Change is the only constant on this funky, hyper-local street
Luxury intersects hard-nosed necessity on Main Street, where unsentimental auto lots and bail bondsmen mingle with vintage shops and high-end home decor. The unlikely mix tells a story of transformation on one of Las Vegas’ oldest streets.
1. Exile on Main StreetWhat good is a badass vintage guitar if it’s not hanging from a well-dressed body? Roxie and Jesse Amoroso, owners of Cowtown Guitars, opened Exile last year to cater to those about to rock. “I feel like fashion and music go hand and hand,” Roxie says. “And I figured if my husband and I thought of it that way, other musicians would, too.” The shop carries men’s and women’s clothing, such as Levi’s bell bottoms, band tees, boots and, most important, vintage designer handbags. 1007 S. Main St., 702-823-3957
2. Makers & FindersPrior to Makers & Finders’ soft launch in November, the only beverages to be found on South Main were boozy ones. The coffee shop and Latin eatery serves café staples bagels and lox and turkey clubs alongside arepas, empanadas and fusion dishes loaded with chorizo. 1120 S. Main St. #110, 702-586-8255
3. Retro VegasOwners Bill Johnson and Marc Comstock don’t just love retro, they live it. The shop started as a hobby but morphed into a full-time biz that requires constant scouring for classic Vegas decor. The space is a time capsule filled with mid-mod living room and dining sets, a pastel pink 1960s kitchen, and lamps, art and ashtrays aplenty. 1131 S. Main St., 702-384-2700
4. Buffalo ExchangeThis Tucson-headquartered clothing store is the new kid on the block, and the only national chain. The new- and recycled-fashion depot moved from the university area, bringing funky clothing, impossibly hip clerks and increased foot traffic to Main Street. 1209 S. Main St., 702-791-3960
5. Casa Don JuanViva Frida! This festive Mexican restaurant loves selfie-queen Frida Kahlo, and Downtowners love its folk-artsy vibe. The dining spot draws a mix of artists, business people and, recently, Vice President Joe Biden. 1204 S. Main St., 702-384-8070
6. Velveteen RabbitKnown for seasonal cocktails, an equally impressive beer list and its distinctive ambiance, Velveteen Rabbit has become a go-to for Las Vegans and tourists alike. The bar has been recognized nationally and regularly hosts live music, themed parties and trivia. 1218 S. Main St., 702-685-9645
7. Patina DecorPatina showcases beautiful, statement-making vintage furniture alongside ladylike clothing and accessories, often adorned with sequins and baubles. Our favorites: gilded Pabst Blue Ribbon beer snifters and a large, gold, geometric elephant-head wall hanging. 1300 S. Main St. #140
8. JJC Clocks & AntiquesMain Street’s business-hours placards are unique for their use of question marks. Medusa’s collectibles is open Monday through Saturday, “10 a.m. to ?” — and the clock shop next door keeps the same hours Sunday. Pop in to see restored gas pumps, vending machines and clocks of all kinds. 1310 S. Main St., 702-384-8463
9. Clay Arts VegasClay Arts is an art gallery, a ceramics shop and a classroom where people of all ages and abilities can learn — "More than a studio where you will make just cups and bowls," says co-owner Peter Jakubowski. They also showcase visiting artists. 1511 S. Main St.,
702-375-4147