Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino Construction Reaches the Restaurants

Under construction Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino ended last year on a sour financial note, but visual evidence points to the project bouncing back and the $373 million resort has now set its sights on the creating the interior.

In November, owners The Las Vegas Economic Impact Regional Center approached the City of Las Vegas for an unorthodox $25 million loan, warning a diminishment of current funds could delay or stop construction and force some local workers out of a job. The city ultimately rejected the request, but Lucky Dragon's creators appear to have discovered the necessary cash with work still advancing at a swift pace.

The 375,000-square-foot, 204-room, nine-story resort will host a dramatic Asian-themed environment. In November, they were confident enough to announce an August 2016 debut date, filling the dream project with 48 gaming tables, 350 slot machines, five restaurants, four lounges, a pool, a spa, and "modest" retail stores. A second-floor sky bridge will connect the hotel to the casino.

A new video update by LVEIRC reveals the upper-level entrance that will host a high-end restaurant tentatively named Ming Zhu, offering views of the south Strip in the distance. A small outdoor terrace will be accessible from one of the restaurants. On the casino level, the Night Market will operate as a deli and casual dining destination, initially proposed to offer Beijing-inspired "Wangfujing street snacks."

Ming Zhu rendering - LVEIRC

Early plans also called for a noodle bar, high-end dim sum or Yum Cha, and a tea café as possible future tenants. A Center Bar under a giant dragon art piece is still planned to loom over the casino area, surrounded by four table game sections. In the hotel building, a combination lobby bar and tea room will sit across from the check-in desk.

Lucky Dragon Main Gaming Floor - Level 1 and 2 Balcony