4770 S. Maryland Parkway (and 4145 S. Grand Canyon Parkway); 242-8227

A barbecue margarita -- yes, it does taste like a margarita that's been barbecued -- is just the beginning of the fun at this offbeat 'cue joint across from the university. We also liked the appetizer Sampler Platter with its fried pickles, chicken wings, barbecued shrimp and onion rings, and the pulled-pork sandwich, baby-back ribs and a side order of sweet-potato fries. (9/26/08)

Overall: A- $$

BLT BURGER

The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South; 792-7888

A inhospitable hostess notwithstanding, BLT Burger was a lot of fun and a lot of good food. The fried dill pickles were flavor-packed and so light as to be almost pickles tempura, and we also found the macaroni and cheese bites, regulation burger (with blue cheese added), a lamb tandoori burger and toffee milk shake all worthy of a fine American tradition and the reputation of the French chef -- Laurent Tourondel -- who's given his name to the place. (12/19/08)

Overall: A- $$

BOULDER DAM BREWING CO.

453 Nevada Way, Boulder City; 243-2739

The beer's the thing here -- and so is the only real beer garden in Southern Nevada -- but Boulder Dam Brewing Co. offers some pretty solid bar food as well. The bar-staple spinach-and-artichoke dip, for example, was much better than most, and the Brewer's Bratwurst was plump and flavorful. And if the Ploughman's suffered a bit from too-timid cheese and the Bavarian Beer Pretzel was a little too charred, you can't miss with the beer. (10/26/07)

Overall: B $

PULLMAN GRILLE

Main Street Station, 200 N. Main St.; 387-1896

Like a favorite relative, the Pullman Grille has its faults but we love it nonetheless. In a serene interior richly furnished with antiques (and a Pullman train car), we enjoyed the seafood medley, crab cake, New York steak au poivre, lamb chops and Key lime pie. (11/22/08)

Overall: B+ $$$