Las Vegas is recognized worldwide for fantastic food and these days, frequent visitors are familiar with different dining neighborhoods beyond their Strip hotel rooms. But on the east side of the Valley, where equally memorable dining options await without the flashy frills, locals know where they love to go and they’re keeping these favorites to themselves.

PATTY’S TAMALES

It’s no secret the east side is home to a large Latino demographic, and while there are many places to grab staples like tacos, pupusas or elote, tamales—the beloved Mexican holiday dish—can be harder to come by. That was before Patty’s Tamales set up shop on Sahara Avenue and Nellis Boulevard. Its space is the definition of no-frills; with only a countertop to order takeout, the exchange is quick and easy, ensuring you can bite into incredibly delicious fillings encased in fresh masa as soon as possible. Making tamales is a time consuming labor of love and you can taste the home-cooked quality. And the menu is simple, offering red or green chicken, spicy red pork, rajas con queso, chicken mole and spicy shrimp, each for $5.25. Patty’s now ships its tamales nationwide so you can share your Vegas discovery. 5061 E. Sahara Ave. #1C, 725-207-2214, pattystamales.co.

FAT BOY

In a neighborhood shopping center at Stewart Avenue and Lamb Boulevard is Fat Boy, an unpretentious eatery with a laid-back atmosphere, limited seating options and a string menu of fast-food staples. The menu boasts a variety of favorites, from burgers and pizza to burritos and wings. The signature “boygers” are nostalgic in both taste and price. For $4 you can munch on the Classic, where a cooked-to-order patty gets charbroiled to perfection and tucked into a soft bun along with all your favorite fixings—mustard, ketchup, onions, tomato, pickles, lettuce, relish, Thousand Island and more. But Fat Boy’s specialty creations are what burger dreams are really made of. The pastrami Boyger is layered with a juicy beef patty, delectable slices of thin pastrami, grilled onions, smoky chipotle mayo, fresh pickles and mustard ($8). Paired with an order of Fat Boy’s beloved Chencho fries (with green sauce, chicken and mozzarella cheese, $6), it’ll have you rolling out the door with a smile on your face. 4425 Stewart Ave. #107, 702-434-1600, orderfatboylv.com.

THAI CUISINE

Let’s begin by mentioning the free vegetable spring rolls that Thai Cuisine starts you with during your visit. The crunchy delights are served up incredibly fast with a side of sweet and sour sauce, the perfect snack to get you going while you peruse a long menu of classics. The service is swift and friendly, and a conveniently spacious dining room accommodates both large families and intimate gatherings. For almost 20 years, Thai Cuisine has been dishing out flavorful soups, thick and thin noodle dishes and savory fried rice. Indulge in seafood tom yum soup ($16), a harmonious fusion of spicy, sour and aromatic flavors. We’re also partial to their pad see ew ($15), wide rice noodles stir-fried with Chinese broccoli and your choice of protein—it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory and umami notes. Finish the meal with an order of mango sticky rice ($9), ripe mango slices served atop a bed of coconut-infused rice. This simple delight will have you wanting to come back for more. 601 N. Nellis Blvd., 702-459-6009, thaicuisinelasvegasnv.com.

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