Zenaida’s Cafe and Catering
3430 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89121
702-476-3117
Serving “American Comfort Food with Chef Sterling’s Twist,” Zenaida’s Cafe and Catering has traditional breakfast and lunch foods as well as unique, rotating specials that are sure to satisfy. Specials this week are the musubi burrito with scrambled eggs, lobster and salmon truffle creme with cheese ravioli, and fire-roasted t-bone steak and eggs. This restaurant was featured as one of 100 restaurants nationwide for Yelp Top 100 2023. Prices range from $7.95 for a side salad to $16.95 for steak and eggs.
For those who are plant-based, there is a vegan menu with several options. Biscuits and gravy, waffles, pancakes, benedicts, and more are available at Zenaida’s Cafe close to the UNLV campus. This restaurant was founded in 2016 and has an original feel. Local artists have their art hanging on the walls for sale and there are rainbow tiles on the floor.
Zenaida’s Cafe is open Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Philly Freeze-Me
855 E Twain Ave, Ste 118, Las Vegas, NV 89169
702-201-1056
Open since 2018, Philly Freeze-Me has been serving authentic Italian ice to the community. Philly Freeze-Me is close to campus and the perfect spot to go if looking for a cold, sweet treat. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Philly Freeze-Me delivers “happiness in a cup.”
The restaurant has a large social media presence with over 100,000 followers on Instagram @phillyfreezeme. Customers can check there to see different flavors on the menu and stay updated with the business. The location on Twain opened first, but the business now has a second location in the southwest part of the valley as well as a food truck available for events. Bright-colored Italian ice complete with candy and other toppings makes for a picturesque treat. Alcohol mix-ins are also available to those aged 21 and older. However, according to an employee the alcohol acts more as a flavoring and non-alcoholic ices are typically sold more. If craving a cold sweet treat check out Philly Freeze-Me.
The Mixer Lounge
539 E Twain Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169
702-490-7228
With brunch, happy hour, taco Tuesday, drinks, hookah, and an all-day and late-night menu, The Mixer Lounge has something for almost everyone. Open all week, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., The Mixer Lounge hosts a variety of 21+ events nightly. Sundays are party brunch, Mondays are game nights, Wednesdays are Open Mic nights, Thursdays are Ladies’ Nights and to wrap up the week the lounge hosts $5 shots Fridays and rotating events on Saturdays. For $35.00 per person, endless mimosas are available at brunch; signature Cocktails are $13.00 and all beer is $7.00. Hookah is $35.00 and $15.00 for a refill. All food is available to customers from a range of $10.99 to $18.99.
In close proximity to the UNLV campus and with nightly events, The Mixer Lounge is definitely a spot to check out for those aged 21 and older. Patrons can check the business’s Instagram @themixerlounge, to stay updated on events its hosting.
Mr. Fries Man
1040 E Flamingo Rd, Suite B, Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-485-1144
Mr. Fries Man is open Sunday through Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. With honey garlic shrimp steak fries and BBQ bacon ranch chicken fries, this restaurant has menu items that will satisfy fry-lovers’ dreams. If customers do not see a menu item they like, they can opt for a customizable, build-your-own option. Mr. Fries Man also offers funnel cake fries for anyone with a sweet tooth.
For plant-based customers Beyond Meat is available as a protein option. Menu prices range from $6.95 for funnel cake fries to $26.15 for lemon garlic crab and shrimp fries. Most menu items are within the $16.00 to $24.00 dollar range. Within walking distance of the UNLV campus, Mr. Fries Man is there for any fry fanatics.
Kraken Cafe
855 E Twain Ave, suite 107, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Owners, Chef Eelijahwan and Chef Kayla, both graduated with culinary degrees here in Las Vegas and opened Kraken Cafe in 2014. Kayla shares that the most popular item is either the bison burger or umami burger. The menu consists of a few breakfast items, different chicken and fish sandwiches, and of course, burgers.
For those who are plant-based, Kraken cafe has a quinoa-based veggie burger. The most expensive menu item is the chicken and waffles for $13.99. However, almost all sandwiches and burgers are available as a meal (with fries and a drink) for around $14.00. If you want to pair your burger with something sweet, cookies, milkshakes, and cheesecake slices are available. For anyone looking for a burger spot near campus, give Kraken Cafe a try.
Soul of Afrika
4972 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-708-8044
Open since 2018, Soul of Afrika has been selling African, American, and Caribbean food to the community. Most entrees range from $22.99 to $30.99 depending on the protein chosen. Protein options include chicken, beef, goat, oxtail, fish, catfish/mackerel, shrimp, or an assortment. Puff Puffs, Meat Pies, Scotch Eggs, Moi Moi and Suya Sticks are also available as appetizers, most for around $6.00. Besides traditional African and Caribbean food, chicken wings and fried fish are available to customers.
The most popular menu items are Banga Soup with Pounded Yam, Egusi Soup with Pounded Yam, and Oxtails. Soul of Afrika is open throughout the week from noon to 8:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
LoLo’s Chicken and Waffles
325 Hughes Center Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89169
70-483-4311
Formerly in the northwest part of Las Vegas, LoLo’s Chicken and Waffles is now closer to the UNLV Campus. Patrons can find all-day breakfast on the menu as well as lunch and dinner options like a soul food platter, blackened fish, shrimp mac and cheese, and of course, chicken and waffles.
The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This restaurant will occasionally host events like karaoke nights so to stay updated it’s best to check the restaurant’s Instagram: @loloschickenandwaffles.
