Today we talk about the history of the Town Tavern & New Town Tavern casino that was located at 600 Jackson Ave on the westside of Las Vegas. Jackson Ave. was the strip for the black community during the 50s/early 60s. You could find casinos like the Brown Derby, El Morocco Club, Cotton Club, Moulin Rouge and many others were located. The Town Tavern was located at 600 Jackson Ave. right at the corner of Jackson and F St. At the time that it was open it was said to be the place to go. The Town Tavern was known for it's gambling among other forms of entertainment. Primarily being dancers, bands, live shows and similar types of performances you could see up and down Jackson Ave at the time. Inside you could find a few blackjack tables, few craps tables, poker, slot machines and keno. It was said to be more of a lounge where everyone got together to hang out and have a good time while being able to gamble in the same establishment. When the Town Tavern first opened up it was under black ownership and I believe around 1958 is when Earl Thurman took over the business as new chips were put into play along with new dice featuring a Top hat with gloves. There is a possibility of Chinese ownership at one point during the Town Tavern's existence. On July 6th of 1959 the Town Tavern was renamed the New Town Tavern and it was still a hot spot on Jackson Ave. Over the course of the upcoming years it would change hands several times before closing on December 30th of 1970. It would then reopen in 1981 and the new owner sold it to Green and Associates. Which was made up of Cubie Bush, Elijah Green, Clarence Ray and 5 others. The Town Tavern was almost by itself at this point and truly the last casino on the westside. It operated until 1993 when it was sold again. The new owners then renamed it the Ultra New Town Tavern and got new chips made. At the time they advertised they had 36 slot machines and 2 gaming tables which if I were to take a guess they were blackjack tables. Unfortunately it didn't last too long and in 2003 the ceiling collapsed and in 2010 the city closed it due to its deteriorated condition because the owners were unable to secure funds for redevelopment. Today the building is still standing, there is a sign at the top that reads Tokyo Casino as there was plans in 2016 to revive the building with a new casino. It was going to have 100 slot machines and would not be open 24 hours a day. The owners' wanted it to have a 400 room hotel as well, but nothing was actually done from my knowledge. It is still standing as the original building with a new sign. Hope you enjoy!

Here's the link:
https://youtu.be/9yDYxrHJrDs

(Chip/Dice images from ChipGuide)