Risen like a phoenix from the ashes of Ramir Bolanos DeCastro’s beloved Purple Potato it is as a Bakery that the former Yonaka Chef’s legacy continues to grow via Donuts, Cookies, Ube-based treats and Filipino Pastries.
Previously offered for delivery or takeout only, but now brick and mortar at 6370 W Flamingo Rd #20, it was Tuesday that seventeen items were procured for tasting and shared by a group during workhours.
Never actually gone from the local food scene, the rebranding of Yonaka and Purple Potato followed by a consulting gig at LAS, Chef DeCastro’s current lineup continues with Croissant, Ring and Polvoron Bismarck Donuts, each day featuring a dozen varieties ranging from Pistachio to Salted Yema and several styles featuring Flan.
www.purplepotatolv.com
Avocado, Bacon & Jack Burger – lettuce, tomato, smoked bacon, avocado, monterey jack cheese, crinkle fries
The Californian – grilled chicken breast, smoked bacon, avocado, mayo, tomato, lettuce, swiss cheese, french roll, crinkle fries
Pot Pie – poached chicken, green peas, carrots, celery, potatoes, chicken gravy, pastry crust
French Dip – sliced tri-tip, warm brioche roll, au jus
Vegas Stack – Buttermilk Hotcakes, Maple Syrup
Bacon
Biscuits – Jam
Cinnamon Roll
Banana Bread
German Chocolate Cheesecake
Opened in 1938 at Los Angeles original 3rd and Fairfax Farmers Market Du-par’s can safely be called iconic, its nine seats since expanded to several locations including a 24-hour spot inside Las Vegas’ Suncoast Hotel & Casino.
The combination of James Dunn and Edward Parsons’ last names, now owned by former server Francis Tario, it is under the Boyd Gaming label that guests at 9090 Alta Drive can expect familiar vinyl booths and classic diner staples.
Recently renovated along with much of the local casino, a walk from parking past slots and tables all too familiar for many, peak times may find a brief wait during which patrons are tempted by freshly-baked goods including several Pies and a towering Cinnamon Roll liberally slathered in Frosting.
Not to be mistaken with Las Vegas Boulevard, fair prices and leisurely service comparable to spots like Babystacks or Omelet House, Coffee and Water are kept full throughout while Food ranges from an exceptional Pot Pie beneath buttery Crust to a French Dip that is frankly overcooked and flavorless sans Jus.
Best known for “World Famous” Pancakes, the original recipe still unchanged since opening, suffice it to say a “Vegas Stack” of three is the go-to as each is simultaneously thick yet light with intrinsic sweetness to the custard-like center – though zealots should plan to bring their own real Maple Syrup from home if possible.
Opened late October 2025, for the second time in Las Vegas, BOA Steakhouse recently launched lunch from 12:00 to 3:00 Friday through Sunday in the upstairs space where Emeril’s Table 10 used to reside.
At this time the Venetian-Palazzo’s sixth Steakhouse, both Delmonico and Smith & Wollensky already open midday, guests at BOA during daylight will find a more relaxed atmosphere and slightly smaller menu, though prices for available signatures are the same.
A sexy and sizable space from Innovative Dining Group, as of Saturday mid-April seemingly still trying to find its audience, it is once seated that service finds itself talking far too much whether focused on the up-sell or offering useless information such as the waiter’s allergy to “spice.”
Predictably pricey for Cocktails, though a riff on the Bee’s Knees with an icy Honey dipper was quite good, Appetizers include BOA’s Goat Cheese Baklava far outpacing a $30+ Caesar or basic Shrimp Scampi.
Opting to focus on all-new Sandwiches, the towering BOA Burger joined by a trendy Smash Burger, Fried Chicken and the Turkey Club are both quite enjoyable, though it might have been nice if the server informed guests Fries are included so they do not order more.
