Absolutely not. 😂

Because personally? I can think of about 97 things I’d rather do with $100 than donate it to a slot machine.

So whether you want to laugh until your stomach hurts, get tipsy somewhere grown, learn some Vegas history, get pampered or spend the night listening to live music, here are 8 experiences I’d actually put on your itinerary.

And because you clicked the newsletter instead of just watching my little 60-second video, I’m giving you the WHOLE list.

More importantly, I’m breaking them down by why I’d actually go.

😂 If you need a GOOD laugh: Luenell

If you’ve watched Borat, Think Like a Man, A Star Is Born or approximately 47 other things, you’ve probably seen Luenell on your screen.

But seeing her live?

Different experience.

Her comedy is grown, unfiltered and definitely NOT the show I’d choose for somebody who clutches their pearls easily. 😂

And what I especially love about this recommendation is that you’re not just catching another Vegas comedy show, you’re getting to see a Black woman currently holding down her own residency in Vegas (the only Black female comedian with a residency in Vegas right now).

I’d go for: Date night, girls’ night, birthday plans or when you need an actual SHOW on your Vegas itinerary.

✨ SIMONE SAYZ: Catch her live on September 6th, with THE ICONIC Thelma Houston

Check It Out Here

🚌 If you wanna be OUTSIDE outside: Supreme Club Tours 🖤

Listen.

Vegas nightlife can be exhausting before you even get to the damn club.

Where are we going? What’s the cover? Who’s driving? Where are we meeting? Why is Ashley still getting dressed?!

That’s why I like the idea of Supreme Club Tours.

Instead of spending the night figuring everything out yourself, you get an actual nightlife experience that takes you through multiple Vegas spots with the party happening along the way.

And yes, the party bus is part of the function.

I’d go for: Birthdays, girls’ trips, first-time Vegas visitors and groups that want to be OUT without planning every move themselves.

🥳 AND CAUSE I LOVE YOU: Use code “Simonesayz” to get $50 off your party bus experience

Get Your Tickets Here

Check Out The Experience

🕵🏾 If you wanna get some edumacation: The Mob Museum

Yes, I know.

Simone is sending us to a museum on vacation?!

Hear me out. 😂

Vegas has some WILD history, and if you want something to do during the day that doesn’t involve sitting at a slot machine or spending another $200 at brunch, the Mob Museum gives you something completely different.

It’s dedicated to the history of organized crime and law enforcement, with exhibits that dig into the people and events behind some of the stories that shaped Vegas and America.

My fav part? Grabbing drinks at the underground jazzy speakeasy.

I’d go for: Couples, history lovers, first-time Vegas visitors or anybody who needs a daytime activity before the nighttime foolishness begins.

🍷 If you wanna be GROWN & tipsy: Wine Garden

This one stays in my rotation for a reason.

If you tell me:

“Simone, I want wine, R&B and somewhere cute where I can actually hear the person I’m talking to.”

I’m sending you here.

I’ve been several times, and what keeps bringing me back is the combination of the music, atmosphere and service.

It’s the kind of place I’d choose when I want to go OUT...but I don’t necessarily want to be OUT-out.

I’d go for: Date night, girls’ night, solo wine, a grown link-up or somewhere to start your evening.

🍷 MY PICK FOR: GROWN + R&B

And if the night gets a little tipsier than anticipated? No complaints Cousin

💆🏾‍♀️ If your vacation needs a vacation: Spa Remedies 🖤

Some of y’all come to Vegas and treat your itinerary like an Olympic sport.

Brunch. Pool party. Dinner. Club. After-hours. Three hours of sleep. Repeat.

BABY SIT DOWN. 😭

If you want to actually RELAX while you’re here, put some spa time on the itinerary.

Spa Remedies gives you a Black-owned wellness option when you need to trade the Strip chaos for massages, facials and some damn peace.

I’d go for: Girls’ trips, birthday self-care, couples, solo travelers or the day after you made several questionable decisions at the club.

