Few things hit the spot after a long day of drinking and debauchery than smoked, slow-cooked meat. There’s just something about how ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork are able to improve morale after your bankroll is blown.
With that in mind, I figured it would be helpful to detail your BBQ options in Las Vegas, both on the Strip and on Fremont Street.
For each BBQ restaurant in Las Vegas listed below, I’ll be sure to link out to the menu so you can peruse your options before making the trip.
BBQ Restaurants on the Strip
Gilley’s at TI: Also home to dancing and free live music, Gilley’s serves an assortment of BBQ including ribs, a brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwiches, a burrito, and more. Amplifying that western vibe, Gilley’s is also one of the only bars with a mechanical bull in Las Vegas.
Smoked Burgers & BBQ at Caesars Palace: Found within the themed Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Smoked Burgers & BBQ serves an impressive selection of burgers, smoked meats, and sandwiches. Family Style meals that serve anywhere from 4-10 people are also offered as an option.
International Smoke at MGM Grand: An ideation of Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry, International Smoke serves a collection of St. Louis ribs, Korean-style prime short ribs, steaks, chicken, and seafood.
Notable sides offered on the menu include BBQ rib tip mac & cheese and pork belly fried rice. Residing on the spendier side of the price spectrum, a rack of ribs will set you back around $50.
BBQ Mexicana at Mandalay Bay: BBQ Mexicana fuses traditional BBQ and Mexican influences to create something completely unique. Menu items include pulled pork, brisket, or chicken burritos and bowls with an average price of around $15.
Virgil’s Real Barbecue at LINQ: Found along the LINQ Promenade, Virgil’s serves an impressive selection of BBQ ribs, sandwiches, chicken wings, and burgers. Virgil’s “Pitmaster Platters” allow you to select both your desired meats and side items.
Blood Brothers Texas BBQ at Resorts World: One of 16 vendors that make up Resorts World’s Famous Foods Street Eats food hall, Blood Brothers serves “Classic Texas barbecue with the occasional Chinese and Vietnamese twist”.
Notable menu items include their smoked brisket fried rice, jalapeno cheddar sausage, pulled pork, gochujang Saint Louis ribs, and smoked beef brisket. Everything on the menu lands in the $15 – $20 range.
BBQ Restaurants on Fremont Street
Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brews at Binion’s: Ranking as one of the cheapest BBQ restaurants in Las Vegas, Benny’s serves a limited menu that includes ribs, brisket, and chicken. All meals are served with baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and jalapeno cheese cornbread.
A full rack of ribs costs $21.99 (with a loyalty card) while the BBQ brisket and 1/2 chicken meal can be yours for under $15.
Project BBQ at Circa: A food truck concept just outside Circa, Project BBQ offers a selection of BBQ Sandwiches, tacos with a BBQ twist, ribs, brats, and BBQ chicken. Most entrees land in the $15 range.
Notably, their “Garbage Bowl” is a combination of Project Chips, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken topped with both BBQ and cheese sauce.
Other notable BBQ in Las Vegas
Ellis Island BBQ: Easily qualifying as one of my favorite spots to eat cheap near the Strip, Ellis’ BBQ restaurant is the definition of value. With a players club card, a full-rack of ribs, or a half-rack & half-BBQ chicken meal can be yours at a sub-$20 price point.
If you have a lesser appetite, their half-rack or half-BBQ chicken meals are a few bucks cheaper.
Jessie Rae’s BBQ: Although off the Strip, Jessie Rae’s is a short Uber/Lyft ride from south Strip resorts and serves slow smoked ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and more. Earning a rock-solid 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor following 175+ reviews, it’s safe to say that Jessie Rae’s is worth the trip.
Rick’s Rollin Smoke Barbeque & Tavern: Owned by Rick Harrison of “Pawn Stars” fame, Rick’s Rollin Smoke can be found at Pawn Plaza, next door to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop made famous by the History Channel series. There, you can consume BBQ chicken, ribs, brisket, and pulled pork until your heart’s content.
Fans of the show will be excited to know that Rick frequently makes an appearance to tend bar. Those appearances are usually announced in advance on Rick’s Rollin Smoke’s Facebook page.
Mabel’s at Palms: Many were excited to hear that Mabel’s BBQ, a product of “Meat Master” Michael Symon survived the resort’s 2-year pandemic shutdown. Palms is back, and so is Mabel’s, with most entrees landing in the $15-$25 range.
Hopefully, I was able to help you find a BBQ restaurant in Las Vegas, either on the Strip, downtown, or just away from the action that meets your needs! Enjoy the ribs!
Related: Cheap Ribs in Las Vegas – Where to find them!
Feature Image: ©golubovy/123RF.COM
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.