Historic Westside

The Historic Westside, northwest of downtown, is the heart of Las Vegas Black history, once the 'Westside Strip' where Sammy Davis Jr., Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong jammed after segregated Strip shows. Today it's a neighborhood in revitalization, home to the landmark Moulin Rouge site, soul-food institutions and the Jackson Avenue heritage corridor.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Who performed on the old Westside Strip?

Because segregation barred Black performers from staying at the Strip casinos where they headlined, they gathered at Westside clubs afterward. Frequent guests included Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr., who held late-night jam sessions there. That after-hours scene is a legendary, under-told chapter of Las Vegas history.

Is the Historic Westside safe for visitors?

It's a residential neighborhood with a complicated history of segregation and disinvestment, and parts are still working through revitalization. Visit during the day, be respectful that people live here, and treat it as a heritage visit rather than a nightlife stop. Common-sense awareness is enough for daytime exploring.

What was the Moulin Rouge and can I visit it?

The Moulin Rouge, opened May 24, 1955, was the first racially integrated hotel-casino in the United States, a milestone in civil rights history. The original building has been largely lost to fire and time, so there isn't a working attraction on site. DRAFT: confirm the current status of the site and any memorial or signage before visiting.

Where can I get soul food in the Historic Westside?

Gritz Cafe has been a neighborhood soul-food staple since 2008 and has repeatedly been voted the city's best soul food by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Newer black-owned spots like West Side Oasis add a bar, pizza, DJ nights and open mics. DRAFT: verify current hours and locations.

What is happening with revitalization on Jackson Avenue?

There's an active effort led by the Jackson Street Alliance, recognized by the city in 2026 for its work, partnering with Las Vegas on infrastructure and heritage projects. The nearby Legacy Park project is being built to feature exhibits and sculptures highlighting the area's Black history. It's a neighborhood in transition, not a finished tourist district.

What is the Historic Westside known for?

It's the historic center of Black Las Vegas. From the 1940s through the mid-1960s, Jackson Avenue was the 'Westside Strip,' lined with clubs where Black entertainers barred from Strip hotels would relax and jam after their shows. That legacy, plus the Moulin Rouge, defines the neighborhood's cultural importance.

How do I get to the Historic Westside from the Strip?

It's northwest of downtown near the I-15/US-95 'Spaghetti Bowl,' about a 10-15 minute rideshare from the Strip. RTC buses serve the area with the Bonneville Transit Center as the nearest major hub. A car or rideshare is the most practical way to move between its scattered sites.

Is the Historic Westside a tourist attraction?

Not in the polished, packaged sense. It's a living neighborhood with deep historical significance rather than a built-out attraction, and much of the history takes some seeking out. Come for the culture, the food and the story, ideally with a little reading or a guided heritage tour, and set expectations accordingly.

Nearby in Ask Las Vegas

• Dig It! Coffee Co.Café0.69 km · 9 min walk
• Hogs & Heifers SaloonBar1 km · 13 min walk
• Top Of Binion's SteakhouseRestaurant1.14 km · 14 min walk
• Vic's Supper ClubRestaurant1.17 km · 15 min walk
• The Mob MuseumMuseum1.26 km · 16 min walk