Check Out The Experience

🥂 If brunch needs to turn into a FUNCTION: Mariposa 🖤

There’s brunch.

And then there’s Mariposa Brunch

If you’re looking for a more social, grown brunch experience, Mariposa is one I’d have on the radar.

I’d go for: Birthday brunch, girls’ trips, groups and my grown Cousins who want music and energy with their meal.

🥂 BEST FOR: BRUNCH + SOCIAL VIBES

Just don’t make plans immediately afterward like you aren’t gonna be sitting there longer than expected. You know how brunch gets.

🎷 If you want LIVE music: Jazzy Blu 🖤

Now THIS is for my Cousins who keep telling me:

“I want somewhere grown with live music.”

Jazzy Blu gives you a completely different Vegas night from the typical club experience, with live singers and jazz in a more intimate setting.

And sometimes that’s exactly what the itinerary needs.

This is a casual Black-owned jazz supper club near the Vegas Strip with live entertainment.

I’d go for: Date night, 40+ groups, birthdays or anyone specifically looking for live entertainment without the nightclub experience.

🎷 BEST FOR: LIVE MUSIC + REAL GROWN VIBES

Check Out The Experience

👽 If you want some weird Vegas shit: AREA15

Because eventually somebody in the group is gonna say:

“Okay...what ELSE is there to do?”

AREA15 is one of my answers.

This is less “come look at this attraction” and more of an entire entertainment complex filled with immersive experiences, art, food, drinks and some truly WTF-is-going-on-in-here moments.

And that’s exactly why I’d include it.

It’s something you can do with the girls, on a date, with family or when your group has completely different interests and you need somewhere everybody can find SOMETHING.

I’d go for: First-time visitors, groups, couples, content opportunities or anybody who wants something completely different from traditional Vegas.

👽 SIMONE SAYZ: A lot of the attractions here, in my opinion, are just for the aesthetics and not really worth the money (cough cough Ice Cream Museum and Illuminarium). But the things like Omega Mart and Great Big Game Show we’re a great time

📝 Cousin, just tell me what to pick.

Because I know somebody just read all eight and somehow got MORE overwhelmed. 😂

So here’s your cheat sheet:

😂 I need to laugh: Luenell
🚌 I wanna PARTY: Supreme Club Tours
🕵🏾 Teach me something: Mob Museum
🍷 Grown + tipsy: Wine Garden
💆🏾‍♀️ I need to RELAX: Spa Remedies
🥂 Turn-up brunch: Mariposa
🎷 Live music: Jazzy Blu
👽 Something completely different: AREA15

Screenshot that. You’re welcome. 😂

🖤 Want to prioritize Black experiences?

I got you.

Several recommendations on this list specifically center Black businesses, talent or entertainment, including:

Luenell
Supreme Club Tours
Spa Remedies
Mariposa
Jazzy Blu

But you’ll notice I also included places like the Mob Museum and AREA15.

And that’s intentional.

Experience Black Vegas isn’t only about telling you what’s Black-owned.

I want to help Black travelers experience the BEST of Vegas while making damn sure our businesses, events, culture and people aren’t left out of the itinerary.

Because you deserve more options than:

Casino. Buffet. Club. Repeat.

This is why you gotta stay subscribed 👀

Social media gets the quick version:

“Here are 4 experiences I’d recommend.”

But over here?

You get the whole damn itinerary. 😂

I’m talking about what I’d choose for girls’ night, what I’d send my grown Cousins to, and what’s actually worth it.

So if you’re planning Vegas and tired of finding the good stuff after you’ve already gone home, stay subscribed.

And if you need even more ideas, head over to Experience Black Vegas to find more restaurants, events, nightlife and experiences to add to your itinerary.

Now go do something besides gamble, Cousin. 😂

See you outside. 🥂

I Want To See More!

Because Vegas will have you paying $24 for a cocktail like that is a perfectly normal thing to do.

