From City Cast host Vogue Robinson:
The Historic Westside is known to many as the neighborhood where the Moulin Rouge, our nation’s first racially integrated casino, was located. It earned its name because it’s on the westside of the railroad tracks. According to the City of Las Vegas, the townsite boundaries are Bonanza Road, Washington Avenue, A Street, and H Street. It’s a neighborhood that many say has been overlooked by development, but now, due to the Hundred Plan and a resurgence of small businesses, The Historic Westside is in the spotlight.
Things to do there:
To chill: Legacy Park. The goal of Legacy Park was to create another safe space in the community for kids to play that also celebrates the rich African American heritage and contributions in the neighborhood. Chase R. McCurdy served as both artist and consultant for Legacy Park’s design and created monumental sculptures called the Living Black Pillars. The people honored include activist Ruby Duncan, Lubertha Johnson, and State Senator Joe Neal, to name a few. The park is meant to be a living monument, so they plan to add new names every year. Wanna nominate someone? Go here!
- 🎧 For more on Lubertha Johnson, listen to our podcast about the women who belong on a Mount Rushmore of Las Vegas.
To eat: Gritz Cafe has become a staple on the Westside, and that has a lot to do with its owner, Trina Jiles. Entrepreneurship is definitely not for the faint of heart, but Jiles had already proven her bravery as the first Black woman firefighter of Clark County. There’s almost always a line to get into this soul food and brunch spot, but it’s worth the wait. Vogue’s fave on the menu? The Mississippi: fried catfish filets with a side of greens and a shrimp bowl with all the veggies!
