Chef Winston Matsuuchi (Omakase Kyara Sake Bar) has opened a new concept in Las Vegas’ Chinatown that blends the tradition of a Japanese izakaya with the craft of an American gastropub. GastroPub Nisei Bar & Grill opened Nov. 4 in Las Vegas’ Chinatown as a place where, “wagyu meets whiskey” and as a more casual and modern alternative to chef Matsuuchi’s omakase concept.
“GastroPub Nisei is something I’ve always wanted to create – a space that’s a little more experimental, more social and lets us have fun with flavor,” chef Matsuuchi said in a statement. “While Omakase Kyara offers a refined, intimate dining experience, Nisei is laid back and energetic – a place where guests can enjoy the same quality and craftsmanship in a lively, late-night setting without the formality.”
GastroPub Nisei’s interior design emphasizes the restaurant’s modern Vegas aesthetic with sleek black surfaces, neon accents, and mural art by Las Vegas artist Pretty Done. The space includes high-top seating with flat-screen TVs for sports viewing, booth seating near the windows, and as well as a centric bar area.
The restaurant’s menu includes dishes that celebrate the fusion of Japanese culinary technique with American comfort food, including kalbi tacos, wagyu sliders, ramen-inspired wagyu meatball ra-pasta, ocean trout tiradito, yellowtail crudo and a pan roast with lobster, shrimp and scallops.
On the drinks side of the menu, GastroPub Nisei offers cocktails such as the Matcha Colada (a reimagined piña colada with matcha flavorings), The Orient Espress (an espresso martini with ginger honey, chocolate brûlée, and garnished with coffee beans) and Light of the Pear (a Japanese whisky and spiced pear cocktail). The bar menu also includes a diverse selection of Japanese whisky, beer, and sake.
The 4,800-square-foot restaurant is open daily from noon until midnight, positioning itself as both a daytime and late-night destination, in the tradition of Japanese izakaya, which are often open late.
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