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Las Vegas Chinatown Guide

 

traditional chinese gate with red columns and golden roof at entrance to las vegas chinatown with welcome sign palm trees and urban background

Welcome to the definitive locals’ guide to Chinatown Las Vegas. This vibrant, three-mile district along Spring Mountain Road is a must-visit cultural hub minutes west of the Strip. Forget the buffets and discover a world of authentic Asian cuisine, unique shopping plazas, late-night karaoke, and world-famous tiki bars. Whether you are familiar with the area or this is your first visit, you will enjoy discovering something new with this guide.

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What to Know Before You Go to Chinatown Las Vegas

Navigating Chinatown is simple once you know the basics. Here is the essential visitor information:

  • Location: The district is centered on Spring Mountain Road, beginning about one mile west of the Las Vegas Strip and running through the Spring Valley neighborhood.
  • Parking: Free parking is available in all shopping plazas, but it is highly competitive. During peak dinner hours or on weekends, be patient and prepared to search for a spot.
  • Hours: While many plazas are technically open 24/7, individual restaurants and stores have varying hours. The district is famous for its late-night dining options, with many kitchens open well past midnight.
  • Cost: The area is free to visit. Prices at restaurants, bars, and shops vary widely, from budget-friendly noodle houses to high-end dining.

What Las Vegas Locals Love about Chinatown

Based on local reviews, visitors and residents consistently praise Chinatown for three main things:

  • Authenticity: This is where you find the real deal. Unlike tourist-focused spots, these are restaurants and markets serving authentic flavors from across Asia.
  • Variety: You can find everything from Korean BBQ and Vietnamese Pho to Japanese ramen and fiery Szechuan, all within a few blocks.
  • Late-Night Scene: After the clubs on the Strip close, Chinatown comes alive with countless restaurants and karaoke bars serving food and fun into the early morning.

Reviews sourced from TripAdvisor.com and Yelp.com.

Lunar New Year & Annual Events

Chinatown Las Vegas is the heart of the city’s Lunar New Year celebrations, typically held in late January or February. Festivities often include lion dances, firecrackers, cultural performances, and special menus at restaurants throughout the district, centered around the Chinatown Plaza. Other annual events and festivals celebrating Asian culture also take place throughout the year, making it a dynamic hub for community gatherings.

Vibrant red and blue lion dance performers with firecrackers during a Chinatown Las Vegas Lunar New Year celebration

Shopping and Plazas

The modern storefronts and pedestrian area at Shanghai Plaza in Las Vegas Chinatown

Chinatown is anchored by several large shopping centers, each with its own character. Most shopping is centered around three central plazas:

China Town Plaza

A mall dedicated to Asia culture. It has fashionable boutiques, gift shops, clothing fashions, and home decor stores. Also, throughout the year, numerous cultural events and festivals take place for locals and visitors.

Korea Town Plaza

A large shopping mall at the northeast corner of Spring Mountain and Rainbow. The mall has a diverse range of stores, including pharmacies, beauty shops, bakeries, and cafes. Greenland Supermarket offers fresh meats, fish, and produce. The food court provides affordable Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine.

Shanghai Plaza

Shanghai Plaza is a popular two-story shopping center that offers a diverse range of modern Asian-themed shops and restaurants. There, you will find everything from fashion boutiques and gift shops to jewelry and art. It’s also a hotspot for dim sum, hot pot, sushi, and bubble tea.

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Specialty Shopping: K-Pop, Anime & Gifts

anime kpop gift store in las vegas chinatown with plush toys posters and colorful merchandise on shelves

Beyond the supermarkets, Chinatown boasts numerous shops dedicated to specific interests, from K-pop albums to anime figures and unique imported gifts.

KPOP USA

Often considered the largest K-pop store in the US, this massive shop is a must-visit for fans. They carry a wide selection of albums, official light sticks, merchandise, K-beauty products, and more from popular groups.

Chinatown Restaurants

A table filled with various authentic Asian dishes including ramen and dim sum at a Chinatown Las Vegas restaurant

Chinatown has over 150 restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. From flavor-infused cultural events to late-night noodle shops, Chinatown is bound to tantalize your taste buds.

