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Eric Adams, a former restaurant general manager turned startup CEO and founder of Dog & Whistle, a sustainability-focused upcycle pet food company, knows a thing or two about soul food restaurants in Las Vegas.
As a long-time Nevada resident with decades of experience in the culinary world, Adams is always down to provide insights into the delectable and dynamic evolution of soul food restaurants in Las Vegas.
The Evolution of Soul Food Restaurants in Las Vegas
“Soul food in Las Vegas is more than a culinary experience; it’s a journey through history, community and resilience,” denotes Adams.
He draws attention to the Historic Westside, where soul food first took root in the city, to its expansion across various neighborhoods and onto the Las Vegas Strip, soul food continues to evolve while staying true to its origins. The Westside, once the epicenter of the Black community in Las Vegas, has transformed over the years.
For Adams, locals like Gritz Café keep the soul food tradition alive, while newer spots like Yardbird bring Southern cuisine to a global stage, showcasing how these flavors continue to thrive throughout the city.
In the 70s and 80s, a vibrant soul food scene began to take shape in Las Vegas, primarily on the historic Westside. The area became a hub for Black-owned businesses and community gatherings, emerging as a cultural beacon during a time of significant change.
Post-Jim Crow, as the country began to address racial inequalities, the Westside provided a space where Black artists and entrepreneurs could thrive, and soul food became an essential part of this vibrant community.
Soul food, with its roots deeply embedded in African American history, celebrates heritage and brings people together through flavors that tell a story of resilience and pride. While traditional recipes can be high in sodium, sugar, and fat, today’s chefs and home cooks are making modifications to offer healthier options without sacrificing the rich flavors that define this cherished cuisine.
In today’s age, soul food restaurants in Las Vegas have withstood the test of time. You’ll find family-run businesses that have been operating for decades and newer, trendy locales that are as entertaining and aesthetically pleasing as they are tasty.
One thing is certain: the true draw of a soul food restaurant goes beyond just the mouthwatering dishes. It’s about creating a deep connection to culture, where every bite is filled with love and tradition.
Connecting Cultures Through Cuisine
For Adams, soul food is more than just a meal; it’s a connection to the love and care that goes into each dish. He fondly recalls family gatherings where meals were shared, and memories were made.
“Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, at least five family members are falling asleep after a meal,” he laughs, highlighting the deep comfort and satisfaction that soul food provides.
As the city evolves, so does its soul food scene. “Primarily, we see chefs and culinary enthusiasts or celebrities with social influence concepts along the Strip,” Adams notes.
“But they’re often overpriced, and patrons miss out on the home-cooked aspect that’s so integral to soul food.”
Born in Gary, Indiana, with Mississippi roots, Adams deeply appreciates the authenticity of soul food, whether found in restaurants or at home. He treasures memories of his aunt’s pancakes, family breakfasts and Sunday meals at Church’s Chicken.
While he enjoys the flavors of trendy spots, he wishes more soul food restaurants in Las Vegas would emphasize the home-cooked essence that defines this American cuisine.
Soul Food Restaurants in Las Vegas Should Remind You of Home
The Las Vegas food scene has great potential to spotlight soul food, but success hinges on creating a welcoming atmosphere where customers feel at home. Many soul food establishments are located in local neighborhoods, but sometimes they lack the inviting, warm environment that reflects true Southern hospitality.
Adams and his Puerto Rican wife ensure their children experience both cultures through their culinary traditions. They ensure their children enjoy cultural classics like cornbread, greens, succotash and pan-fried fish.
Combining soul food with Caribbean cuisine, their family table features dishes like arroz con gandules, pernil, and maduros, (essentially rice and peas, roast pork and sweet plantains) bridging the gap between cultures.
“Caribbean cuisine has a strong African influence, similar to soul food,” Adams explains. “Many people don’t realize this, but you can definitely taste it in the food.”
Adams gives the example of how fried red snapper is prepared in different cultures. He details how Puerto Ricans may marinate the popular fish with lime and onion, while in Mississippi, the same dish might be served with hot sauce, or even syrup.
As the founder of Dog & Whistle, Adams continues to honor these traditions by upcycling food to create human-grade pet food. His approach reflects the resourcefulness taught by his grandmother, using every bit of food to create flavorful and nutritious meals.
Adams believes soul food should offer more than just a meal; it should provide nourishment and fulfillment. As he notes, “The thing I’m starting to see as a trend here is that many soul food and Black-owned restaurants offer a loud, party scene experience but are missing out on the essence of what they’re supposed to be.”
He points to Lo Lo’s Chicken and Waffles as an example. While the food is good, he feels the overall experience falls short. “I value attentive service and an atmosphere that encourages warm, engaging conversation rooted in Southern hospitality,” he explains. “In Las Vegas, locals often prefer quieter spots with good prices where they can feel at home.”
