Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ – Las Vegas
Benny's Smokin' BBQ - Las Vegas
Photo from Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ
Benny's Smokin' BBQ at a glance
Las Vegas Downtown Las Vegas
- 🍖 Barbecue Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 94 of the guests
#118 out of 192 places to eat in Las Vegas
#2 Barbecue Restaurant out of 2 in Las Vegas
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
452
Reviews
60.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent value
- Attentive staff
- Tasty BBQ
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Poor service
- Dated atmosphere
The restaurant Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ in Las Vegas’s vibrant Downtown Las Vegas neighborhood offers a truly authentic barbecue experience. You’ll find a fantastic selection of beers to complement your meal, making it a standout spot for both foodies and craft beer enthusiasts.
This casual eatery, known as Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ and Brews, is perfect for anyone seeking a hearty meal and a great atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting Benny's Smokin' BBQ
Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ offers a mixed experience, where the welcoming atmosphere and price points often stand out positively. Many guests appreciate the clean environment and the feeling of a classic Vegas spot, making for enjoyable conversations.
However, some visitors have noted significant issues, particularly concerning the brisket and overall food quality. While service can be a highlight with friendly staff, there are also reports of disorganization and less attentive interactions, creating an uneven dining journey.
Good
6.4
out of 10
452
Reviews
60.8%
Satisfaction
142
negative
35
neutral
275
positive
Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ registers an overall 6.4 score, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a 60.8% mixed level. This suggests that while many find their visit acceptable, there’s a notable portion of diners who leave feeling less than thrilled.
Looking closer, Value (7.7) and Ambience (7) generally receive positive remarks, often highlighted by guests. However, Service (6.5) and particularly Food (6.1) hover around average.
These insights are drawn from 452 customer comments, with 275 positive remarks balanced against 142 negative ones, indicating areas for potential improvement.
What people like
- Excellent value
- Attentive staff
- Tasty ribs, brisket
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Disorganized service
- Dated atmosphere
If you’re seeking a casual spot with solid value and a classic Vegas feel, Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ could be a reasonable choice. The 6.5 recommendation score suggests it’s worth considering, especially if you prioritize affordability and a lively setting over culinary perfection.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and service. While some find the BBQ satisfying, others report issues with dryness or flavor.
It’s a place that might hit the spot for some, but could disappoint those with higher expectations for their meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Benny's Smokin' BBQ
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a 6.1 score indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 53.6%. Based on 267 total opinions, many of the 143 positive remarks praise the tender ribs and juicy brisket, often highlighting generous portions and tasty sides like cornbread and carrot cake, along with delicious sauces. However, 94 negative comments point to some significant issues.
Diners sometimes encountered dry chicken, tough brisket, or cold food. Bland or soggy sides, like corn and coleslaw, were also mentioned, suggesting inconsistencies in food quality and preparation.
Food
267
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
94
negative
30
neutral
143
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Tender, juicy meats
- Generous portion sizes
- Delicious sides, sauces
What people don't like
- Dry, tough, cold meat
- Bland, soggy sides
- Poor food quality
Often praised
- foodSpecial thanks to Taya for the amazing service; she truly took care of us so well. The food was amazing, and the drinks were fantastic! It was a 10/10 experience, and I will definitely come back!
- ribsThe ribs though more then made up for it. They were delicious.
- brisketbrisket and ribs - both were perfect
- drinksSpecial thanks to Taya for the amazing service; she truly took care of us so well. The food was amazing, and the drinks were fantastic! It was a 10/10 experience, and I will definitely come back!
- BBQIf you ask me, this is the Best BBQ in Vegas 😜. The staff is super good and awesome, and the food is ALWAYS ON POINT.
- baby back ribsThe service was excellent, and I loved that all my favorites were on one plate. I enjoyed the brisket, baby back ribs, coleslaw, beans, and cornbread. I even had leftovers for breakfast, which were yummerz!
- baked beansbaked beans/Cole slaw and jalapeno cornbread
- cornbreadThey did have pretty good cornbread.
- half chickenThey recently got new smokers, and you can tell by the quality of taste. I had the half chicken, and the portions were huge. My friend enjoyed the 1/2 chicken and 1/2 rack of ribs.
- menuMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. The food was super good, and the menu was simple. I was impressed with the prices, especially considering the generous portion sizes.
Frequently criticized
- brisketMy experience at Benny's was disappointing, particularly regarding the BBQ brisket. The brisket completely lacks the deep, smokey flavor that Southern American folks expect. While the sauce is the star here, the meat appears to have been sliced and then grilled, which is not ideal for authentic BBQ.
- foodMy first impression was that the atmosphere looked nice as I walked in, but the waitress had extremely long eyelashes. There was also one table of people with no food. I sat down and ordered my drink and food.
- ribsThe ribs tasted like they had been made from the previous day
- chickenThe food was really great, even in comparison to top BBQ restaurants, and offered good value for money, especially considering its central location. However, on my second visit a year later, the chicken was almost hard as a rock, indicating a drop in quality.
- cornbreadcorn bread was probably good when it was first made, but it's very obvious they keep everything around for awhile
- sidesFrom the sides to the main entrée the food was absolutely terrible
- cornEveryone was nice, and the place was decent. However, the food was not warm, the brisket was not tender, and the corn was mushy with an orange ring around the husk. The price was good, but I won't be going back.
- food temperatureFood was room temp, most certainly microwaved or sitting under heat lamps.
- meatthe meat was swimming in water in the plate
- coleslawcoleslaw tasted like there was absolutely no dressing
If youre craving BBQ, this spot offers a decent, albeit inconsistent, experience. You might find tender, flavorful meats and generous portions, but be prepared for the possibility of dry dishes or bland sides. Its a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, many guests found things to love, contributing to an average score of 6.5 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 63.6%. With 68 positive remarks out of 107 total, many appreciated the friendly employees and staff, often describing the servers as great, helpful, and providing amazing service. Guests also noted quick dine-in experiences and attentive care.
However, not all experiences were stellar, with 37 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some guests reported long waiting times and slow service, with specific waitresses being described as inattentive or unprofessional. There were also concerns about disorganized staff and a lack of responsiveness from management when issues arose, leading to frustrating situations.
Service
107
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
37
negative
2
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Quick, attentive service
- Staff go above
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow, poor service
- Disorganized staff
Often praised
- serviceAs a Korean reviewer, I found the restaurant inside the casino to be surprisingly clean and pleasant. The service was good, and the menu was simple, making ordering easy. The food was also tasty and reasonably priced.
- staffI enjoyed the fantastic ribs and chicken at a reasonable price. The staff was friendly and personable. I highly recommend this place if you get a craving for good BBQ while in Vegas.
- waitressFor a quick, impromptu meal with good prices and generous portions, I recommend this place. Our waitress was a very nice girl who expertly handled our group of 7. She was engaging, made jokes, and had great conversation, making us all laugh.
- Servicequick but also took time to get sides
- bartenderbartender (michael) was great!
- serverFrom the sides to the main entrée, the food was absolutely terrible. Our server was very friendly and helpful, but we didn’t complain about the food because there’s no saving it.
- waitress Saraour waitress Sara was very knowledgeable and attentive!
- SEATEDSEATED RIGHT AWAY
- ServerServer was amazing and very prompt
- StaffStaff are great
Frequently criticized
- waitressThe staff is disorganized, but one waitress, Taya, stands out as the absolute worst at every single aspect. She’s rude, aggressive, slow, and utterly incompetent. When I politely asked for the check, she snapped, “I’m busy, can’t you see?
- serviceI’ve been to countless restaurants, but this place takes the cake for the worst service in America. NOTHING compares to the disaster present there.
- waiting timeand disappointingly small in size. After being seated, it took about ten minutes for a server to appear and take my order, even though the restaurant wasn't busy. On a brighter note, the atmosphere inside is very casual and cool, with plenty of television screens for watching sports.
- managerI asked her for a manage and one never showed up.
- serverour server who wasn’t really the best. She seemed to take more friendly interest
- staffNOTHING compares to the disaster present there. The staff is disorganized, but one waitress, Taya, stands out as the absolute worst at every single aspect. She’s rude, aggressive, slow, and utterly incompetent.
