Just Sip & Savor It
The Starters
Pizza Baby in North Las Vegas has closed its storefront after about three years, serving up a heartfelt goodbye along with the last slices from its Craig Road location. The pizza itself isn’t disappearing; the family-owned pizzeria says it’s returning to its previous food-trailer life and event pop-ups. Sadly, the closure also ends Charlie’s Chamangos, which operated inside. Charlie kept it real on Instagram, saying they don’t know when they’ll be back and “will share updates” once they settle on a next move...
The good news? Pizza in Las Vegas is still thriving. Good Pie, founded by pizzaiolo-owner Vincent Rotolo, and Metro Pizza (from John Arena and Sam Facchini), recently landed on the Food Network’s Top 10 list . So while some spots are closing, others are proving that some Las Vegas pizzas belong in the national conversation — maybe even near the top of it.
Lilli — the Durango Social Club pop-up brought to us by chef Tyler Vorce of French Laundry — is coming to an end after service on June 7. The final weekend offers you a chance to catch a tightly-crafted seven-course tasting menu, but worry not. Chef Vorce has found Lilli a permanent home in Chinatown, and is aiming for a mid-August opening.
Yes, ETR has been talking about this place since 2023, but the long-awaited Arty’s Steakhouse in Commercial Center now says it is hoping to open this fall. Arty’s is being framed (pun intended) less like a dinner spot and more like a full-on art installation — one where you happen to also enjoy a nice steak. Details are still trickling out, but the restaurant is clearly aiming for a sweet spot where the food, the space, and the vibe all try to outdo each other. See for yourself with these early interior photos.
Great news for anyone who’s ever willingly braved Chinatown parking for China Mama: Henderson is getting its own location. The new outpost soft-opens June 5 on St. Rose Parkway. A Summerlin spot is reportedly not far behind. In Henderson, they’re bribing people with free crispy beef for qualifying tables the first few days open. Las Vegas loves free stuff, so expect long waits.
Spilling the Tea
Some things in Las Vegas get imploded on live television. Others quietly disappear, taking legendary menu items with them on the way out. While Izakaya Toro’s Los Angeles sushi flagship is (apparently) still open, an alert ETR listener spills that the Las Vegas location (at The Collective on Paradise) has closed. Even its famously-good $17.17 Ohtani Burger couldn’t save the spot. While there is no confirmation on the website or socials, Yelpers have also reported it closed…
Remember Dig It — the coffee shop that left the Arts District, reportedly over contruction and parking woes? Two things have come from that: First, Dig It has successfully relocated to the Molasky Building in nearby Symphony Park, reopening June 1. And… coffeehouse Almond & Oat has announced it will take over the old Dig It space. Almond & Oat is the brainchild of those behind Coffee Class, and they already have branding in place on the Casino Center spot. An opening date hasn’t been announced, but it can't be too long, given the turnkey shop Dig It left behind…
Speaking of the Arts District… Is it moving in a too-fancy direction? Midtown has broken ground on the north end. Now, a new development at the SE corner of Main St. and Utah Ave. (anyone remember the Art Bar?) promises a “shared, activation-forward environment that organically drives foot traffic, increases dwell time, and encourages cross-tenant visibility.” While that sounds on-brand for a place like Uncommons, it might be too jargon-heavy for the Arts District, which has mostly been led by an organic approach, differentiating it from the heavy hand that guided East Fremont…
Pet Peeve of the Week
I have a big problem with a server or bartender saying, “No problem” after I say, "Thank you." If I thank you for something... that shouldn’t be a problem!
— S.R.
Order of the Week
Turkey Club (substituting sourdough)
1228 Main
Downtown's premier club sandwich (we ask for it on sourdough, because we occasionally like to be difficult) is doing exactly what a club sandwich should. It’s stacked, classic, and just messy enough to remind you you’re alive. Nothing revolutionary here — just a really solid example of why a turkey club sando done right doesn’t need reinvention.
(Side Note: Can 1228 Mainpuhleeeeazzzeeeee bring back the Smoked Bacon BLT on the toasted Pullman loaf? We’d rather not have to order “the Turkey Club, hold the turkey”…)
