No, this isn’t a restaurant from the south. It’s actually from New York, owned by the same company that created Carmine’s. The interior is what you’d expect from a BBQ joint — a rustic/country appeal with lots of wood and weathered signs.
I was with a group of Instagrammers, invited by the restaurant, to sample their food back in January when they opened at the Linq. Appetizers proved to be the stars of this restaurant, particularly the nachos loaded with several proteins topping house made chips. The hush puppies and popcorn shrimp were great too with their crispy exteriors. The jalapeño cornbread had balanced flavors and textures — moist and somewhat light. Chicken wings were blackened with a thick glaze that provided a slight kick.
The BBQ, on the other hand, I wasn’t crazy about. The pork ribs were dry and the pulled pork was covered in too much of their sweet and tangy sauce, drowning out any of its natural flavors. The best of their BBQ was the spare ribs appetizer with its fall-off-the-bone meat.
Desserts were another highlight, with the banana pudding, pecan pie, and key lime pie solid variants of classics. A rich and creamy cheesecake was tops for the night, while the peanut butter pie the least successful — it was like eating peanut butter straight out of the jar.
One of the better places to eat at the Linq, but Virgil’s lacks the care and passion behind its barbecue that would lift it above the level of your typical chain BBQ spot. Your best bets here are the appetizers and desserts.
3 Stars
The LINQ Promenade
3545 Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 389-7400