- availabilitybut didnt come by often enough.
- checkOne that will undoubtedly be pursued through legal action. On top of that, the bill was wrong, and she didn’t even bother to fix it properly. Management CLEARLY has no standards and fails at basic accountability and simple practices.
- chefthis man asked me "well how long was it sitting there?"
- customer servicethe worst customer service EVER!
Overall, service here seems to be a bit of a gamble. While many praise the friendly and quick staff, others have faced significant delays and disorganization. If you're looking for a quick, friendly interaction, you might be pleased, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
Alright, lets dive into the vibe of this place! The ambience generally gets a thumbs-up, boasting a good score of 7 and a customer satisfaction rate of almost 79%. Many guests, specifically 30 out of 38 reviews, praised the atmosphere and cleanliness, often highlighting it as a peaceful quiet place or a great spot to watch sports with that classic old Vegas feel.
On the flip side, a handful of experiences, 7 to be precise, pointed out some downsides. Concerns included the place being loud or feeling a bit dark inside. Some also mentioned the restaurant could be cold or that being seated in a back room' led to feeling overlooked, which can certainly dampen the mood.
Ambience
38
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Peaceful quiet place
- Good for sports
- Classic Vegas vibe
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Dark and cold
- Isolated back room
Often praised
- atmosphereI wish I could choose 0 stars. My first impression was that the atmosphere looked nice as I walked in, but the waitress had extremely long eyelashes. There was also one table of people with no food.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- classic old Vegas strip experienceIf you're looking for the classic old Vegas strip experience, this is it. The restaurant offers cheap food, fast tables, and distracting dealers – the works!
- cleanlinessRestaurant was clean
- conversationsWe had a lot of fun conversations
- environmentvery nice and good environment
- folksfolks that came and went were also very chatty and friendly
- great timeWe were a bit late to discover this great food, but we will definitely be back. Thank you for the great time and great service!
- locationfor location, price, and service it is pretty dang good!
- old Vegasif u like old Vegas bunions is where it's at
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was very rutty run down and out dated
- back roomThey put us in the back room and kinda forgot about us.
- insideIt's a bit dark inside.
- loudIt's very loud
- restaurantThe restaurant was very dark and extremely cold
- ventsHowever, having had excellent experiences at Binion's Cafe previously (a consistent 5-star rating), I expected a similar great meal. Unfortunately, the restaurant was very dark and extremely cold, with vents blowing directly onto the tables. Our server was amazing and very prompt, bringing our food about 5 minutes after ordering, which we initially thought was fantastic.
If youre seeking a clean, classic old Vegas atmosphere, especially for watching sports or a quieter moment, this spot is likely a good choice. Just be mindful that it can sometimes be loud, dark, or cold, and you might want to avoid the back room' if you prefer a more central experience.
Value (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a strong 7.7 score and an impressive 85% customer satisfaction, its clear guests feel theyre getting a great deal. Many rave about the great prices and good value for money, often highlighting the quality for the price and calling it a good deal for generous portions, especially for downtown Vegas.
However, not everyone is completely thrilled. Out of 40 total opinions, 4 did mention some concerns. While overall prices are praised, a few found the beer price to be a bit steep.
There were also mentions of an upcharge if you share plates, which some found surprising, suggesting that while the food value is high, some extras might add up.
Value
40
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Good value
- Quality for price
What people don't like
- Expensive beer
- Sharing upcharge
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the fantastic ribs and chicken at a reasonable price. The staff was friendly and personable.
- pricesThe prices for there BBQ are great for the cost conscientious travelers.
- $20 for a half rack of ribs & half a chicken$20 for a half rack of ribs & half a chicken was a great deal
- cheap foodIf you're looking for the classic old Vegas strip experience, this is it. The restaurant offers cheap food, fast tables, and distracting dealers – the works!
- cost to flavorThe BBQ had just the right amount of smokey taste, not overwhelming. While it's not quite on par with Mississippi or Memphis BBQ, for downtown Las Vegas, the $23 price point offers the best bang for your buck when comparing cost to flavor. 👍
- dinnerWe had our vow renewals down the street, but I just love this place. We gambled earlier and had the reward card, so we saved a couple of dollars on the dinner. The ribs and brisket were amazing, and the portions were huge.
