Las Vegas barbecue extends far beyond tourist traps, with locals finding their smoky salvation in strip malls and suburban corners. From Japanese grill-your-own spots to old-school American smokehouses, the valley's BBQ scene reflects its diverse community perfectly.
These ten standouts earned their reputation through consistent execution and devoted local followings across Henderson, Chinatown, and beyond. Each brings something unique to the table, whether it's premium wagyu or traditional Carolina-style smoke rings that keep regulars coming back weekly.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- 888 Japanese BBQ — Interactive Wagyu Paradise
- Chubby Cattle BBQ – Las Vegas — Premium Beef Perfection
- Souperb Wagyu Hot Pot & Grill — Underrated Hot Pot
- Mura Japanese BBQ & Shabu — Japanese BBQ Excellence
- Smoke & Fire — Classic American Smokehouse
- Master Kim's Korean BBQ — Korean BBQ Institution
- Red Rice — Pacific Island Authenticity
- Chubby Skewers — Mongolian Skewer Heaven
- Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que — Comfort Food Giant
- Jessie Rae's BBQ Henderson — Neighborhood BBQ Champion
1. 888 Japanese BBQ
✨ Best for: Interactive Wagyu Paradise
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.8 · 7855 reviews · $$$
This Japanese BBQ powerhouse puts the grills directly in your hands, literally. Tables equipped with tabletop grills let you cook premium wagyu beef and thick-cut pork belly exactly how you want it. The interactive element makes every meal feel like a celebration, while the quality of ingredients rivals any high-end steakhouse. Families pack this place nightly, kids mesmerized by the sizzling action while parents appreciate the consistently excellent seafood platters and perfectly marbled beef that melts like butter.
Must-Order:
Wagyu BeefPork BellyGrilled Seafood Platter
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot around the tabletop grills for the full interactive dining experience.
2. Chubby Cattle BBQ – Las Vegas
✨ Best for: Premium Beef Perfection
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.9 · 3660 reviews · $$$$
When locals want to splurge on barbecue, this is where they go. The unlimited wagyu experience justifies the premium price tag, with cuts so tender they barely need cooking. Their slow-smoked brisket rivals any Texas joint, while the beef tongue offers adventurous eaters a buttery, rich experience. The service here sets the standard – servers like Juan will cook your meats to perfection without being asked, making first-timers feel like VIP regulars.
Must-Order:
Slow-Smoked BrisketBeef Bull TongueAssorted Sushi Rolls
Insider Tip: Make reservations and ask for Juan specifically – he'll cook your meats to perfection without being asked.
View Chubby Cattle BBQ – Las Vegas →
3. Souperb Wagyu Hot Pot & Grill
✨ Best for: Underrated Hot Pot
Tripadvisor📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.9 · 800 reviews
The best-kept secret in Vegas BBQ hides behind an unassuming facade, serving premium wagyu at prices that haven't inflated like their competitors. The Japanese-style grilled meats arrive perfectly portioned, while the cook-it-yourself hot pot adds an interactive element families love. This place consistently outperforms flashier spots through quality ingredients and attention to detail. The two-hour waits during peak times prove locals have discovered something special here.
Must-Order:
Premium Wagyu BeefJapanese-style Grilled MeatsCook-it-Yourself Hot Pot
Insider Tip: Arrive before 4 PM to avoid the 2-hour wait times during peak dinner hours.
View Souperb Wagyu Hot Pot & Grill →
4. Mura Japanese BBQ & Shabu
✨ Best for: Japanese BBQ Excellence
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.6 · 947 reviews · $$$
This dual-concept restaurant masterfully balances premium Japanese BBQ with exceptional shabu-shabu. Their kalbi short ribs arrive beautifully marbled and tender, while the wagyu beef selection rivals spots charging twice as much. The sushi program adds unexpected depth, making this a perfect spot for groups with varying tastes. Staff treat families with kids exceptionally well, creating a welcoming atmosphere that keeps multi-generational groups returning regularly.
Must-Order:
SushiKalbi Short RibsWagyu Beef
Insider Tip: Come with a group to fully experience the variety of meats and shabu-shabu options available.
View Mura Japanese BBQ & Shabu →
5. Smoke & Fire
✨ Best for: Classic American Smokehouse
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.4 · 1286 reviews · $$
The closest thing to authentic American barbecue you'll find off the Strip, this no-frills spot focuses on traditional smoking techniques. Their brisket develops that coveted pink smoke ring after hours in the pit, while the baby back ribs fall off the bone with just the right amount of chew. Pulled pork sandwiches arrive piled high with meat that's been slow-cooked to perfection. Locals appreciate the reasonable prices and generous portions that guarantee leftovers.
Must-Order:
Smoked Brisket PlatterBaby Back RibsPulled Pork Sandwich
Insider Tip: Arrive before 7 PM on weekends to avoid the dinner rush and ensure the best selection of meats.
