With big portions and fair pricing, diners are pretty much essential to American cities. And Las Vegans love to have options.
Veteran local chef Vic “Vegas” Moea recently teamed with Rose Tummarello to open the Black & Blue Diner, taking over an old Arby’s building on Decatur south of the 95 and transforming it into a sleek, New York-style eatery complete with a fridge of Yoo-hoo across from the bar top.
It opened for takeout only in October 2020, when the pandemic was keeping us mostly confined to our homes. Fortunately, the old drive-thru window in the building served the staff well until the diner opened for dine-in service the following summer under COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The diner was Moea’s idea, and Tummarello enthusiastically agreed to it; the pair had previously worked together on North Carolina-based restaurant the 51 House. They met after Tummarello came across Bar Rescue—the popular reality TV show in which hospitality expert Jon Taffer helps struggling bar owners save their business—and she decided to get in touch with Taffer. As part of the consultation, Tummarello was provided with a chef, Moea.
“That’s how I got to know all the great things he does. We became a dynamo team doing great things together at The 51 House,” Tummarello says. “Then he presented his diner [idea] to me. I said, ‘Yes, yes, let’s do it.’ It’s New York foods that I love to eat. I said, ‘I’m sure that’s going to explode in Vegas.’”
Moea made sure to include plenty of comfort food on the menu, which has everything from a classic stack of pancakes to vegan breakfast sandwiches made with plant-based chicken or steak.
There are also innovative dishes like the huevos taquitos ($13), a house favorite featuring three rolled beef tacos, two eggs, refried beans, cheddar cheese, sour cream and red and green salsas. For the side, I choose hash brown patties, because hash browns always taste great at a diner.
In a spin on traditional chicken and waffles, Black & Blue provides a choice between waffles, French toast or pancakes to go with the bird ($14-$15). Each option is served with whipped butter, syrup and powdered sugar.
Moea is also known locally for his West Valley sandwich shop Sinful Subs, so I left room for a sandwich, too. At the recommendation of my friendly server, I went for the Southern Honey ($13)—honey-glazed crispy chicken, slaw, pickles and fried onions. The chicken was lightly breaded, so it wasn’t overly filling and the fried onions were a nice touch.
Like any great diner, Black & Blue has something for everyone on its expansive menu, with the added bonus of fun twists and big flavors.
BLACK & BLUE DINER 315 S. Decatur Blvd., 702-821-0660, blackandbluediner.com. Daily, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
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