Replacements Found for Macayo, Bachi Burger, and the Vanguard Lounge

Behind the scenes, local restaurateurs, and operators continue to prepare for the post-lock down future and three new ventures are pushing forward with plans to debut within the new few months.

Revealed almost a year ago, the Korean barbecue restaurant replacing Bachi Burger at Village Square is elevating its menu and aspirations above the original concept. Now known as YukGa, the 4,113-square-foot restaurant has hired chefs from Michelin-rated restaurants from South Korea to cultivate a fine-dining experience, including their spin on barbecue dishes.

Set to open daily from noon to 11 p.m., and featuring room enough inside for 120 customers, chef and owner Andy Kim of Hanabi Sushi & Rolls, located a few steps away from YukGa, is a partner in the project. An estimated opening date has not been announced.

A local favorite for decades, Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen shuttered its last Las Vegas outpost on Aug. 25, but its empty eastside restaurant at 1741 E. Charleston Boulevard now hosts a new tenant. Boldly promising to be coming soon, Mi Casa Mexican Cuisine will move into the 8,000-square-foot space. Yet to announce a menu, Mi Casa shares a connection with the shuttered seafood-focused Mariscos 7 Mares Mexican Restaurant, once located less than half a mile to the east.

And Ryan Doherty is dramatically increasing his bar portfolio on Fremont East, all located within one downtown city block. The owner of Commonwealth, Park on Fremont, and the under construction Cheapshot and We all Scream plans to replace the vacant Vanguard Lounge with Lucky Day.

Built around a mezcal and tequila drinks menu and a DJ booth created from a salvaged church pulpit, the space features a dance floor and a menu with house-made tortilla chips and an assortment of signature salsa and guacamole selections.

Lucky Day was originally planned to debut in June. During the current hiatus, Doherty also filed paperwork on his sixth Fremont Street project right next door, re-branding the closed Red nightclub as Shady Lady. Further details have not been publicly shared.

Another unrelated mezcal cocktails and small plates tavern is also planned for downtown later this year, moving into the ground floor of ShareDowntown at the intersection of Casino Center Boulevard and Colorado Avenue.

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