‘Sexy lounge’ gets green light in Arts District

A once desolate corner of downtown Las Vegas will soon be home to a "sexy lounge" that offers late-night dining.

On Tuesday Mingo Kitchen won approval from the city planning commission for a 5,000 square foot urban lounge at 1017 South First St. in the Arts District.

The lounge and restaurant is seeking to take advantage of growing interest in the Arts District, which is home to monthly First Friday Las Vegas events but has struggled to attract foot traffic during non-festival days.

George Harris, one of the owners of Mingo Kitchen, said having successfully opened Mundo in the World Market Center when it wasn't known for bustling night life shows there is potential for the right business to breathe life into struggling areas.

"They made fun of me for a year and a half," said Harris, whose restaurant is among the more popular downtown dining spots. "I said, 'Just wait.'"

Mingo Collaso, the namesake of the new restaurant, described it as a "sexy lounge" that will serve updated versions of American comfort food.

He cited lobster corn dogs and truffle tots as examples.

Collaso said Mingo Kitchen will also serve food as late as 3 a.m. on weekends.

"There are not enough dining spots downtown, especially over there," he said of the location.

Harris said Mingo Kitchen would open by Sept. 14 at the earliest and Sept. 21 at the latest.

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0285.