So whether you’re looking for somewhere cute for girls’ night, a grown weekday link-up, R&B with your wine, or somewhere happy hour can accidentally turn into the whole night, I put together some Vegas happy hours my Cousins should have on their radar.

I only gave y’all four spots on social, but you clicked the newsletter.

You get the WHOLE list. 😂

And instead of just throwing a bunch of names and times at you, I’m breaking them down by why I’d actually go.

Quick Cousin disclaimer: Vegas specials change like the weather. Always double-check the business’s page before heading over, especially for weekly and password specials.

🍸 Palate — For cute cocktails + girls’ night

Wednesday–Saturday | 3–6 PM
📍 Downtown Las Vegas
👨🏾‍🍳 Black-led kitchen

Palate isn’t Black-owned, but the kitchen is led by a Black chef, and this is one I’ve personally enjoyed.

The cocktails were cute, the atmosphere and decor were giving, and the short rib fried rice was easily one of my favorite things I tried. They also have more interesting bites like bao buns, so you’re getting something different from the usual happy-hour wings and fries.

Plus, you’re already Downtown in a great area to walk around if you want to make another stop afterward.

I’d go for: Girls’ night, a date, solo drinks or somewhere cute to start your Downtown plans.

✨ WHY IT MADE MY LIST: Cute environment + good cocktails + more interesting food choices.

Cousin tip: The parking situation? Not my favorite. Expect to pay.

💼 Chocolate City 🖤 — For the grown link-up

Monday–Thursday | 1–5 PM
Friday–Sunday | 11 AM–4 PM
📍 Downtown / Arts District

Chocolate City is one I’d have on the radar when you want somewhere you can eat, drink, smoke cigars, link up and hear some R&B.

You could pull up with coworkers, meet somebody for a casual date, grab drinks with the girls or use it as the first stop before going somewhere else Downtown.

I’d go for: Networking, catching a game, girls’ night or a casual date.

Cousin tip: Parking can get a little raggedy depending on how busy the Arts District is.

✨ Sivas — For the presentation + a night that can keep going

Sivas isn’t Black-owned, but I recently checked this one out and the first thing that stood out was the presentation.

The food came out BEAUTIFUL, the decor is cute and the staff was really nice.

Personally, I thought the food overall was decent — so I’m not about to tell y’all I ascended into the heavens after every bite. 😂

But that künefe?!

THAT’S what I would go back for.

And there’s another reason I’d have Sivas on the radar: on Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant turns into more of an R&B/hip-hop lounge.

So this can easily go from:

“Let’s grab some cheap drinks.”

to:

“Well...I guess we’re outside now.”

I’d go for: Girls’ night, date night, pretty presentation, cocktails or somewhere you can potentially stay after dinner for music.

🍰 SIMONE SAYZ: Get the künefe.

💸 Okay, but where are the REAL deals?

Because sometimes we don’t care about the flower wall.

How much are the drinks?!

😭

🌊 Splash 🖤 — For being OUT on a budget

8-10pm Everyday!

$8 Specials & $17 Hookah

I’ve eaten at Splash and thought the food was decent, but honestly, the reason I’d send you here is the combination of price + music + energy.

I’d go for: drinks, hookah and music.

🍗 Fin & Feathers 🖤 — For food specials + a vibe

Monday–Friday | 12–8 PM
Saturday | 5–8 PM
Sunday | 6 PM–close

Deal: $5 daily food specials

This is another one where the deal itself is what catches my attention.

I’ve eaten here and thought the food was decent, but what makes Fin & Feathers useful is that it’s a restaurant with a vibe.

You can grab dinner and drinks, hear R&B and hip-hop and still feel like you’ve actually gone somewhere without immediately committing to nightclub prices.

I’d go for: Cheap bites, after-work drinks, girls’ night, casual date night or dinner before going somewhere else.

💰 BEST FOR: Someone who wants food + drinks + music without doing the MOST.

