Chinatown Is Vegas’ Best Kept Secret: Here’s What To Do And Eat There

Las Vegas’ Chinatown isn’t the lantern-draped, red-and-gold façade version you might expect if you’re used to spots like San Francisco, LA, or New York. You won’t find knockoff designer bags, street vendors, or decorative archways with dragons overhead.

Instead, this stretch along Spring Mountain Road is packed with dense clusters of small, mostly Asian-owned businesses—restaurants, cafés, bakeries, markets, and more—tucked into unassuming strip malls.

At first glance, places like Chinatown Plaza might look like your average suburban shopping center. But behind each door is a gem waiting to be discovered: late-night Korean BBQ joints, Hong Kong-style cafes, all-you-can-play arcades, boba spots, Japanese dollar stores, foot massage parlors, and even places where you can literally smash stuff for fun.

Whether you’re in the mood to eat, drink, or try something completely offbeat, this is one of the most eclectic areas in the city—without the tourist traps.

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Play video games by the hour at Game Nest

Located in Las Vegas Chinatown, ​Game Nest​ is a hidden gem for gamers. I almost didn’t want to share this spot because I don’t want it to get crowded and overpriced!

This all-you-can-play arcade offers a mix of old-school classics and modern games, perfect for anyone who loves spending hours button-mashing. Plus, it’s super affordable—you pay by the hour for unlimited gameplay!

They have all the good games too, including favorites like DDR, Time Crisis, Initial D, Bombergirl, Mai Mai, and more.

Enjoy happy hour at The Golden Tiki

The Golden Tiki has been a local institution for years. This is where locals go to grab creative and fun drinks! It also doesn’t hurt that it feels like a tropical escape in the middle of the desert.

This legendary tiki bar in Chinatown is renowned for its over-the-top décor, featuring a ceiling adorned with glowing stars and a remarkable collection of tiki mugs. Locals love it for the strong, well-crafted cocktails and the occasional surprise entertainment like live music or a burlesque show.

Got some time in the mid-afternoon to kill? Check out their happy hour menu (4-7pm) for discounted drinks and light bites.

Experience high-quality Wagyu at Chubby Cattle BBQ

We are so lucky to have a Chubby Cattle BBQ right here in Las Vegas’ Chinatown! For the uninitiated, here’s what you need to know first: there’s Chubby Cattle Hotpot and Chubby Cattle BBQ.

Chubby Cattle Hotpot is an interactive, all-you-can-eat experience that combines quality ingredients with a fun, high-tech twist. The original concept centers around Chinese hot pot, where you cook meats, seafood, and vegetables in a bubbling pot of broth right at your table.

You start by picking your broth, then help yourself to a variety of fresh ingredients—either from the conveyor belt or the menu. The real star here is the meat selection, especially the premium Wagyu options.

Chubby Cattle BBQ takes things a step further with table-top grilling and three levels of Wagyu, including American, Australian, and the ultra-luxe Japanese A5 Wagyu. Friends of ours have tried several Chubby Cattle BBQ locations in California and swear the premium packages are worth the splurge.

If you’re on the fence, don’t be afraid to level up a tier—you’ll taste the difference!

Get a cheap foot massage

After a long day exploring, treat yourself to a foot massage at one of the many affordable spots in Chinatown. Local favorites like Happy Foot Spa offer top-notch reflexology massages for a fraction of what you’d pay on the Strip. They also have super affordable full-body treatments.

Trust me, after an hour, you’ll feel like you’re floating.

Try the world-famous prawns at Lotus of Siam

Ask any local foodie, and they’ll tell you Lotus of Siam is hands-down the best Thai food in Vegas. Pricey, yes, but delicious.

Located in Chinatown, this James Beard award-winning restaurant serves up authentic Northern Thai dishes that are nothing short of perfection. Be sure to try their crispy duck and garlic prawns, but try to make a reservation because this place fills up fast!

