Gilley's BBQ Review

Authentic Texas-Style BBQ in the Heart of the Strip

Gilley's BBQ brings a genuine taste of Texas to the Las Vegas Strip, located inside Treasure Island Hotel & Casino. This Western-themed restaurant combines hearty barbecue with lively entertainment, creating a unique dining experience that stands out among Vegas' more formal establishments.

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Walking into Gilley's feels like stepping into a Texas roadhouse. The space features rustic wooden decor, saddle bar stools, and Western memorabilia. The main dining area overlooks a mechanical bull riding arena and dance floor, where live country music performances often take place in the evenings. The atmosphere is casual, energetic, and family-friendly during the day, transitioning to more of a party vibe at night.

The Food: Smokehouse Excellence

The menu focuses on traditional Texas barbecue, with meats smoked for up to 14 hours using hickory wood. The brisket is particularly noteworthy – tender, smoky, and with a perfect smoke ring. The pork ribs fall-off-the-bone tender, and the house-made sausages have a satisfying snap. Portions are generous, with platters including two sides and cornbread. Standout sides include the creamy mac and cheese, tangy coleslaw, and authentic cowboy beans.

Service & Experience

Service is generally efficient and friendly, though can become slower during peak hours when the venue transforms into an entertainment destination. Staff are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The open kitchen allows you to watch the pitmasters at work, adding to the authentic barbecue experience.

Value Assessment

Given its Strip location, Gilley's offers reasonable value. Entrees range from $18-32, with combination platters providing the best value. The quality of ingredients and portion sizes justify the pricing compared to other Strip restaurants. Happy hour (3-6 PM daily) features discounted drinks and appetizers.

Recommendations

For families: Visit for lunch or early dinner when the atmosphere is more subdued. The chicken tenders and mac and cheese are kid favorites.
For couples: Evening visits offer great entertainment value with live music and dancing.
For groups: The shared platters and casual atmosphere make it ideal for larger parties.
For barbecue purists: Stick to the traditional meats rather than the more inventive menu items.

Practical Information

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM-10 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-11 PM
Parking: Validation available with $25 minimum purchase
Dress code: Casual
Reservations: Accepted for groups of 6+