SoulBelly BBQ

Those who have seen Bruce Kalman on TV ("Top Chef: Colorado," "Beat Bobby Flay," "Chopped," "Hell’s Kitchen"), or experienced his cuisine in Los Angeles, know him for his Italian cooking. Upon relocating to Las Vegas, however, Kalman decided to focus on the barbecue recipes he developed with his rock star buddy Dave Grohl. Speaking to local food writer Al Mancini on the Food and Loathing podcast, Kalman described his barbecue style as “regional.”

“With the beef, we’re focusing more on Central Texas technique, using salt and heavy pepper,” says the New Jersey native. “Our butts are more Carolina. Ribs I would say are kind of Memphis style.”

Located on Main Street, sandwiched between a pair of breweries, SoulBelly uses its sidewalk-facing patio to house its two massive smokers (so you’ll smell it before you see it). The interior has a Texas honky-tonk feel, with walk-up counter service and a small bar up front, and a professional stage in the back that hosts live music several nights a week. And if you want to sit outside, the neighboring HUDL Brewing Company takes orders for SoulBelly on its patio.

There’s also plenty of beers here to choose from, such as local brews like Tenaya Creek Hefeweizen, CraftHaus All the Bois and Lovelady 9th Island Pineapple Sour.