Cousin tip: Parking can be annoying when it’s busy.

🍷 For my GROWN Cousins...

Because sometimes I want R&B and a cocktail without somebody’s elbow in my rib cage.

🌹 Mariposa 🖤 — For a chill weekday night

Tuesday–Friday | 4–8 PM

Mariposa is one I’d put on the list when the assignment is:

“I wanna get out the house...but I don’t need to be OUT-out.”

I’ve eaten here and thought the food was decent, but during happy hour I’d recommend it more for a laid-back weekday atmosphere.

I’d go for: A chill weekday link-up, after-work drinks or casual date night.

Best for: Especially my 35+ Cousins and professionals looking for something a little more relaxed.

🍷 Wine Garden — For wine + R&B

Monday–Friday | 5–8 PM
$7 house wines
📍 Downtown / Arts District

Wine Garden isn’t Black-owned, but if the assignment is wine + R&B + cute atmosphere, this one makes sense.

I’ve been several times, and the R&B music is one of the things I really enjoy about the experience. Pair that with wine, cute decor and great service and you’ve got an easy girls’ night/date-night option.

I’d go for: Girls’ night, date night or one of those evenings when you want to sip something and actually be able to enjoy the music.

🎶 MY PICK FOR WINE + R&B

Cousin tip: Parking can be annoying depending on how busy Downtown is.

🎤 Cork N Thorn — For live music

Every day | 5–8 PM
📍 Downtown / Arts District

Cork N Thorn isn’t Black-owned either, but it’s one I keep in rotation because it gives you something different:

live music.

During the week especially, I like this as an option when you want drinks and entertainment without going full nightclub.

I’d go for: Girls’ night, date night, pregame or somewhere to hear great music while you drink.

Best for: 30+, professionals, couples and visitors looking for something beyond the typical Vegas bar.

Cousin tip: Expect paid parking.

🪩 Now...what if happy hour IS the function?

Because some of y’all aren’t looking for two drinks and home.

🥂 Moxie — For turning the deal into the whole night

📍 Spring Mountain

Moxie isn’t Black-owned, but there are so many different weekly specials that putting it under one traditional “happy hour” doesn’t even do it justice.

WEDNESDAY | 6–9 PM
$7 hookah, margaritas, Henny + wings

THURSDAY
50% off your entire bill with the R&B Bingo password

FRIDAY | 7–11 PM
R&B Dinner Party + 20% off your bill with the password

SATURDAY | 7–11 PM
R&B Dinner Party + 20% off your bill with the password

This is where I’d go when I want cheap food/drinks AND R&B/hip-hop without necessarily going to a Strip nightclub.

The decor and atmosphere help too, so it still feels like you’re actually going OUT.

I’d go for: Girls’ night, date night, pregame or honestly...making this the whole damn function.

🏆 BEST “WE MIGHT AS WELL STAY HERE” PICK

And I’m sorry...

50% off the entire bill?!

Cousin, at that point we’re ordering appetizers for the table. 😭

🌃 Limelight 🖤 — For the late-night Cousins

📍 Downtown Las Vegas

Limelight isn’t really for the “meet me for a 4 PM cocktail” crowd.

This is for the Cousins whose happy hour starts when everybody else’s ends. 😂

TACO TUESDAY | 8 PM–2 AM
🌮 $3 tacos

WING WEDNESDAY | 8 PM–2 AM
🍗 $1 wings
🥃 $5 shots

FADED FRIDAYS | 8 PM–5 AM
🍹 $5 drinks
🥂 $25 ladies-only open bar | 8–11 PM

Depending on the night, you’ll also get R&B and hip-hop.

I’d go for: Pregame, girls’ night, late-night food and inexpensive drinks.

Best for: 21+ locals and tourists who are actually trying to be OUT.

And Cousin...

that rooftop in the Vegas summer is HOT AS HELL.

You have been warned. 😭

📝 Cousin, just tell me where to go.

