Who doesn’t love soul food? From creamy mac and cheese and perfectly baked cornbread to the ever-popular chicken and waffles combination, love (and recipes perfected by time) is the secret to these dishes that we just can’t get enough of.
And while the south is typically where you’d turn for soul food, there are actually plenty of hidden gems in Las Vegas serving up these feel-good meals. Here’s our guide to some of the best soul food in Vegas that you should try during your next visit.
1. Mississippi Mary Soul Food Cafe
Of all the soul food restaurants in Las Vegas, Mississippi Mary Soul Food Cafe is one of the best (as are the rest that made this list – all for different reasons). This soul food cafe serves up all the classics you’d expect from a southern comfort meal. From fried favorites like chicken and catfish to the divine smothered chicken and oxtail stew, you’re sure to find your favorite southern comfort food here or branch out to try something new.
Of course, we can’t forget to talk about the sides. There’s collard greens, black-eyed peas, mashed potatoes, fried okra…the list goes on and on. Luckily, every full-order entree comes with your choice of three, making the decision just a little bit easier.
2. EllaEm’s Soul Food
EllaEm’s Soul Food Las Vegas is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This soul food restaurant is steeped in over 100 years of tradition, with the classic family comfort recipes having been passed down through generations to family and close friends.
On the menu, you’ll find comfort food staples like oxtail, chitterlings, pork chops, and more. However, the fried chicken or liver and onions served on steak shouldn’t be missed. And don’t worry! You also get to choose from three mouthwatering sides and get a piece of cornbread with your meal.
Don’t forget to finish everything off with a sweet piece of peach cobbler or sweet potato pie.
3. Lo Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
Chicken and waffles is, arguably, one of the most popular soul food dishes. If you’re craving this killer combination, look no farther than Lo Lo’s Chicken & Waffles. Founder Larry “Lo-Lo” White has been in the soul food biz since he could walk and talk, and it shows!
While you can’t miss out on the chicken and waffles, the restaurant also offers breakfast all day and other famous southern soul food that you shouldn’t pass up.
4. Gritz Café
Gritz Café is the self-proclaimed “Ritz” for the Grits. At this soul food joint in Las Vegas, the grits are always prepared for your taste buds and with the perfect texture each time. All the plates are named after southern states and come with two sides, but the grits are truly the star of the plate.
Make sure to indulge in some of the “Gritz Favorites” that are served alongside perfectly fried chicken or catfish.
5. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
For a more upscale soul food Las Vegas experience, visit Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. This James Beard-nominated and award-winning restaurant always uses farm-fresh ingredients to whip up southern staples. Here, you’ll find classic comfort food with an inventive twist and a soul-healin’ brunch served on the weekends.
6. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Like things hot? Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is a Nashville favorite that now calls Las Vegas home. You’ll (unsurprisingly) find some of the best hot chicken at this soul food joint along with southern sides and local brews.
Indulge in some perfectly fried chicken that’s bathed in hot melted spices before being served in a sauce of your heat preference. To cool things down, order a classic comfort dish like pimento mac and cheese, southern greens, or skip right to dessert with the fan-favorite banana pudding.
7. Sunny’s Chicken & Fish
Sometimes the best soul food in Las Vegas is hard to find. Take Sunny’s Chicken & Fish. This joint is a hidden gem that doesn’t have a website but serves up a mouthwatering menu of wings, pulled chicken on waffles, and liver and onion. Though the menu is small and no-frills, you can’t beat the soul food flavors and inexpensive prices that will entice you back time and time again.
Feed Your Soul in Las Vegas
Ready to try these soul food restaurants in Las Vegas along with more comfort food and southern staples?
Finger Licking Foodie Tours offers self-guided foodie tours in some of the best areas for soul food in Vegas. Founded by dedicated local professionals with years of experience in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries, our delightful experiences always exceed expectations.
Contact us today to learn more about our self-guided foodie tours or to book your experience to feed your soul in Vegas today.