Asian BBQ & Noodles

This restaurant offers a fusion of Asian barbecue options, including Korean BBQ, Chinese-style roasted meats, and Vietnamese grilled dishes. You can also have noodles, such as pho or ramen, alongside your barbecue. It is a laid-back and cozy place for a fulfilling meal.

Bonito Michoacán Mexican Restaurant

Here, you can enjoy delicious Mexican food with staples like enchiladas, tacos, and fajitas. The place is buzzing, and there are plenty of options for a satisfying, authentic Mexican meal—a great choice if you’re looking for a tasty detour on your trip to Chinatown.

Hong Kong Garden Seafood & Dim Sum Cafe

This cafe offers the best of Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine. You can enjoy live seafood cooked to your liking from the on-site tanks or try dim sum from the small dishes served on carts. The restaurant has a festive atmosphere and an extensive menu with over 300 dishes.

Hot ‘N’ Juicy Crawfish

If you love seafood and spices, you will enjoy Hot ‘N’ Juicy. This restaurant serves Louisiana-style seafood in a fun and casual setting. You can choose from crawfish, shrimp, or crab and season them with your favorite spices. This is a great place to have a messy, finger-licking feast.

Monta Ramen

Monta Ramen is a local favorite that serves authentic Japanese ramen. You can choose from different broths —tonkotsu, shoyu, or miso —and add your favorite toppings. Monta Ramen is a satisfying and straightforward place to enjoy Japan’s comfort food culture.

Mr. BBQ Korean Restaurant

Mr. BBQ Las Vegas offers an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue in Chinatown. This family-owned restaurant is decorated with mascot statues, neon lights, and cartoon murals. The upbeat pop music sets the mood for a meaty feast.

Bakeries and Desserts in Chinatown

A tray filled with fresh pastries and bread at 85C Bakery Cafe in Las Vegas Chinatown

Chinatown is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth, offering everything from traditional Hong Kong bakeries to modern soft-serve and gourmet Japanese-French patisseries.

85°C Bakery Cafe

A world-famous Taiwanese bakery, often called the “Starbucks of Taiwan.” Grab a tray and load up on dozens of fresh-baked pastries, from savory pork sung buns to sweet egg tarts. Don’t miss their signature sea salt coffee.

Paris Baguette

A popular South Korean-French bakery chain. It’s a perfect spot for grabbing a quick sandwich, a beautiful fruit-topped cake, or a variety of sweet and savory pastries in a modern, cafe-style setting.

Diamond Bakery

This is a classic, no-frills Hong Kong-style bakery located in the original Chinatown Plaza. It’s the go-to spot for traditional items like pineapple buns, BBQ pork buns, egg tarts, and sponge cakes at great prices.

Suzuya Patisserie

A gourmet Japanese-French pastry shop located just west of the main Chinatown strip. It is a local favorite for its beautifully crafted cakes, including a famous strawberry shortcake, cream puffs, and matcha desserts.

SomiSomi Soft Serve & Taiyaki

An extremely popular dessert shop serving Korean “Ah-Boong” — soft serve ice cream in a warm, fish-shaped waffle cone (Taiyaki). You can get the cone filled with custard or red bean and top it with a swirl of soft serve.

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Chinatown Boba and Tea Shops

A hand holding a cup of brown sugar boba milk with 'tiger stripes from Tiger Sugar Las Vegas

You can’t walk a block in Chinatown without passing a boba shop, each with its own loyal following. These are some of the most popular spots, from craft tea bars to classic chains.

Tiger Sugar

This global chain is famous for its signature brown sugar boba milk. The “tiger stripes” of caramelized brown sugar syrup lining the cup make it as photogenic as it is delicious. Expect a line, but it moves fast.

No. 1 Boba Tea

Known as the original boba spot in Las Vegas (open since 1998), this shop is a Chinatown institution. Located in the central Chinatown Plaza, it’s loved for its extensive menu and use of fresh fruit in its slushes and teas.

