The Great Debate: Nevada’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, a surprising culinary gem waits for barbecue lovers at Rollin Smoke Barbecue, located just a short drive from the Strip. This spot has earned its place by marrying traditional Southern pit-smoking techniques with Nevada’s bold desert spirit. Their brisket, slow-cooked over hickory wood, achieves a tender, smoky crust that draws locals and visitors alike. Dining here feels like stepping into an authentic smokehouse nestled amid the neon glow of the entertainment capital. Evening visits capture the lively buzz of the city while savoring slow-smoked ribs that stand out for their juicy tenderness and well-balanced spice rub, a testament to the care poured into every rack.
Heading north to Reno, the city known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” pizza takes on a unique character at Campo. Nestled in the Midtown District, about a 10-minute drive from downtown, Campo offers a wood-fired pizza experience that reflects Reno’s artistic and innovative vibe. Their thin-crust pies showcase locally sourced ingredients, including fresh herbs from nearby farms and artisanal cheeses. The smoky char on the crust, combined with inventive toppings like roasted garlic and house-made sausage, makes this place a standout. Visiting in spring or early summer allows diners to enjoy the adjacent outdoor patio, perfect for savoring an al fresco meal before wandering the neighborhood’s galleries and boutiques.
Farther south near the shores of Lake Tahoe, in the town of Stateline just on the Nevada-California border, the seafood scene gets a fresh boost at The Oyster Bar inside Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. While Nevada isn’t widely known for its coastlines, this spot brings the ocean’s bounty to the high desert landscape about an hour’s drive from Reno. The Oyster Bar’s signature offering includes freshly shucked oysters flown in daily, paired with expertly crafted cocktails for a true lakeside indulgence. The rustic yet elegant ambiance, featuring mountain views through large windows, complements the freshness of the seafood. Winter visits here add a cozy charm, as snow blankets the surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks, making each bite feel like a warm escape from the cold.
In the foothills of the Ruby Mountains, nestled about three hours northeast of Elko, the small town of Elko itself surprises visitors with its authentic Western BBQ at the Stockmen’s Steakhouse. This venue channels the spirit of old Nevada ranching culture, serving slow-smoked meats that honor local cattle traditions. The brisket here is dry-rubbed with spices that reflect the sagebrush country surrounding the town. Pairing barbecue with panoramic views of the rugged Ruby Mountains from nearby Lamoille Canyon adds a sense of place that’s hard to beat. Springtime, with wildflowers in bloom and mild temps, is the ideal season to explore trails like the easy 3-mile hike to the Powerline Pass before settling in for a hearty meal that feels earned after a day outdoors.
Back in Southern Nevada, Henderson offers a surprising pizza discovery at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, located about 20 minutes southeast of Las Vegas. Famous for its coal-fired brick oven pies, the restaurant creates a crisp and flavorful crust that’s the product of over a century-old New York tradition adapted to the desert heat. Enjoying a pizza here in the cooler evenings of fall or winter makes for a cozy dining experience, especially on the patio where the desert stars shine bright. The menu highlights classic toppings, but what sets Grimaldi’s apart is the consistent quality of the dough, which comes alive under intense heat to develop a taste and texture that defines true artisanal pizza.
On the west side of the state, Carson City invites seafood enthusiasts to indulge at The Curry House, a culinary spot about a 30-minute drive south from Reno. While primarily celebrated for its Indian-inspired dishes, The Curry House smartly incorporates fresh seafood from the nearby Pacific, blending flavors to create dishes that reflect Nevada’s crossroads of cultures. The pan-seared salmon with aromatic spices captures the fusion of desert and ocean influences. Fall is a great time to visit the area, as the crisp mountain air sets a perfect backdrop for a warm, spice-laden meal after exploring the Nevada State Museum, where visitors can learn about the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Finally, in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont East District hosts a treasure for BBQ aficionados at Ellis Island BBQ. Just a few blocks from the iconic Fremont Street Experience, this family-owned spot combines traditional smokehouse methods with a Vegas flair. Their slow-cooked ribs and pulled pork showcase a perfect balance of smoky depth and tangy, house-made sauces, capturing the spirit of Sin City’s eclectic tastes. Dining here under the neon lights, especially on weekend evenings when the district comes alive with music and street performers, feels like savoring a secret side of Las Vegas—one that’s deeply rooted in communal enjoyment and robust flavors. The desert heat cools off in the evening, making it ideal for settling in with a hearty plate after a day of sightseeing.