On Friday, Nov. 15, a new standard in Las Vegas cocktail culture will arrive with the opening of Golden Gai, an intimate drinks destination inspired by the iconic neon-lit alleys of the Golden Gai bar district of Shinjuku, Tokyo. Located inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and developed by 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, Golden Gai blends cultural authenticity with the allure and raw energy of a bold, hidden-world experience where handcrafted cocktails, Michelin-star-quality bites and curated entertainment converge.
Golden Gai shares the same spirit of precision and artistry that defines its neighbor Wakuda—the internationally celebrated fine-dining Japanese restaurant with locations at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas and in Singapore. Its cocktail menu, developed by beverage director Luis Lopez, reflects Japan’s heritage and profound connection to nature and seasonality—all while emphasizing excellence and balance. Having honed his skills under legendary bartender Sam Ross of New York City’s Attaboy, Lopez brings unmatched expertise and imagination to Golden Gai’s cocktail book, drawing inspiration from the top-rated bars in the world. Every drink on the menu is meticulously concocted, featuring ingredients such as crisp Fuji apples and premium Japanese whisky, bringing guests along for a sensory journey where tradition meets innovation.
Meanwhile, Golden Gai also offers one of the most expansive lists of sake, Champagne and wine in Las Vegas. This collection will encompass a carefully assembled yet broad selection reflecting both global excellence and rare finds.
Golden Gai not only immerses guests in the essence of Tokyo’s underground but also will bring the world’s finest drinking experiences to Las Vegas through ongoing pop-ups with the 50 Best Bars in the World. These exclusive collaborations will give guests the rare chance to sip on globally celebrated cocktails without leaving the Strip. In addition to these renowned partnerships, Golden Gai will host pop-ups with producers of premium Japanese spirits, sake as well as champagnes, creating a dynamic, rotating beverage program that promises something new with every visit.
To enhance the flavors of Golden Gai’s impeccably crafted cocktails and other libations, guests can indulge in small Japanese handhelds and sumptuous bar bites. Made with the finest ingredients, these craveable delicacies with bold, sought-after flavor twists will include handrolls, katsu, wagyu sliders, toasted nuts, house-made chips, Japanese pickles, caviar and other tempting, bite-sized morsels.
Golden Gai’s indoor-outdoor design draws on the edgy, eclectic essence of the underground nightlife scene that inspired it. Pops of neon light punctuate the darkened interior, which includes just eight tables. On the walls hang contemporary art works by Shohei Otomo, whose influences range from cyberpunk to anime and create an atmosphere where hospitality meets intrigue and rebellion. Outside, the spacious patio offers more table seating and sweeping views of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
With a focus on exclusivity, Golden Gai offers a distinctly energetic environment. With live DJs performing Tuesday through Saturday evenings, the space transforms into a place where elevated cocktails, craveable bites and culture come together seamlessly. From the neon glow to the pulsing energy of its carefully curated soundscape, Golden Gai feels both familiar and thrillingly unpredictable.
“Golden Gai is a discovery—a place where every element, from the ambiance to the cocktails and entertainment, delivers something unexpected,” said John Kunkel, CEO, 50 Eggs Hospitality Group. “It’s where indulgence meets genuinely elevated cocktail culture, and each visit promises an experience that lingers long after the night ends.”
Golden Gai is located steps inside the Wakuda entry in The Palazzo Lobby at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas at 3325 South Las Vegas Blvd. Golden Gai will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday and Monday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. With a limited number of tables, reservations are highly recommended. Guests 21 or older may make reservations online here, by calling (702) 665-8592 or emailing Peter Lee at plee@wakudajapanese.com. For more information, go to www.wakudajapanese.com/golden-gai or follow Golden Gai on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @GoldenGaiLV.
ABOUT GOLDEN GAI
Coming to The Venetian Resort Las Vegas this November is Golden Gai, an intimate cocktail club inspired by the iconic neon-lit alleys of the Golden Gai nightlife district of Shinjuku, Tokyo. Developed by 50 Eggs Hospitality Group, Golden Gai blends cultural authenticity with the allure and raw energy of a bold, hidden-world experience where handcrafted cocktails, Michelin-star-quality bites and curated entertainment converge. Golden Gai will extend its appeal through exclusive pop-ups with the world’s best bars, alongside collaborations with top Japanese spirits, sake and champagne, creating a dynamic, rotating beverage program that promises something new with every visit. For more information, go to www.wakudajapanese.com/golden-gai or follow Golden Gai on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @GoldenGaiLV.
ABOUT 50 EGGS HOSPITALITY GROUP
Baked in 2001, 50 Eggs Hospitality Group owns and operates a multi-faceted, full-service culinary and hospitality firm. Based in South Florida and founded by chief executive officer and restaurateur John Kunkel, 50 Eggs Hospitality Group owns and drives the creativity behind some of the country’s popular restaurants. Las Vegas’ concepts include Wakuda, Chica and Golden Gai. For more information, visit 50eggsinc.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT THE VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas features all-suite accommodations across The Venetian and The Palazzo. The iconic resort’s experience is marked by a commitment to sophisticated play and light-hearted luxury, with world-class restaurants from celebrated chefs including Cote by Simon Kim, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, and Southern California favorite Gjelina; the rejuvenating Canyon Ranch spa + fitness; a five-acre pool and garden deck inspired by the Italian Riviera including TAO Beach Dayclub, a Balinese-inspired tropical oasis; two landmark casinos and a poker room; Voltaire, a destination nightlife venue that blurs the lines between and intimate club and is home to the Queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese; concert and non-stop entertainment including master illusionist Shin Lim; TAO Nightclub, and unparalleled retail experiences at Grand Canal Shoppes.
A premier events and conference center, the resort is home to more than 2.25 million square feet of meeting, exposition, and convention space. The Venetian Resort’s brand-new loyalty program, Venetian Rewards, offers resort-wide earning and redemption for gaming play, including slots and tables, as well as experiential spend, such as dining, entertainment, hotel reservations, and more.
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is the only place fans can get the full experience of Sphere at The Venetian with concert and hotel packages including preferred seating. Sphere is a next-generation venue that will redefine the future of live entertainment.
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