The Search for Iconic New York Bites in Las Vegas

I spent 13 years in New York City and when I go back, I feast on all my favorite dishes on an unofficial foodie tour. To fend off the withdrawals, I got together with local artist and New Jersey native Brent Holmes to discuss where to find the best East Coast classics here in Las Vegas.

🥪 BEC and Taylor Ham

We recently named Henderson’s Weiss Deli as one of the best bagel shops in Vegas. But I was especially pleased to see a BEC on the menu. That’s a Bacon, Egg & Cheese sandwich — a standard Sunday morning hangover cure. They serve it on a bagel, which has always been my preference, as opposed to a traditional roll.

Brent points out that Weiss has Taylor Ham – or “Pork Roll” depending on what part of Jersey you’re from. This processed pork product is beloved in the Garden State. Ask for it in place of bacon on your BEC for a fun variation.

Don’t forget to pick up a black and white cookie, made in-house.

🇯🇲 Jamaican Meat Patties

Jamaican meat patties are similar to empanadas. The bright yellow, suet dough pockets are stuffed with spicy ground beef and a staple of bodega deli counters throughout New York and New Jersey. Try one at Tasty Island Jamaican Restaurant. Brent says: “Perfect spot! Slow service with an attitude! Patties over the counter, still less than four bucks a pop.”

🥤 Seltzer and Soda

The first time I ordered seltzer at a bar in Las Vegas, I was asked “Is that a club soda?” and I responded with “I’m genuinely not sure.” It may depend on the minerals added. While there is usually a generous selection of Polar Seltzer in most grocery stores (made in Massachusetts, but a New York regional institution), you have to look a little further for Brooklyn’s own Dr. Brown’s soda. Cream Soda and Black Cherry are classics, but Cel-Ray is the real prize. It’s a celery flavored soda, known out east as “Jewish Champagne” with enough power to cut through fatty deli meats and cleanse your pallet. Find it at The Bagel Cafe.

🍕 Pizza Slices

Part of what makes New York pizza great is that slice. It has a particular crust — not too thick or thin — and a width that makes the structural integrity fairly floppity. Thus, the fold — a lengthwise crease to stiffen the pizza so it makes it to your mouth without losing its toppings. In my opinion, the local slices that come closest to an authentic NYC experience — topped with greasy pepps, naturally — are at Evel Pie on Fremont Street and Cugino’s Italian Deli & Pizzeria near UNLV.

If anyone knows where I can get Beijing-style dumplings or a Chopped Cheese, please reach out 🙏