Eliminating both the exceptional Corn Creme Brulee and “Boujee” Twice Baked Potato from lunch, but oddly keeping Chicken Parm that seems as though it is a higher work item for the kitchen, Creamed Spinach is made as it ought to be, as is Mascarpone Cheesecake while the Ice Cream alongside Carrot Cake was served so hard one would need a steak knife to eat it.
Tucked inside Suite 104 of 4266 Spring Mountain Road, it was via contacting ShangHai Taste directly that catering was coordinated on Friday, Managing Partner Joe Muscaglione arriving at 11:45am-sharp with six items portioned large enough for sharing.
Still the top destination in Shanghai Plaza at the corner of Arville Street, family recipes handed down to Chef Jimmy Li comprising a concise menu of scratch-made plates, it was with all items carefully-packed and temperature appropriate that most got started with Fried Rice, a bit of tooth welcomed amidst Pork, Egg and Soy.
Now the 27th time delivered, though Jimmy’s years at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu will find many locals familiar with his authentic brand of cooking, fans of Soup Dumplings, or XLB, will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard, and whether one prefers Pork, Beef, Shrimp, Crab or even Gluten Free the textures and flavors are great, as too are the fried version entitled Sheng Jian with Sesame Seeds.
Again impressing with House Fried Fat Noodles, each strand slick and slightly chewy tossed with Steak, Stir-fried Rice Cakes traditionally known as Chao Nian Gao remain a personal favorite thanks to sticky-soft pillows with Salt and a bit of sweetness.
Only offering one Dessert, not “American” by any stretch, remaining stomach capacity saw Chocolate Dumplings skipped this time while guests with a sense of adventure enjoyed steamed Wheat Gluten Kao Fu with Mushrooms, fermented Soy and Ginger.
Established in 2020, but finally with a storefront that opened August of 2024, bake the Cookie Shoppe comes from a group of friends focused on making better Cookies than franchises like Crave or Crumbl and based on several visits so far the results are impressive across the whole collection.
Now part of Downtown Summerlin, an increase in size and foot traffic from Vandrey Plaza on South Decatur, guests will discover a dozen or more daily flavors ranging from “No Chip” with just the Dough to seasonal inspirations such as Lemon Crinkle.
Sold for $4 per round, each individually packaged before entering a branded box and bag, fans of Filippino flavors will be excited to know Ube shines brightly whether “crinkled” on its own or fused with Oreo Cookies.
Happily delivering orders over $65 for free locally, or shipping nationally for a fee, additional classics come in the form of soft Chocolate Chip or Snickerdoodle, though those in search of bake’s best bites should strongly consider gooey Oreo Milkshake or Ube Toffee.
Fatty Brisket, Lean Brisket, Smoked Turkey Breast, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno Cheese Hot Links, Pulled Pork
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 Wednesday 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.
Popular with their target audience since 1996, though nothing they do here is particularly spectacular, The Bagel Cafe fills a niche and does so consistently at a fair price.
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, seasonal Tamales are thick, soft and with the perfect amount of moisture while Corn Esquites paired to Chips channel Elotes minus all the Mayonnaise.
In order to stand out in the San Gabriel Valley a Restaurant must either be exceptional or unique, and under the direction of David Shao and Chef Peter Pang Good Alley achieves both while also offering friendly service inside a modern dining room.
Tucked away in a Valley Boulevard strip mall, the open kitchen abutting roughly sixty seats where iPad ordering simplifies staffing, guests are greeted with a smile before perusing a lengthy list of Noodles, Dumplings, Meat and Rice Dishes.
Proudly making everything by hand, their limited number of Guan Tang Bao prone to early weekend sell-outs, it is after a bit of scrolling that in-the-know diners will note an Ingredient-focused approach including Kurobata Pork for a richer Xiao Long Bao.
谷巷里 in Chinese, the owners of Jirong Roast Duck Restaurant opening Good Alley in September of 2024, additional plates well-suited for solo diners include a simple bowl of hand-pulled Noodles slicked in Scallion Oil with Vegetables or the faultless Beef Roll wrapped in Roti-like Pancakes plus one of several Slushies or Teas to drink.
