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The Best Barbecue in Las Vegas
Vegas quietly has a really good barbecue scene once you get off the Strip. Here are the smokehouses worth the drive in 2026, from locals’ value legends to a couple of solid options right on the Strip.
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If an older list pointed you to Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace, it has closed. Everything below is open, and honestly the best barbecue in town was never on the Strip anyway.
Where to get real barbecue now
Barbecue spots keep their own hours and the best ones sell out of brisket early, so go on the earlier side and confirm before you make the drive.
Ellis Island BBQ
A locals’ institution just off the Strip, famous for big portions at friendly prices. Great ribs and a killer barbecue value that keeps the reviews rolling in year after year.
John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill
A working butcher shop and smokehouse in the northwest that locals swear by. Go early, the line is real and the brisket and pulled pork sell out. Lunch only, closed Sundays.
SoulBelly BBQ
The Arts District favorite doing serious Texas-style smoked meats with a live-music, good-times vibe. One of the best of the newer wave of Vegas barbecue.
Rollin’ Smoke Barbeque
Southern-style smoked meats and comfort sides just west of the Strip. A no-fuss spot for ribs, wings, and burnt ends without a Strip markup.
Virgil’s Real BBQ
If you want barbecue without leaving the Strip, this is the easy pick, a big menu of ribs, brisket, and Southern sides right on the LINQ Promenade.
Gilley’s Saloon, Dancehall & Bar-B-Que
Barbecue with a side of honky-tonk, including a mechanical bull and line dancing. More of a scene than a purist’s smokehouse, but a fun Strip night.
Mabel’s BBQ
Chef Michael Symon’s Cleveland-style barbecue, known for its house rubs and a great mixed platter. A more polished take on the smokehouse.
Jessie Rae’s BBQ
A local favorite for Texas-meets-Southwest smoked meats, green-chile sausage, and generous plates. Worth seeking out on the southwest side of town.
Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
A polished, family-friendly smokehouse at The District at Green Valley Ranch, with a broad menu and reliable ribs. An easy call on the Henderson side.
Bell’s BBQ
A small, well-loved Henderson spot turning out honest, from-scratch barbecue. The kind of neighborhood smokehouse worth knowing if you live out that way.
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Lori Ballen
REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Las Vegas, leading The Ballen Group. A lifelong Las Vegan sharing the best of the valley.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this site are affiliate links. Portions of this content are generated by AI.
