Fatty Brisket, Lean Brisket, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno & Cheese Hot Links
BBQ Beans
Pecan Pie
Banana Pudding
Open from 11:00am until 9:00pm daily, and Sin City’s best place for Barbecue ever since the Henderson original debuted in January 2016, it was for lunch on Monday that the smell of Big B’s Texas BBQ filled the downstairs, staff quick to gather for an abundance of smoked Meat, Dessert and Sides from the 2025 Sahara location.
Named after its Pit Master and changing the long-held belief that Las Vegas is not a Barbeque town ever since the original opened, Big B’s Texas BBQ features the work of Brian Buechner and Natalia Badzjo, the husband and wife team taking a hands-on approach to every aspect of the operation from build-out to driving in fresh piles of wood as needed from the Lone Star State.
Available for dine-in, take-out, catering and delivery, all presented by one of the most pleasant teams in town, over-ordering is easy regardless of preference for Pork or Beef including Ribs, pulled-style or Brisket with a good smoke ring whether fatty or lean.
Texas through and through, the aforementioned wood just one reason why Big B’s Proteins outpace growing competition, sides are highlighted by Creamed Corn and thick-cut Onion Rings plus Sin City’s best BBQ Beans and Mac n’ Cheese.
Never forgetting Cornbread that seems to get better every time Dessert is a pick ‘em including Pecan or Apple Pie, Chocolate Cake or fresh made Banana Pudding as good as any one will find down South.
Red Velvet Cake Doughnut with Cream Cheese Frosting
Blueberry Cake Doughnut
Salted Caramel Pearls and Pecan Doughnut
The Islander Doughnut
Maple Longjohn
Blueberry Cinnamon Toast Doughnut
Family owned and operated from the start, Dominic Sang bringing family recipes from a Texas Doughnuttery to Sin City in October 2015, guests entering Glaze Doughnuts will notice little has since changed about the shop in nearly a decade while their soft base and creative toppings earn “Best of Las Vegas” accolades annually.
Located on Fort Apache Road, fair prices and friendly service undoubtedly part of Glaze’s appeal, what the shop lacks in selection is more than made up for in quality compared to the likes of Dunkin, Krispy Kream or other spots nearby.
Largely built on Yeast Rings, though undersized Fritters perform admirably, fans of simplicity will find Maple Frosting far more subtle than most while Chocolate and Vanilla Glaze are also of excellent quality with or without additions such as Cereal or Candy.
Not over-the-top, but balanced and complex, Black and White Sesame dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Vanilla with Oreos do the same, though if one is seeking Glaze’s top choice the decision comes down to Blueberry Cinnamon Toast, Churros and Horchata or Matcha Green Tea Pistachio that delivers sweetness beneath toasty notes.
Located in Spring Mountain Center, across Jones Boulevard from EDO and China Mama, Noodlehead has quietly been earning a reputation thanks to handmade Noodles and Asian small plates offered at bargain prices with exemplary customer service.
Offered at a range of spice-levels, Malaysian Curry using Coconut Milk to keep Chilies in check, Dan Dan Noodles come tingly but not fiery in a huge bowl for just $10.95 while similarly priced Chow Mein performs well for more timid palates.
Adding Chinese Beef Rolls that come densely packed with Meat, or faultless Scallion Pancakes for those seeking something lighter, Yibin Burning Noodle are a worthy “signature” from the Chef’s home town that adds Pickled Vegetables and Peanuts to the mix.
Open for lunch and dinner daily Noodlehead also offers exceptional Vegetarian options such as Black Fungus and Cucumber Salad or Crispy Satay Tofu across a diverse menu from which almost anyone can find something to suit their tastes.
Currently Chef James Trees’ sixth Las Vegas venture, the first proper Restaurant in a Casino following quick-casual concepts at The Strat and Resorts World, High Steaks Vegas opened atop the Rio’s Masquerade Tower in early October.
Previously home to VooDoo Steak & VooDoo Lounge, at one time premier Off-Strip destinations for locals and tourists alike, 2025 instead sees casino brass attempting to resurrect a derelict property with free parking, affordable Cocktails and the sort of Food worth getting excited about.
Visited very early, service and expediting an expected challenge across an immense dining room dominated by green, panoramic views of Las Vegas come at a fraction of the cost of Top of The World, Foundation Room or whatever replaces Vetri at The Palms.