Because I know somebody scrolled through all of that and somehow became MORE undecided.

Here’s the cheat sheet:

🍸 Cute cocktails + interesting bites: Palate
💼 After-work/professional link-up: Chocolate City
✨ Pretty presentation: Sivas
💸 Balling on a budget: Splash
🍗 Food specials + R&B: Fin & Feathers
🌹 Grown + chill: Mariposa
🍷 Wine + R&B: Wine Garden
🎤 Live music: Cork N Thorn
🪩 Make it the whole night: Moxie
🌃 Late-night deals: Limelight

Screenshot that. You’re welcome. 😂

🖤 Want to prioritize Black-owned?

I got you.

From this guide, the Black-owned spots are:

Chocolate City
Splash
Fin & Feathers
Mariposa
Limelight

And while Palate isn’t Black-owned, its kitchen is led by a Black chef.

One last Cousin tip 🚨

Happy hours and weekly specials in Vegas change ALL. THE. TIME.

Especially password specials, weekly programming and event nights.

So always check the business’s Instagram or website before heading over to confirm the current hours and specials.

Because I refuse to have you standing at the host stand talking about:

“Well Simone said—”

Baby leave my name OUT of it. 😭

This is why you gotta stay subscribed 👀

Social media gives me about 60 seconds to put y’all on.

Over here? I can give you the DETAILS.

The deals. The times. Who I’d recommend it for. What I’ve actually tried. And whether you should pull up for a chill glass of wine or come prepared to accidentally be outside until 2 AM.

So if you’re tired of finding out where everybody was after you see the recap on Instagram, stay subscribed, Cousin.

And if you’re planning a Vegas trip right now, head over to Experience Black Vegas for even more places, events and experiences worth adding to your itinerary.

See you outside. 🥂

Cousin...

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Black Vegas has felt a little... stale lately.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good brunch, day party, or lounge. But for a while, it felt like we were getting the same concepts over and over again. Hookah, after hours, dj, turn up…rinse and repeat.

Young and turnt spots without unique experiences like Big Jerk and Elevate closed their doors, leaving Black Vegas party people wondering, what’s next?

But over the last few weeks, I’ve started noticing something interesting.

It feels like businesses are beginning to think beyond just serving food or throwing another party. They’re creating experiences.

So today, I want to talk about why I think Black Vegas might be entering a new era.

🍽️ Is Black Vegas Growing Up?

The Shift I’m Seeing

Instead of another copy-and-paste brunch, I’m starting to see businesses experiment with concepts that give people a reason to come back.

Soulful brunches, new dining concepts, etc.

Why This Matters

People don’t remember meals.

They remember experiences.

The restaurants and lounges that are going to win over the next few years won’t just have good food, they’ll become places where birthdays are celebrated, first dates happen, girls’ trips make memories, and tourists tell their friends, “You HAVE to go there.”

My Prediction 👀

I think the next chapter of Black Vegas belongs to businesses that create moments, not just menus.

If this trend continues, I think we’re going to see a completely different Black Vegas five years from now, and honestly, I’m HERE for it.

We don’t need another dark hookah lounge with mediocre food. We need EXPERIENCES.

👀 What’s Buzzing

• 🍽️ Privy is preparing to open as a new vibe dining concept focused on hospitality and experiences.

• 🎶 Saffron (not Black owned) is expanding beyond dining with recurring experience-based events like a gospel, r&b and hip hop Sunday Brunch and Neo Soul & Sushi.

• 🏀Sportsbra is a Black woman-owned sports bar coming to Vegas only showcasing women’s sports

• 🤫 Insider Tea: I’ve heard about a possible seafood concept with an after-hours vibe. Nothing official yet, but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on it.

🚨 Tourist Trap or Worth It?

🍦 Museum of Ice Cream

My Honest Thoughts 🍦

Okay... I’m gonna be real.

It was cute, but it definitely felt more gimmicky than immersive.

