When Guy Fieri rolled into town for Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, he wasn’t just looking for a meal — he was hunting for authenticity. And when he walked through the doors of John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill, he found exactly that.
From the moment the smoke hit the air, it was clear this wasn’t your average Las Vegas BBQ joint. What started as a small neighborhood butcher shop in 1954 has become a nationally recognized destination for slow-smoked BBQ, handcrafted sides, and true family tradition.
This is the story behind how a humble family business became a Food Network favorite — and why locals still call it the best BBQ in Las Vegas.
From Butcher Shop to BBQ Legend
Long before TV cameras and national fame, John Mull’s Meats was known as a local staple. Founded by John Mull in the mid-1950s, the shop specialized in high-quality meats, fair prices, and genuine customer service.
Over time, as families began to gather around backyard grills and community cookouts, the Mull family saw an opportunity to share something special — authentic BBQ made the old-fashioned way: slow-smoked, seasoned to perfection, and served with pride.
That passion for smoked meats grew into the Road Kill Grill, a no-frills, all-flavor BBQ experience right behind the butcher shop.
What episode of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives featured John Mull’s?
John Mull’s Road Kill Grill was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives for its authentic BBQ, hand-cut meats, and legendary smoked brisket.
The Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Moment
When Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives came to film in Las Vegas, host Guy Fieri was on a mission to uncover the city’s most authentic food experiences — and he found exactly that at John Mull’s Road Kill Grill.
In the episode, Fieri sampled everything from smoked brisket and ribs to pulled pork, mac & cheese, and baked beans — and he couldn’t stop raving about the flavor, technique, and heart behind every dish.
Guy called it “a barbecue paradise right in the heart of Las Vegas”, and since then, fans from across the country have made their way to 3730 Thom Blvd to experience it for themselves.
The Secret Behind the Smoke
So, what makes John Mull’s BBQ stand out? It’s all about the process — and patience.
Every brisket, rib, and sausage starts at the butcher counter next door, where skilled hands prepare each cut to perfection. Then, it’s all about the smoke:
- Low and Slow: Meats are cooked for hours to achieve deep, smoky flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
- House Rubs: Custom seasoning blends add a signature touch that’s been refined for decades.
- Wood-Smoked Goodness: Using select hardwoods, the smoke creates the unmistakable taste that defines true BBQ.
It’s the kind of attention to detail that’s earned John Mull’s Road Kill Grill not only a Food Network spotlight but also generations of loyal customers who call it “the best BBQ in Nevada.”
Crowd Favorites from the Road Kill Grill
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you — it’s impossible to pick just one favorite.
Fan Favorites Include:
- Smoked Brisket: Tender, juicy, and perfectly barked.
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Packed with flavor and topped with signature BBQ sauce.
- Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone good — a true Vegas favorite.
- Hot Links & Sausages: Spicy, smoky, and addictive.
- Mac & Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and baked golden brown.
- Baked Beans: Sweet, smoky, and made fresh daily.
Every plate reflects the same quality that’s been served since 1954 — hearty, honest food that keeps people coming back for more.
Recognition Beyond the TV Screen
Since its Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives debut, John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill has received countless awards and national mentions, including:
- Best BBQ in Las Vegas – Local media and food reviewers alike
- Top 10 Must-Try BBQ Spots in America – Food Network fans poll
- Featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” multiple times
- Voted #1 Local Butcher Shop in America
Each recognition is a testament to the dedication of the Mull family and their staff — but the real reward, they say, is seeing satisfied customers walk out with a full plate and a smile.
A Family Business Rooted in Community
What truly sets John Mull’s Meats apart isn’t just the flavor — it’s the family behind it.
Now led by Chuck Frommer, John Mull’s grandson, the business continues to thrive thanks to its focus on people, not just profit. Generations of Las Vegans have grown up with the Road Kill Grill as part of their family traditions — from Sunday BBQs to holiday feasts.
That sense of community, along with the same recipes and techniques perfected over decades, keeps customers coming back year after year.
Visit John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill
Whether you’re a local or a visitor exploring the Las Vegas food scene, no trip is complete without a stop at John Mull’s Road Kill Grill — the BBQ joint that turned local flavor into national fame.
Location & Hours:
Address: 3730 Thom Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89130
Hours: Monday – Saturday | 9 AM – 6 PM | Closed Sunday
Phone: (702) 645-1200
Website: www.johnmullsmeatcompany.com
A Bite of Las Vegas History
More than just a TV feature, John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill represents the best of Las Vegas — hard work, family values, and flavor that speaks for itself.
From their award-winning butcher counter to their smoky, slow-cooked BBQ, every meal is a celebration of tradition and craftsmanship.
When Guy Fieri called it “real deal Vegas BBQ”, he wasn’t exaggerating — and decades later, locals still agree.
So, next time you’re craving BBQ that’s been featured on national TV and perfected over generations, follow the locals to the place that’s earned its reputation the old-fashioned way — one perfectly smoked bite at a time.