Features

Tasty Las Vegas dining treasure priced under $20

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(Left to right) Los Arcos, Buldogis and ReBar

Threesome at Tekka Bar

Threesome at Tekka Bar $17.50

The Las Vegas Strip isn’t famous for food bargains, but this trio of hand rolls—scrumptious salmon, yellowtail and toro, enveloped in soft, warm rice, wrapped in nori and passed one by one from maker to devourer—certainly qualifies. Those cold cones most sushi spots serve up simply can’t compare. Cosmopolitan, 702-698-7000, cosmopolitanlasvegas.com.

Stuffed sopapilla at Carlito’s Burritos $12

Sure, you can go big by upsizing this doughy pillow of perfection—filled with your choice of protein (start with the pork verde) and smothered with red or green chile (or the “Christmas” blend of both)—and/or tacking on two sides for $4 more, but the half-portion makes for a mighty filling, not to mention cost-effective, dish all on its own. 4300 Sunset Road #A5, 702-547-3592, carlitosburritos.com.

Butcher blend burger at Echo & Rig $15

The Best Vegas Burger debate will rage on forever, but surely we can all agree that this flavorful, juicy patty, ground up from USDA Prime beef in the butcher shop right below the dining room, deserves a serious voice in the discussion. 440 S. Rampart Blvd. #120, 702-489-3525, echoandrig.com.

Corned beef hash at Peg’s Glorified Ham & Eggs $16

Whether you’re nursing a Sunday hangover or arrived starving from the gym, this pile of memorably seasoned hash—mixed up with onions and peppers—has your back. Break those egg yolks, stir in some hash browns and start working that toast. Multiple locations, eatatpegs.com.

Burnt ends burrito at BBQ Mexicana $16

We know, $16 seems steep for a burrito, right? Not when it’s this one, born years ago inside chef Mike Minor’s Truck U Barbeque mobile kitchen and now served in the takeout space opposite Border Grill at Mandalay Bay. Hunks of tender brisket play with coleslaw, cheese, potato strips, chipotle aioli and a spicy mole sauce so dreamy, you’ll wake up needing more. Mandalay Bay, 702-632-7403, bordergrill.com.

Torta at Mas Takos

Torta at Mas Takos $9.25

The Pambazo, Mexicano and Gringa tortas are made with different combinations of your choice of meat (chorizo, asada, al pastor, carnitas or chicken) with beans, avocado, sour cream, tomato and crisp lettuce sandwiched between soft, Mexican bread. 4425 Sunset Road, 702-780-8100, ordermastakosauthenticmexicangrill.com.

Build your own pizza at Guerrilla Pizza Co. $17

With its thick, chewy dough and generous dollop of sauce, Robby Cunningham’s 8-by-10 inch, Detroit-style deep dish is great even if you stick with a basic cheese. But you gotta try it with pepperoni, sausage or Canadian bacon, or vegan style with plant-based sausage, banana peppers and red onion. Either way, it’s some satisfying ’za. 1675 S. Industrial Road (inside Hard Hat Lounge), 702-384-8987, linktr.ee/guerrillapizzadtlv.

Taco combo at Taco Man Grill $9

Abandon self control, ye who enter this unassuming Mexican eatery. The taco combo sets the lunch-special standard, with your choice of tender meats (don’t sleep on the baja fish or birria), rice, beans and chips. 10100 S. Eastern Ave. #120, 702-202-2610, tacoman.co.

Beef skewers at Starboard Tack $13

Starboard’s skewers aren’t a big visual production—just four skewers of tender beef marinated in sweet Szechuan sauce, with a dollop of rice and some peanut sauce for dipping. And yet, more than once, we’ve made a meal of this humble overachiever, ordering it two and three more times as we work through the Tack’s splendid cocktail list. 2601 Atlantic St., 702-684-5769, starboardtacklv.com.

Smoked meat in a blanket at Main St. Provisions $14

Chef Justin Kingsley Hall’s flaky and savory smoked-meat creation might change stuffings based on what’s in the kitchen—on a recent visit, that meant the duck, bacon and lamb—its deliciousness stays constant. Think of it like the best Hot Pocket ever. 1214 S. Main St., 702-457-0111, mainstprovisions.com.

