February 28th, 2025 — Your Guide to Fried Chicken, Gumbo, and Comfort Dishes That Warm the Soul
Southern and soul food are the ultimate cure for a weary spirit—think hearty platters that cradle you in flavor and nostalgia. In Las Vegas, amid the neon glow, these joints serve up the classics: crunchy fried chicken, velvety waffles, and fiery Creole concoctions. Drawing from Louisiana’s spice trails, Tennessee’s heat, and even California’s eclectic flair, the city’s scene ranges from cozy diners to celeb-backed hotspots. Here’s your rundown of the best Southern and soul food stops in Vegas—where comfort reigns supreme.
Mama Bird Southern Kitchen
Nestled in Southern Highlands, Mama Bird hooks you with its chicken fried steak—a hefty slab, crisp outside, tender within, drenched in sausage gravy and crowned with two fried eggs, perfect for biscuit-dipping. The vibe’s warm and welcoming, and the to-go jam jars (peach or berry) stretch that brunch bliss beyond the weekend. It’s neighborhood comfort at its finest.
Location: 10550 Southern Highlands Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89141
Soul Foo Young
Near UNLV, this quirky gem blends soul food with an Asian twist. The signature “Soul Foo Young” pairs fried chicken wings with fried rice and a gravy-soaked egg—an ode to both traditions. Catfish nuggets with hush puppies and collards keep it rooted in the South, all served with a playful, laid-back charm. It’s a must for the bold and curious.
Location: 4725 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Hailing from Nashville, Hattie B’s at The Cosmopolitan fries up plump, marinated chicken basted in spicy oil—pick your poison from seven heat levels, from mild to melt-your-face. Served with crinkle fries and pimento mac and cheese, it’s a fiery fix in a lively space with counter seats and big tables. Spice fiends, this one’s for you.
Location: 3708 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Delta’s Kitchen
Tucked inside the Delano, Delta’s Kitchen channels Mississippi Delta vibes with upscale flair. Shrimp and grits shine with creamy texture, Gulf shrimp, and a smoky bacon kick. Fried green tomatoes with remoulade and a juicy pork chop with collards round out a refined yet soulful menu—ideal for a quieter Southern escape.
Location: 3940 Mandalay Bay Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Stuff My Turkey
Stuff My Turkey is soul food turned up to eleven. The Nola Dirty Bird—a hulking 18-ounce turkey leg stuffed with Cajun dirty rice and slathered in crawfish Creole sauce—is decadence defined. Other wild combos like mac and cheese with Buffalo sauce or elote corn with Hot Cheetos keep it fun, alongside classic wings and catfish. It’s indulgence with a Southern heartbeat.
Location: 4760 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Court Cafe
This LA brunch import, run by chefs Jermelle Henderson and Calvin Johnson, reimagines Southern staples daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. French toast comes in wild flavors—Fruity Pebbles with cream cheese frosting or banana cream pudding—while the catfish po’ boy packs two filets, cheese, spinach, and jalapeño aioli into a French roll. It’s a daytime delight with flair.
Location: 1040 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
M&M Soul Food Cafe
A Westside classic, M&M delivers unfussy Southern staples. Smothered pork chops, juicy and blanketed in gravy, pair with candied yams and cornbread for that Sunday-at-grandma’s feel. The fried chicken crackles with flavor, and the peach cobbler seals the deal. Cash-only and family-run, it’s pure comfort.
Location: 2211 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Yardbird Southern Table and Bar
In the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes, Yardbird turns out Southern classics with polish. The fried chicken—crisp and craggy—sits atop a cheddar waffle with hot honey and bourbon maple syrup, making it a Strip standout. Skillet cornbread, Cajun-fried okra, and spiced watermelon bites elevate the experience—rugged yet refined.
Location: 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Sista Kim’s Kitchen
Just off the Strip, Sista Kim’s keeps it real with Southern simplicity. The fish and shrimp po’ boy overflows with crispy seafood, cabbage, and tangy sauce, flanked by seasoned fries. Wash it down with watermelon juice that’s pure refreshment. It’s a takeout favorite, but the casual dine-in vibe works too.
Location: 900 E Karen Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Lola’s Louisiana Kitchen
Lola’s has been dishing out bayou vibes for over ten years. Red beans and rice, simmered with Andouille and Kielbasa, bring savory warmth with a subtle kick. Baked crab cakes, bursting with blue crab and paired with lemon garlic aioli, outshine the fried version—Guy Fieri’s crawfish praise backs up the Creole cred here.
Location: 241 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Oyster Bar at Palace Station
Open 24/7, this seafood counter at Palace Station doubles as a Cajun haven. The gumbo—dark, spicy, and packed with sausage, okra, and chicken or seafood—warms the soul. Jambalaya brims with shrimp, crab, lobster, and mussels, all stewed with rice and Creole spice. It’s a late-night taste of New Orleans in Vegas.
Location: 2411 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Gritz Cafe
Since 2008, this Historic Westside haunt has drawn crowds for its reliable Southern fare. The fried catfish is light and flaky, encased in a golden cornmeal crust, while the grits steal hearts with their creamy depth. Biscuits and gravy or chicken and waffles, paired with ‘90s R&B, make the wait in this snug spot worthwhile.
Location: 1911 Stella Lake St, Las Vegas, NV 89106
Nellie’s Southern Kitchen
Inspired by the Jonas Brothers’ great-grandma, Nellie’s blends family recipes with a chic edge. The half-bird dinner—fried chicken with mac and cheese and collards—is pure nostalgia, while the Nashville-style sandwich drizzles spicy glaze over a tender patty. Whitewashed walls and hoof-shaped table legs give it a farmhouse glow.
Location: 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles
This Arizona export on Rainbow Boulevard perfects the classic combo. Juicy chicken with a crackly crust meets waffles crisp enough to soak up syrup and butter—a comfort food bullseye. Vegas flair shines through in the wall decor, and swirling Kool-Aid pitchers keep it laid-back and fun.
Location: 2040 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89108
Bleu Kitchen Garlic Noodle Bar
In northwest Vegas, Chef Calvin “Grubby” Johnson fuses Compton soul with Asian street eats. Oxtails collapse into garlicky butter noodles, rich and unforgettable. Crab-stuffed jumbo shrimp fry up crisp with jalapeño dill aioli, and the short rib gyoza with sweet garlic sauce is a dark-horse favorite—Southern roots, global soul.
Location: 7450 W Cheyenne Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89129
The Verdict
From spicy Nashville kicks to Creole depth and fusion surprises, Vegas’ Southern and soul food scene delivers comfort with personality. These joints—divey or dazzling—pile on the crispy, creamy, and bold, proving you don’t need to leave the desert for a taste of the South. Got a craving in mind? I’ll steer you straight to it!
