Suppose you've wanted to get up close and personal with a bit of Jonas Brothers family history (and maybe steal a few bites along the way). In that case, Nellie’s Southern Kitchen at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas delivers a mix of Southern hospitality, comfort food, and Vegas-worthy ambiance that’ll leave you “Burnin’ Up” for more. With so many choices in Las Vegas for food, it can be hard to find something delicious, affordable, and genuine.

A Slice of Jonas Family Tradition

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen opened its doors in Belmont, North Carolina, and was inspired by Nellie Jonas, the grandmother of the Jonas Brothers. The Vegas location is just as family-driven, mixing Southern charm with that undeniable star power. You can feel the love of family traditions woven into every dish, with recipes passed down and perfected over generations.

Walking into Nellie’s feels like you’ve stumbled into a warm, rustic-chic Southern home—with a touch of Vegas glamour. The decor boasts barnwood walls, cozy booths, and framed family photos, setting a just as warm and inviting vibe as it is polished. The space makes you feel like a VIP and a long-lost family member. The mix of live music and an eclectic crowd means the atmosphere is lively yet comfortable—a perfect backdrop for digging into some serious Southern eats.

The Food: Southern Comfort with a Rock Star Twist

Now, let’s dive into the show's real star—the food. Nellie takes Southern comfort food seriously, from famous fried chicken to desserts, and you say, “Oh, Jonas, that’s good!”

• Cocktails: Start your night off with one of their signature cocktails. If you’re bold, try a Southern-inspired bourbon cocktail or a refreshing, gin-based drink to pair with the hearty menu. We had the SOS Margarita and the Cup of Joe Martini. Both cocktails were well-balanced and had great flavor. The Cup of Joe martini is made with Teppozan Anejo tequila and is almost a dessert drink but very tasty. The SOS Margherita is made with Dos Hombres Tequilla, from Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, and the Mezcal is not as smokey as some of the Mezcal’s we’ve had in the past. It is well-balanced and has a hint of smoke without being too overpowering.

• Biscuits and Southern Rolls: These little beauties come out warm, flaky, and packed with buttery goodness. The biscuits are soft and pillowy, while the Southern rolls are the kind you’ll dream about long after the meal. The biscuits are well seasoned, and you can taste onion and garlic. Sometimes, biscuits can be too dense, but Nellie knows how to pack in the butter and flavor. The Southern Rolls are deep-fried mac and cheese with chicken and collards in one dish, and we are here for it.

• Fried Chicken: Nellie’s fried chicken is part of Jonas’ family legend. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, it’s like a Southern lullaby for your tastebuds. Served with all the classic fixings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s hard to beat. If you are an extra crispy fan, this fried chicken may not be for you, but if you love southern or original style, Nellie’s will not disappoint. The fry is perfect and well-seasoned. Nothing bland here. Also, fun note! You can get seconds for FREE on the fried chicken. No one goes hungry at Nellie’s Southern Kitchen.

• Braised Beef Short Rib: This one is for die-hard meat lovers. The short rib is fall-off-the-bone tender and coated in a savory glaze that balances richness and sweetness. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and just a bit indulgent. For those meat and potatoes people, this is both comforting and savory.

• Trio Dessert Sampler: This selection of mini desserts is perfect if you want a bite of everything sweet. With choices like classic peach cobbler, a gooey cast iron cookie, and a chocolate surprise or two, you’ll be saying, “What a Man Gotta Do” to get seconds! We debated our favorite flavors, but there is something here for everyone. If you are picky eaters and just want to try a little of everything, we highly recommend the Trio Dessert Sampler. In the video, Abed says the Banana Pudding is better than Magnolia Bakery. He may get flamed in the comments for that, but check out the video to see for yourself. (link above)

• Peach Cobbler: Nothing says Southern hospitality quite like Peach Cobbler. Nellie’s version is served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, melting slowly into that golden crumble—an “S.O.S” for anyone with a sweet tooth. Now, this was not our favorite dessert at Nellie’s. The peaches and sauce are perfect, as is the ice cream. The issue we had was with the crumble topping. Peach cobbler is among our top 5 desserts, so we have high expectations. The crumble doesn’t satisfy as much as a buttery crust would. It's still good but not our fave.

• Cast Iron Cookie: The cast iron cookie is a must-try if you’re a fan of gooey, chocolatey desserts. Baked in its skillet, this cookie arrives warm and gooey, with just the right amount of crunch along the edges. Essentially a pizzokie, this skillet cookie was the hit of the dessert round—Chocolaty, buttery, fudgey, and so good with that ice cream.

Verdict

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen is more than just a meal—it’s an experience where comfort food, music, and a touch of Jonas’ magic come together. Whether you’re a Southern food fanatic or simply looking for a cozy place to dine in Vegas, this spot will hit all the right notes. So next time you’re in town, skip the Strip hustle for a few hours and head over to Nellie’s. You won’t be saying “Sorry” about it!

Vegas has become a very expensive travel destination, from lodging to entertainment to dining. Nellie’s is in the mid-range regarding affordability, but that is in the context of the surrounding restaurants at MGM Grand and in Las Vegas. Morimoto, Emeril, Craft Steak, and others all line The District at MGM Grand and are more expensive. You can certainly find more inexpensive food at the food court, like Johnny Rockets or Nathan’s Hot Dogs, but why settle, spend a little more, and get some amazing Southern comfort food classics served to you in a fun and inviting environment? The staff, food, and vibes will have us coming back. Nellie’s is a Random Recess Reccommend for its food, service, and repeatability.