Wendy Rush

Here comes the rain again, and Las Vegas needs some comfort food.

With some of the most talented chefs in the world working here, Las Vegas has pretty much any type of food you might want. But during the rainy season, we’re all about the comfort food. There’s just something about your favorite foods lifting your spirit when the weather is gloomy.

And if you’re a Las Vegas local headed into a rainy week, you don’t want to have to go to the Strip to find a culinary comfort. So we’re tracking down the best places to get comfort food without having to pay for parking or navigate a casino. Yes, Las Vegas Boulevard is home to some of the most famous restaurants in the world. But we have found some food treasures off the strip too.

So why do we crave comfort food anyway?

Well, there have been many reasons named behind our craving of comfort foods. From eating dishes that are traditional to our family or heritage, satisfying our nostalgia. To plates consumed more for a celebratory event. And when it comes to craving comfort food during bad weather, well there’s a reason for that too.

Comfort food is unique to each individual. But they usually have a few commonalities. Most notably, a high fatty acid content. And usually combined with high sugar and high carbs as well. This delightful combination, when consumed, triggers the brain’s reward system. Meaning it activates the same pleasure systems that are activated with drug or alcohol addiction (thenutteryny.com).

So when most of us are craving comfort food after a stressful day, or during gloomy weather, it’s because our mood needs a boost. And what a tasty way to get it. Comfort foods don’t always have to be unhealthy. There are fishes and nuts high in fatty acids as well, without the increased carb levels.

Whatever your comfort food of choice, here are five more to add to your list. This is NOT EVEN CLOSE to be an exclusive list in Las Vegas. These are just a few to try this weekend when the bad weather hits us. And they’re all available off the Strip in the Las Vegas area. – Wendy Rush, 96.3 KKLZ

  • Unique Eats Shrimp & Grits

    Homemade Shrimp and Grits with Pork and Cheddar

    Unique Eats has a ton of amazing options for all three meals of the day. If you’re looking for ultimate comfort food, you have to try the Shrimp and Grits. The grits are cheesy and the shrimp is sautéed with andouille sausage and roasted tomato. Located at 3100 S Durango Ste 100 in Las Vegas between Sahara and Desert Inn.

  • Smoke & Fire's Mac and Cheese

    They’re home of the famous Blueberry Chicken Sliders. Which you should definitely try while you’re there. But since we’re talking about comfort food, you must not leave without their Mac and Cheese. Served as a side, it’s everything you want in one bowl. 3315 East Russell Road in Las Vegas. Near Russell and Pecos.

  • Cornish Pasty Co's Tomato Soup & Cheese Pasty

    If your favorite comfort food is grilled cheese and tomato soup, give this twofer a try. The Cream of Tomato Soup with Croutons is amazing by itself. But it’s even better when paired with a pasty loaded with potatoes and English cheddar cheese. Two locations: 1300 Arizona Street in Boulder City and 10 East Charleston Blvd in Las Vegas.

  • Crust & Roux's Chicken Pot Pie

    While other places might try to alter a classic, these guys do it right. Peas, celery, carrots and onion. Mixed in their signature white roux sauce and baked in a handmade crust. Simply perfect for a rainy day. If you’re not keen on chicken, they have a lot of other flavors, including Seafood or Broccoli. Located in Town Square at 6825 Las Vegas Blvd Ste 120.

  • Lazy Dog's BBQ Bison Meatloaf

    Lazy Dog restaurant has a ton of comfort food options for you and your pooch. But if you’re looking for meatloaf, we really recommend the BBQ Bison Meatloaf. Grass-raised bison, bacon, and sautéed spinach on top of a bed of red-skinned mashed potatoes. Topped with crispy onions. Two locations in Nevada: 6509 Las Vegas Blvd. South in Town Square and 1725 Festival Plaza Dr in Summerlin.

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