There was a lot of excitement when it was announced that The Jonas Brothers family would be opening up a new restaurant at MGM Grand. Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, named after the brothers’ great grandmother, would feature not only family recipes but live music as well. A big surprise is that there is absolutely no mention of the Jonas Brothers at all inside the expansive space.
The location is part of a collection of eating establishments that is very close to the entrance to the MGM Grand Arena. The décor surprised me a bit because I was expecting a rustic Southern look but instead there are shades of white covering just about everything including the light fixtures. There is also a large bar area where revelers can enjoy live country music.
The restaurant is huge and you really can’t appreciate the size until you walk around every foot of it. We were seated in the back area that was a little quieter than the bar space but there was also another dining nook to the right of where we were.
When you are contemplating an appetizer don’t miss the Basket of Biscuits. They come to a table piping hot with cinnamon honey butter and jam. Bet you can’t eat just one!
Other starters include Fried Okra with house made dressing and Fried Green Tomatoes made with a pecan crust enhanced with red pepper sauce, pickled onions and Parmesan. Grandpa Paul’s Pintos feature beans with cornbread and coleslaw.
Entrees continue the southern theme well. I chose the Country Fried Steak that was a huge piece of meat engulfed in a crunchy crust and mashed potatoes that were as creamy as I have ever tasted.
Drunken collard greens also filled up the plate. My wife opted for the Fried Catfish that included coleslaw, French fries and tartar sauce.
Fried chicken is another pick along with a dish I want to try next time, chicken and dumplings that are sitting in a rich broth. You don’t see this entree on too many menus so it is good to see it featured here. You will also find their take on Chicken and Waffles that are garnished with strawberries.
There are some lighter choices including a Cajun Chicken Bowl with roasted potatoes and trinity corn or Molasses Glazed Salmon with South Carolina glaze, spuds and green beans.
A salad might fulfill your quest for veggies with a Chopped edition consisting of romaine, diced tomatoes, onions, shredded cheese and diced bacon.
There was only one dessert offered on the night we visited but we were too full to indulge. Maybe next time.
Wine prices are at the moderate end with Cypress Cabernet priced at $7.00 a glass. Le Grand Pinot Noir from France is $9.00 and an Italian Rose is served for $11.00.
Sangria is available at $8.00 and a Main Street Mule with Tito’s, ginger beer, plus sweet and sour will set you back 11 bucks.
I would have liked to find out a little more about the history of Nellie. The story is listed on their website but nowhere on the menus. The overall experience was a pleasurable one. Pass those biscuits please.
Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, MGM Grand, 3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. (702) 640-0156. www.nelliessouthernkitchen.com.