Bacon, egg & cheese at Sun’s Out Buns Out $10.25

This tried-and-true breakfast staple, with its thick-cut applewood bacon smoked to savory perfection and over-easy or soft-scrambled eggs between two pillowy brioche buns, will have you begging for seconds. A generous amount of melted cheddar holds the indulgent meal together, and there’s enough chipotle ketchup to kick some heat into every bite. Resorts World, 702-676-6852, rwlasvegas.com.

The 305 at Cubanidad 1885 $9.45

Miami is full of flavor, and so is this lean Cuban with smoked ham and roasted pork stacked between thinly sliced Swiss and airy bread. Cubanidad’s tangy house-made mustard cuts through the savory richness for that perfect balance. Multiple locations, cubanidad1885.com.

Elote dog at ReBar

Elote dog at ReBar $11

Is it a hot dog? Is it Mexican street corn? It’s both, true believer. Davy’s kitchen at ReBar takes an all-beef hot dog (which you can sub with a bacon-wrapped dog or vegan sausage for an additional $2) then tops it with spicy corn, Mexican crema, cheddar jack and cotija cheeses, taijin seasoning and spicy mayo. 1225 S. Main St., 702-998-8777, rebarlv.com.

Chicken makhani at Lazeez Grill $14

Don’t let the menu confuse you; this is a dish you probably know better by its stage name: butter chicken. Lazeez’s rendition is buttery and tomatoey—make sure to get some naan to sop up the excess sauce—while large enough for a couple days’ meals. It’s comfort food from the Indian grandmother you wish you had. 8560 W. Desert Inn Road #D3, 702-778-1613, lazeezgrill.org.

Hot & sour Iberico pork Shanghainese soup dumplings at Mott 32 $14

A standout among Mott 32’s diverse dim sum offerings, these hot & sour soup dumplings pack a surprising spiciness—and we’re suckers for any successful heat/meat combo. Palazzo, 702-607-3232, venetianlasvegas.com.

Calamari chicharronat Bajamar Seafood & Tacos $14

Pretty much everything Bajamar serves up, from battered or grilled fish tacos to mouthwatering seafood tostadas, is top of its class—but there’s surely some magic taking place in the making of this calamari. It’s among the most tender we’ve ever had—perfectly seasoned and fried, and buttery-smooth in your mouth. Multiple locations, bajamarbajastyle.com.

Apple fritter at Real Donuts $1.75

There are fancier doughnut shops in town, sure, but the OG Real Donuts remains the king of fried dough royalty. Start with the fritter—with all that apple, it’s practically health food. 1811 W. Charleston Blvd., 702-388-9958, facebook.com/RealDonutsLV.

Wisconsin fried cheese curds at Aces & Ales $13

Is there any better pairing than beer and fried food? Aces’ crisp beer-battered curds with gooey cheddar innards hit the mark, served with dill-laced ranch or Frank’s-based Buffalo hot sauce for dipping. Multiple locations, acesandales.com.

Quesabirria tacos at Los Arcos

Quesabirria tacos at Los Arcos

Quesabirria tacos at Los Arcos $4.50

The local birria convo starts at Los Arcos, one of the most traditional shops in town. If you want to try goat instead of the more popular beef, don’t worry—any gameyness has been slow-simmered into rich, delicious perfection, then plastered with melty cheese and ready to dip in spicy consomme. 2201 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-586-6020.

Burnt ends at SoulBelly BBQ $18

The Arts District’s SoulBelly has emerged as one of the Valley’s best ’cue spots, and the best dish is often an off-menu special: burnt ends. You’re most likely to find these fatty, crispy nuggets of joy over the weekend, so happy hunting. 1327 S. Main St., 702-483-4404, soulbellybbq.com.

Japanese fried chicken at Other Mama $13

The question isn’t, Why would you order Japanese fried chicken at a westside stalwart known for its seafood? It’s, Why wouldn’t you? Rest assured, it’s swimmingly delicious. 3655 S. Durango Drive #6, 702-463-8382, othermamalv.com.

Zombie pan pie at Beer Zombies $7

Chris Jacobs’ Downtown Summerlin location is renowned for its beer list, but chef Marc Marrone has cooked up this pizza deserving of its own star turn. Downtown Summerlin, 702-780-0297, thebeerzombies.com.