6. Master Kim's Korean BBQ
✨ Best for: Korean BBQ Institution
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.2 · 1716 reviews · $$
This Korean BBQ veteran has anchored the local scene for years through consistent quality and generous banchan spreads. Their galbi short ribs arrive perfectly marinated, caramelizing beautifully on the tabletop grills. The bulgogi beef practically melts in your mouth, while the kimchi jjigae stew provides the perfect palate cleanser between meat courses. Large groups gravitate here for celebrations, knowing the variety and quality will satisfy everyone at the table.
Must-Order:
Galbi Short RibsBulgogi BeefKimchi Jjigae Stew
Insider Tip: Bring a group to fully experience the variety of meats and fresh banchan side dishes Korean barbecue offers.
View Master Kim's Korean BBQ →
7. Red Rice
✨ Best for: Pacific Island Authenticity
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.5 · 870 reviews · $$
Vegas's most authentic Pacific Island barbecue transports diners straight to Guam with every bite. The barbecue chicken achieves that perfect balance of char and tenderness, while their signature red rice provides a unique starchy foundation you won't find anywhere else in the valley. The beef kelaguen offers a fresh contrast to the grilled meats, showcasing the kitchen's range beyond barbecue. Locals treasure this spot for introducing them to flavors completely outside their comfort zone.
Must-Order:
Barbecue Chicken PlateRed Rice with Pork RibsBeef Kelaguen
Insider Tip: Plan to share several dishes family-style to experience the full range of Pacific Island flavors.
8. Chubby Skewers
✨ Best for: Mongolian Skewer Heaven
📍 Las Vegas · ⭐ 4.7 · 591 reviews · $$$
This Mongolian barbecue specialist elevates the skewer game with premium cuts and bold seasonings. Their beef skewers arrive perfectly charred outside while remaining juicy within, complemented by Szechuan spices that build heat gradually. The grilled pork belly skewers practically melt on your tongue, while the noodle dishes provide satisfying substance beyond the meat-focused menu. The variety keeps groups engaged, with something new to try on every visit.
Must-Order:
Mongolian Beef SkewersSzechuan Chicken NoodlesGrilled Pork Belly Skewers
Insider Tip: Arrive early or late to avoid the peak dinner rush and enjoy a more relaxed dining atmosphere.
9. Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
✨ Best for: Comfort Food Giant
📍 Henderson · ⭐ 3.8 · 1674 reviews · $$
This Henderson institution delivers old-school American barbecue comfort in generous family-style portions. Their hickory-smoked ribs achieve that perfect balance of smoke and tenderness locals have relied on for years. The pulled pork sandwich overflows with meat that's been slow-cooked until it shreds effortlessly, while the beef brisket maintains its moisture despite hours in the smoker. The consistent quality and reasonable prices make this a reliable choice for family gatherings.
Must-Order:
Hickory Smoked RibsPulled Pork SandwichBeef Brisket Platter
Insider Tip: Arrive early during weekend dinner hours as popular items can sell out, and order extra sauce to take home.
View Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que →
10. Jessie Rae's BBQ Henderson
✨ Best for: Neighborhood BBQ Champion
📍 Henderson · ⭐ 4.4 · 454 reviews · $$
This neighborhood champion proves great barbecue doesn't need flashy marketing, just consistent execution. Their smoked brisket develops that coveted smoke ring through patient pit mastery, while the St. Louis style ribs offer the perfect amount of chew. The pulled pork arrives genuinely smoky and tender, piled high on sandwiches that require two hands to handle. Locals have supported this spot since opening day, drawn by the authentic approach and generous portions that guarantee tomorrow's lunch.
Must-Order:
Smoked Brisket PlatterBBQ Pulled Pork SandwichSt. Louis Style Ribs
Insider Tip: Get there early on weekends as the brisket sells out fast, especially during dinner hours.
View Jessie Rae's BBQ Henderson →
Tips for Finding Great Barbecue in Vegas
Explore Asian BBQ: Vegas's diverse population means incredible Japanese, Korean, and Mongolian barbecue options throughout Chinatown and the Spring Valley area. These spots often offer better value than traditional American barbecue.
Check Henderson First: Several of the valley's best traditional smokehouses operate in Henderson, away from tourist areas. The lower rent allows for better ingredient quality and more generous portions.
Timing Matters Most: Popular barbecue spots sell out of premium cuts during peak hours. Arrive early or call ahead to ensure your preferred meats are still available.
Embrace Interactive Dining: Many Vegas barbecue restaurants feature tabletop grills or cook-your-own concepts. These interactive experiences offer better value and fresher results than pre-cooked options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We selected these barbecue restaurants based on consistent local patronage, quality of ingredients, and authentic cooking techniques rather than tourist visibility. Our rankings consider both traditional American smokehouse excellence and the diverse barbecue styles that reflect Las Vegas's multicultural dining landscape.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
