Best of the City 2023: Spring Valley

The historic musical legacy of Las Vegas should mandate a large complement of jazz clubs. Among the actual few we have, one sits comfortably in the shadows of the Strip: Maxan Jazz, a righteous newcomer near Chinatown that balances tastefulness with tastiness (its culinary focus is sushi, and it’s no gimmick). More importantly: It gives local players an elegant space with an intimacy that discourages chatter. Whether it’s a vocalist showcase or a post-bop trio, your jazz needs will be met here. MP | maxanjazz.com

I get it, ice-skating can be scary: Falling and embarrassing ourselves can ruin a perfectly good skate sesh. However, the Las Vegas Ice Center’s daily public skating times allay this fear enough for me to actually enjoy the experience. Music videos play on a big screen, and LED party lights lend a fun, unintimidating vibe. It’s ridiculously affordable at $15 for two hours on the ice, which makes it my top spot for staying active (and cool) year-round. AD lasvegasice.com 

Stepping into The Claw is like a shock to your system (in the best way). The overhead lighting illuminates the pastel pink and purple hues of the claw machines and showcases the trapped plushies that are begging to be saved. It’s tough to resist your hand at the claw amid the blasting K-Pop, flashing lights, and excited gasps from other players. Here’s your warning, though: Once you win one prize, you’ll want to win them all. GR | instagram.com/theclawusa

Happy hour is supposed to be an escape, and the Dia de los Tiki-styled secret bar at Más Por Favor certainly does feel like a getaway. From 3 to 6 p.m., seven days a week, you can slip down a hallway, slide into a hidden door, and saunter up to the bar. There are discounts on margaritas, beers, and selected cocktails, as well as a variety of street tacos and other bites — and tequila flights, if you want your hour to be really happy. And you can always pick up a few tacos to go on the way out in case anyone at home asks why you’re a little late. LTR | masporfavorlv.com

Sure, it was celebrity chef Michael Symon’s name that propelled me to head to his modern sports BBQ bar, but it was the food that left my taste buds wanting more. After reopening in 2022, it has a slightly new menu. Its classics — brisket, pulled pork, and ribs — are what barbecue is all about. Go ahead and slather with Mabel’s Memphis dry rub or Cleveland mustard. With the succulent fat that gives the meats a propulsion of flavor, the waffle fries, poppy coleslaw, pickles — lots of it — round out the meal nicely in your mouth. SB | mabelsbbqvegas.com

You can spend a whole day eating amazing food in Chinatown. This is how I’d spend my day here. Dim Sum in the morning makes my little heart go pitter-patter. And for a true OG experience, head to O-G, Orchids Garden (orchidsgardenrestaurant.com). Its shuimai and har gow are some of the best in Vegas. You can discern the quality of dumplings by the texture of the noodle skin, and it’s impressive here.

Next stop: snacks! Half Bird Chicken & Beer (halfbird.com) is a fast-casual frying up crunchy little chicken bites called “nuggs,” and they’re bomb! Dip them in any of the seven sauces such as yuzu hot honey or sweet miso bbq.

For dessert, hit up Somi Somi (somisomi.com), where frozen treats are stuffed in fish-shaped waffle cones. The cone tastes like a cake, and the cream is soft-serve style with Asian flavors such as ube, matcha, and black sesame. In Korean, they call the dessert ah-boong; in Japanese, it’s taiyaki. I call it delectable. LBM 

Once tucked behind a gas station on Durango, Suzuya Patisserie was so hidden it evaded GPS radar. Even those in the know had to call for directions. Led by chef Misuzu Ebihara, the bakery relocated in 2020 and now dominates on Buffalo and Warm Springs. The strawberry shortcake remains a bestseller, but the tiramisu is nothing short of amazing. Misuzu marries the Italian dessert with millecrepe, a treat invented in Japan, inspired by the French crepe. Stacked with meticulous layers of crepe sandwiched between mascarpone and marsala wine (no rum), this cake-style dessert has a delicate blend of classic tiramisu flavors with coffee cream on top and perfectly balanced coffee-infused aroma throughout each bite. Although it’s only available for pre-order now, this is a hybrid dessert that puts the bakery on the proverbial map. SB | suzuyapatisserie.com

At some point in life, we’ve all had the fantasy of escaping the real world and joining a circus. (No? Just me?) This gym turns dreams into reality with an artistic fitness perfect for expressing your inner child. Enjoy an elevated exercise in aerial silks, lyra, and pole dance classes. And this is a judgment-free zone for adults who want to learn tumbling skills and basic acrobatics. Don’t let all the flips and flair fool you … this is still a workout. But who says fitness can’t be fun? BJ | shinealternativefitness.com

There are many experiences (most pleasurable) that one can have with cocktails and candles. Although most of them involve a creative spark, few will give you something to bring home with you (provided you use protection). At the Speakeasy Candle Co., a different angle on candles and cocktails can be explored. This luxurious lounge space is loaded with scents and sips. Mixing drinks and a candle-pouring class might seem unusual, but they go together like lemon and rosemary. You can customize your scents while tippling to your heart’s content. BH| speakeasycandleco.com