No doubt a space willing to take chances to capture locals, a $16 Sidecar or Espresso Martini roughly half-off compared to three recently-opened Steakhouses at The Venetian, housemade Bread offers a stretchy surface complimented by Mustard Butter while several sizes of Seafood Tower deliver Prawns and Crudo plus the usual Lobster, Oysters and Crab.
Taking on several common themes for Starters, Bar Boheme’s French Onion Soup ported over perfectly to the Rio, “Truffle Crusted Mushrooms” taste better than their presentation lets on while Crab Cakes and Bacon are enjoyable if not “wowing” in comparison to Pork Terrine as good as one will find on the streets of Paris.
Not an “Italian Steakhouse,” though Trees and team smartly flex their muscles with spicy Seafood Rigatoni, delicate Tortellini and a “Mac & Cheese” dish that rethinks mom’s advice to “eat your veggies,” diners tired of the same tired Steak & Salmon will love “The Hunt” with Boar, Elk, Venison and “Lion” in the form of a Vegan-friendly Mushroom treated to a multi-step process that will impress Carnivores, as well.
Not forgetting Smoked Prime Rib, not pretty but tender and tasty, Trees elevates Midwestern stable Salisbury Steak to new heights with rich Mushroom Gravy while sides range from simple Fries to Asparagus with King Crab and Jalapeno Creamed Corn.
Trusting Chef Jake Yergensen for Desserts, a smart choice after his work at Esther’s and Bar Boheme, suffice it to say High Steaks’ “Piecaken” poses nicely for the #gram while straddling a fine line between French Silk and Black Forest while the Pumpkin Souffle and Donuts with impeccable Coconut Ice Cream are enjoyable, but not quite on the level of Hummingbird Cake made exactly as it aught to be.
Serving Las Vegas for over forty years one might well assume Metro Pizza has the take-out game down to a science, and even now with more competition than ever John Arena and Sam Facchini’s Pizzeria remains irreproachable in terms of customer service and quality.
Located just off the 405 in Inglewood is Randy’s Donuts, this year celebrating its 70th year slinging fried Dough under an iconic 32-foot sign 24/7, and now growing the name globally with 20+ locations stretching to South Korea and Dubai – or in this case Sin City.
Unimpressive in 2015 at the Original, though new outposts trend cleaner without the cash-only policy, Randy’s on South Rainbow Boulevard opened in August 2022, recipes reportedly unchanged since day one though premium toppings and savory items have been added.
Recently expanding their footprint just steps from the California State Capitol Pizza Supreme Being looks like many slice shops throughout America, the décor an afterthought and a concise menu which allows Food to take center stage from 11am until 8:30pm daily.
Less busy on weekends when many government-centered businesses shutter, seating both inside and out less than half full, guests are invited to choose slices or whole pies featuring owner Ben Roberts’s signature Sourdough Crust.
Bright blue tiles with Televisions showing the NFL, mere moments wait between ordering and tucking in, Pizza Supreme Being’s slices fold well with a brisk crackle but pleasant pliability while Housemade are soft at the center of a gently crisp rim.
Already sold out of Pepperoni slices at 2:00pm, and not particularly interested in Roberts’s much-discussed Hawaiian featuring Spam, “Squares” unfortunately eat less like a Sicilian and more like Focaccia topped with Sauce plus a ton of Pep that offers good value but a complete lack of finesse.
Corn Taco – Corn, Peanut Chipotle Aioli, Lime, Chili Powder
Flan – Caramel
Debuted in 2015 by Patricio Wise and Cinthia Martinez Sacramento’s most acclaimed Mexican eatery is tucked away in a Roseville Strip-mall, the corner slot adjacent a church continuing to draw Michelin Bib Gourmand acclaim each year since the guide expanded past Napa Valley.
Unassuming from the outside, an outdoor patio giving way to booths and tables stretched along the open kitchen, light music plays while guests peruse a menu of Tacos and Burritos rooted in tradition but unafraid to have fun.
Natives of Monterrey, but not afraid to riff on the Capitol’s “farm to fork” ethos by calling their concept “Farm to Tacos,” all tables begin with complimentary housemade Chips alongside four Salsas ranging from mild green to smoky Peanut and fiery Habanero Carrot.
Proud of their process, educated servers discussing everything from nixtamalization to the slow-cooked Proteins, options run the gamut from Esquites done the right way to Birria de Res complete with a sidecar of Consommé.
