A Fusion Restaurant, Coffee Shop, and Rooftop Bar Head to Arts District

Five years since the 1st & Main development boasted of becoming a hub for restaurants, retail, and art downtown, a new urban lounge hopes to become the first dining destination on the block.

Announcing an estimated June debut in Building B, Taverna Costera will serve a broad fusion menu on the ground floor, next door to the the counter-service Dragon’s Alley Coffee Co., and downstairs from The Roof @TavernaCostera, featuring a rooftop bar and a 194-square-foot permanent stage already preparing to book live acts and DJs.

Local Jeff Hwang oversees the project, where the restaurant has also been known as Taverna Izakaya during the early design process. Chef Ray Samlow, a self-described “shamen chef” and a specialist in “alchemedical cookery for a modern age,” is involved.

Taverna Costera, which plans to offer outdoor seating, a nine-seat bar, and room for 42 people inside, previously listed ramen, Kosher, sushi, Latin, and coastal Mediterranean dishes among its diverse influences, all focused on lighter fare and smaller, healthier portion sizes.

The coffee shop, a nod to Dragon’s Alley in the former Lucky Dragon hotel, expects to open daily at 7 a.m. with its own outdoor seating space for cold brew coffee, boba, and teas. Hwang says he’s using the signs and artwork from the now-closed resort.

The rooftop hopes to be open until 2 a.m., but is planning for later hours during First Friday and special events.

The project heads to the City of Las Vegas approval process later this month.

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