Famous Dave's: The Best BBQ in Las Vegas

After moving from Orlando to Las Vegas, I was concerned I wouldn't be able to find good barbecue out west. At that time, I thought Bubba's Bodacious Barbecue of Orlando was the best I'd ever had. But fear no more. Las Vegas has several great barbecue joints and a new one has just come to my neighborhood-Famous Dave's. For those who have not experienced the pleasure of Famous Dave's barbecue, let me tell you what Dave has that's better than the rest.

While other barbecue joints in Las Vegas may have better sides such as the sweet potatoes and fried pickles at Memphis Championship Barbecue, Famous Dave's gets my vote for the best Texas beef brisket and tastiest barbecue sauce in Las Vegas. I hadn't had beef brisket this tasty since Armadillo Willy's in the San Francisco Bay Area. Let's face it, east of the Mississippi they just don't do Texas beef brisket right.

Sonny's BBQ in Tampa Bay had succulent pork barbecue, but they served the ho-hum beef brisket sandwich on a hoagie roll. The sweet sauce was my favorite there but Famous Dave's has an assortment of sauces; my favorite being the Devil's Spit (the hottest) and the Georgia Mustard.

Entrees come with an ear of corn on the cob, cornbread, and a choice of two sides.

For my entrée, I chose to sample several barbecue styles by ordering the BBQ Buddies, which consisted of mini versions of their favorite sandwiches: chopped pork, beef brisket, BBQ pulled chicken, and a hot link. For my sides, I chose the coleslaw made with sweet pineapple and a hint of horseradish, and the hell-fire pickle chips.

My dining companion ordered the Two-Meat BBQ Combo: ribs and barbeque chicken. For his sides, he ordered the french fries and Wilbur Beans, which were baked beans loaded with smoked pork, brisket, hot link and jalapeño peppers. He loves ribs, in particular, and says these are the best ribs he's ever tasted.

Other tempting items for a future visit would be perhaps some of the entrée salads, such as Dave's Sassy BBQ Salad or the Smoked Salmon Salad. Or we may choose to share a Sampler Platter of spareribs, fried chicken tenders, catfish fingers, onion strings and a choice of Buffalo or BBQ chicken wings.

If we had room for dessert, I'd order the Better Than Mom's Pecan Pie with vanilla ice cream.

The interesting thing about Famous Dave's is he doesn't just specialize in one geographical gastronomic area. Dave studied barbecue from all over the country and brought the best to one place-Famous Dave's. Enjoy.