Watch live performances with a free tasting
By Zoneil Maharaj
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After soft-opening in May and hosting a series of rockin’ rooftop parties, Taverna Costera is ready to make it official. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and live entertainment venue — which also houses the Dragon’s Alley Coffee Co. fast casual concept — celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, August 7.
Festivities include a happy hour at 3 p.m., followed by a free tasting of their new tiki menu at 6 p.m., with performances by The Dirty Hooks, TheImplosions and Frankie Lee and the Infernos on the rooftop at 8 p.m.
Despite opening during the pandemic, Taverna Costera has built a solid buzz for its mix of unique fare, outdoor concerts and community events.
“We’ve been growing pretty fast,” owner Jeff Hwang says. “Every week is better than the last.”
Hwang and Chef RayRay Samlow have spent the last few months perfecting Taverna Costera’s ever-changing menu, putting an emphasis on presentation. They recently introduced vegan and non-vegan tapas flights featuring a surprise selection of small bites chosen by Chef Ray.
Now, they’re launching a tiki-themed takeover for the month of August to coincide with the grand opening. Expect a modern twist on classic tiki drinks and dishes with a tapas menu featuring items such as coconut shrimp crab cake sliders on Hawaiian rolls, vegan Jamaican patties and Mai Thai shrimp. Entrees include a jerk-style Cornish hen, black spice crusted mahi-mahi, and a tiki taco trio (pulled chicken, black fish and summer veggie), along with a pu pu platter.
On the entertainment front, Jeff says to expect an eclectic lineup of local talent, along with the occasional DJ-driven rooftop party, like the recent No Scrubz event.
“There aren’t a lot of places to play in town right now,” says Jeff, a musician who’s taken the rooftop stage himself. “This is a place where people can play because we’re outdoors. It’s a safe place to hang out.”
With a new DJ booth and their rooftop bar now complete, Jeff’s ready to (re)introduce Taverna Costera to the Las Vegas Valley at large.
“We’re here, we’re built and we’re ready to go,” Jeff says.