The whole concept is that you walk through different “doors” and each one has something behind it. I was expecting more actual rooms or experiences, but most of what was behind the doors was either a little game (like finding the hidden ice cream truck), random fun facts, or a small interactive activity.

They say it’s a 90-minute experience, and honestly... maybe if you’re bringing kids. I could definitely see them loving the slides, sprinkle ball pit, and all the little games. As an adult though? I was ready to leave way before then.

Now the one thing that had me excited? The unlimited ice cream, soft serve, and toppings. 😂 That was hands down my favorite part.

Would I pay $50+ a person for unlimited icecream and photo ops? Personally, no.

Now if you’re the type that loves colorful photo ops and unlimited ice cream, you might think it’s worth it. But for me, it was more of a one-time thing. Cute for the pictures, fun and fun for the kids, but not something I’d spend money to do again.

🎟️ What You Should Do This Weekend

🌴 Endless Vibe Pool Party

If you’re only picking one event this weekend, make it this one.

Endless Vibe is the result of two Black-owned event groups coming together to create an experience that’s become one of the most consistent parties in the city. Every time I’ve been to their events, the music is on point, the crowd understands the assignment, and the energy feels like a cookout and a Vegas pool party had a baby.

If you’re looking for good vibes, good people, and a party that actually lives up to the hype, this is where I’d be.

LINK TO TICKETS HERE

Keep in mind, the vibe of their events are typically 21-30ish. So if you’re looking for grown and sexy, this ain’t the one for you.

Want other events to checkout? See other upcoming Black events HERE

💌 Cousin Check-In

What do you think Black Vegas is missing?

Let me know in the comments.

Is it a business?

An event?

A nightlife concept?

A luxury experience?

I’d love to hear what you think.

🎁 New Here?

Grab my FREE Black Vegas Guide on things to do during the week: Guide HERE

Know somebody who’s always asking what there is to do in Black Vegas?

Forward them this newsletter.

The desire to be outside doesn’t disappear... your tolerance for nonsense just gets lower. 😭

If you’re looking for places where you can still have a good time without feeling like you’re chaperoning a college field trip, I’ve got you covered.

🎶 Revibe

Perfect for when you want to unwind, sip tea, and enjoy a night of good music and good energy. If your soul needs a reset but you still want to leave the house, start here.

🎤 Cork & Thorn

One of my favorite spots for live music, lit vibes, and some of the best hookah in town.

🍸 Foreign Exchange

If your ideal night includes delicious cocktails, grown conversations, and a jazz-inspired atmosphere, add this one to your list.

🐟 Chocolate City Cigar Lounge

The catfish is fire, the brunch vibes are chill, and nighttime on the weekends gets packed.

🍷 Wine Garden

A great option for wine lovers looking for a laid-back, gorwn n sexy atmosphere and live entertainment.

🚬 Tap N Ash Social Club

For cigars, cocktails, and grown-folks conversations.

🎧 Echo Taste & Sound

A hi-fi listening lounge with cocktails and bites.

💎 Classic Jewel

A great place to grab some cocktails and vibe. Keep in mind, they do have a lot of private events so check their page to know when to go

🥃 Eight Lounge

A grown n sexy cigar lounge on the Strip. They play soulful r&b tracks on Thursdays.

🎙️ Pinky Ring

Bruno Mars’ lounge brings live music, energy, and a crowd that’s usually looking for a good time without the chaos of a nightclub.

🥞 Mariposa

The hub for Black networking events, grown events and party brunch vibes on the weekends.

Simone’s Pick 👀

If I could only choose ONE spot from this list for a first-time visitor looking for grown-and-outside vibes, I’d probably send them to Cork & Thorn on the weekend. Between the music, energy, hookah, and crowd, it’s one of the easiest places to have a good and lit night.

Until next time,

Simone Sayz
Helping Black folks experience Vegas through a lens that feels like home 🖤

If you’ve ever visited Vegas and felt like something was missing, you’re not alone.

