Written by City Cast Las Vegas co-host Dayvid Figler
According to conventional wisdom, it’s hard for a new business to stick around for the long haul. Then again, there’s nothing conventional about the Downtown Arts District. The neighborhood is on fire with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, brewpubs, coffee joints, salons, and live performance venues. Yet just because a business takes a chance in the Arts District, there’s no guarantee it will catch on and succeed. As much as I celebrate every opening or expansion, I also temper every pang of sadness from a closing with a pinch of appreciation that someone followed their vision, no matter the venture.
Some concepts were so out there, I still admire their efforts long after they left us.
- Rock'N'oodles: Confusingly named high-concept mac n’ cheese spot.
- Bjork Caviar: Caviar tasting bar.
- Local Oasis: Gorgeous compendium of locally sourced goods and chachkas.
- Nightmare Café: Horror-themed bar and restaurant.
- The Layer Lounge: Superior non-extractive facials with high-tech approaches.
- Level One Bar & Lounge: Live events + hookah + sports. (Never opened, but oh so close.)
- Three Sheets Craft Beer Bar: Like Silver Stamp without the vibe.
- Jammin on Vegas: Everything you can tie-dye, tie-dyed.
I appreciate the boldness, creativity, and sheer chutzpah of these businesses (R.I.P.), but I’m already looking ahead to the latest round of audacious contenders. I will bang my head or gaze at my navel at Sinwave, a new metal and goth bar with “Mosh at Your Own Risk” posted out front, cruise through a vortex at the Honey Pot crystal shop, and sip a cappuccino at what appears to be the 17th 😲 coffee shop in the area, simply named District.
Maybe they’ll be around next year, maybe they won’t. But the Arts District remains a place for taking chances and bringing the wildest fever dreams to life.
- It’s always fun to talk about the ever-shifting landscape in the Downtown Arts District. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