Taamia salad at Pots $11

Egyptian falafel, fresh mixed greens and a cucumber, tomato and onion salata baladi, all drizzled with creamy hummus for a vegan party in your mouth at this foodie fave, now headquartered Downtown. 333 W. St. Louis Ave., 702-754-6200, potslv.com.

Lunch special at Thai Food Kitchen $10

Tasty entrees like pad Thai, curries and spicy basil come with a crunchy salad and a hot-from-the-fryer egg roll with sweet-and-sour dipping sauce. Those who dine in get bonus vegetable soup, too. 4350 Sunset Road #110, 702-665-5724, thaifoodhenderson.com.

Uji Kintoki shaved ice at Matcha Cafe Maiko $6.15

Delicate Japanese shaved ice is drizzled with matcha (the good stuff) syrup and condensed milk and topped with red bean paste and tapioca balls. Equally light on your wallet and your palate. 3400 S. Jones Blvd. #3, 702-247-1779, matchalv.com.

Classic gyro combo at Tony’s Gyros

Classic gyro combo at Tony’s Gyros $11

When you’re after an alternative to your go-to burger, consider this gyro, filled to the brim with tender, juicy meat and fresh lettuce, onion and tomato. And that tzatziki sauce, oh my. 2555 Wigwam Parkway, 702-478-5942, tonygyros

lasvegas.com.

Sickies Burger at Sickies Garage $16

Sickies might feel like an upscale tavern with its car lovers’ decor and spacious patio, but the prices are decidedly unfancy. The signature burger is super-stacked with pulled pork, barbecue sauce, peppered bacon, a fried egg, two huge onion rings and a dash of hot sauce. Yes, this is one meal. Town Square, 725-735-5400, sickiesburgers.com.

Four scoop sampler at Handel’s Ice Cream $5

You haven’t done summer right until you’ve hit the window at Handel’s for some cool, creamy bliss. While sundaes, shakes, ice cream pops and Hurricanes (think DQ’s Blizzards) are on the menu, this homey spot is all about carefully curated flavors, so select your scoops and dip in. We like banana cream pie, black walnut, Snappy Turtle and pink Champagne sherbet. 10170 W. Tropicana Ave. 702-749-9299, handelsicecream.com.

Chicharron gordita at Gabi’s Gorditas $6

When you tire of tacos, hit Gabi’s for its eponymous Latin dish, fresh-made masa corn-cake sandwiches filled with your favorite stuff. With crispy pork, salsa verde, beans, queso fresco and wagon wheel-shaped chicharonnes de harina, this selection is packed with fun textures and satisfying flavors. 5095 Blue Diamond Road #110, 702-268-7466, gabisgorditas.com.

Maple bacon chicken wings at Wing and Go $14

If you feel guilty after indulging in a plate of your favorite chicken and waffles, go for the distilled version at this new wing joint just off the Strip. There are tons of crazy sauce creations available, but addicts of that sweet-and-savory combo will find their fix with the majestic maple bacon wings. 4501 Paradise Road #430, 725-200-0998, wingandgo.com.

Big Aristotle at Big Chicken

Big Aristotle at Big Chicken $9

Shaquille O’Neal’s chicken sandwich joint specializes in monster sandos, absolute two-handers with lots of good stuff stacked atop that juicy fried bird. The Big Aristotle, named for a title Shaq once gave himself, features Muenster cheese, crispy fried onions and a sweet and smoky Memphis barbecue sauce. It’s a slam-dunk. 4480 Paradise Road #1200, 702-675-3333, bigchicken.com.

Spicy pork U-wrap at Bang Bar $12

David Chang’s favorite street food—basically a Korean flatbread burrito rolled tight and skinny—is one of the best affordable lunches on the Strip, and while the chicken and eggplant versions are tasty, the pork U-wrap hits the perfect balance of heat and umami. Cosmopolitan, bangbar.xyz.

Chicken pho at Pho Ga Bac Bac $14

Vegas has been introduced to chicken-based ramen, instead of traditional pork broth, at several great shops. Now, thanks to this buzzy Chinatown joint (recently rebranded from its original name, Pho Ga Tony Tony), we have a poultry version of Vietnamese pho, lighter but no less savory than the beef broth we’ve come to love. 3775 Spring Mountain Road, 725-204-8084.