Priced $6 to $9 per Taco, pricey but justified by the quality of each bite, Chicken Mole skips sweetness in favor of earthy aromatics complimented by Crema while Fried Chicken and the signature “Nixtaco Combination” are busy but tasty while nearly overwhelming the faultless Handmade Tortillas.
Faced with tough decisions for Dessert, though staff suggests Flan over Churros, a $10 square arrives oversized and soaked with Caramel atop density and creaminess that features no air pockets but rather a texture akin to French Crème Caramel but better.
Monte Cristo – French Toast, Uncured Applewood Smoked Ham, Swiss Cheese, Raspberry Chipotle Jam, Breakfast Potatoes
Cornbread – Maple Butter, Bacon Relish
Carrot Cake
Home of the original Tower Records and Tower Theater the “best brunch” in Sacramento comes from Tower Cafe, a space opened by James Seyman on Earth Day 1990 that dials up the kitsch while serving a globally influenced menu of savories and sweets.
Serving Sacramento daily from 8am, with Dinner hours Wednesday through Sunday and their famous Brunch on weekends, walk-ins are welcome but may wait a bit during peak hours for tables spanning across several sections from outside to indoors.
No doubt a diverse menu, weekly specials and a Bakery case adding intrigue to a list of Pancakes, Omelets and Bennys, many will find themselves drawn to renowned French Toast offered half, whole, plain, topped or wrapped around Meats such as in the case of an unfried but enjoyable “Monte Cristo.”
Decorated with all manners of knickknacks and accolades, servers friendly in front of an efficient kitchen, fans of Carrot Cake with “the works” will note Pineapple plus Nuts in the Tower Cafe version while Cornbread comes piping hot and plenty moist even before adding Bacon “Relish” or Maple Butter.
GRILLED GAI LAN BROCCOLI, parmesan custard, caramelized bagna cauda, cured egg yolk
CA GROWN PEACH PAVLOVA, sweet tea, condensed milk, lavender
A six-time Michelin bib-gourmand recipient, Canon sees Chef Brad Cecchi playing with a lot of spices and local produce to create big flavors across a collection of small plates.
Located in East Sacramento between residential roads, the indoor-outdoor space secluded from any semblance of a capitol city, guests are greeted warmly at the hostess podium before being led to tables, bar or booths offering a full view of the kitchen.
Dimly lit amidst dark woods, the sort of setting that creates a seductive glow while smoke from a wood fire lightly perfumes the room, service is friendly yet informed while making recommendations pertaining to both portions and preparation plus new items and those set to disappear soon.
Priced less than some chains, seven dishes and a mocktail just $140 with tax and tip, unnamed Mocktails are smartly crafted and pair well to spiced Pig Skins or signature Tots stacked atop piquant dirty Mole with Pumpkin Seeds and Cotija.
A “neighborhood” concept that works in all the right ways, Dutch Crunch Rolls highly encouraged for sharing, Cecchi displays a deft hand with Produce ranging from bitter Broccoli to to charred Plums cutting Pork Belly’s Fat, and for fans of spice the Urfa Chili Drumsticks offer big bang for the buck.
Globally inspired and accommodating for allergies, vegans or celiac diners, Dessert tempts across Panna Cotta or Sopapillas, though passing on Canon’s Pavlova currently featuring Peaches with “Sweet Tea” flavors and a floral hint would be a mistake.
Part of Sacramento’s local culture since the 1940s Gunther’s Ice Cream is nothing short of a capitol city landmark, the Googie-style store opened in 1949 still generating lines year-round more than 75 years since opening.
Still using the same slow-churn base since day one, the result a light and creamy mouthfeel distinctly different from modern artisans expanding throughout So.Cal., a stop at Gunther’s suggests 40+ signature flavors plus seasonal specials such as October’s Huckleberry flavored naturally by local Fruit.
Not a spot for Candy mix-ins or oddities like Bugs or Goat Cheese, but rather the sort of shop that takes Butter Pecan seriously, fans of old-school flavors will find none better with each lick coating the tongue while bigger bites feature softened Nuts roasted just enough to maximize their flavor.
Opened as a result of Danny Turner’s own Food-sensitivities Pushkin’s Bakery has expanded from a single Chocolate Chip Cookie in 2013 to three locations, Olga Turner’s taking on a growing need for better quality Pastries excluding wheat, gluten, and dairy.
Sold in Sacramento, Arden, Roseville plus more than a dozen grocery stores it is at the original on 29th Street that guests will find friendly service plus fair prices covering Cookies, Cakes, Breads, Muffins and their famous “No Name” that eats like the buttery center of a Cinnamon Roll.
