The name Laughlin conjures images of neon-lit casinos and desert sunsets, but let’s be honest—you’re really here for the food. This isn’t a tourist brochure checklist. It’s a curated journey through smoky barbecue pits, riverside patios, and hidden gems where locals actually eat. From sizzling steakhouse classics to unexpected culinary surprises, here’s where to find real flavor along the Colorado River.
Sbarro
$ | (702) 994-9135 | WEBSITE
The Laughlin pizza joint describes their signature pie as ‘great tasting’. And you know what, we’re not going to disagree. Kind of like pizza sorted out its shit and hit the flavor, these slices are topped to perfection and come with a crust that – true story – we once found so dry we overheard a fellow diner say ‘that’s unfortunate’. Whatever, it’s still pretty good when you finally get it after waiting what feels like forever while the staff chats by the tip jar.
Subway
$ | (702) 298-0928 | WEBSITE
In the hierarchy of Laughlin’s quick bites – hierarchy being defined by convenience, consistent quality, and frequency of visit – Subway sandwiches are certainly near the top. It’s one of the town’s reliable staples and everyone has their favourite order. Shirley’s turkey sub has always been a go-to. Fresh and flavorful, yet perfectly customizable, there aren’t many better ways to spend a few dollars.
The clean, welcoming atmosphere with its small seating area makes for a pleasant stop, even with that slight gas station vibe. While the soft drink options sometimes run low – particularly the zero-sugar choices – and online ordering can have occasional glitches, the friendly staff and those delicious, reasonably priced sandwiches keep me coming back. The convenience store with its fresh snacks and swishers is just the cherry on top of a satisfying experience.
Port of Subs
$ | (702) 298-6262 | WEBSITE
If you haven’t yet opened up your mind to the idea of a meatball sub as a meal then let us help you. Think of us like a reliable pit stop offering sandwiches instead of complicated fare. Port of Subs’ meatball sub is popular and this casual spot inside The Tropicana Casino is a go-to for visitors and anyone after a good value lunch or dinner. The friendly staff provides quick service with freshly sliced meats and cheese, and when the weather cooperates, the outdoor seating adds a nice touch.
For about $10–$12 a sub, you get quality that makes it worth the stop.
The Brew Brothers at Tropicana Laughlin
$$ | (702) 298-4200 | WEBSITE
This firecracker burger is the nuts. For a start, it’s so juicy and so flavorful. You could happily enjoy the patty on its own. Could. Instead, enjoy it with a quite beautiful toasted brioche bun, a handful of crisp lettuce, and little chunky bits of bacon hidden inside the burger.
In-N-Out Burger
$ | (800) 786-1000 | WEBSITE
We’ve had many a burger and a lot of fries from this SoCal-style spot in Laughlin, but their Double-Double – a juicy, perfectly stacked patty that’s crisp on the edges with just the right amount of cheese – is never not welcome in our life. Ask for a side of their signature spread to dip your fries in.
Duet Coffee & Wine
$ | (702) 298-8323 | WEBSITE
Laughlin’s savvier vacationers have clocked that a sausage and egg muffin from Duet Coffee & Wine, slapped together fresh and still warm when it’s served, will transform a good morning into an excellent one. Alternatively, if like us, you’re one of the less savvy types who regularly subject themselves to early casino hours down the hall, a delightful coffee blend from Duet’s bountiful options will perk you right up.
The Gourmet Room
$$$ | (702) 298-2535 | WEBSITE
During the evening, at The Gourmet Room in Laughlin, there are a handful of classic dishes on the menu that are, at around $25 to $40, some of the area’s most worthwhile dinners. Or special occasion meals. The oysters rockefeller, which many consider the best they’ve found outside of Australia, is excellent, and their take on a chateaubriand for two is a go-to.
Jackpot Joanies
$ | (702) 299-1690 | WEBSITE
Jackpot Joanies is a little spot in Laughlin that will satisfy all of your cheap and delicious food needs. We like the spring rolls best, or you can get a big old plate of comfort food if you’re really hungry. After that, the only decision to make is which of the friendly staff you should chat with while enjoying your meal.
Street Pizza
$ | (702) 299-0888 | WEBSITE
Street Pizza’s thin crust makes every other interpretation of ‘hand-tossed’ look and taste like it’s been rolled out by a toddler using a rolling pin. This crust, this is architectural. It’s blueprint pizza. Crispy and golden on the edges, but straight, airy and, remarkably, full of dough-tasting dough throughout. A special mention goes to their unapologetically sweet sauce as well.
Bumbleberry Flats
$ | (702) 298-2442 | WEBSITE
The country fried steak is a culinary revelation from the American heartland that elevates your dining experience immeasurably. It’s steak, breaded, then fried and smothered with homemade gravy. This version, from Bumbleberry Flats, features a crispy homemade batter, creamy peppered gravy, and tender beef. It’s best enjoyed at a table with a river view, but just as satisfying devoured at the counter.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
$$ | (702) 298-7143 | WEBSITE
When we think of the garlic bread from this riverside spot in Laughlin, we find ourselves getting tangled up in all kinds of riddles. What is bread? When does garlic become one with it? If a crisp crust has a soft pillow of butter inside it, is it still just bread? Whatever the answers, one thing for sure is that the crispy garlic bread (or is it buttery toast?) at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is amazing.