Thursday, June 4, 2015

BBQ - Vegas Style

Cravings

BBQ!

Tasty meats and sides, Vegas-style

Story by Bob Gourley

Photography by Colleen Chalmers of Giggle Box Photography

The smell of great BBQ is an invitation for great American eating. The Las Vegas area has many places for not only perfectly cooked meats, but also sides that fill out the meal nicely. Here are some you will want to visit often.

Big Ern’s

The Container Park on Fremont St. is shaping up as an entertaining place for food and drinks. They are also known for great BBQ. Big Ern’s dispenses the goods seven days a week. Not only do they have a full arsenal of Texas-style smoked meats like ribs, chicken and brisket, but they also serve rib tips with any of their rib dinners.

Fans of well-stocked potatoes will want to order the Potato Bomb, delivered with signature BBQ beans, butter and sour cream. It also comes with a choice of meat. Popular sides include a green salad with olives, coleslaw, a bag of chips or a baked potato.

Pork ribs have just the right amount of tenderness and smoke flavor, tasty with each bite. Kids have their own menu too with pork or chicken sliders, chips and a drink.

Downtown never had it so good!

Big Ern’s BBQ

Downtown Container Park

707 Fremont St., Las Vegas

702-834-7845

www.bigernsbbq.com

Fox Smokehouse BBQ

Fox Smokehouse BBQ started out a little different than most, as a competition team. Dan and Kelly Fox are still members of the Kansas City Barbecue Society and they love to feed their friends, neighbors and family. At first they only catered events, but as the demand grew they decided to open a restaurant in Boulder City.

Along with a full menu of nicely prepared combo plates is a list of sandwiches that will keep you coming back. One of the highlights is a chicken offering. This remarkable creation features full-seasoned and marinated breasts that are soaked overnight to allow maximum juiciness.

A bratwurst sandwich is served on Texas toast and pulled pork is smoked with hickory wood. Tacos with all of the trimmings are a nice touch. Their mac and cheese is legendary—gooey and cheesy with a little crust on top for a nice crunch. Cowboy fries and beans are also noteworthy.

This place is a must stop when you are visiting Boulder City.

Fox Smokehouse BBQ

1007 Elm St., Unit E, Boulder City

702-489-2211

www.foxsmokehousebbq.com

Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ

Lucille Buchanan grew up eating her grandmother’s great BBQ. She and her husband Joe opened the first location of Lucille’s in Long Beach and the chain has continued to grow. There are two spots in the valley and not only do they both feature top-quality smoked meats, the list of appetizers is also appealing. A sampling platter is perfect for those who can’t decide. Fried green tomatoes, Dixie egg rolls and chicken strips are just a few of the goodies included.

Visitors will notice the smoky aroma as they enter. A giant smoker is located right by the door. Each meal offers options like St. Louis-style ribs and a compelling sandwich menu loaded with choices like Texas-style beef brisket and California-inspired Tri-tip offerings.

Homemade biscuits and apple butter come with every meal and don’t miss the honey-roasted peanut slaw as a side.

Grandma Buchanan would be proud!

Lucille’s BBQ

The District at Green Valley Ranch

2245 Village Walk Dr., Henderson

702-257-7427

Red Rock Casino Resort

11011 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas

702-220-7427

www.lucillesbbq.com

Rollin’ Smoke BBQ

You will notice the pleasant aroma of smoking food beginning a few blocks from Rollin’ Smoke BBQ. If you have been to any number of special events throughout the valley the sight of their smoker will no doubt bring anticipation of a great dining experience.

Chef Trey Holland is the mastermind of the meats. They not only have a variety of Southern-style smoked morsels but they also offer something not found in too many places—smoked meatloaf. It is combined with sweet BBQ sauce with creamy mashed potatoes on top. The Outlaw Burger has been called one of the best in the valley with brisket, onion strings, cabbage and more stuffed between fresh buns.

Smokin’ Sides are one of the big reasons for a visit. Yams, greens, corn nuggets and hush puppies are just a few. Waffle fries and chips also grace the plates. Southern peach cobbler is a fitting dessert.

They will soon be opening another branch at the new Pawn Stars Plaza.

Rollin’ Smoke BBQ

3185 S. Highland Dr., Las Vegas

702-836-3621

www.rollinsmokebarbeque.com

John Mull’s Road Kill Grill

St. Louis-style pork ribs, Texas brisket and a popular mac and cheese side dish are just a few of the treasures you will find at John Mull’s Road Kill Grill. They have been catering tasty BBQ favorites since 1954, but opened up the restaurant section of the operation in 2012.

Owner Chuck Frommer loves to have visitors experience all of the slow-smoked meats. The brisket has a black char around it that helps to seal in the juices. Combo dinners include two sides. There are hot links, pulled pork and also tri-tip on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Diners will also find a variety of homemade BBQ sauces including two that can be purchased for enjoyment at home. One of the favorites features red wine vinegar that gives it a slight kick.

Top your meal off with a choice of peach or apple cobbler. A large selection of sausages and meats are available in the market.

John Mull’s Road Kill Grill

3730 Thom Blvd., Las Vegas

702-645-1200

www.johnmullsmeats.com