Scarf down a bowl of ramen at Monta Ramen

Monta Ramen is the go-to spot for a bowl of comfort in Chinatown. This tiny, no-frills ramen joint is a favorite among locals, with its rich tonkotsu broth and perfectly cooked noodles.

The menu is small but what they do, they do exceptionally well—making it the best ramen in town, especially on a chilly night.

Sing the night away at J Karaoke Bar

Got a big group of friends and nothing to do at night? Chinatown’s J Karaoke is the perfect spot to belt out your favorite tunes!

Honestly, it’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck karaoke joints in Vegas. You’ll get a private room (no need to embarrass yourself in front of strangers), plus booth and table seating so your whole crew can chill comfortably. Locals love it for late-night hangouts and birthday parties, and their drink menu isn’t too shabby either!

You can queue up songs using either traditional karaoke systems or just pull them up via YouTube—super easy and intuitive to use. There’s also a full bar, solid food menu, and a few standout items—don’t miss the yogurt soju, which they make in-house. It’s surprisingly good.

Pro tip: This place gets poppin’ on weekends, so definitely make a reservation in advance if you want a room.

Smash your stress away at Wreck Room

Need to blow off steam? Head to Wreck Room, where you can suit up in safety gear, grab a bat or crowbar, and go full-on rage mode in a controlled smash zone. You’ll get to break bottles, electronics, ceramics—whatever’s in your way—without worrying about cleaning up after.

It’s a surprisingly satisfying way to let loose, and it makes for a great group activity if you’re tired of the usual night out.

Find your way into Más Por Favor Vegas

Más Por Favor is one of those speakeasies in Vegas that truly exemplify what a “speakeasy” really means. Many of the speakeasies on the Strip are housed behind unmarked doors that lead right into the bars with ease, but this one’s different.

You’ll need to go through a cave tunnel to find it.

After getting your fill of tacos out front (which are quite good by the way), it’s time to start hunting for the hidden parlor. The winding tunnel leads you to a secretive “hidden” room, complete with murals, archways adorned with roses, and a wall adorned with skulls for that vintage touch, perfect for photos!

Comfortable seating options invite you to soak in the atmosphere while sipping on house margaritas and craft cocktails with Mexican spirits.

Suzuya Patisserie

If you’re looking for a delectable coffee-and-dessert break in Chinatown, Suzuya is your move. This Japanese-style bakery is known for elegant sweets that aren’t overly sugary—perfect if you’re tired of the typical over-the-top Vegas sweets.

In the spring, anything with strawberries is a hit (try the shortcake, crepes, or daifuku). Fall brings cozy seasonal specials like kabocha pie and Fuji apple pie, but year-round favorites include the coconut chiffon cake, Tokyo cheesecake, and the ultra-layered mille-crepe cakes.

Their drink menu is solid too, with matcha lattes and specialty coffees that pair perfectly with their delicate pastries.

Eat your way through Shanghai Plaza

Shanghai Plaza is one of the liveliest hubs in Chinatown. It’s made up of two massive two-story buildings packed with restaurants, dessert spots, and small shops—so come hungry!

You’ll find heavy hitters like Pepper Lunch, BB.Q Chicken, and MyungRang Hotdog, along with our personal favorite, Master Kim’s Korean BBQ (come hungry, leave happy). After some real food, don’t skip out on dessert spots like SomiSomi, 85°C Bakery, Tea Maison, Sul & Bean, or Sweet Honey for a treat.

On weekends, expect live music or street performers, which adds to the whole experience.

What else is nearby Chinatown?

Chinatown might feel tucked away on the backstreets of the Strip, but you’re actually just a quick 5-minute drive from some of the biggest hotspots in Las Vegas.

Hotels like Palms Casino Resort, Rio, and The Orleans are especially close—great options if you want to explore some casino resorts away from the chaos of the Strip.

If you’re looking to do more than eat, Chinatown is also near AREA15, an immersive entertainment complex that includes Omega Mart, the John Wick Experience, axe throwing, virtual reality, art experiences, and many weekly events.

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