Leaving fine dining Italian cuisine for American BBQ, James Beard-nominated and Bravo Top Chef contestant Chef Bruce Kalman has opened his first Las Vegas restaurant with business partner Richard Camarota, dubbed Soulbelly BBQ, in the heart of the Downtown’s Arts District, according to a press release Monday.
“I came to Las Vegas because a chef friend of mine convinced me it was a great place to start a business,” Kalman said in the release. “I’ve been so warmly welcomed by the incredible culinary and business community. I want Soulbelly to be something special that celebrates the amazing soul of Las Vegas and its people. We’ve held a series of pop-ups to build momentum, but it’s finally time to show the city of Las Vegas what we’ve been smoking!”
A veteran chef, Kalman became most known for his time at and ownership of LA’s Knead & Co. Pasta Bar + Market and Pasadena’s UNION, where he served Italian cuisine.
“We saw an opportunity to bring a totally new experience to Las Vegas’ growing off-strip dining scene,” Camarota said. “The combination of great, honest barbecue, cooler beers, American whiskey, and live music is something we’re really passionate about and excited for people to enjoy. We’re also really proud and grateful to be joining this awesome family of indie restaurants, bars, shops in the area; the whole neighborhood is set to explode with energy as the world re-opens.”
From handcrafted pasta and chicharrón breadcrumbs for the Mac and Cheese to extensive recipe testing for the coleslaw, Kalman wanted to create side dishes at Soulbelly BBQ that “don’t suck.”
Soulbelly BBQ’s beer and cocktail program feature American beers like Lone Star and Shiner, alongside locally brewed Nevada beers. Most notably, HUDL Brewing, Soulbelly BBQ’s next-door neighbor, is specially brewing the Charred & Shifty, an American red made with Garrison Brothers barrel ashes in the mash. Cocktails include an Old Fashioned and Mint Julip beside twists like the Sweet Tea Sangria and the Lunch Box.
The space, formerly an automotive garage, was “carefully designed to reflect and honor the culture surrounding American BBQ.” Murals on each side of the space showcase figures like the Queen of Texas BBQ and pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz, alongside southern musicians like Koko Taylor and Buddy Guy.
Tying in Kalman’s love for music, the restaurant has a 16-by-8 foot stage, which will soon become home to live musicians.
A few special accent features include Soulbelly BBQ’s mascot, an antique metal pig now named “Lambchop,” and the vintage beverage cooler parked near the front of the restaurant.