Owned by two brothers and rebranded in late-2024 28 Wishes Ice Cream Shop offers a unique spin on standard flavors utilizing good Ingredients in downtown Los Angeles.
Asian inspired but rooted in Italian technique, the base thicker and creamier than many, it is inside the small space that guests will find two-dozen handmade flavors ranging from Ube and Matcha to Nutter Butter, a few complimentary tastes eventually yielding sweet Butter Beer and texturally complex Horchata for $12.40 on a Cone.
Bacon Egg Cheese Sandwich – American Cheese, Mayo, Ketchup, Kaiser Roll
Cinnamon Roll
Buttermilk Biscuit, Strawberry Jam
Banana Cream Pie
Strawberry Donut
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Best known for their Breads, now offered at over one hundred Los Angeles’ eateries, Bub and Grandma’s also serves their goods at a Restaurant in Glassell Park where guests can experience Breakfast or Lunch on-site or via the takeaway window.
Owned by Andy Kadin, his brand expanding from Farmer’s Markets in 2017 to a Restaurant and Pizzeria, would-be guests are asked to wait at a generally unmanned podium on arrival for seating, this a prelude of things to come as service in general seems fairly disinterested.
Offering both counter seats and booths, a look at the kitchen showing much of the Food mere assemblage, arrival before 11am sees Egg Sandwiches take center stage with fluffy Eggs folded neatly on a soft seeded-Kaiser Roll with a choice of Meats, Mayo and Ketchup.
Priced akin to other Los Angeles Breakfasts, think $14 Sandwiches and $7 Pastries, Bub and Grandma’s Buttermilk Biscuit arrives plain with extra cost for Butter or Jam largely unnecessary as the quality is excellent with substantial textural variance from bite-to-bite.
Probably a bit too “hip” for its own good, or perhaps understaffed on a Saturday morning, it was only after flagging down a mustached runner that Water was refilled and Dessert ordered, the fluffy Cinnamon Roll with lightly Whipped Frosting a work of art while Banana Cream Pie, a Donut and thin Cookie were all fairly basic.
Open for just over a year Santa Canela finds pastry chef Ellen Ramos rethinking the traditional Panaderia with better ingredients, modern design and French technique from her small shop in Highland Park.
Formerly responsible for Pastry at Frogtown’s Mexican Seafood restaurant Loreto, the choice to strike out on her own in February 2025 almost immediately successful, guests at Santa Canela will discover a seasonally-changing menu tucked behind glass while staff busies themselves pouring Horchata and Burnt Cinnamon Lattes.
No doubt championed by social-media, freshly piped LA-shaped Churros fried to order a necessity for first time visitors, it is after every crisp bite is gone that the humble Concha takes center stage with a lighter-than-average crumb gussied up by Cream.
Certainly not a spot for 60-cent Pan Dulce, most items ranging $6 to $9, a look at Viennoiserie shows Chef Ramos far more talented than the usual East Los Angeles Baker whether one opts for a Croissant rolled in Cinnamon Sugar or Brittany’s signature Kouign Amann renamed La Odette around a pool of Cajeta.
86th Street Square Pie – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil, Old School Pepperoni
Brooklyn Jr – Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato Sauce, Romano Cheese, Olive Oil
Cannoli
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.
Arguably Sin City’s eldest purveyor of Fried Dough Friendly Donut House remains a Henderson staple for good reason, opening hours as early as 4:00am daily finding shelves full of fried Dough paired to pleasant customer service.
The sort of place built for Veterans to linger over Coffee, a strip-mall on South Boulder Highway playing host to regulars for decades, fans of classics will find lightly fried Yeast rings beneath Glaze while those who favor Cake can choose Vanilla or Chocolate with Sprinkles, Cinnamon Crumble or plain.
Also offering Longjohns and Bismarcks, the later piped with Cream or Custard, Buttermilk Bars are textbook thanks to penetrant Sugar plus Icing in a variety of flavors while the Bear Claw and Apple Fritter are easily Sin City’s best and well-worth the drive, cost and calories thanks to the golden exterior and Cinnamon-spiced Fruit inside.
