The best bites in Laughlin, Nevada

Of course! Grab a seat, foodie friend, and let's take a culinary cruise through the heart of the Colorado River. Laughlin might be known for its glittering casinos and dazzling river views, but for those in the know, it's a secret treasure chest of fantastic eats. From deep-dish dreams to riverside feasts, I'm your guide to the very best plates in town. Forget the generic guides; we're diving deep into the experiences and the must-order items that will have you booking your next trip before you've even finished dessert.

### **1. Bruce's Taste Of Chicago: A Windy City Oasis in the Desert**

**Location:** 1955 W Casino Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029

Step through the door of Bruce's Taste of Chicago, and the dry Nevada air is instantly replaced by the palpable, comforting aura of a classic Chicago neighborhood joint. The walls are often adorned with Bears and Cubs memorabilia, and the no-frills, friendly atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve been a regular for years. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a transportive experience for anyone craving authentic, hearty Midwestern fare.

**What to Order: The Can't-Miss Classics**

* **The Main Event: The Chicago Style Hot Dog.** This is not just a hot dog; it's a symphony in a poppy seed bun. Order it dragged through the garden, which means it comes loaded with yellow mustard, bright green relish, fresh chopped onions, juicy tomato wedges, a kosher dill pickle spear, a couple of sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. The crucial rule? **No ketchup!** Let the vibrant, tangy, and spicy flavors do their magic. The snap of the natural casing Vienna Beef dog is the starting pistol for a truly iconic food experience.

* **The Hearty Favorite: Italian Beef Sandwich.** For the uninitiated, this is Chicago's other legendary sandwich. Thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef is piled high on a French roll. The real decision is how you want it: **Dry** (just the beef), **Dipped** (the whole sandwich is briefly plunged into the rich, savory au jus, making the bread deliciously soggy), or **Wet** (a ladle of jus is poured over the top). And then, do you add sweet or hot peppers? I'm a dipped with hot giardiniera purist—the spicy, vinegary kick of the peppers cuts through the rich beef perfectly.

* **The Hidden Gem: Maxwell Street Polish Sausage.** Often overlooked by tourists, this is a Chicago street food legend. A grilled Polish sausage is nestled in a bun and topped with grilled onions and that same spicy mustard. It's simpler than the hot dog but profoundly satisfying.

**The Vibe:** Casual, nostalgic, and utterly unpretentious. It’s the perfect spot for a long lunch away from the casino hustle.

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### **2. Prime Rib Room: An Old-School Supper Club Escape**

**Location:** 1650 S Casino Dr (inside the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino)

Tucked away inside the Riverside, the Prime Rib Room feels like a delicious secret from a bygone era. The lighting is low and intimate, the booths are plush, and there's a palpable sense of occasion the moment you sit down. This is where you come for a classic, perfectly executed dinner that focuses on quality and tradition over flashy trends.

**What to Order: The Timeless Feast**

* **The Signature: The Prime Rib, of course.** This is the star of the show, and it doesn't disappoint. It's slow-roasted for hours, resulting in a crusty, seasoned exterior and a center that's uniformly pink, tender, and juicy from edge to edge. It's carved tableside to your preferred thickness. Order it with a side of creamy horseradish sauce to cut through the richness. The au jus is deep and flavorful, perfect for dipping each succulent bite.

* **The Perfect Partner: Shrimp Cocktail.** You can't have a classic steakhouse experience without starting with a prawn cocktail. The shrimp here are typically large, chilled, and served with a tangy, horseradish-forward cocktail sauce. It’s the ideal, refreshing preamble to the main event.

* **The Sidekick: Creamed Spinach.** While your prime rib comes with a Yorkshire pudding (a must-eat!), don't skip the à la carte sides. The creamed spinach is a steakhouse staple for a reason—rich, savory, and a beautiful counterpoint to the meat.

**The Vibe:** Elegant, romantic, and timeless. Perfect for an anniversary, a special win celebration, or when you just need to treat yourself to something truly classic.

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### **3. Riverside Buffet: The Grand Spectacle of Choice**

**Location:** 1650 S Casino Dr (inside the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino)

The Riverside Buffet is an institution. It’s a sprawling, vibrant culinary carnival where the options are nearly endless. This is not your average, tired casino buffet; it's a place where you can travel the world on a single plate, from Asian stir-fries to Italian pasta, all under one roof. The energy is high, and the value, especially during their themed dinners (like the legendary Friday night seafood buffet), is outstanding.

**What to Order: A Strategic Approach**

With a buffet, strategy is key. Don't just pile the first things you see onto your plate.

* **First Reconnaissance Lap:** Walk the entire length of the buffet before you pick up a plate. Scope out the stations: salad bar, carving station, international, dessert, etc.