After living here for 9 years, I’ve learned that the best experiences aren’t always the ones you’ll find on Google.

They’re the hidden gems, the brunch spots off the Strip, the lounges where the music isn’t mixed with EDM, and the places that make you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

That’s why I created The Experience Black Vegas Starter Guide.

Inside, you’ll find:

• A few of my favorite spots to eat, party, and explore
• Common Vegas mistakes to avoid
• Hidden gems beyond the Strip
• A preview of my custom itinerary service

Download your free guide here: FREE GUIDE

Going forward, if you subscribe you’ll receive regular updates on:

• New openings

• Hidden gems

• Seasonal guides

• What’s happening in Black Vegas

Welcome to the family.

– Simone Sayz
Experience Black Vegas

Vegas has a reputation for being expensive.

And don’t get me wrong, if you want to spend $1,500 in a weekend, Vegas will happily take it.

But one thing I’ve learned is that having a good time here isn’t necessarily about spending more money. It’s about knowing where to spend it.

I’ve had some incredible Vegas weekends that cost less than a nightclub section.

I’ve also had some unforgettable experiences that were worth every dollar.

So today we’re talking about both.

💸 IF I’M KEEPING IT BUDGET FRIENDLY

These are spots I’d recommend if you’re looking for a vibe without draining your account.

🍷 Cork & Thorn

🍗 Fin & Feathers

🍦 Philly Freeze Me

☕ Papa Joe’s

🎨 Foreign Exchange Lounge

Why I like this list:

You can realistically enjoy multiple experiences, support some amazing local businesses, and still have money left for the rest of your trip.

💎 IF I’M FEELING A LITTLE FANCY

🍾 Maroon

🎉 A Section at Moxie

🏨 Palms Place

🐇 Wax Rabbit

🥃 Pinky Ring

🎭 7:45 Speakeasy

🍽️ Palate

🌟 High End DIY Luxury Fragrance Bar Experience

Why I like this list:

These aren’t necessarily the cheapest experiences, but they’re for my boujee travelers.

👀 WHAT’S BUZZING

🎤 Jeezy’s Vegas residency.

🌮 La Diosa Cantina has launched a new hip hop Taco Tuesday experience.

🎶 If you’re like me and EDC wasn’t your thing… Vegas still has plenty coming up this summer:

• 03 Greedo, Mike Sherm & OhGeesy

• YG

• Yung Miami & Bossman Dlow

💎 HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK

Revibe Lounge

Everybody talks about where to turn up.

Almost nobody talks about where to actually unwind.

That’s what makes Revibe different.

Whether you’re looking for a chill date night, somewhere to catch up with friends, or simply a place that doesn’t feel like every other Vegas lounge, Revibe has carved out its own lane.

If you haven’t been yet, add it to your list.

🎤 OFF THE RECORD

Maybe it’s just me, but lately I’ve been feeling disappointed in Vegas.

Not because there aren’t good events.

Not because there aren’t talented promoters.

Not because there aren’t people trying.

But because it feels like every time we build something for us, there’s another obstacle waiting around the corner.

The hip-hop and R&B events at Sugar Factory got shut down after the venue lost its hookah license.

The classy R&B rooftop event at Ellis Island got shut down too.

And honestly, that’s the one that frustrates me the most.

Because what’s the excuse there?

It wasn’t a wild event.

It wasn’t causing problems.

It was bringing people together, creating a vibe, and packing out the rooftop week after week.

If a classy event that’s consistently bringing in customers can’t survive, what exactly are we supposed to build?

Then I started hearing about venues turning down opportunities to host Juneteenth events.

JUNETEENTH

And somehow even that becomes difficult to find space for.

I don’t have all the answers.

But I do know this:

Black Vegas deserves more spaces.

More events.

More venues willing to take a chance.

More places where we don’t have to wonder if we’ll still have a home there next month.

Honestly, it feels like every time we find a good space for US, it disappears.

