Though Las Vegas may not typically be known as the name of a neighborhood, we grouped the central part of town east of Summerlin and west of Downtown Las Vegas together. This includes a swath of West Las Vegas and the official Historic Westside. The north boundary follows W. Cheyenne Ave. until it hit U.S. 95 and the North Las Vegas Airport, then continues along U.S. 95 until W. Lake Mead Blvd. where it cuts east until near I-15. The east boundary loosely follows I-15, with some pockets considered Downtown, south until W. Desert Inn Rd. The south boundary then runs east-to-west following along W. Desert Inn Rd. cutting north to W. Sahara Ave. at S. Decatur Blvd., then back south along S. Durango Dr. until S. Hualapai Way where Summerlin begins.
Arts & Culture
Best LGBTQ+ hang — The Phoenix
The stereotypes for gay bars end here, an establishment identifiable to passersby for its fiery Gear Duran murals. Inside Las Vegas’ most colorful alternative bar, you’ll find a genuinely inclusive representation of Las Vegas, queer and straight. The Phoenix is that rare venue that offers something for everyone, including cleverly themed dance parties for revelers, drag shows for live-entertainment seekers, video and tabletop games for friendly competitors, and even Golden Knights watch parties. A kitchen expounds upon traditional bar fare and, much like the drinks, it’s all gentle on the wallet. MP | facebook.com/thephoenixlv
Best new gallery — ThirtyThree Gallery
Artist Chase McCurdy expanded his studio practice with intention and passion in both its programs and its location, in the Historic Westside, to create a space for community and growth. The gallery houses teaching, conversation, and the creation of intergenerational art made by the community. With monthly slammin’ Saturday game nights and its first showing of contemporary artists originating in the Historic Westside (dubbed Black Kings), 33.G gives new promise to a community in rebirth. BH | thirtythreegallery.com
Best place to introduce kids to African dance — West Las Vegas Arts Center
A Saturday morning at the West Las Vegas Arts Center is time well-spent. Bass plays through the dance studio as any number of workshops begin, and the youth African drumming classes generate their own cacophony. On a cool afternoon you can catch African dance being practiced in the adjacent park, while youth chess and a recording studio keep the center active throughout the week. And just like that, so many brilliant creative practices are born out of this space. BH | lasvegasnevada.gov
Family & Recreation
Best museum — Nevada State
The Nevada State Museum isn’t large, but it manages to pack in the full range of our state’s history. There’s everything from a woolly mammoth’s skeleton to a silver miner’s tools, a Washoe weaver’s baskets to a showgirl’s feathered headdress. The extensive costume collection, containing everything from socialites’ couturier gowns to Bob Mackie headliner costumes to Folies Bergère showgirl spangles, could be a museum in itself. Temporary exhibits have ranged from motorcycles to wedding dresses to vintage technology (think telegraphs and, um, telephones). Currently on display is “Liberace: Real and Beyond”, a collection of the legendary entertainer’s cars, costumes, and candelabras. LTR | lasvegasnvmuseum.org
Best public facility — Sahara West Library
The Sahara West Library is more than just a place to circulate literature. It’s a true haven for the community, with boundless workshops and other free programs. A spacious art gallery showcases paintings, photography, and local pottery. The used bookstore is invaluable to find new reads, and countless books and games fill the kids section upstairs. GR | thelibrarydistrict.org/locations/sw/
Best carnival substitute — Circus Circus Midway
Circus Circus challenges the stereotypical belief that Las Vegas is not fit for kids. Those who grew up here are certainly familiar with the hyper carnival-themed facility. Hundreds of games, old and new, are yours to play until it’s time to watch one of the daily free shows in the center of the Midway, and these trapeze performers will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. GR | circuscircus.com
Food & Beverage
Best lunch deal — Bento at Osaka
In a city of flamboyance, Osaka Japanese Bistro reminds us that low-key can also be delicious. An astonishing array of sushi rolls, teppanyaki grill specialties, and a late-night menu feed both the gourmand and the party animal. But the best deal is the lunch bento. For less than $15, you’ll be filled up. First choose the A or B variation — the former with pickled and cooked vegetables, seaweed salad, and an omelet; the latter with green salad, gyoza, and a roll. Then choose from nine proteins, including beef teriyaki, chicken katsu, and broiled eel. For a few dollars more, you can add another protein or a sushi roll and leave yourself with leftovers. LTR | lasvegas-sushi.com
Best deli for your Matzo Ball fix — Bagel Café
If you’re feeling a bit out of sorts, physically or mentally, there’s something about chicken soup with a big, round matzo ball that turns it around. When I think about this soup, I crave it immediately. Always grab a few of the top-notch bagels to dunk and/or to enjoy with a schmear in the morning. This New York-style deli is always crazy busy, but you’d be crazy not to wait for the best comfort soup in the valley. LBM | thebagelcafelv.com
Shops & Services
Best community garden — Obodo Collective
The Obodo Collective is creating new growth in the Historic Westside. Executive director Tameka Henry has built a Black women-run nonprofit with a mission to combat generational poverty, and they doin’ it from a garden y’all. Green things propagate well when tended to with care, just like communities. This half-acre plot educates, uplifts, and serves as home to two of the Westside’s growing mural collections. If you want to be involved with change starting at its roots, this is the garden you’ve been waiting for. (Read more about Obodo here.) BH | obodocollective.org
