Founded in 2008 in Bountiful, Utah by Oahu-born brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack, Mo’ Bettahs has been expanding quickly in recent years. The Hawaiian-style eatery opened its 47th location this month in North Las Vegas with another local store planned for Southern Highlands in December, and it’s easy to see why this concept could take off around the Valley. Simple plates of grilled or roasted meats like teriyaki chicken and tender kalua pig with steamed white rice and macaroni salad are as ubiquitous as lunch gets in Las Vegas neighborhoods. (And that’s actually how it is in many parts of Utah, too.)
The branding is strong and the restaurant design and atmosphere elevates this familiar experience, but how does the food at Mo’ Bettahs measure up to your favorite Hawaiian barbecue spot? You’ll have to taste for yourself. A mini plate ($10) is still a lot of food, two meats with one scoop each of rice and mac. Teriyaki chicken, fried katsu chicken, shrimp tempura, teriyaki steak and black pepper and garlic grilled pulehu chicken round out the protein options in addition to those previously mentioned top sellers. Regular ($14) and Ekolu ($18) plates pack on the portions, and the popular POG (pineapple orange guava juice) washes everything down.
When it comes to Hawaiian plate lunch, we’re always willing to give a new challenger a shot at the title.
MO’ BETTAHS 1020 E. Craig Road #100, 725-285-0280, mobettahs.com. Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
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