Soul rolls at DB’s Cajun Kitchen $9

The New Orleans po’boys, fried catfish baskets and gumbo all push the limits of tastiness-per-dollar at this special eatery, but these deep-fried egg rolls, filled with mac and cheese and sweet yams, are the stuff of dreams. 4343 N. Rancho Drive, 725-780-1850, dbscajunkitchen.com.

Kimchi chicken noodle soup at Buldogis

Kimchi chicken noodle soup at Buldogis $11

You know this westside favorite and food truck for its gourmet hot dogs with Korean accents. Now it’s time to discover this brilliant hangover remedy, a big bowl of chicken broth stabilizing mung bean noodles, spinach, cabbage, green onions and chicken grilled with kimchi for a sour and spicy kick. This soup can cure ailments that haven’t even been diagnosed. 2291 S. Fort Apache Road #102, 702-570-7560, buldogis.com.

Flavor Flav’s DUI Dog at Dirt Dog $12

First thought: Do you want a Flavor Flav-branded hot dog? Second: Is it reckless to call it the DUI Dog? The Thought That Matters: Yes, I do need to bite an all-beef wiener wrapped in bacon covered in pastrami, carne asada, cheddar cheese, chipotle aioli, cilantro and bacon bits. Multiple locations, dirtdogla.com.

Cumin lamb burger at Big Dan Shanxi Taste $8

This Chinese-food gem is hiding in the front of the SF Supermarket, and it’s worth discovering. Many of its dishes might seem complicated to first-timers, but this steamed bread sandwich, with spicy chilies and explosively seasoned bits of lamb needs no translation. It’s just delicious. 5115 Spring Mountain Road, 702-363-6669, bigdanshanxinv.com.

Fruit tart donut at Gäbi Coffee & Pastry

Fruit tart donut at Gäbi Boutique Donut & Pastry $6

Now that Gäbi has expanded with a second location in Henderson that specializes in pastry, a broader audience can chill in its cute environment for stylish sips and noshes. Colorful creations like the fruit tart donut look too good to eat, but one bite will change your mind. Multiple locations, gabiboutique.com, gabicafe.com.

Sisig panini at Pepita’s Kitchen $14

Dedet de la Fuenta, the “Lechon Diva” of the Philippines, has created something we’ve never seen before for Pepita’s Kitchen. The funky and flavorful sisig pork stew finds a new companion in a fluffy ciabatta roll, layered with pickled veggies, provolone cheese and calamansi aioli. It’s otherworldly fusion, at a Strip casino food hall, for 14 bucks. Resorts World, 702-676-7000, rwlasvegas.com.

Jerk fried chicken eggs Benedict at DW Bistro $16

Weekend brunch at DW is a Vegas institution, but don’t forget just how great this food is. Revisit this twist on the classic Bennie with cornbread, perfect eggs and Hollandaise and spicy, crunchy Jamaican jerk fried chicken. 9275 W. Russell Road #190, 702-527-5200, dwbistro.com.

Short rib dumplings at 8 East $16

Almost all the dishes at this Downtown pan-Asian concept are under $20, packed with flavor and perfect for sharing. But we always get these rich beef shortrib dumplings (your choice of steamed or pan-fried) with horseradish cream sauce, because you simply can’t get dumplings like these anywhere else in Las Vegas. Circa, 702-726-5508, circalasvegas.com.

Hot dog cart at South Point

Hot dog cart at South Point

Hot dog cart at South Point $1.25

Located in the South Point sportsbook, this unassuming old-school kiosk effectively assumed the title of most iconically cheap casino bite when the Golden Gate discontinued its shrimp cocktail. A Vienna beef dog gets steamed in Budweiser and topped with whatever you want, and you have enough change in your car’s cup holder for two of ’em. South Point, 702-796-7111, southpointcasino.com.

NY slice and drink at Rebellion Pizza

NY slice and drink at Rebellion Pizza $8

We all have our favorites when a pizza craving arrives, but there’s a different desire when someone says, “Let’s get a slice.” Rebellion is the manifestation of that emotion, where one simple slice (even plain cheese!) is more than enough, fantastic fulfillment with every crispy, chewy, bubbly bite. 2540 Anthem Village Drive #100, 702-268-8268.

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Tags: Dining, Featured, Food
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