Visited around 2pm Saturday, a good assortment of products still available, suffice it to say that Russian Tea Balls, essentially Mexican Wedding Cookies, lose nothing missing Flour while Crinkles and Mudpies are essentially the same save for a layer of Powdered Sugar.
Smart to stick with items easily made Gluten-free, this writer admittedly harboring no allergies, Pushkin’s Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookie fares beautifully with a lot of bright aromatics and flexibility around just enough filling.
Opened in 2012 by Amber Michel and Chef Billy Zoellin Bacon & Butter brings a farm-to-table approach to Breakfast, and although many spots in Sacramento purports to do the same the siblings’ spot at 5913 Broadway differentiates itself with yearly accolades from the Michelin guide.
A five-time “Plate” recipient from Bibendum, the focus on scratch-made cuisine that trends clever drawing lines from 8am until 2pm Wednesday through Sunday, it was after twenty minutes wait that a spot was secured at the bar featuring pleasant service.
Home to several signatures, though the local bounty influences daily specials, suffice it to say that Bacon & Butter’s Biscuit is remarkable whether solo or in the form of a sandwich while still-warm Cinnamon Rolls lacquered in Glaze are predictably better at the middle than the edges.
About 70/30 Savory to Sweet, Breakfast Bread Pudding, Pancakes and a Fried Green Tomato Benny all tempting, those in the mood for something different should not overlook Zoellin’s Grilled Cheese Benedict that scores a ten and sticks the landing thanks to velvety Hollandaise and Cheese cooked like Italian Frico.
Nothing more than a wooden walk-up on Freeport Boulevard Marie’s Donuts nonetheless remains Sacramento’s premier Donut Shop, simple fried Dough made the same way since the 50’s still drawing crowds while So.Cal lines up for $6 hand-cut rings at places like Sidecar.
Still family-run at 70 years old, low-prices adding to its novelty, guests are greeted with a smile by staff from 10pm until 4pm with fresh options made to replenish supply of in-demand items like simple raised and glazed or Bismarks filled with Custard.
Cash or Credit over $5, the Coffee hot but no better than Folgers, Marie’s selection ranges from Cake to Fritters and Crullers, the later a bit less airy than they ought to be but Old Fashioned Cogwheels faultless beneath Maple Icing slightly penetrating as a result of being added while still hot.
www.mariesdonuts.ojscafe.com
Described as a “Faith-based” business Abel’s Bagels opened late-2022 at 7150 S Durango Blvd Suite #130, owner Nick Pace of an organic juice bar in Roslyn New York hoping to bring “authentic” New York Bagels to Sin City along with other favorites from “Nook’s Organic.”
Inspired by the Bible’s Abel and Mr. Pace’s commitment to quality it is from 7am Monday through Saturday and 8am Sunday that Abel’s offers not only hand-rolled, boiled and baked rounds but also Sandwiches, Smoothies and Acai Bowls.
Sourcing good Ingredients and Coffee, high-gluten Flour the backbone of any proper Bagel, Abel’s collection includes all the favorites save for Egg while Cream Cheese is offered on its own or with up to three mix-ins ranging from Fruits or Vegetables to Macha and Peanut Butter.
Friendly in terms of service, though prone to selling out of top choices early on weekends, Bagels run $1.75 a piece with discounts by the dozen for specimens with a good skin and light crackle that quickly gives way to a chewy center that performs at nearly New York standards whether flecked in Seeds or dotted with Raisins.
Formerly home to Ppang Bakery 1004 Cafe opened early 2025, their embrace of Kpop just in time for a recent boom though a noon visit on Thursday found the sizable space mostly empty.
Bakery, Coffee Shop, Market and more, a limited menu of kitchen items also available, it was while upbeat music played loudly overhead that a server offered hot Coffee over Ice as an alternative to Coldbrew, the results lukewarm and diluted while Pastries tasted included two “Pies” that are actually a Chocolate Sponge base beneath thick Mousse or Lemon Curd.
Offering over two-dozen flavors daily, in addition to freshly-fried minis available in a keto-friendly fashion, any discussion of Wicked Donuts should begin with the base, buttery Brioche or toothsome Cake enjoyable beneath tangy Buttermilk or Vanilla Glaze, though upgrading to Chocolate, Blueberry or Maple is highly advised.