💌 COUSIN CHECK-IN

What’s one Vegas experience that was actually worth every penny?

Reply and let me know.

I might feature some of your responses in the next newsletter.

Cousin…

Summer is 45 days away and the Vegas block is HOT.

I know you’re planning your trips, your fits, your “we outside” moments… so I got you.

Because let’s be real, if you breathing and got PTO, there is NO reason you shouldn’t be outside at least a little this summer.

So this week, I’m putting you onto:

• What’s new and what’s coming to Black Vegas

• What upcoming events I personally recommend that you pop out to

• And MORE

🧠 Black Vegas Insider

(What’s New + What’s Tea + What’s Coming)

• Maroon opened this month! – This is a Black-owned Caribbean-inspired steakhouse on the Strip with BOMB food. I went to their grand opening on May 1st, and cousin, talk about ALL OUT. Carnival-style dancers, caviar bumps, champagne, orchestra performance, jerk chicken, oxtail fried rice, after party, the list goes ON AND ON. Reservations can be booked HERE. Book fast though bookie, cause openings are going QUICK.

• Snoop Dog is performing at Tailgate’s Grand Opening – A new beach club is opening on the Strip on May 16th, and Uncle Snoop is performing. The highlight of the club is supposed to be the big screens for games. The club itself is giving ROCK ON DUDE🤘, but knowing Vegas, it’ll probably be a top 40’s kind of vibe.

• New Black Salon Alert! – Aloe and Curls is a new Black-owned salon that recently opened in Las Vegas and we LOVE TO SEE IT. The address is 4590 W Sahara Ave #102, Las Vegas, NV 89102. I haven’t been yet, but lmk what you think!

• THE BEST noodles in Vegas is leaving –I almost shed a tear when I hear this news, but Bleu Kitchen is closing (as of Sunday, May 3) because their lease is up. If you didn’t get to experience that garlicky goodness, I’m sad to say you MISSED OUT. The owners say something new and big is coming, so hopefully soon!

• Pretty Soul Kitchen is closed- This well-known soul food spot in Vegas recently closed down. The owner, Chef B, is still doing catering and posts some yummy-looking food videos.

• The FIRST Black-owned bookstore on the Strip is closing on Mother’s Day- R.D Talley made HISTORY when they opened less than a year ago, but we know the STRIP be on bs aka the mall is cutting their contract short.

👉 Cousin Note: In other words, the tea is HOT

📍 Where You Should Be This Week

There’s a ton of events going on in Black Vegas, but only a few I would personally be excited to go to.

Vibe Distribution Sunset Party
📅 May 9th
📍 We All Scream
✨ A FUN party where people actually dance and the djs are good. Vibe Distribution parties get packed though, so be prepared

R&B Dinner with DJ J-Nice
📅 May 8th
📍 General Admission
✨ I personally haven’t been to this event yet, but best believe if there’s food and R&B involved, that sounds like my kind of shenanigan!

🔥 This Week’s Random Plug

• It’s a HOT COUSIN SUMMER which means it’s time to make sure that hair is laid and face is beat. I want to gate keep these two, but because I love you, I’m gonna plug you with my two ultimate favorite beauty providers:

  • Makeup: A1 Artistry (a1.artistry) is the one and not the two. Absolutely amazing makeup looks. My favorite makeup artist hands down

  • Hair: Jenny with Revamp (jennythinksrich) has TOP TIER bundles and specializes in working with ladies that experience hair loss.

🎁 Your Welcome Gift

Since you part of the family now…

I put together a list of my favorite Black-owned food spots in Vegas.

👉🏾 Click HERE

💬 Cousin Talk

I’m building this for US.

Not no watered-down “top 10 things to do” list…

…but real info, real opinions, and real experiences.

So if you ever:

• Need recs

• Want your event featured

• Or just wanna put me onto something

Let me know

And don’t be selfish… forward this to your cousin who always asking
“what’s going on in Black Vegas?”