Comfort food means different things to different people — sometimes a dish from childhood, other times a classic that feels like home wherever you eat it. In Las Vegas, you’ll find plenty of restaurants ready to deliver those warm, familiar flavors.
When the online restaurant guide Neon Feast surveyed local foodies for their most comforting dishes and where to find them, they compiled a list that ranged from Hawaiian specialties to Southern favorites and inventive takes on beloved staples. Here are a few places serving comfort food that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. For more info on each, check out their Neon Feast listings (links included).
Zippy’s (Multiple Locations)
Las Vegas’s “Ninth Island” reputation made Zippy’s long-awaited arrival a significant event for the local Hawaiian community. The Southwest Valley location, the chain’s first outside Hawaii, quickly drew crowds with its mix of Island staples and hearty plates, prompting the opening of a Summerlin South location. Diners at either of them can sample the Ohana Pac, a combination of fried noodles, chili, and chicken prepared in several styles, or finish with a slice of chocolate haupia cream pie. With breakfast served all day and generous portions throughout, it’s an authentic taste of Hawaii’s comfort classics.
Nellie’s Southern Kitchen (MGM Grand)
Southern cooking has a modest presence on the Strip, making Nellie’s Southern Kitchen at MGM Grand stand out. Inspired by the family recipes of pop act The Jonas Brothers, the menu highlights shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and baskets of fluffy biscuits with honey butter and jam. The signature chicken and dumplings come atop mashed potatoes and collard greens for a true stick-to-your-ribs plate. The decor offers a blend of rustic touches and modern elements, complemented by chandeliers and contemporary artwork. A corner display of Jonas Brothers memorabilia adds a subtle touch of personality without overwhelming the dining experience.
Laguna Pool House & Kitchen (Palms Place)
Perched beside the Palms Place pool deck, Laguna Pool House & Kitchen offers comfort food with flair in a relaxed, modern setting. Chef Luke Palladino oversees a menu that stretches from Korean-style fried chicken and sushi to pizzas and smoked Wagyu short rib. Standouts include the 24-inch Big John’s Son hot dog, topped with prime rib, and the half-pound Classic Burger with pimento cheese. Sweet endings like Fruity Pebble cheesecake make this breezy retreat a playful and indulgent option for any meal.
Lou’s Diner (431 S. Decatur Blvd.)
A vintage Vegas favorite since 1969, Lou’s Diner continues to serve classic American comfort food with a welcoming, family-run charm. Breakfast and lunch dishes range from chipped beef on toast and huevos rancheros to sweet cream pancakes and hand-breaded haddock. Regulars also enjoy chicken-fried steak, liver and onions, and sandwiches paired with house-made soups and pastries. Guests can even bring their own coffee mug, which the staff will keep and clean for future visits — a personal touch that defines Lou’s enduring appeal.
Carson Kitchen (124 S. 6th Street)
Carson Kitchen helped put Fremont East on the culinary map, and years later it still delivers comfort food with an edge. The menu, both nostalgic and forward-looking, continues to attract locals and visitors alike with comfort food that has an edge. Think pot roast sandwich, fried chicken skins with honey, and deviled eggs with caviar. A blend of urban cool and neighborhood warmth, the setting features a lively rooftop lounge and a semi-private patio. And the restaurant celebrates the legacy of late chef Kerry Simon (its founder) while keeping his spirit alive through classic dishes like his award-winning burger (a recurring special).
Winnie & Ethel’s Downtown Diner (1130 E. Charleston Blvd.)
With its vintage décor and warm hospitality, Winnie & Ethel’s channels the classic diners of the 1940s. Opened in 2023 in the Huntridge District, it quickly won fans with hearty comfort dishes, such as country-fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and meatloaf, alongside playful modern updates like sticky bun pancakes and babka French toast. The full bar offers cocktails and boozy milkshakes, while coffee with unlimited $0.25 refills underscores the nostalgic charm. It’s a fresh addition to the city’s diner tradition.
Luv-It Frozen Custard (505 E. Oakey Blvd.)
Since 1973, Luv-It Frozen Custard has been a Las Vegas institution, offering a cool treat with sundaes, shakes, and cones in a variety of rotating flavors. Now run by the fourth generation of the founding family, it continues to serve both locals and visitors with nostalgic favorites and inventive seasonal options. In addition to chocolate and vanilla, flavors such as Cherry Pie, Death by Chocolate, and Pumpkin highlight the menu. This longtime stand remains one of the city’s sweetest comfort food landmarks.
Lawry’s the Prime Rib (4043 Howard Hughes Pkwy.)
For decades, Lawry’s has been synonymous with prime rib, served tableside from gleaming silver carts with classic accompaniments. The Las Vegas location, opened in 1997, honors the tradition with Yorkshire pudding, Spinning Bowl Salad, and old-school service in an Art Deco setting. While the restaurant has expanded its menu to include seafood, poultry, and vegetarian options, prime rib remains the star of the show. A pre-dinner cocktail in the bar sets the stage for a timeless experience rooted in consistency and tradition.