7 Leaves Cafe Asian Coffee & Tea Cafe

A popular cafe with a cult following, 7 Leaves is known for its high-quality, authentic teas and signature drinks, including “Mung Bean Milk Tea,” “House Coffee,” and “Taro Milk Tea.” They also serve delicious macarons.

Asian Supermarkets in Chinatown Las Vegas

Bustling interior of an Asian supermarket in Las Vegas Chinatown with shoppers fresh produce and diverse imported goods

If you love authentic ingredients, spices, teas, and specialty products, you must check out the Asian markets in Chinatown. There, you will discover hidden treasures —from exotic fruits to unique spices —that help you try new recipes.

99 Ranch Market

A busy Taiwanese-American supermarket with fresh produce, imported ingredients, and authentic products from Asia. It features a full-service seafood and butcher counter, a bakery, and a hot deli. You will find everything you need to make your favorite Asian dishes!

Greenland Supermarket

The anchor tenant of the Korea Town Plaza, Greenland, is the go-to market for Korean groceries. It offers a vast selection of kimchi, banchan (side dishes), pre-marinated meats for BBQ, housewares, and a popular food court inside.

Chinatown Nightlife

Bartender at The Golden Tiki in Las Vegas Chinatown performing a flaming cocktail presentation with dramatic fire colorful lighting and skull themed bar decor

If you are ready to go out in Las Vegas and are looking for a lively atmosphere, the nightlife options available in Chinatown can’t be beat. The area is famous for its tiki bars, live music dives, secret speakeasies, and late-night karaoke.

The Sand Dollar Lounge

This is a legendary Las Vegas dive bar and an iconic spot for live music, especially blues. With live bands 7 nights a week, craft beer, artisan pizza, and a gritty, authentic vibe, it’s a true local’s institution.

Más Por Favor Taqueria y Tequila

A popular speakeasy hidden behind a casual, fast-food taqueria. Find the “secret” door to enter a moody lounge with graffiti art, craft cocktails, and an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals.

Lamaii Modern Eatery, Wine & Cocktails

While known as an upscale Thai Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge, Lamaii features an elegant, separate lounge that is a destination in its own right. It’s a quieter, more sophisticated spot to enjoy inventive, high-end craft cocktails.

Karaoke Q Studio

Head over to Karaoke Q Studio and have a fun night singing with friends! Rent your own private karaoke room and sing along with tons of songs and a great sound system. Plus, enjoy some delicious Asian bites with your wine, beer, and cocktails.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Chinatown in Las Vegas

Q: How far is Chinatown from the Las Vegas Strip?
A: It’s very close. The eastern edge of Chinatown on Spring Mountain Road is about 1 mile west of the Strip (near Treasure Island), making it a quick 5-10-minute cab or rideshare trip.

Q: Is parking free in Chinatown?
A: Yes, all plazas offer free surface lot parking. However, parking is very competitive and lots fill up quickly, especially during peak dinner hours (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm) and on weekends. Arrive early or be prepared to be patient.

Q: Is Chinatown in Las Vegas walkable?
A: The district itself is over three miles long. You can easily walk around within a single large plaza (like Shanghai Plaza or Chinatown Plaza). To get between the central plazas, you will need to drive.

Q: What is Chinatown Las Vegas known for?
A: It’s famous for its incredible density of authentic Asian restaurants (over 150), late-night dining options, unique supermarkets like 99 Ranch, countless boba tea shops, and vibrant nightlife spots like The Golden Tiki.

Q: Is it just Chinese food, or are there other options?
A: The name is a bit misleading; it’s a pan-Asian district. You will find world-class Korean BBQ, Japanese ramen, Vietnamese pho, Thai, and Filipino restaurants alongside bakeries, dessert shops, and, of course, excellent Chinese food.

Q: When is the best time to visit? Is it open late?
A: Anytime is great, but the area is famous for its late-night scene. While shops may close, many restaurants, bars, and karaoke lounges are open well past midnight, with some serving food until 3:00 am or later.

Q: What is there to do in Chinatown besides eat?
A: Besides dining, you can explore the Asian supermarkets for unique snacks, shop for K-pop and anime merchandise, sing at a private-room karaoke lounge, or grab a drink at a themed bar.

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