Branden Powers, known for his innovative contributions to the Las Vegas dining and nightlife scene, has unveiled his latest venture, Pachi-Pachi. This cocktail bar and listening lounge, which opens Friday at South Las Vegas Boulevard and East Carson Avenue, offers a unique blend of Japanese mixology, cuisine, and pop culture, promising guests an immersive experience reminiscent of a vibrant Tokyo back alley.
Powers, who previously held the reins at the Golden Tiki in Chinatown Vegas, garnered acclaim for his creative tiki cocktails. His whimsical approach combined high-quality ingredients and meticulous technique with a touch of tiki kitsch, transforming traditional tropical drinks and adding chaotic charm through eclectic decor, including celebrity shrunken heads.
After leaving the Golden Tiki, Powers opened Evel Pie, a nostalgic pizzeria celebrating Evel Knievel’s legacy. Decorated with memorabilia and a playful homage to the famed stuntman, Evel Pie became known as one of the city’s best pizza spots.
Three years later, with Pachi-Pachi, Powers is back in the hospitality game, eager to make his mark. “When I get to bat, I need to hit a home run,” he states, recognizing the pressure his solo endeavor entails. Without a financial safety net, Powers is dedicated to constantly refining the experience and bringing his vision to life.
Located in a compact space accommodating 80 guests, Pachi-Pachi’s aesthetic is a collaborative effort orchestrated by Powers and developer J Dapper of the Dapper Companies. The design captures a mix of Japanese aesthetics and graphic flair by Mauricio Coturier, scenic installations by Jen Stiling, and wall art by muralist Nico Roussin, alongside elements reminiscent of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Francis Bacon. Notably, six-story banners created by the arts collective Kids in the Attic currently grace the building and hint at the vibrant energy within, with plans for an expansive neon sign inspired by Tokyo’s dazzling nightlife on the horizon.
The whimsical narrative of Pachi-Pachi is fueled by a mythical muse named Aya, serving as the thematic backbone for the bar’s visual language. Aya symbolizes exploration and adventure, embodying the experience Powers seeks to create.
Guests will not only enjoy the immersive ambiance but can also indulge in a Japanese-inspired menu crafted by chefs Mike Boyle and Gilleum Marcoux. Collaborating with restaurateur Mark Evensvold and chef Dan Coughlin of Le Thai, they have envisioned a lineup of dishes that blend culinary innovation with familiar flavors. Notable items include the World Famous Ghost Noodles, which feature chopsticks seemingly held by an invisible hand, alongside classics like cucumber tataki salad, gyoza, and garlic chicken karaage.
A standout offering is the wagyu burger served in a sizzling skillet, complemented by Japanese beer cheese, creating a culinary experience that is both comforting and extraordinary. In addition to the food, the cocktail menu boasts creative concoctions, such as the Sakura Collins and a fat-washed Suntory Old Fashioned, featuring unique flavors like gochujang agave and blue spirulina extract.
Pachi-Pachi is also characterized by its music, billed as a sonic organism. The bar merges varying sounds throughout the day, transitioning from Balearic house music to the atmospheric vibes associated with Japanese listening lounges by night, with DJs taking over late into the evening.
The bar launches this weekend, with initial hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. From Monday onward, Pachi-Pachi will operate from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., extending to 4 a.m. on weekend nights. Eventually, Powers hints at opening for sunrise and beyond, ensuring that Pachi-Pachi caters to a diverse crowd at all hours.
In essence, Pachi-Pachi isn’t merely another bar; it’s a portal into a world where culinary and auditory experiences converge, encouraging guests to explore and enjoy the vibrancy of this new downtown destination.
image source from：neon
