Nevada might be all sand and neon, but the islands have quietly moved in. Across Las Vegas, Reno, and a few spots in between, kitchens are stacking plate lunches with rice, mac salad, and that famous loco moco topped with gravy and a fried egg.
Whether you grew up on this food or you’re just curious what all the aloha fuss is about, these places bring real island flavor to the desert. Here are seven Nevada spots worth knowing about when a plate lunch craving hits.
1. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Las Vegas, NV
Few names carry more weight in island food than L&L, and Las Vegas has several locations to prove it. The chain started in Hawaii and built its reputation on the plate lunch formula: a hot protein, two scoops of white rice, and macaroni salad.
The loco moco here follows the traditional build with a hamburger patty, rice, brown gravy, and eggs on top. Other favorites include the chicken katsu, kalua pork, and the BBQ mix that lets you sample several proteins on one plate…