Eschewing Artificial Colors or Preservatives, a fact pertinent to Cream-filled choices, suffice it to say that most will not last long whether it be decadent “Sticky Sinn-a-Bun” or the more nuanced Bella Nutella.
Executing Ansel’s invention well, available filled, topped or coated in Sugar, Dubai Chocolate continues to impress in its subtlety while “Puffernuts,” Crullers and Cubes add even more variability to the collection.
Founded in early 2021 Milpa has come a long way since it took over the former Elia space at 4226 South Durango Drive, Chef DJ Flores’ embrace of traditional techniques with an eye towards health-conscious cooking earning a James Beard Award semi-finalist nod in 2024.
Open daily for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with an odd location in the lot of a Strip-mall, easily missed despite the fact that Chef Flores is cooking some of the best contemporary Mexican Cuisine in Sin City, guests will find the interior quaint while service is both efficient and charming.
Recently forming Nivel Hospitality Group with Aaron Cappello, their bar called Nocturno earning positive reviews in the Arts District, Milpa remains part Molino and part sit-down Café with stone-ground housemade Tortillas and slowly-braised Meats a point of pride.
Simple in signage, Milpa Mexican Cafe in yellow over the door, most Entrees hover in the $15-20 range with both Barbacoa and Beef Birria with Consomme showing the sort of depth one might expect of a Vegas native with skills developed under thinkfoodgroup and Too Hot Tamales before staging at Quintonil in Mexico City.
Achieving the rare trifecta of healthy, affordable and delicious, all while utilizing time honored techniques plus many local Ingredients, handmade Tortillas are medium-thick, soft and with the perfect amount of flex while Corn Esquites paired to Chips channel Elotes minus all the Mayonnaise.
Garlic Parmesan Creste de Gallo Pasta – Fresh Herbs
Espresso – Ice
Emeril’s Banana Cream Pie – Chocolate Shavings and Caramel Sauce
Bread and Butter Bread Pudding – Whiskey Anglaise
Chocolate Mousse Bar – Dulce de Leche, Chocolate Cake, Coconut Cream Sauce, White & Dark Chocolate Pearls
At the beginning of this current “Celebrity Chef” era there were few names on Emeril Lagasse’s level, and although the Massachusetts native who made his name cooking in Louisiana has slowly faded from television his two Las Vegas Restaurants remain popular destinations with Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House now pushing thirty years old inside the MGM Grand.
A survivor amidst shutters and re-brands it was promptly at 6:00pm that three guests sat down inside the elegant space, General Manager Tyler Anderson saying hello on a busy evening thanks to an event at the Grand Garden Arena just down the way.
Offering excellent customer service across two hours, Wine and Cocktails including an Espresso Martini arriving quickly, it was following an Amuse from Chef Ken Lum that dinner got rolling, two piping hot skillets of Cornbread conquering the willpower of any within arm’s reach while Fall River Clam Chowder upgraded the New England original with Bacon and Leeks.
Less bold than pre-Pandemic, when Frog Legs and Hushpuppies with Caviar were commonplace, fans know that when Emeril is serving Pork Chops the outcome is bound to be good and the same can be said for Chef Lum’s Jumbalaya and creamy Grits.
Not forgetting Pasta extruded on-site, nor crispy Potatoes with a mix of spices, any meal at Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House should most certainly include Bread and Butter Pudding plus a slice (or two) of Banana Cream Pie.
Opened in December 2024 by Country Singer and Georgia native Jason Aldean the “Kitchen + Bar” bearing his name offers privileged views of Las Vegas Boulevard, two stages and six bars spread over two stories with live music daily.
Bringing “the heart of Nashville to the Strip,” a line-up of Bourbon and Whiskey-based Cocktails bolstering the party-like atmosphere, staff prove not only friendly but knowledgeable while describing a menu based on Southern fare plus Bar favorites like jumbo Wings and Pretzels that aren’t really Bavarian but are fluffy and delicious.
Spread over nearly 23,000 square-feet including the gift shop, rows of televisions showing College Football while talented musicians straddling rock and country play on stage, Appetizers are highlighted by Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip served with housemade Kettle Chips before entrees such as faultless Meatloaf with rich Gravy and smooth Mash or Chicken & Waffles that would have benefited from more Syrup.
Priced lower than similar Strip concepts for Food, a good meal easily enjoyed under $50 before tax and tip, Aldean’s Dessert menu makes up for brevity with quality as both the Cookie Skillet and $12 Peach Cobbler are big enough to share, topped with Ice Cream and better than any other in Sin City.
