The Las Vegas Arts District, located between the north end of the strip and the infamous Fremont Street Experience in downtown, has evolved into a popular destination for both locals and Vegas visitors alike. It’s hard to miss, with the beautiful murals along the buildings and the unique art installations scattered throughout the designated 18 blocks that make up the area, that’s also referred to as 18b.
While the Arts District is currently thriving, this was not always the case. Not long ago, this area was a rundown, neglected part of the city. However, through the City’s revitalization efforts, led by former Mayor Oscar Goodman and continued by his wife, current Mayor Carolyn Goodman, along with former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, the area continues to flourish.
Mayor Goodman continues to support the small businesses and has pushed for the positive development of the area. In addition to all of the progress that has been made to revitalize this area, “we are really just beginning…I think that’s the beauty of it. We’re seeing apartments going up and we have a brand new hotel called The English…”
The start to the Arts District was the creation of First Friday, a nonprofit organization that features a monthly event on the first Friday of the month. The event showcases local artists, musicians, and vendors, as well as serves as a venue for local food trucks to share their cuisine. It’s a community event for all ages right in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. The First Friday Foundation is more than just one Friday a month, showing their support to local artists, small business, and nonprofits throughout the year. For more information, visit their website, www.ffflv.org
The Arts District has become a hub for bars, restaurants and even breweries. With the revitalization efforts of the city, along with business owners taking a chance on the area, an amazing community of businesses has grown. This has provided a walkable destination for locals and visitors to enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience that the Arts District provides. Multiple restaurants located in the Arts District, including 18bin and Taverna Costera, not only serve up an elevated menu of craft cocktails, locals brews and delicious dishes, but also supports the local art community.
Through displaying art from local artists, to providing a stage for local musicians, they are an example of how this small business community supports one another.
With Octoberfest celebrating beer, we cannot forget about the Arts Districts’ Brewery Row. Joining in the craft beer movement of other cities, Las Vegas has its own row of unique breweries. While Hop Nuts and Able Baker were the first in the area, they were soon joined by several others, including Neon Desert Brewing, Crafthaus Brewery, Nevada Brew Works & HUDL Brewing Company. Needless to say, Brewery Row serves up quite the selection of delicious craft beer.
And all that beer is bound to make one hungry! Not only is Brewery Row home to these great breweries, but also restaurants like Arts District Kitchen and Soulbelly BBQ, both of which provide food to partnering breweries and taphouses in the neighborhood. Be sure to add a trip to Brewery Row in the Arts District to your list. It’s not far from the Strip and downtown and it’s definitely worth the trip.
Now while on the topic of food, let’s expand on Soulbelly BBQ, one of the new additions to the Arts District. This is not your typical BBQ joint! Owner and Italian Chef turned BBQ master, Bruce Kalman, combined delicious BBQ with an entertaining indoor/outdoor environment that hosts live music. Serving up his take on BBQ along with the comfort food sides was equally as important as creating the perfect atmosphere for this New Jersey Native. “I really wanted to combine my passions,” Kalman, who is also a musician, explained.
It was actually music, or rather a musician, who turned Kalman onto BBQ. Kalman met Foo Fighters Front Man, Dave Grohl, at a party and was soon helping him slice brisket. From there, he traveled with Grohl, serving up BBQ for charity events for years. Now if the name Bruce Kalman sounds familiar, it may be due to his heavy-hitting resume in the culinary world. Kalman has appeared on Season 15 of Bravo’s Top Chef and Best New Restaurant, Viceland’s Untitled Action Bronson Show, Esquire Network’s Knife Fight and Food Network’s Chopped, where he beat Chef Bobby Flay.
He’s also made an appearance on The Talk, Last Call with Carson Daly, The Harry Connick Jr. Show and Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family. Adding to this list, is Ninth Island Connection, where Chef Kalman welcomes us into his kitchen.
Whether you’re a Las Vegas Local, or just visiting the Ninth Island, be sure to get out and explore this beautiful state! For more information on each of these destinations, check out this video, or tune into Ninth Island Connection on YouTube or YurView (Channel 14) Wednesdays @ 9 PM
