Former ‘Top Chef’ Contestant Plans a Downtown Debut of Texas-Style Barbecue

On schedule for an early 2021 debut at the corner of Main Street and Imperial Avenue, former Top Chef contestant Bruce Kalman and Richard Camarota of McClain Camarota Hospitality plan a classic Texas-style barbecue restaurant for the Gateway District, serving a regional menu to the sounds of live music.

Recently filing new paperwork with the City of Las Vegas, Soulbelly BBQ will sandwich its narrow 2,916-square-foot space between HUDL Brewing Co. and Nevada Brew Works. It will make full use of the recently installed 1,581-square-foot patio sitting right on Main Street, located next to the outdoor smokehouse.

Featuring offset smokers burning the Texas favorite of post oak wood, chef Kalman is focusing on a traditional “meat and three” concept with a choice of proteins and regional-inspired sides.

An already previewed menu hints diners will be offered selections of brisket, pork ribs, smoked turkey breast, pulled ale and cheese sausage, smoky wings, hot links, salt and pepper beef ribs, plus a collection of sides including braised collard greens, spiced cottage fries, and green chile corn casserole.

Seating a dozen at the bar stocked with local beers and a curated list of whiskeys and bourbon, a small stage will also be built at the rear of the restaurant providing live music four to five nights a week.

Camarota, a business partner with Shawn McClain at Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay , and Aria’s now shuttered Sage and Five50 Pizza Bar, met Kalman at Chicago’s famed Italian restaurant Spiaggia during the award-winning era helmed by chef Paul Bartolotta.

Yet to announce an estimated launch timetable, Soulbelly expects to be open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

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