Five Restaurants To Try Near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway This Weekend

It’s easy to point to the Golden Knights, Las Vegas Lights FC, and the future Las Vegas Raiders when looking for proof that Las Vegas is the next big city for sports, but one would be remiss to overlook the many celebrated NASCAR events that take place at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway each year. The venue, which opened in 1996 — practically a century ago in Las Vegas years — is located approximately 15 miles north of the Strip and plays host to exciting NASCAR events as well as the annual Electric Daisy Carnival and a locally loved holiday light show.

Despite the fact that the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located on a stretch of I-15 that feels like it’s near the middle of nowhere, a surprising amount of restaurant options reside near the racetrack for those who don’t want to make the trek all the way back to the Strip for dinner. From an old Western saloon to a Mexican cantina with live music, here are five restaurants to try near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Yelp/Mo’s Race Day Cafe

Less than a mile away

In terms of proximity to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it doesn’t get much better than Mo’s Race Day Cafe. The casual spot serves home-style food including specials and extended hours during racing events. Whether it’s country fried steak and eggs in the morning or a bacon cheeseburger in the afternoon, Mo’s Race Day Cafe has got it — plus beer on draft.

Mo’s Race Day Cafe, 6825 Speedway Blvd. #B101A; 702-632-1011

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Beer and bar food

After a day of drinking beer at the speedway, a good burger is in order. Slot Burger has the fix with gourmet third-pound burgers served with seasoned fries. For something a little different, diners can try the turkey burger served on a pretzel bun or go for a pulled pork sandwich piled high with coleslaw. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also available.

Slot Burger, 4230 E. Craig Road; 702-307-2082

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Family-owned Belizean cuisine

Laily’s Island Soul Cafe offers tropical flavor in the desert in the form of Belizean chicken stew served with rice, beans, potato salad, and plantains as well as oxtail stew, seafood platters and Jamaican jerk chicken. Burgers, sandwiches and chicken wings are also on the menu. Breakfast and late night dining is available for early risers and night owls.

Laily’s Island Soul Cafe, 5011 E. Craig Road; 702-643-6005

Yelp/Cathy C.

Margaritas and live music

The fun doesn’t have to end after a day at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For a lively dining experience, Viva Zapatas serves up special Mexican dishes including birria de chivo (goat meat simmered in beer with dried chiles) as well as carne asada, tacos, tortas, flautas, and more. Diners can sip on a wide selection of margaritas and listen to live music.

Viva Zapatas, 3826 E. Craig Road; 702-643-8888

Yelp/Hitchin Post Saloon & Steakhouse

An old western saloon plus camping

Hitchin’ Post Saloon & Steakhouse might be the ultimate hidden gem. The old Western saloon serves steaks for less than $20 in a wood-paneled dining room or outdoor beer garden. An on-site family-operated RV park and motel that’s been around since 1948 provides a convenient resting spot after a few happy hour pitchers.

Hitchin’ Post Saloon & Steakhouse, 3640 N. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-644-1220

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