Looking to add some soul to your Vegas adventure? Whether you’re a local looking to shake up your routine or a tourist seeking authentic experiences beyond the neon lights, we’ve got your back with seven Black-owned businesses that are turning heads and winning hearts across the valley.
1. Legends Barber Studio
Address: 616 S Las Vegas Blvd
Need a fresh cut to look sharp for your Vegas vacay? Swing by Legends Barber Studio in northwest Vegas, where owner Saleemah A. and her team work magic with clippers. The studio’s blend of traditional barbering skills and modern style sensibilities have earned it high reviews from locals. Plus, with complimentary drinks and a friendly atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home while getting groomed.
2. Sista Kim’s Kitchen
Address: 900 Liberace Ste
Let’s have a bite at Sista Kim’s Kitchen, where Kim and David Jones serve what might be the best catfish this side of the Mississippi. After relocating from L.A. in 2017, they opened their family-owned spot in Orleans Square, and let’s just say – Vegas got lucky. Their homemade hot sauce is so good that it should probably have its own Instagram account, and the mac and cheese could make your grandmother jealous.
**Pro tip: Hit them up on a Saturday for their legendary oxtails, but get there early – word’s gotten out! And while you’re there, don’t sleep on their perfectly seasoned burger, which has been known to convert even the most devoted cheese lovers to the no-cheese side.
3. Dougan’s Simply Pure
simplypurelv.com
Need to balance out all that hearty meat and cheese? Chef Stacey Dougan’s Simply Pure food truck is here to prove that vegan eats can be soul-satisfying, too. When your plant-based dishes are good enough to attract former President Bill Clinton and R&B superstar Usher, you know you’re doing something right. The “crab cake” sliders might just make you forget about the real thing, and their vegan ramen bowls? They’re changing minds about plant-based cuisine one steaming serving at a time.
4. Braud’s Funnel Cake Cafe
Address: 6605 S Las Vegas Blvd
Speaking of cravings, Denette Braud’s Funnel Cake Cafe at Town Square is basically childhood nostalgia served on a plate. Remember those fairground funnel cakes that made you feel like you’d won the lottery? Yeah, these are better. Sorry, county fair – you’ve been outdone.
**Pro tip: Although it’s called a “cafe,” it’s not a sit-down spot.
5. Classic Jewel
Address: 353 E Bonneville Ave
When the sun sets, Classic Jewel in downtown’s Juhl building is where the magic happens. Owners Jerome Harry, Ryan Brown, Selina Melhado, and Sherri Lewis have created a time machine disguised as a cocktail lounge, taking you straight back to 1950s Sin City glamour. Think Mad Men meets modern mixology, with a dash of that old-school charm that made this city famous. Between the live entertainment and the regular comedy nights, you might forget what century you’re in – in the best possible way.
6. LaMarre Theater
Address: 510 S Main St
For a different kind of entertainment, the LaMarre Theater in the Arts District is making history as the first Black-owned theater in Vegas. Co-owner Eurika Pratts brings diversity downtown with tribute shows that’ll have you doing double-takes. Their Tina Turner tribute would make Proud Mary ever prouder. Located in the heart of the vibrant Arts District, it’s the perfect spot to catch a show before exploring the neighborhood’s eclectic mix of breweries, restaurants, and galleries. And if you’re local, you can even book acting classes through the studio! They’ve worked with everyone from Denzel Washington to Angela Basset.
7. Left of Center Art Gallery & Studio
Address: 2207 W Gowan Rd
Last but definitely not least, art enthusiasts need to make a beeline for the Left of Center Art Gallery & Studio. Director Vicki Richardson has created a gallery with everything from African art collections to live drawing classes. Their Museum Collection of African Art is a testament to the richness and diversity of African cultural heritage, while their rotating exhibitions keep things fresh and exciting. Try to visit on Saturdays when the studio is buzzing with working artists. And yes, that includes you – their 10 AM life drawing class welcomes everyone from Picasso-level pros to stick-figure specialists. Don’t forget to check out their gift shop, opened in 2023, featuring unique pieces by local artists that make perfect Vegas souvenirs with actual soul.
From soul food to soul music and funnel cakes to fine art, these Black-owned businesses add their special flavor to the Vegas experience. They’re proof that some of the city’s best treasures aren’t found under the neon lights of the Strip – they’re in the hearts and minds of the local community.
