A Day In 18b, The Las Vegas Arts District

The Daily Meal Staff|Aug. 30, 2014 7:00 am EST

In the past decade, the downtown neighborhood known as 18b has grown and transformed into the Las Vegas Arts District offering galleries, studios, shops, restaurants, bars and lounges with a vibrant residential community embracing culture. Buildings have been renovated; businesses, retail shops and commercial enterprises have moved in and there is a bohemian environment surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Many homes and business display murals painted on its exterior walls created by artists from all over the world as part of a changing outdoor art gallery. To experience a side of Las Vegas away from the Strip, take a walk in 18b.

The Arts Factory
107 E. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 383-3133
www.theartsfactory.com

The Arts Factory repurposed a 50-year-old commercial warehouse in 1997 to create an art center with galleries, studios, a restaurant and bar and two stages with a vision of transforming the neighborhood. Today The Arts Factory is the center of the arts district and remains true to its purpose with artists exhibiting their work in the many galleries and studios as well as over 300 poetry readings, concerts and live theatrical performances. The Arts Factory opens it parking lot and outside areas during First Friday with music and artists displaying their work.

Bar+Bistro
107 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 155
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 202-6060
www.barbistroaf.com

Located in the heart of 18b, BarBistro offers a menu influenced by French, Spanish and Italian dishes along with the full bar surrounded by eclectic art and a huge outdoor patio. Along with First Friday celebrations, every third Friday is Bike Night Classic where enthusiasts share their motorcycles, Harleys, custom bikes, scooters and café bikes. Hangover Brunch Sunday feeds the body while Out of the Desert bluegrass band sings for the soul. But visit on any night and you can see anything from Lechón (suckling pig) roasts to movies on the wall to fire spinning.

Art Square
1025 S. 1st St.
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 483-8844
www.artsquarelv.com

Transforming three buildings from the 1950s and surrounding tarmac lot into Art Square, creativity flourishes featuring an outdoor art garden, galleries, restaurants and other creative enterprises. Over 16 businesses are open in Art Square and the architecture includes high ceilings, natural light and sustainable materials. Live theaters include Art Square Playhouse Theatre and Cockroach Theatre & Productions to catch performances. Live music and other entertainment is offered at the various venues and Art Square participates in First Friday.

Iconic Neon Signage
Charleston Boulevard

While exploring 18b, one can't miss the two huge steel paint brushes on Charleston Boulevard. Installed in 2010 and standing 45 feet tall, the brushes were designed by the late Dennis Oppenheim and illuminate at night with waves of changing colors. The Arts District Logo, recreated in neon and designed by the Las Vegas Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, can be viewed at Arts District transit stop north of Charleston Boulevard.

Mingo Kitchen & Lounge
1017 S. 1st St., Suite 180
Las Vegas, NV 89104
(702) 685-0328
www.eatmixmingo.com

Mingo Kitchen & Lounge is designed to be sexy with small bites to share and a full bar offering the best in creative libations. For bigger appetites, its Latin-influenced menu offers choices such as rib eye steak, spicy honey glazed Mahi Mahi and chicken. Its patio overlooks 18b and its lounge opens up to the art garden in Art Square. The dark and decadent lounge is perfect for date night and part of First Friday featuring music, it is a great place to hang out with friends.

Debbie Hall is practically a Las Vegas native (34 years and counting) and loves experiencing everything in Southern Nevada from the Las Vegas Strip to the surrounding mountains and Lake Mead. She also teaches at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and loves sharing her knowledge. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.