Opened on the island of ʻOahu in 2016 as Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery it was mid-February 2025 when Gayla Young’s famous Malasadas finally made their mainland debut, a small shop on South Buffalo Drive frying Portuguese Donuts fresh from 6a-9p on Weekdays and 9a-9p on Weekends.
Sold at $3.50 each or cheaper by the dozen, each Pastry made fresh whether filled or Sugar-coated, guests can customize with ten options including three that change monthly such as Blueberry Custard and Passion Fruit.
Best known for the “Classic” heavily sugared, though signature Salty Plum is also popular, what sets Pipeline apart is a gentle crunch on the golden outside before yielding a soft and stretchy center with ample fluffiness.
Named after the Banzai Pipeline, a world-renowned surf break off the coast of Oahu, service is friendly and efficient with good knowledge of the product and rather than worrying about sharks or drowning the only “risk” involved with Pipeline Malasadas is eating a whole dozen in one sitting.
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 “Caramel Sutra” or the more nuanced Caramelized Creme Brulee.
Executing Ansel’s invention well, available filled, topped or coated in Sugar, Crème Brulee continues to impress in its subtlety while “Puffernuts,” Crullers and Mochi rings add even more variability to the collection.
Don’t Be Salty – Yeast Doughnut, White Chocolate Bottom, Caramel Cheesecake, White Whip, Caramel, Sea Salt
Located at 9435 West Tropicana Avenue inside Crossroads Plaza Shopping Center and open 24-hours Pinkbox Doughnuts remains Las Vegas’ premier spot for Artisan Doughnuts, just as it has since debuting over a decade ago.
More and more social-media savvy over the years this visit entailed far beyond the usual “OG Classics,” and although PinkBox’s Old Fashioned Cogwheels are still Las Vegas’ best additional traditional choices are mostly as expected making “Fancy Pancy” or “Show Off” choices a necessity.
Fully committed to clever nomenclature, Roberto Armanino’s famous Caramel Cheesecake now “The Caramelo,” “Don’t Be Salty” succeeds thanks to the homemade Filling and plenty of complexity while “John Lemon” uses Meringue for texture atop a Bismarck stuffed with Housemade Lemon Filling.
Replenishing supply as necessary, high volume assuring everything is fresh, “Dubai Chocolate” and “Kentucky Cornbread” each achieve high marks while “Green Machine 2.0” upgrades the original by way of crunchy White Chocolate.
Beef Hot Links, Jalapeno & Cheese Hot Links, Pork Ribs
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 dinner Friday that the smell of Big B’s Texas BBQ filled the downstairs, family and friends quick to gather for an abundance of smoked Meat, Dessert and Sides.
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 staffs 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.
Born in Logan Utah Crumbl took the city by storm, their Instagramable rounds offered in thirty stores across six states by 2019 and now in all fifty states with six in Las Vegas including the Durango location opened in May 2020.
Created by Sawyer Hemsley and Jason McGowan, rapid expansion through franchising yielding mixed results from store to store as evidence by Social Media, it was after several variable experiences that the westside storefront proved competent, the staff exceedingly pleasant while describing each choice.
Undoubtedly popular in part due to photogenicity, though a sterile interior oversells the fact that everything is made from scratch, the first thing those entering will notice is Crumbl’s limited collection of just six weekly flavors, though occasionally one may find “Mystery Cookies” including specials from the previous week.
Still a young company, so much success despite only starting in September 2017 certainly enviable, best bites came from specials that included “Blueberry Cheesecake,” a nice texture with complexity added by Fruit while The Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie is executed as it aught to be.
Offered onsite or via delivery from 8am until at least 10pm Monday through Saturday it was next that “Chocolate Cake” took on the namesake before “Sugar Cookie featuring Mother’s Circus Animals” doubled down on two concepts with good effect.
Again finding “Cake” concepts better than the Cookies by which crumbl made their name suffice it to say “Tres Leches” wouldn’t be out of place in a locat Mexican Restaurant while Strawberry Cake tops two moist layers with subtly flavored Buttercream Frosting.
