Road Kill Grill: Las Vegas’ Best Kept BBQ Secret

Hidden deep in North Las Vegas, John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill has been serving top-quality BBQ and fresh meats for over 60 years.

What started as a butcher shop has evolved into one of the city’s best-kept secrets, known for slow-cooked brisket, burnt ends, and a welcoming backyard atmosphere.

We took a ride out to this legendary spot and found more than just great food—we found history, tradition, and a love for the craft that’s kept this place thriving.

History from Beyond the Grill

John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill isn’t just another BBQ joint—it’s a Las Vegas institution with deep roots dating back to the 1950s.

The story begins with John Mull, a Dutch-Amish transplant from Pennsylvania who moved west with dreams of working on the Hoover Dam.

Instead, he found himself drawn into the world of meat processing.

In 1954, Mull opened his first shop, a full-scale butcher and slaughterhouse where locals could get fresh cuts of beef, pork, and more.

He brought in cattle from his Utah ranch, sometimes herding them straight to the shop’s front door.

For years, this was the go-to place for top-quality meats, scrapple, blood sausage, and other old-school butcher products that reminded customers of home.

Over the decades, ownership passed through generations, with Mull’s grandson, Chuck Frommer, taking the reins in 1981.

Under his leadership, the business expanded its offerings, introduced new meats like elk and wild game. In time, Frommer eventually made a move that would cement its place in Vegas BBQ history.

From Butcher Shop to BBQ Icon

The transition from butcher shop to BBQ restaurant came naturally.

Frommer had spent years supplying meat to caterers before realizing that he could serve up his own expertly smoked meats.

The Road Kill Grill was born, and the backyard-style BBQ stand quickly became a cult favorite. Despite its rise in popularity, the business never lost its old-school charm.

The Ranch, still painted its signature yellow with brown lettering, remains much as it was decades ago.

Inside, friendly staff members—some who’ve worked there for years—serve up heaping plates of BBQ, smoked low and slow for up to 16 hours.

The name “Road Kill Grill” is a nod to the shop’s butcher roots and rugged, no-nonsense approach to BBQ.

Here, the focus is on quality, technique, and keeping the tradition alive.

I first discovered Road Kill Grill 12 years ago, and it’s been my go-to BBQ spot ever since.

However, many locals I talk to have heard of it but never actually visited.

That needed to change. So, after a morning ride through Red Rock Canyon with my riding buddies, I steered the group straight to Road Kill Grill for a well-earned feast.

To our surprise, the Nevada BBQ Association was hosting a BBQ Cookoff that day, complete with a live rock band. Smokers were running full speed, and the air was thick with the intoxicating scent of slow-cooked meat and smoldering wood. We had walked into BBQ heaven.

Serving Up Smoky Flavors & Tender Meats

We went all in with our order, making sure to sample a little bit of everything:

Burnt Ends

These were the star of the show—tender and packed with smoky, beefy goodness. The crispy bark and juicy flavors of the caramelized beef made each bite perfect.

Hot Links

Spicy, smoky, and with just the right snap, these sausages delivered the perfect heat kick without overpowering the rest of the meal.

Brisket

A true test of any BBQ joint, and Road Kill Grill nailed it. The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a perfect smoke ring and deep, rich flavor.

BBQ Chili

A thick, meaty chili packed with bold BBQ flavors, chunks of smoked meat, and a satisfying spice level that kept us coming back for more.

Baby Back Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone tender, coated in a rich, smoky sauce that perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavors.

Mac & Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy layer of goodness, this classic side beautifully complemented the smoky meats.

Bean Soup

A hearty and comforting bowl filled with slow-cooked beans, packed with smoky flavors that paired perfectly with the BBQ feast.

The outdoor seating and picnic tables provided the perfect setting to dig in.

With live music playing, meat smokers puffing in the background, and the BBQ Cookoff adding to the energy, we couldn’t have asked for a better dining experience.

A Conversation with the Pitmaster

After finishing our meal, I had the chance to chat with Frommer himself. Despite his success, he remains humble and passionate about what he does.

His philosophy? Stay positive, learn from feedback, and most importantly, love what you do.

Despite the hype surrounding Road Kill Grill, Frommer keeps things grounded.

He acknowledges that customers will always have opinions—some good, some critical—but he takes every comment as an opportunity to improve.

What keeps him going? Seeing new faces walk through the doors, meeting longtime customers who keep coming back, and knowing that he’s carrying on a tradition that his grandfather started nearly 70 years ago.

Rising from a Fiery Disaster

On November 22nd, 2024, disaster struck when one of the restaurant’s smokers exploded, causing a devastating fire that severely damaged the kitchen.

While no one was hurt, the financial loss was immense. The heart of the operation—the very place where their legendary meats are slow-cooked to perfection—was left in ruins.

But true to its resilient spirit, Road Kill Grill fought its way back, refusing to let the setback keep them down.

As a local business owner in Vegas, I believe supporting homegrown businesses like this is essential.

They embody the passion, hard work, and dedication that define our city.

When a place as special as Road Kill Grill faces hardships, it’s up to the community to rally behind them.

So if you haven’t been here yet, or if it’s been a while since your last visit, now is the time to show your support and indulge in some of the best BBQ in town.

Get a Taste of Vegas BBQ Done Right

John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill is more than just a place to grab a meal—it’s a living piece of Las Vegas history.

While the city continues to grow and change, this family-run business remains a steadfast tribute to the old-school ways of butchering, smoking, and serving up damn good food.

For those who haven’t yet made the trek to this hidden gem, consider this your invitation.

And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a BBQ cookoff, a live band, or even a story or two from the man behind the grill.