perfection, the oysters are incredibly fresh, and the tablet ordering means you can go crazy without flagging down a server. Folks already rave about great service and a soothing yet upbeat ambience.

In Henderson, Pastaio Italian Trattoria is the cozy spot you’ll wanna keep on the down-low. It’s family-run, barely 30 seats, and feels like walking into your favorite aunt’s kitchen. The pastas like spaghetti & meatballs and cloud-like gnocchi are handmade, with sauces that don’t drown the dish. Portions are big, but good luck sharing.

August 14: Heart & Horsepower

Start the weekend with a night without regrets with Soberfest at Taverna Costera. It’s all about good vibes, live music, mocktails, and dancing where the music is intoxicating enough all on it’s own. Or, if you’re more about horsepower than happy hour, the 100 Nights Til Lights Out Car Meet is for you. Supped-up cars, loud engines, and enough energy to make the Las Vegas Grand Prix feel closer than ever.

August 15: Runways and Riffs

Swim Week Las Vegas at Area15 turns swimwear into high art, with crazy-cool designs and Area15’s trippy backdrops making it more than just a runway. Part of the larger Las Vegas Swim Week, this is the fashion event you’re really going to want to see.

When the sun dips, choose your jam. Emo Night Brooklyn at Brooklyn Bowl is your middle-school playlist back on top: Paramore, MCR, Fall Out Boy, all screamed with a room full of strangers who remember. Not into nostalgia? Alicia Villarreal at House of Blues brings ranchera ballads that hit you right in the heart.

August 16: Pick-Your-Poison

Going to have to get choosy this Saturday. Hit The Makers Hive Market in Henderson’s District for sunset shopping, live tunes, and handmade charm. Or swing by Vanity Beauty Boutique’s Glow Lounge for spa vibes, tooth gems, permanent jewelry, and a glass of bubbly to keep the energy flowing.

Nighttime’s a pick-your-poison deal:

• Gabzi at The Sand Dollar get’s intimate and soulful, for when you’re feeling a little introspective.

• Church of Bass at Atomic Golf drops bass so heavy you’ll no doubt pack some extra oomph into those long drives.

• Pirate Night of Rum & Revelry at Millennium Fandom Bar is straight-up adventure. Grab a pirate hat, sip rum cocktails, and dive into National Rum Day with a crowd that’s all-in on the chaos.

August 17: Sleuth It Up

After all that, head back to Taverna Costera for Killer in the Courtyard. This killer trivia night is a murder mystery where the answers crack the case. Get ready to solve it, brag about it, and make some new friends along the way.

August 19: Mid-Week Madness

Who says Tuesdays are tame? Tatts N’ Tacos at Studio 21 is a $50 steal! Flash tattoos, tacos, and a drink to keep things loose. The flash designs are low-commitment, high-style, and the tacos are a love language. It’s a block party vibe with a little extra edge.

Later This Year: Save These Dates

Vegas isn’t slowing down, so jot these down:

• Gymkhana at Aria (Fall 2025): London’s Michelin-starred Indian spot is coming with tandoor-grilled lamb chops and venison biryani that sound like a hug from a spice rack. The cocktails are just as bold, and the elegance is up there with Vegas’ finest.

• Trevor Wallace at The Venetian (Sept 26): Comedy knockout Trevor Wallace is like your funniest group chat come to life: dating apps, influencer nonsense, all roasted with the right amount of self-awareness, coming next month.

• Kenny G at the Palms (Nov 5): The smooth-jazz legend with the curls plays “Songbird” and more this November. It’s chill, romantic, and perfect for a night when you just wanna feel something, so get those tickets soon.

• Sublimotion in the Arts District (Dec): A 12-seat, 10-course dinner that’s half food, half magic show with projections and crazy effects. It’s gonna cost ya $1000 per seat, but this is Vegas so it’s to be expected.

• Backstreet Boys at Sphere (Starting Dec 26): The boy band kings wrap their residency with some additional shows because this show is just that big. Presale kicks off next week so if you missed the first round, lock in to not miss out again.

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!

Our DMs are open, both via email and over on Instagram, so if you got some spicy news, hidden secrets, or just have a place you can’t get enough of, let us know!

🔗 Follow us on [Instagram]
✉️ Got a tip or a hidden gem? Reply to this email or DM us on Instagram!
📈 Interested in featuring your business in the Newsletter? Fill out THIS form.

The Vantage LV | Curated by locals, for locals.