* **The Prime Targets:**
* **The Carving Station:** This is where you get your money's worth. Look for the herb-crusted roast beef, glazed ham, or turkey, all carved fresh for you.
* **The Seafood Selection:** On seafood nights, the snow crab legs are the crown jewels. Pile them high. The peel-and-eat shrimp and baked fish are also excellent.
* **The Live Stations:** Any station where a chef is cooking to order is a winner. The omelet station at brunch or the stir-fry station at dinner ensures your food is hot and fresh.
* **The Dessert Island:** Save room! The array of cakes, pies, puddings, and soft-serve ice cream is dazzling. The bread pudding with a ladle of warm vanilla sauce is a local favorite.

**The Vibe:** Bustling, festive, and perfect for groups or families with diverse tastes. It’s an event in itself.

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### **4. Hot Mama's Pizzeria: A Slice of New York in Laughlin**

**Location:** 3030 Needles Hwy #800, Laughlin, NV 89029

Sometimes, you just need a great slice. Hot Mama's delivers that quintessential New York pizzeria experience—fast, casual, and fantastically flavorful. The no-fuss interior, the counter service, and the giant, foldable slices behind the glass case will make any East Coast transplant weep with joy. The smell of baking dough and simmering sauce is intoxicating.

**What to Order: The Pie-tastic Picks**

* **The Benchmark: A Classic Cheese Slice.** You can tell everything you need to know about a pizzeria from its plain cheese slice. Hot Mama's nails it: a thin, pliable yet slightly crispy crust, a tangy, robust tomato sauce, and a generous layer of perfectly melted, bubbly mozzarella. It’s simple, sublime, and the foundation of their success.

* **The Crowd-Pleaser: The Meat Lover's Pizza.** For a heartier meal, go for a whole pie loaded with pepperoni, sausage, ham, and bacon. The quality of the meats shines through, and the combination of salty, savory flavors in every bite is deeply satisfying.

* **The Local Secret: Garlic Knots.** Don't skip these! Soft, warm dough knots smothered in garlic butter, herbs, and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese. They're irresistible and the perfect start to your pizza feast.

**The Vibe:** Quick, casual, and authentically pizza shop. Ideal for a late-night snack, a quick lunch, or a takeout meal to enjoy by the river.

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### **5. Bighorn Cafe: The Cozy, 24-Hour Lifeline**

**Location:** 2700 S Casino Dr (inside the Colorado Belle Hotel & Casino)

The Bighorn Cafe is Laughlin's reliable, always-open friend. Whether it's 3 a.m. after a long night of slots or 8 a.m. for a hearty breakfast before a boat trip, this classic coffee shop is there for you. It's diner-style comfort at its best, with friendly service, generous portions, and a menu that covers all the bases, 24/7.

**What to Order: Breakfast, Lunch, or Anytime**

* **The Breakfast Champion: The Colorado Omelette.** Packed with ham, onions, green peppers, and cheddar cheese, this is a massive, fluffy omelette that will fuel you for the entire day. Served with crispy hash browns and your choice of toast, it's the ultimate comfort breakfast.

* **The Lunch/Dinner Go-To: Club Sandwich.** A classic test of any diner, and Bighorn's version is top-tier. Layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on perfectly toasted bread. It's simple, fresh, and always satisfying.

* **The Sweet Treat: Belgian Waffle.** Light, crispy, and served with a side of whipped butter and warm syrup. It’s a perfect choice for when you're in the mood for breakfast-for-dinner or a sweet start to your day.

**The Vibe:** Unassuming, reliable, and comfortable. It’s the place you go when you want a good, honest meal without any fuss.

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### **6. Humbertos Taco Shop: Authentic Mexican Street Food**

**Location:** 3030 Needles Hwy Ste 1100, Laughlin, NV 89029

Forget fancy margaritas and sombreros; Humbertos is the real deal. This is a straight-up, order-at-the-counter taqueria that serves the kind of food you'd find on the streets of Tijuana or Mexicali. It's bright, busy, and the focus is 100% on fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful food.

**What to Order: The Taco Stand Triumphs**

* **The Must-Have: The California Burrito.** This is a San Diego/Baja icon, and Humbertos does it right. A massive flour tortilla is stuffed with your choice of carne asada (grilled steak), melted cheese, fresh guacamole, sour cream, and—the crucial ingredient—crispy French fries. It’s a glorious, carb-loaded masterpiece that is both comforting and exciting.

* **The Purist's Choice: Carne Asada Tacos.** Get them street style on two small corn tortillas with just cilantro and onions. The quality of the marinated, grilled steak is the star here. A squeeze of lime from the condiment bar and a dash of their fiery red salsa or tangy green salsa elevate it to perfection.

* **The Secret Weapon: Adobada (Marinated Pork) Tacos.** If you see this on the menu, don't hesitate. The pork is typically marinated in a rich, red chile sauce and slow-cooked until it's incredibly tender and bursting with smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor.

**The Vibe:** Lively, authentic, and no-frills. The best Mexican food in town, hands down.

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### **7. Chuckwagon Restaurant: Homestyle Cooking on the River**

**Location:** 1950 S Casino Dr (inside the Aquarius Casino Resort)

The Chuckwagon offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with some of the best views of the Colorado River. As the name suggests, the theme leans into a Western, homestead feel, promising hearty, homestyle cooking that feels like a warm hug. It's a fantastic spot for a satisfying breakfast or a classic American dinner.

