Although Las Vegas’s culinary scene often seems dominated by the big names on the Strip, the Nevada city is chock-full of delicious restaurants—many of which are Black-owned. Whether you’re looking for a taste of home while visiting Sin City or searching out an unforgettable treat to stave off a hangover, Las Vegas is a good place to embark on an exploration of dishes from different cuisines and backgrounds. From Instagram-ready spot Café Lola to the comfort food of chef Natalie Young’s eat., there is something for every visitor. Here are 25 Black-owned restaurants to consider when planning your next vacation to Las Vegas.
25 Black-Owned Restaurants in Las Vegas
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Published Jul 1, 2022
DW Bistro/Facebook
1. Dw Bistro
Owned by Bryce Krausman and Dalton Wilson, DW Bistro serves lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch, and combines the cuisines of Jamaica and New Mexico. By combining ingredients like jerk spice and green chilies, the pair of chefs create bold dishes that appeal to both locals and visitors. The offerings are as affordable as they are delicious, too—DW Bistro keeps their entrée prices much lower than those found on the Strip. Don’t miss the “famous” carrot cake for dessert.
9275 West Russell Road Suite #190 www.dwbistro.com
Café Lola/Facebook
2. Café Lola
Café Lola, known as one of the most Instagrammable eateries in Nevada, is the brainchild of Dr. Alexandra Lourdes and Lin Jerome, who created the spot to serve breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea. The glamorous café is a spin on a traditional European café and the menu features picture-perfect signature lattes in clever pink cups alongside its food offerings. Afternoon tea, served after 1 p.m., is their highlight, as are the desserts, which come in vegan versions as well.
4280 S. Hualapai Way #109 www.ilovecafelola.com
House of Dutch Pot/Facebook
3. House Of Dutch Pot
Visit Jamaica via Las Vegas at House of Dutch Pot thanks to chef and owner Oneil Smith. The restaurant can be found off-Strip, but the detour is worth the trip—Smith imports his spices directly from the Caribbean to dish out traditional stews, jerk chicken, curried shrimp and more. There’s also a solid selection of Jamaican sodas, fruit juices and ginger shots to accompany your meal.
4255 South Durango Dr. houseofdutchpotlasvegas.com
Gritz Café
4. Gritz Café
Gritz Café is, of course, known for its grits. Trina Jiles opened the restaurant in 2008 and has since served Southern soul food to locals in Vegas with an emphasis on the absolute perfect grits. Come for breakfast or lunch, where you’ll find everything from po boys to chicken and waffles to fried catfish. It’s the closest you’ll get to the South in the Nevada desert.
1911 Stella Lake St. gritzcafe.com
Simply Pure/Facebook
5. Simply Pure
Looking for something healthy after a big night out in Vegas? Head to Simply Pure, helmed by chef Stacey Dougan. The focus is on flavor-filled vegan cooking—think cashew cheese nachos and jackfruit crab cakes. It’s the perfect antidote to the party-heavy lifestyle of Sin City. And if you can’t make it there in-person, Dougan a few of her recipes, including the crab cakes, online.
707 Fremont Street simplypurelv.com
Big Jerk Caribbean/Facebook
6. Big Jerk Caribbean
Dig in to some authentic Caribbean cuisine at Big Jerk, which has two locations in Las Vegas. The vast menu features jerk chicken, ribs, lobster tail, and burgers, alongside classic sides like rice, yucca fries and plantains. It’s a great spot for a family or group meal, and those who imbibe will love the signature cocktails. It’s owned by former NFL player Quinton Carter and Tramaine Stephens, who wanted to create something for the community to enjoy.
430 E. Silverado Ranch, Suite. 100 or 2800 West Sahara Avenue www.bigjerkcaribbean.com
Nigerian Cuisine by MJ
7. Nigerian Cuisine By Mj
Looking for a quick and delicious meal in Vegas? Head to Nigerian Cuisine by MJ, which offers an all-day menu of traditional Nigerian dishes as imagined by owner Maduka “MJ” Joseph. It’s filling and hearty cuisine made using ingredients like plantains, rice and yams, perfect for those looking for a familiar taste of home or for something a bit different than the usual Strip restaurants.
5006 S. Maryland Pkwy Ste 11 nigeriancuisinetogo.com
The Cereal Killerz Kitchen
8. The Cereal Killerz Kitchen
Cereal lovers unite at The Cereal Killerz Kitchen, which serves up over 100 types of breakfast cereal in various forms, including as a milkshake or a cereal bun. It’s a highly Instagrammable experience, as you can imagine, and customers are encouraged to combine ingredients for unique culinary creations. It’s an indulgent experience courtesy of owners Jessica and Chris Burns, but it’s also one that anyone with a sweet tooth shouldn’t miss while in Las Vegas.
Multiple locations thecerealkillerz.com
Philly Freeze-Me
9. Philly Freeze-me
The desert heat is no match for the authentic Italian ice at Philly Freeze-Me, which has two shops in Vegas. It boasts a variety of refreshing flavors, including booze-infused versions of the cold treat for those 21 and up. If you can’t choose from the vast menu don’t worry—there are combo offerings that mix and match flavors. Owner Chase Corbin hails from Philadelphia, so this is as authentic as you’ll find on the West Coast.
855 E. Twain Ave. Ste. 118 or 5625 S. Rainbow Ste. D phillyfreezeme.com
Braud’s Funnel Cake Café
10. Braud’s Funnel Cake Café
Braud’s Funnel Cake Café has been serving up loaded funnel cakes since 2006 thanks to owner Denette Braud, who started the business in a pop-up tent featuring two flavors. It’s since grown immensely and now customers can choose between a range of indulgent sweet and savory flavors, including Billion Dollar Banana and Peachie King Cobbler. There are also refreshing soda floats, if you prefer to drink your dessert.
6605 S. Las Vegas Blvd. www.braudsfunnelcakecafe.com