Previously located inside Suite 242 of 6380 South Valley View Boulevard, but now sold retail at a pair of sites in town, Chocolate Chip Cookie Company continues to serve Las Vegas’ best collection of locally made rounds.
Focused on “Bringing the Cookie Back,” and also available only by delivery, it was late 2018 that Jovan Mesa-Glennon and husband John opened their small store and business continues to grow today.
Baking everything from scratch, Jovan’s secret recipes yielding the sort of Cookie that blossoms a bit around the edge before becoming crisp, it was based on prior experience that two-dozen were ordered for work, the business’ namesake buttery with just enough Vanilla and Cinnamon to perfume the palate while chunks of Bittersweet Chocolate are partially melted throughout the center.
Next tasting Half & Half followed by Banana Walnut, the addition of Nuts to Mrs. Mesa-Glennon‘s Batter proves predictably delicious while “Just the Dough” is textbook chewy with oodles of nostalgia.
Prioritizing customer safety by individually bagging each Cookie at no extra cost Peanut Butter Chip wins guests over by way of natural flavors and gooey spots in juxtaposition to sugary Toffee Chocolate Chip that is also slightly salty and heterogeneous from bite-to-bite.
Titling their version of the Snickerdoodle a “Cinnamon and Sugar Cookie,” the granulated top plus plenty of Butter making each mouthful sugary and moist, fans should be sure to follow @thechocolatechipcookieco on Social Media where specials such as White Chocolate and Craisins or Pumpkin Café Marshmallow are frequently announced.
Apple Pancake – Oven-baked with Fresh Granny Smith Apples, Sinkiang Cinnamon
German Pancake – Oven-baked Soufflé Style, Lemon, Butter and Powdered Sugar to create a Lemon Glaze
The Traditional – Scrambled Eggs with Cheese, German Hash Browns, Sausage Patty
Potato Pancakes – Freshly shredded Idaho Potatoes, side of Homemade Applesauce
Short Stack Buttermilk Pancakes
Bacon
Undeniably a chain, with 1953 origins in Portland OR and the famous Walker Bros location in Wilmette IL, Las Vegas’ The Original Pancake House has been owned and operated by Kim and Stephan Freudenberger since 1995.
Created by Les Highet and Erma Hueneke, over 120 Restaurans from coast-to-coast making their name with high-quality Butter, pure Whipping Cream and grade AA eggs, it is from 7am until 2pm that guests can usually expect a brief wait to be seated amidst homey confines featuring smiling service.
Not just Pancakes, the cost of Eggs recently raising prices for baked Omelettes and plates like “The Traditional” served with Potatoes and Meat, Coffee is freely-refillable and pretty basic for $4.99 while additional beverages include Coke products and freshly squeezed Orange or Grapefruit Juice.
A Beard Award winning concept, Vegas’ only location since a store on Charleston burned down in 2012, fans of The Original Pancake House will assuredly recognize both a German Pancake and the smaller Dutch Baby offered with DIY Glaze and a generous rise surrounding the Souffle center.
Opting to also share Bacon, a fluffy Buttermilk Short Stack and crispy Potato Pancakes cooked like a “Smash Burger” online reservations circumvented a wait thus allowing plenty of time to enjoy the signature “Apple Pancake,” a piping hot pile of thinly sliced Granny Smiths teaming with Cinnamon and Sugar atop a buttery golden base proving as much “Pie” as Pancake.
Despite signage suggesting Summer House Santa Monica the location inside Durango Casino & Resort is actually Lettuce Entertain You’s first branch of the “California-inspired Restaurant” out west, and regardless of what might be inside the Cookie Bar out front is a sight for sore eyes.
Taking a Spago-esque approach to Market-fresh fare, think Pizzas and Pastas plus plates from an all-wood grill, it is for roughly $5-6 each that guests will find a dozen or more daily baked good including everything from classic Chocolate Chip with big dark chunks to Rice Crispy Treats with or without bits of Oreo in the mix.
