It’s not hard to find barbecue in Vegas, whether it’s Korean barbecue, Hawaiian barbecue, or the smoky meats that claim the throne in the U.S. This list provides options that stay true to American barbecue, whether it’s smoked brisket (the king of Texas barbecue), Carolina pulled pork, or Memphis-style ribs. All the spots on this map also serve satisfying sides like fried okra, macaroni and cheese, and big, buttery biscuits. On this update, Biscuits and Bourbon and Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern depart the list while Wild Fig, Ellis Island BBQ, and Jessie Rae’s join.
The Best Barbecue Restaurants in Las Vegas, According to Eater Editors
A guide to American barbecue in the city
Janna Karel loves a good Kansas-style barbecue with heavily slathered and fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy pulled pork, barbecue sauce that’s a little thicker and sweeter, and a classic side of macaroni and cheese.
See something missing? Hit up the tipline.
The Best Barbecue Restaurants in Las Vegas, According to Eater Editors
A guide to American barbecue in the city
It’s not hard to find barbecue in Vegas, whether it’s Korean barbecue, Hawaiian barbecue, or the smoky meats that claim the throne in the U.S. This list provides options that stay true to American barbecue, whether it’s smoked brisket (the king of Texas barbecue), Carolina pulled pork, or Memphis-style ribs. All the spots on this map also serve satisfying sides like fried okra, macaroni and cheese, and big, buttery biscuits. On this update, Biscuits and Bourbon and Rick’s Rollin Smoke BBQ & Tavern depart the list while Wild Fig, Ellis Island BBQ, and Jessie Rae’s join.
Janna Karel loves a good Kansas-style barbecue with heavily slathered and fall-off-the-bone ribs, juicy pulled pork, barbecue sauce that’s a little thicker and sweeter, and a classic side of macaroni and cheese.
See something missing? Hit up the tipline.
John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill
John Mull’s is a blast from Las Vegas’s past, a reminder that not long ago things were a little less blindingly shiny in Sin City. At this wildly popular smoked meat house, meat-lovers happily wait in line for ribs, tri-tip, burnt ends, and sides such as collards, macaroni and cheese, and macaroni salad. Seating is on a covered patio.
SNS Diner BBQ
Originally housed at a truck stop, SNS Diner now spreads out over 4,400 square feet (with an outdoor patio and drive-thru window). The menu at this no-nonsense joint includes diner morning classics like omelets and biscuits with gravy — and lunch and dinner plates of barbecue piled with smoked brisket, St. Louis ribs, wings, rib tips, and pulled pork sandwiches.
Wild Fig BBQ
Wild Fig started as a catering operation in 2017 before finding its footing with barbecue. Meats here are meticulously smoked — like massive bones of beef ribs, served rich and succulent — and lusciously marbled Texas-style brisket. It’s worth checking the daily specials to plan ahead. You may luck out with options like slow-smoked A5 Japanese Wagyu brisket with yakiniku sauce or tallow-fried burgers on brioche. Morning visits call for croissant sandwiches filled with thin sliced smoked tri-tip and a fried egg.
Wild Fig Barbecue
Soulbelly BBQ
New Jersey-native Bruce Kalman, who appeared on Season 15 of Top Chef, shows his love for central Texas barbecue at his Arts District smokehouse with smoked brisket, chicharrones, and plenty of Shiner Bock to wash it down. Try the “Belly of Soul” sandwich with brisket, pickled onions, crispy onions, cheese sauce, fried egg, and spicy barbecue sauce. Live music makes for a fun atmosphere.
Rollin Smoke Barbeque
This local mini-chain piles plates with hickory-smoked meats next to Southern standards like fried okra, hush puppies, and dirty rice. The well-rounded menu includes pulled pork with Carolina vinegar sauce, St. Louis-style ribs, smoked meatloaf, and a smattering of seafood options like fried catfish po’boys. Order a plate and load it up with beef ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and burnt ends with sides of cornbread, yams, and smoked rice.
Rollin’ Smoke Barbecue
Gilley’s Saloon, Dancehall and Bar-B-Que
This honky-tonk out of Texas encourages Western attire and mechanical bull-riding at Treasure Island. Diners order the “Ten Gallon” platter with barbecue ribs, rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, and hot links bathed in either Carolina mustard, smoked onion, or Gilley’s Jack Daniels barbecue sauces.
Virgil's Real BBQ - Las Vegas
For actually good barbecue found on the Las Vegas Strip, this two-story restaurant located at the Linq Promenade has two smokers and everything from sweet Memphis-style ribs to tangy Carolina-style pulled pork. The drinks are good too — with draft beer, whiskey, and one-gallon “Party in a Jar” cocktails of margaritas, lemonade, and punch.
Virgil’s Real Barbecue
Mabel’s Bar & Q by Chef Michael Symon
Celebrity chef Michael Symon’s hit barbecue restaurant has smoky, tender meats and unconventional takes on the barbecue canon. Prepare for shells and cheese made with subtle mascarpone; brisket and pork fried rice with spicy kimchi, sesame, aioli, and fresh scallions; and pork shank with horseradish gremolata. The restaurant is also a great location to watch sports and offers weekly specials.
Ellis Island BBQ
Ellis Island’s barbecue joint is one of the best budget-friendly dining options around. The ribs are the move here — tender but not falling apart, coated in a sticky root beer barbecue sauce with just a touch of char. The menu keeps it simple: ribs and barbecue chicken. A half-rack paired with half a chicken costs $17.99 with a free player’s card. All entrées come with sides that are decent, if unremarkable. But soda lovers shouldn’t miss the housemade root beer — thick, creamy, and worth the trip on its own.
Ellis Island Barbecue
Big B’s Texas BBQ
This southern-style smokehouse imports all wood for its smokers from the owners family’s farm in Texas. Smoked brisket, chicken, turkey, and tri-tip all land on the barbecue section of this menu alongside sides like creamed corn and fried okra. A condiment station is filled with pickles, pickled carrots, jalapeños and cherry peppers for the taking.
Jessie Rae’s BBQ
This local spot describes its way of grilling as “Las Vegas-style barbecue.” Ribs, chicken, pulled pork, hot links and brisket are slow-roasted — ready to be loaded onto platters with waffle fries and macaroni and cheese. The “Loaded in Vegas” specials start with a choice of base like fries, tots, macaroni and cheese, or mashed potatoes which is then loaded with pulled pork or chopped brisket. The move is to order the waffle fries with brisket and a side of white Bama sauce.
Bell’s Barbecue
With chef John Bell running the show, Bell’s adds plenty of creativity and technique to its menu. Ribs, brisket, chicken, and plenty of other smoked meats meet deviled egg potato salad, Buffalo-fried cauliflower, and macaroni and cheese on the menu. Non-smoked items like fried shrimp and fried chicken help round it all out at this Henderson favorite.
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Fox Smokehouse BBQ
There are few better summertime combinations than a trip to the lake and a plate of barbecue. Fox Smokehouse, located in Boulder City, is the best way to fulfill half of that dream. The barbecue spot serves ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and even barbecue tacos. The macaroni and cheese, particularly, is unmissable here.
