Taste of Africa Restaurant Heads to Neonopolis

A busy 2019 at downtown’s Neonopolis has added plans for a two-story African-themed dining and entertainment center it vows will share an “authentic feel” for the continent's “culture, artifacts and food.”

Taste of Africa will take over a total of 13,995 square feet on the second and third floors, including two outdoor balconies offering an angled view of the busy corner at Fremont and Fourth.

The third floor is currently imagined to host a combination banquet and event space. On the second floor, the restaurant is also building an area for performers to play and sing for the guests.

Early renderings indicate an ornate, warm and amber-hued interior featuring a lounge, stand-alone bar and a separate dining area.

Attached to the project as the applicant’s representative, former Las Vegas City Councilman Ricki Barlow and his LV Access LLC company. Barlow resigned from his position in 2018 after admitting to a series of financial improprieties while in office, including diverting campaign funds for his personal use. Part of his plea deal included month-long prison sentence. He has since returned to his former City Hall stomping grounds as a lobbyist.

Other changes at the 17-year old, mixed use complex, Fremont East’s Don’t Tell Mama piano bar has relocated and is now open on the ground floor, while the fast-casual Döner Kebab Express has moved in the International Eatery food court.

And still promised to debut later this year, OD’s and The Cat’s Meow karaoke clubs, the Gene Woods “GoCart Racing Track,” and the long in the works Notoriety nightclub and live entertainment concept headed to the third floor.

Estimated opening dates for the portfolio of under construction projects have yet to be announced.

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