A natural feeling space bathed in light, Rockwell Group taking on LEYE’s first off-Strip venture, guests not fond of Cocoa will find “Birthday Cake” far outpacing crumbl’s famous Frosted Cookie while both glazed Lemon and Peanut Butter eat soft and chewy within a gently crisp rim.
Always impressing with Brownies and Blondies, also offered Gluten Free, Summer House’s Apple Oatmeal Cookie reminisces of Autumn Apple Crisp in portable form while the all-new Wild Thai Banana and Coconut Chocolate Cookie are sweet but balanced and complex.
Now expanded to Dallas, Plano and the Southwest Vegas Valley 4 years after opening, despite growing competition, it was as a party of three that diners once again enjoyed an outstanding meal at ShangHai Taste on Tuesday.
Tucked inside Suite 104 of a two-story complex on the corner of Arville Street and Spring Mountain Road, a ground floor flagship since day one, it is upon entry that eyes are immediately drawn to Chinese-born Chefs working inside the restaurant’s glass prep-room, and with Chef Jimmy Li’s time at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu well-known to fans the fact that everything on-site is made from scratch should come as no surprise.
Seating approximately 40 guests from 11:00am until 9:00pm seven-days-a-week it was with warm greetings that twelve items were received, many old favorites but some items not enjoyed in a while.
Affordable without skimping on Ingredients, all thanks to Chef Li and Joe Muscaglione’s dedication, a distinctive feel is ensured by the fact that almost every single item on-site is imported from or near Shanghai, and starting with Soup Dumplings, or XLB, fans will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard whether made with Pork, Shrimp, Crab or Beef.
Able to accommodate most dietary preferences, fried Soup Dumplings in two varieties a winner to all but vegans, those eschewing all Animal products will likely gravitate to green Dumplings, though even more interesting bites are found in the form of Noodles slick with Scallion Oil and Shanghai Soy Sauce or sticky-sweet Wheat Gluten.
Built on family recipes handed down to Chef Li, his Fat Noodles with choice of Protein always a crowd-pleaser, Dumplings taste wonderful with or without spicy Oil or Soy while Fried Rice rivals the best in town.
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, Caramel and Pecan dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Peanut Butter and Oreo 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.
A concept from San Francisco that is currently expanding via franchising, Marufuku offers Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen and Chicken Broths plus Cocktails and Appetizers in a lengthy space at The Bend in Southwest Las Vegas.
Co-founded by Eiichi Mochizuki and Koji Kikura, a name also involved with Mochizuki as well as Shabuway, guests will quickly notice wood and laminate akin to David Chang’s original Momofuku while tatted severs prone to using terms like “boss” or “chief” pass the vibe check.
Arbitrarily using “Ramen” to describe Noodle Soup, though neither bowl selected contained springy Wheat Noodles, Marufuku’s starters consist of everything from Fried Chicken and Edamame to slightly overcooked Pot Stickers and fluffy Octopus Balls beneath a liberal shaving of Katsuobushi.
Waiting no more than fifteen minutes for Soup, medium-size portions at fair prices in artisan bowls, Hakata Tonkotsu finds Broth appropriately rich while Chashu trends lean and for those who like it hot the “Chili-flavored Ground Chicken” adds a whole lot of spice to TanTan Men featuring thicker Udon.
LOADED SHEET PAN NACHOS – beef birria, tortilla chips, cheddar, cotija, jalapeños, pico de gallo, sour cream, queso, salsa verde
SMASH BURGER SLIDERS – red onion jam, secret sauce, house cheese sauce
QUESO BLANCO – tortilla chips, salsa
KALBI SHORT RIB TACOS – bao buns, kimchi slaw, Asian aioli
PEPPERONI FLATBREAD – pizza sauce, cup and char pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, chili garlic crisp
Begun as a driving range by two brothers in 2000 Topgolf has since spawned ninety-seven locations across America, the Las Vegas version on Koval Lane near MGM part of Sin City’s diverse entertainment options ever since late-Spring of 2016.