**What to Order: Comfort Food Royalty**

* **The Breakfast Legend: Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs.** A massive, tenderized steak, breaded, fried to a golden brown, and smothered in creamy country gravy. Served with two eggs any style and your choice of breakfast potatoes, this plate is a monument to comfort food. It’s a meal that will stick with you all day in the best way possible.

* **The Dinner Classic: Pot Roast.** Slow-cooked until it's fall-apart tender, served with carrots, potatoes, and onions in its own rich gravy. It’s the kind of meal your grandma would make if she lived in a casino on the river.

* **The Sweet Finale: Hot Fudge Sundae.** Simple, classic, and always done right. A perfect end to a hearty meal.

**The Vibe:** Cozy, Western-themed, and family-friendly with stunning river views, especially at sunset.

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### **8. Outback Steakhouse: The Reliable Aussie Adventure**

**Location:** 1900 S Casino Dr, Laughlin, NV 89029

You know what you're getting at Outback, and sometimes that's exactly what you want. The dark wood, the boomerang motifs, and the friendly G'day! create a familiar and consistently enjoyable environment. It's a trusted chain that delivers on its promises of big flavors and generous portions.

**What to Order: The Down-Under Favorites**

* **The Appetizer Icon: The Bloomin' Onion.** It's practically a legal requirement to order this when you visit. A massive onion, cut, battered, and deep-fried to a golden crisp, served with that signature spicy dipping sauce. It's a shareable, fun, and delicious start to the meal.

* **The Steakhouse Standard: Victoria's Filet.** A perfectly cooked, tender, and lean center-cut filet mignon. It's consistently one of the best steaks on the menu, especially when paired with their signature peppercorn sauce.

* **The Unique Side: Aussie Fries.** These aren't just any fries. Seasoned with a special blend of spices and served with a spicy ranch-like dipping sauce, they're a step above your standard potato side.

**The Vibe:** Consistently lively, casual, and perfect for a reliable, satisfying steak dinner.

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### **9. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: A Forest Gump-Themed Funhouse**

**Location:** 2300 S Casino Dr (inside the Tropicana Laughlin)

This is more than a meal; it's an experience. Based on the beloved film *Forrest Gump*, the restaurant is packed with movie memorabilia, and the servers often engage guests in trivia. The atmosphere is loud, fun, and perfect for families. It's located right on the Riverwalk, so the people-watching is prime.

**What to Order: Shrimp, Shrimp, and More Shrimp**

* **The Signature: Bubba's Far Out Dip.** A fantastic shareable appetizer that combines their two most popular shrimp preparations: spicy Buffalo and chilled peel-and-eat, served with a trio of dipping sauces. It’s the perfect way to sample their shrimp expertise.

* **The Showstopper: Shrimp New Orleans.** A rich, buttery, and garlicky dish packed with sautéed shrimp and mushrooms. It's served with garlic bread for dipping, and it's a garlic-lover's dream come true.

* **The Non-Shrimp Option: Mama Blue's Southern Charmed Fried Chicken.** For anyone in your party who isn't a seafood fan, this is a surprisingly excellent choice. Crispy, juicy, and served with mashed potatoes and gravy, it holds its own against any dedicated chicken joint.

**The Vibe:** Themed, high-energy, and incredibly fun. Great for kids and for letting your inner movie fan run wild.

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### **10. Moonshadow Grille: Fine Dining with a View**

**Location:** 10000 Aha Macav Pkwy (inside the Avi Resort & Casino)

For the ultimate special-occasion dinner, you venture a little south of the main casino strip to the Avi. The Moonshadow Grille is Laughlin's premier fine-dining experience. The atmosphere is sophisticated and serene, with breathtaking, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Colorado River. The service is impeccable, and the menu is a creative take on modern American cuisine.

**What to Order: An Elevated Experience**

* **The Sophisticated Starter: Ahi Tuna Poke.** A beautifully presented dish of fresh, cubed ahi tuna tossed in a soy-sesame glaze with avocado, crispy wontons, and a spicy aioli. It's light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor.

* **The Entrée Excellence: Filet Mignon & Lobster Tail.** This is the quintessential luxury surf-and-turf. The filet is buttery and tender, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and the lobster tail is sweet and succulent. It’s an indulgence worth every penny.

* **The Decadent Finale: Crème Brûlée.** A classic dessert executed flawlessly. The crisp, caramelized sugar top gives way to a smooth, rich vanilla bean custard. It's the perfect elegant end to a memorable meal.

**The Vibe:** Upscale, romantic, and tranquil. The stunning river views make it the most picturesque dining experience in the Laughlin area.

So there you have it—a foodie's roadmap to Laughlin. It's a town that happily surprises with its depth and diversity of dining options. Whether you're folding a massive slice of pizza, cracking crab legs at the buffet, or savoring a perfect filet as the sun sets over the river, your taste buds are in for a fantastic adventure. Now, go eat

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