Serving Las Vegas since 1988 Paymon’s Restaurant is as close as it gets to a local “institution,” its longevity attributable to fair prices and the sort of Food that is “ethnic” but familiar and focused on good products made fresh daily.
A labor of love from Paymon Raouf, the decision to change from a “Mediterranean Café” to a “Fresh Kitchen and Lounge” in 2020 seeing the menu expand into Indian and Italian options, plates still focus on healthy preparation eschewing additives and preservatives with options to suit most dietary preferences.
Ordered as delivery, everything arriving temperature appropriate in individual packaging, the first thing one will notice is that instead of just Rice the Kabobs arrive with Roasted Vegetables and Potatoes with limited Salt but lots of seasoning to match moist but well-cooked Meats.
Teamed with Jeff Ecker since 2000, a number of accolades earned since, Paymon’s Hummus arrives smooth with lots of Garlic matched to Tahini, though Pita is unfortunately no better than the store bought stuff.
Looking next at Fesenjan, decent but a far cry from Zaytoon in terms of taste or consistency, dueling Desserts perform well whether one prefers thick Baklava with Walnuts or large-grain Rice Pudding with Whipped Cream on top that eats light like the versions in France.
Now with two Las Vegas locations, long after franchises debuted in Florida decades ago, Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has been serving the Big Island for over forty years with a name that plays homage to burrows that carried Beans down the mountains in the 19th century.
Part of “the 9th Island” since 2022 on West Charleston, the menu expanding with time to include specialty Lattes and Breakfast Sandwiches on King’s Hawaiian Rolls, fans of Hawaiian Coffee will find several blends as well as 100% Kona by the cup.
Far better sourced than Dutch Bros or Starbucks, a few Koolers and Smoothies a sign of modern times, Cold Brew is smooth with soft acidity and doesn’t dilute thanks to frozen Coffee Ice Cubes while “Twisted Malasada Donuts” served warm are soft, springy and not overly sweet thanks to an abundance of Cinnamon.
Located at Hughes Center since 1997 Lawry’s The Prime Rib can safely be described as a Las Vegas icon, and although both Dallas and Beverly Hills have outposts that does nothing to dampen an Art Deco dining room and service on par to what one will find at some of The Strip’s top Steakhouses.
Known for Meats carved tableside from gleaming carts, though Certified Angus Steaks and fresh Seafood are also available, Lawry’s experience begins with check-in at the hostess’ podium, a trip to the lounge favored by some while most won’t wish to delay the main event.
Lavish without being stuffy, curved banquettes and tables each available, guests dine in a lively environment fueled by Wine or Cocktails poured shortly after the arrival of warm Sourdough Bread.
Smart to order some starters, though those seeking lunch in under an hour could surely achieve such with Salad, a Sandwich or Prime Rib plus sides, Lawry’s Cheesy Onion Fondue outpaces Crab Cakes with Remoulade while the “Famous” Spinning Salad is a polarizing experience mostly thanks to the inclusion of Beets.
Offering Roast Beef as a full-Dinner or a la carte, the former inclusive of Salad, Mashed Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding, the quality of Lawry’s Prime Rib is evident in terms of taste, texture and appearance while additional sides range from luxurious Creamed Corn and Spinach to Sweet Potato & Carrot Puree.
Not forgetting extra Au Jus, nor sizzling Mushrooms and Whipped Cream Horseradish for fans, Desserts come at the bargain price of $10 each for Coconut Banana Cream Pie that is heavy on the Cream plus seasonal English Trifle and Sticky Toffee Pudding better than one will get from Gordon Ramsay.
Fatty Brisket, Lean Brisket, Smoked Turkey Breast, Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno Cheese Hot Links
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.
Family owned and operated from the start, Dominic Sang bringing Dad’s 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.
Popular with their target audience since 1996, though nothing they do here is particularly spectacular, The Bagel Cafe fills a niche and does so consistently at a fair price.