A destination for all-ages and skill levels, two decks and 120 covered bays at a variety of price-points welcoming would-be guests as early as 9am daily, Saturday evening found peak time abated by 25% off for locals to a tune of two hours and fun games including Sonic the Hedgehog and Angry Birds plus more traditional long-drive competitions.
Popular for date-night, a central Bar mixing Cocktails including a sweet Espresso Martini served adjacent pitchers of Beer, sports play on screens at all angles while music overhead ranges pop and hip-hop from the 80’s till now.
Easily booked online, free parking just outside an added perk, warm-up shots slowly grew straighter and longer as a Jumbo Pretzel surrounded by Charcuterie set the tune for competent yet pricey Bar Food.
Executing Nachos fairly well, though the “Birria” was essentially a wad of shredded Beef on top, “Smash Burger” Sliders are neither pressed nor crispy on the edges while Kalbi Short Rib Tacos found the “shells” of Bao far less fluffy than they ought to be.
Quickly waching Queso coagulate, the fact that Beer pitchers have a central chiller but Cheese can’t be kept warm telling of priorities, Flatbreads prove to be a standout thanks to good Crust cooked crisp beneath melted Cheese and charred Pepperoni.
Unquestionably Las Vegas’ top choice for French Pastry for nearly 10 years Rosallie Le French Café continues to show well on-site or to-go, a Wednesday morning delivery finding Pastries carefully arranged with several old favorites including an exceptional Raspberry Almond Croissant.
Last visited Summer of 2024 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 squared-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.
Beef and King Oyster Mushrooms in Black Pepper Sauce
Bean Curd Noodles & Shrimp in XO Sauce
Curry Seafood
Now expanded to Dallas, Plano and the Southwest Vegas Valley 4 years after opening, despite growing competition, it was as a party of five that diners enjoyed an outstanding meal from ShangHai Taste on Monday evening.
Tucked inside Suite 130 of a complex on Rainbow Boulevard it is upon entry that eyes are immediately drawn to Chinese-born Chefs working inside the restaurant’s glass prep-room, and with Chef Jimmy Li’s time at 3 Villages, 1900 Asian Cuisine and Niu Gu well-known to fans the fact that everything on-site is made from scratch should come as no surprise.
Seating approximately 60 guests from 11:00am until 9:00pm seven-days-a-week it was with warm greetings that twenty-two items were received, many old favorites but also all-new Seafood Curry and Crispy Fried Pork Chops.
Affordable without skimping on Ingredients, all thanks to Chef Li and Joe Muscaglione’s dedication, a distinctive feel is ensured by the fact that almost every single item on-site is imported from or near Shanghai, and starting with Soup Dumplings, or XLB, fans will be happy to know ShangHai Taste’s set a high standard whether made with Pork, Shrimp, Crab or Beef.
Able to accommodate most dietary preferences, fried Soup Dumplings in two varieties a winner to all but vegans, those eschewing all Animal products will likely gravitate to green Dumplings, though even more interesting bites are found in the form of Cold Bean Curd Noodles slicked in Scallion Oil or springy Kao Fu.
Built on family recipes handed down to Chef Li, his Fat Noodles with choice of Protein always a crowd-pleaser, Dumplings taste wonderful with or without spicy Oil or Soy while Fried Rice or Rice Cakes rival the best in town.
Located inside Tuscany Suites & Casino it was in celebration of Mother’s Day that five guests sat down at Bistecca, a rebrand of Tuscany Gardens that still features upscale Italian Cuisine plus weekend Brunch plus occasional live performances such as Saturday’s free concert from songwriter and author David Gans in a room full of Deadheads.
The signature Restaurant of a nearly twenty-five year old Resort, easy to overlook given its off-Strip location, diners are invited to enjoy a concise menu of classics like Eggs and Bacon as well as more innovative ideas including plump Shrimp atop Cornmeal subtly spicy from Calabrian Sausage.