That’s why soul food restaurants are integral parts of the community; they link us to our heritage through nostalgic, mouthwatering food made with love. For some, the warmth a great meal provides can be just as powerful as a hug.
As much as Adams enjoys cooking, there are a few soul food restaurants in Las Vegas that help him experience that soulful connection far away from home.
Here’s what he recommends as the best places to dine whether you’re interested in down home vibes or someplace upscale.
5 Soul Food Restaurants in Las Vegas Serving up Flavor and Vibes
DB’S Cajun Kitchen
Location: 4343 N Rancho Drive
Best Dish: Cajun seafood boil with crab legs and shrimp
Vibe: Casual, New Orleans-inspired seafood and soul food
Adams’ Food Critique: At DB’s Cajun Kitchen, it feels like you’ve been transported straight to the French Quarter of New Orleans. Their Cajun seafood boil is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. The moment the platter arrives, brimming with crab legs, shrimp, and crawfish bathed in a spicy, buttery sauce, your senses are immediately captivated. The food here doesn’t just taste good; it tells a story of tradition, flavor, and a touch of spice that lingers.
You’ll feel welcomed from the moment you step through the door, with the casual vibe setting the perfect stage for the Southern feast that follows. I recommend diving into the fried catfish for a crispy, tender bite of the South, perfectly complemented by sides like coleslaw and seasoned fries. DB Cajun Kitchen is all about community, and you’ll leave feeling like part of their family.
Location: 775 W Craig Road
Best Dish: Fried chicken with collard greens and cornbread
Vibe: Family-owned, warm, and authentic
Adams’ Food Critique: There’s something about EllaEm’s that makes you feel like you’re at a family reunion. Maybe it’s the warmth of the owners greeting you, or perhaps it’s the smell of fried chicken wafting from the kitchen. This place embodies comfort and soul. Their fried chicken is crispy, well-seasoned, and tender enough to make you close your eyes and savor each bite.
Every side dish feels like it was made from a family recipe passed down through generations—especially the collard greens, with just the right balance of smoke and spice. And don’t skip the oxtail, which melts in your mouth. The essence of EllaEm’s lies not just in its food but in the genuine Southern hospitality that comes with every meal.
Location: 1911 Stella Lake Street
Best Dish: Shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles
Vibe: Casual, down-home Southern breakfast spot
Adams’ Food Critique: Gritz Café is like a warm hug on a lazy Sunday morning. Tucked away in a more local part of Las Vegas, it’s a hidden gem where breakfast reigns supreme. Their shrimp and grits is the kind of meal that makes you slow down and appreciate each bite—the shrimp are plump and perfectly cooked, while the grits are creamy and rich.
Pair this with a side of their biscuits and gravy, and you’re in for a morning that will remind you of Southern breakfasts at grandma’s house. It’s the type of spot where regulars know the staff by name, and you’ll quickly understand why after your first visit.
Location: 3430 E Tropicana Avenue
Best Dish: Fried chicken and biscuits or gumbo
Adams’ Food Critique: Zenaida Café is more than just a place to eat—it’s a celebration of Chef Sterling Buckley’s culinary journey. Chef Buckley, with his prestigious background including training at Nobu, has taken his deep Southern roots and infused them into every dish. The fried chicken and biscuits may seem simple, but in Buckley’s hands, they become something extraordinary.
The chicken is seasoned to perfection, and the biscuits are flaky with just the right amount of butter. The care and precision in dishes like the gumbo show that this is a chef who knows his craft. Zenaida Café has the charm of a neighborhood spot with the skill of fine dining, and it’s all thanks to Buckley’s vision.
Location: The Venetian, Las Vegas
Best Dish: Fried chicken with mac & cheese and a Southern peach cocktail
Vibe: Upscale Southern cuisine in a trendy, modern setting.
Adams’ Food Critique: Walking into Yardbird, you can immediately feel the energy. Its Southern hospitality meets Las Vegas elegance, and the food matches the ambiance perfectly. Their fried chicken is legendary—brined for 27 hours, it arrives at your table golden and crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful inside.
You can tell this dish has been crafted with care. The mac & cheese is indulgent, creamy, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs that add texture. Yardbird combines the charm of Southern cooking with the sophistication of the Las Vegas Strip, making it an ideal spot for a memorable meal.
Soul Food Restaurants in Las Vegas Are Here to Stay
Soul food restaurants in Las Vegas aren’t just about filling your belly—they’re about preserving culture, celebrating history, and sharing the love that comes with each and every meal.
Whether you’re enjoying a seafood boil on the North side, fried chicken on the Strip, or egg rolls stuffed with mac and cheese in West Las Vegas, the soul food scene here is a testament to the power of food to unite and uplift.
After trying all of Eric Adam’s top picks for soul food restaurants in Las Vegas, be sure to visit Dog & Whistle and learn how you and help eliminate food waste in the pet food industry.