Las Vegas off-strip dining has caught fire over the last five years, giving rise to chefs fanning passion for their craft while creating gratification among guests miles away from the neon lights. The embers have fallen in Southern Highlands with a newer culinary hotspot, Mama Bird. The kitchen's grills and smokers are heating things with authentic southern comfort food that brings back mouth-watering memories of anyone born in the south or beyond.
Walking into Mama Bird, diners feel as welcomed as a hungry chick waiting for Mama's goodness. There is a lot of testosterone here. When visiting, you never know how many Las Vegas Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, N.B.A. players (Former and Active), and media personalities will be found dining at the bar or a nearby table.
The space is complete with checkered tablecloths, quaint country memorabilia, and enticing aromas that urge one to pull up a chair, look over the menu, relax, and prepare for a down-home meal event.
Speaking about the bar-Mama Bird has an exceptional bourbon program. If you want to experience a variety of bourbons, try one of their five flights. The Preachers Stock Taste, Run for the Roses, For "F"un Sake Taste Flight, Bluegrass Trifecta Taste Flight, and the Buffalo Trace Taste Flight are outstanding. Take your seat at the bar and order the "Dana White" Old Fashioned. This version, named after the man himself, is a thoughtful creation with Howler Head Banana Bourbon with crème De Banane, cinnamon bitters, pecan bitters, bourbon-soaked Pecan, and fresh Pecan embellished with the warm, spicy sweetness of fresh-baked banana bread. Another favorite for fans of smoke is the Smoked Bacon Old Fashioned, complete with bacon-infused BSB 103 Brown Sugar Bourbon, angostura bitters, orange peel bacon, and a luxardo cherry. "The bourbon is fat washed in bacon rendering for 30 days which picks up the bacon flavor," said General Manager Liam Frederick. "We then smoke it tableside with the oaks chips from the bourbon aged barrels."
A refreshing drink to prime the palate is Liam's Ginger Beer which is house-made, handcrafted, and non-alcoholic. It's made fresh from just four natural ingredients: purified water, fresh ginger, hand-squeezed lime juice, and raw sugar. With no preservatives or artificial flavors, this Ginger Beer is crisp and refreshing, providing the perfect thirst quencher to whatever menu item you may choose. You can even order up a "Pack of Untamed Mules," all with an added kick of Gin, Bourbon, Vodka, and even Mezcal!
A plethora of choices await those who love a good hearty breakfast with the bonus of being able to order these items until 3:00 p.m. No matter how you enjoy your eggs, whether scrambled, sunny side up, over easy, and soft whites, raw yoke, or firm yoke, poached or basted, Mama Bird delivers with "eggs-pert" preparation. Other breakfast items will have you crowing with delight. Dig into the Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Fried Chicken and Waffle, and even Chicken Fried Steak and the Here Piggy, Piggy Omelet- a savory bacon sausage omelet featuring Mama's seasoned potatoes and the "everything" biscuit with a shoulder of bacon and American cheese. The Pitmaster Scramble is ideal for the famished hungry man's appetites. A layer of Mama's seasoned potatoes and succotash, chopped brisket-in-pork belly scramble with cheese sauce, and cowboy candy jalapenos will satisfy even the most extensive cravings.
Begin with their Wicked Deviled Eggs-candied jalapeno and, of course, bacon. Fried Chicken sandwiches are all the rage right now, and Mama's Fried Chicken Sandwich on a fresh potato roll, pickle, tomato, and their own "comeback sauce" holds its own with the best. Pro-tip for spice lovers-order it "M.M.A.D H.O.T.." The Brisket Burger griddled "til done" smoked brisket patty, American cheese, butter onion, and pickled jalapenos is a pleasure pleasing man-which for every meat-lover.
Get your appetite ready and dive into a Fried Chicken Plate with your pick of tenders, boneless thigh, or boneless breast. After all, Mama's is known for their Barbecue Plates, so there is no excuse not to indulge. First up, the Salt & Pepper Smoked Brisket is intensely prepared, redolent, and tender, a must in curing a carnivore's craving, or indulge in the succulent Pecan smoked Baby Back ribs that will keep you coming back for just one more bone to pick. Why choose between them? Get them both by the half slab or half-pound for the authentic Mama Bird experience. Mama Bird's delightful focus on hospitality and elevated comfort food is a big hit. At Mama Bird, set a spell and savor the flavors — we did, and we hope y'all do the same!