Excluding the menu’s Dutch Baby on a busy morning, even though most tables appeared to be lingering well past two hours for the music, alternative sweets included complimentary Banana Bread and Almond Butter Toast with Honey plus Bardot-thick French Toast tilted Italian by Cherry Amaretto Syrup.
Executing both Breakfast Potatoes and Fries well, plus “Overnight Oats” with tons of complexity, Bistecca’s eponymous Burger cooked Medium-rare was juicy and rich beneath fresh produce, Bacon Jam and aged Cheddar.
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, Caramel and Pecan dazzle atop a fluffy leavened base while Peanut Butter and Oreo 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.
VINE-RIPENED HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD, burrata cheese, red onion, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil
16oz Creekstone Farms Dry-aged PRIME BONELESS RIBEYE / 16oz Creekstone Farms Wet-aged PRIME BONELESS NEW YORK STRIP / 6oz CERTIFIED PIEDMONTESE PETITE FILET MIGNON
20oz KUROBUTA PORK CHOP, herb jus, Pan Seared Scallops
POTATO CROQUETTES, cheddar cheese, sour cream, smoked apple bacon
HAND CUT SEA SALT STEAK FRIES
ANSON MILLS GRITS, smoked apple bacon jam, cheddar cheese
Renovated in 2020, a good decade shaved off the venerable Restaurant Row destination, Delmonico has already withstood the test of time and at nearly twenty-six years old a recent visit suggests the Steakhouse continues to carry on a proud tradition with great service and all the classics.
Now under the direction of Chef Ivan Rojas, he and Culinary Director Ronnie Rainwater’s driving the local centerpiece of Lagasse’s empire, it was as a group of six that seating was offered at the Chef’s Table while the main room remained bustling all night long.
Again presented as a family-style tasting, this time with Sommelier-suggested beverages and music playing softly, it was beginning with Champagne that snacks were served, Delmonico’s iconic Truffle and Parmesan Potato Chips crisp and oilless while Deviled Eggs danced beneath reserve Caviar.
Updating the menu seasonally, and additionally giving Chef Rojas a chance to showcase his skills, Appetizers found themselves inclusive of Emeril’s BBQ Shrimp and thick-cut Bacon while Crab Cakes and Chef Rainwater’s Wilted Spinach with Poached Eggs and Praline Bacon each deserve mention alongside Las Vegas’ best versions.
Not forgetting Popovers, just one considering the bounty upcoming, additional starters saw the tableside preparation of Baked Cheese plus seared Foie Gras sandwiched between Pistachio Cookies with market Berries.
Moving onto entrees, three Prime Steaks showcasing the difference between dry and wet aging, sides trend classic with the exception of Croquettes prepared in the style of a loaded Baked Potato while the Pork Chop and off-menu Rabbit Porchetta are unsurpassed anywhere in Sin City.
Tantalizing with textures to this point, and continuing as such with Dessert, not a word needs to be said about Emeril’s incomparable Banana Cream Pie besides “order it” while the Pecan Pie, Tiramisu and Chocolate Bombe are each also enjoyable.
Located in the shadow of Southern Hills Hospital Leafs and Grounds opened at the end of 2022, their popularity slowly growing by word of mouth attesting to Sin City’s best Scones and a locally grown feel that taps into Pacific Northwest Coffee culture.
A novelty in Las Vegas, the shop slowing things down compared to Dutch Bros or Starbucks and doing things their own way without a slew of influencers, guests arriving Tuesday through Sunday from 6am until 3pm will find a family owned spot with plenty of room to linger, work, and read.
Using Lavazza for a variety of Lattes and specialty Coffees, a proper grinder and Espresso machine attesting to doing things the right way, Pastries are made on-site by the Mother and children with Empanadas fully loaded beneath a golden shell while Danishes are so flaky that a fork and plate are mandatory.
Onward to Scones, flavors announced daily on Instagram, suffice it to say these aren’t the typical British rounds in need of Clotted Cream or Jam, but rather something like a layered Southern Biscuit loaded with Butter and complex flavors ranging from Mocha to Coconut Matcha.
