VEGAS DINING NEWS: Downtown BBQ Opens Strip Joint, Break

SoulBelly BBQ Opens on the Las Vegas Strip

On Friday, April 24, SoulBelly BBQ, a popular downtown smokehouse created by chef and Chopped winner Bruce Kalman in 2021, opened a new counter at the Miracle Mile Food Court inside Planet Hollywood. The new spot offers a variety of BBQ dishes including Chef’s Choice, Brisket Burnt Ends Grilled Cheese, and the Texas Cheesesteak. SoulBelly joins seven other concepts in the food hall, serving customers from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

In a statement, Kalman expressed his excitement about expanding SoulBelly to the Strip, calling it a major milestone for the restaurant. The new location aims to introduce their BBQ to a wider audience and celebrate the progress they have made since opening.

In 2024, Texas Monthly recognized SoulBelly’s original South Main Street location as one of the best Texas-style barbecue joints outside of Texas.

Pretty Soul Kitchen Forced to Close Due to Burglary

Unfortunately, Pretty Soul Kitchen had to close down after being burglarized twice late last year. Chef-owner Brandi Bond shared that the financial losses from the break-ins were too much to recover from, totaling $12,000. Surveillance video implicated T’Shawn Allen in the crimes, who is now facing multiple charges including felony burglary and property destruction.

Other West Las Vegas restaurants targeted during the burglary sprees include Cafe Lola, Cobblestone Cottage, Casa Mia Pizzeria, and Filo Grill Mediterranean.

Updates on Las Vegas Dining Scene

Siegel’s 1941 has temporarily closed at the El Cortez for renovation and rebranding. When it reopens, it will continue serving breakfast and lunch under the same name before transforming into Alex Prime, a New York steakhouse in the evenings.

Pho Concept has taken over the long-standing Pho So 1 space in Chinatown, offering a 20% discount through May 1. Meanwhile, The Irish Spot has opened on East Tropicana in the former Crown & Anchor location.

El Dorado Cantina, which opened in January 2020, has closed its Summerlin location while maintaining its original spot on Sammy Davis Jr. Drive. The Arts District is gearing up for an indoor food truck park with a 7,000-square-foot space set to debut in June.

Lastly, after much anticipation, The Hat from Southern California is set to open its first Las Vegas location on May 6, offering their signature pastrami, fresh-cut fries, burgers, and sandwiches.