Going on six years, partners Sonny Ahuja and Don Welch have run a tiny powerhouse of a bar at Downtown Container Park. Totaling a mere 640 square feet, Bin702's shipping container space is tinier than most one-bedroom apartments. The duo's new Arts District bar/restaurant, 18bin, poses the opposite challenge: how to fill 4,000 square feet of interior space and 5,000 additional square feet of patio.
The answer: a comfy-yet-hip medley of experiential nooks. On the patio, traditional bistro seating shares space with a corner stage and an oversize sculpture of a Spam can. Inside, a retro '70s vibe gives the bar a slightly edgy feel, while a separate game room counters with a playful atmosphere.
New Orleans-bred chef Jennifer Landry brings a contemporary Southern style to the small-but-mighty food menu. Cajun gumbo ($9) and jambalaya ($12)—both featuring Andouille sausage—hint at Landry's Louisiana roots. At $9 each, the cheesy Ropa Vieja Shepherd's Pie and indulgent brisket-blend hamburger might be the best deals Downtown. House-made potato chips with dusky chili seasoning accompany all sandwiches. Salads, house-made hummus and bruschetta boards will keep vegetarians happy. And on the booze end, an international beer list and a carefully curated wine list offer off-Strip value.
Ahuja envisions 18bin as a fun gathering spot for friends, a locals bar, a live-music brunch spot and an event venue. Open for a little over a month, 18bin is already well on its way.
18BIN 107 E. Charleston Blvd. #150, 702-202-2484. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.