It’s about time downtown Las Vegas got some world-class BBQ!
Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brews recently opened at Binion’s, replacing the former Benny’s Bullpen.
The new BBQ restaurant has a simple menu full of barbeque favorites, including a full rack of baby back ribs (for $13.99), a half rack ($9.99), a half chicken ($8.99) and a combo plate that’s half rack, half chicken.
Make sure to use your players’ club card to get the prices mentioned above. Without the Binion’s players’ club card, each item costs $2 more. It’s free to join the loyalty club, of course, and in Vegas you should always use a loyalty club card when you play!
Each of the dishes is served with a virtual buffet of sides, including BBQ baked beans, corn on the cob, coleslaw and corn bread.
The creation of the new BBQ menu has largely been overseen by Binion’s Assistant Executive Chef Fernando Montenegro.
Beyond Chef Fernando’s secret spices (they may not be secret, but it makes them sound sexier, doesn’t it?), the other not-so-secret reason the BBQ at Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brews stands out is the smoker it’s prepared in.
The smoker’s a real beauty, and cost in the neighborhood of $30,000. The smoker was recently re-certified and cooks the meat for a long time at low heat, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful. Cooking great BBQ is as much an art as it is a science, and a top-notch smoker helps take care of the science part.
The “Brews” part of Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brews means beer is a big part of the experience. A number of craft beers are on tap from a local brewery, Chicago Brewing Company.
There are beers with names like the “Ramblin’ Reck,” “Old Town Brown,” “Weizenheimer” and others. We also hear great things about the Chicago Brewing Company root beer. It must be good because 1) it’s brewed in a similar manner to Chicago Brewing Company’s beers, and 2) it has “beer” in its name.
Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brews is open 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day.
There have been a few changes to the restaurant space, including the addition of new tables and chairs, but nothing too disorienting. The joint is still mellow and welcoming.
Please note that Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brews is a restaurant-slash-bar, so patrons must be 21 or older.
Learn more about Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ & Brews at the official Binion’s Web site, or “like” the Binion’s Facebook page. It’s on the Internet. Yes, the same one Al Gore invented. He may also have invented barbeque, but he has yet to return our calls about that.