- discountIt's great value and the food is well-prepared and decent. Player card holders also receive a small discount off food.
- downtown Vegas $23for downtown Vegas $23 is best bang for the buck
- good dealA good deal on food and drinks
- good value for moneyMy initial experience was better than expected. The food was really great, even in comparison to top BBQ restaurants, and offered good value for money, especially considering its central location. However, on my second visit a year later, the chicken was almost hard as a rock, indicating a drop in quality.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe chicken was incredibly dry, and the beer did not taste good. To top it off, it's not even cheap. If you absolutely must go here, I'd recommend getting the ribs and a beer you know, not the local stuff.
- beer priceThe beer is somewhat expensive
- upcharge if you sharethere's an upcharge if you share your plates?
If youre looking for a place where your dollar stretches far, especially for hearty portions and good BBQ, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of drink prices and any potential sharing fees, but overall, it offers solid value thats hard to beat.
How are the prices at Benny's Smokin' BBQ?
You’re looking at roughly $27 per person – reported by 94 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Barbecue Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests find themselves right in this sweet spot, with prices clustering nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 94 reviews.
How this Barbecue Restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Las Vegas.
For a Barbecue Restaurant in Las Vegas, we think this pricing feels pretty fair. It hits that sweet spot for a good meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Benny's Smokin' BBQ
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Food, Drinks, and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food and drinks were excellent, offering a good deal in Vegas. The service was incredibly quick and nice, with a special thank you to our server, Anna.
The atmosphere was also enjoyable.
- food10
- drinks10
- good deal9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Drinks and Friendly Vibe
My experience at Benny's was so enjoyable that we visited twice in one night! I only wished they stayed open later than 11 pm. The bartender was both funny and friendly, and the drinks were really good.
We sat at the bar and were pleasantly surprised by how chatty and friendly the other patrons were, leading to many fun conversations. We didn't try the food, as our visit was solely for drinks.
- bartender9
- drinks8
- folks9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Superb BBQ, Will Return!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the baby back ribs, which were superb, tender, and seasoned to perfection. This was my first time dining here, and I can confidently say it will not be my last.
The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a perfect 5. I highly recommend trying their baby back ribs.
- baby back ribs10
- atmosphere10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Hit or Miss Brisket, Great Value
My experience at this restaurant was a bit of a gamble, especially when it came to the brisket. It's definitely a hit or miss situation with the food. One night, the brisket was tough as nails, but the next night it was nice, tender, and juicy, falling apart perfectly.
We even arrived at 4 pm and had to wait half an hour for brisket because the first two had issues. However, the price can't be beat, and I appreciate the option of having 2 BBQ Sauces. We even bring a portable food warmer to heat up leftovers in our room.
- brisket5
- food5
- price9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Ribs Overcooked, Fries Stale
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the food quality. The ribs were way overcooked, and the fries had been sitting under a heat lamp for too long, making them stale. Given these issues, I'm not sure if I would give it a second chance.
- ribs2
- fries3
What Benny's Smokin' BBQ offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options does Benny's Smokin' BBQ offer?
At Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ, you can expect a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. They offer table service for both lunch and dinner, ensuring you have a comfortable dining experience whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full meal.
Are there convenient parking and accessibility options at Benny's Smokin' BBQ in Downtown Las Vegas?
Yes, Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ provides various parking solutions including paid and free parking lots, and paid street parking, often with plenty of spaces available. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms.
How does Benny's Smokin' BBQ generally perform?
Benny’s Smokin’ BBQ receives an overall score of 6.4, indicating an average experience. While Value (7.7) and Ambience (7) are rated well, Service (6.5) and especially Food (6.1) are considered average.
Is Benny's Smokin' BBQ a good value for money?
Many guests find the restaurant offers good value, with positive comments on its “reasonable price” and “great deal” for portions, especially for BBQ in downtown Vegas.
What are common complaints about the food at Benny's Smokin' BBQ?
Some customers report issues with “dry chicken,” “brisket” lacking smokey flavor, and general “inconsistent food quality,” including items being served at room temperature.