LEFTY-J’S ISLAND FAVORITES Restaurant #2

Inside LEFTY-J’S ISLAND FAVORITES Restaurant #2

LEFTY-J’S ISLAND FAVORITES Restaurant #2 offers a casual, no-frills dining experience centered on Filipino and Hawaiian comfort foods, sitting just off Maryland Parkway near UNLV. The atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming, with a friendly staff that makes a point to engage with diners — a detail that resonates with both locals and students looking for familiar island flavors away from home.

This spot is best for anyone craving hearty, home-style plates that blend Hawaiian classics like garlic fried chicken, kalbi short ribs, and Spam musubi with Filipino staples such as chicken adobo, pancit, and menudo. Portion sizes here tend to be generous, making it a good choice for those who want to share or have leftovers for later.

The meal service runs with a steady, made-to-order rhythm, so it’s wise to expect a short wait during busier lunch and dinner hours—especially since the kitchen focuses on quality over speed. Having a selection of hot sauces on the table allows diners to customize the flavor kick, particularly enhancing dishes like the signature garlic chicken, noted for its crispiness and balanced garlic sweetness.

LEFTY-J’S is practical for a casual lunch or dinner, especially if you’re in the area for a university visit or staying nearby. Its beaten-path location gives it a neighborhood feel without the hustle of the Strip. The combination of Filipino and Hawaiian dishes also makes it a convenient spot for sharing meals among groups who want variety without hopping between places.

For those missing island flavors or simply exploring the local scene, it’s the kind of place that serves as a steady go-to for filling, comforting plates without pretension. Expect straightforward, familiar dishes made from scratch, attentive service, and an easygoing environment where island food traditions are front and center.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Popular for

Popular for lunch

Popular for dinner

Good for solo dining

What they serve

Serves comfort food

Quick bite

Serves small plates

Best for

Serves lunch

Serves dinner

Has catering

Has counter service

Has seating

Accessibility

Has wheelchair accessible entrance

Has wheelchair accessible parking lot

Has wheelchair accessible restroom

Has wheelchair accessible seating

Does not have assistive hearing loop

Parking

Free parking lot

Free street parking

Usually plenty of parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

What Locals & Travelers Say

771 Reviews

Bryan N

07 Jan 2026

Got the loco moco with eggs over easy, it was very good. The burger patty was home made. The garlic fried chicken is really good too! The kalbi was sorta chewy. Would definitely come back

Ivan Alpha

12 Dec 2025

Heard about this place for a while and been meaning to stop by. Came specifically for the “Robust garlic chicken”. It’s garlicky, crispy, sweet, and flakey fried chicken. Solid dish and they have a good collection of hot sauces at the table. Friendly staff, I can see that this place is super popular near UNLV campus.

Tiffany Cheng

11 Nov 2025

Must try i’m telling you, you won’t be disappointed at all. They serve some of the most amazing authentic hawaiian and filipino food here and portion sizes are GENEROUS :) Left over was good for another 1-2 meals. Very worth it and the owners are friendly and amazing to talk to

Patrick Sarandi

07 Nov 2025

Came here on a whim as we couldn't decide where to eat and it was the closest to our hotel. We were greeted by a friendly man who was very patient with us. We got the garlic chicken, beef short ribs, and kalua pork. Food is made to order so you can expect a reasonable wait - the food is very good. We would come back here again. Famous people have entered these door and said the same thing. You'll see their pictures on the table near the register giving the thumbs up. The establishment is roomy, clean, and the Aircon on blast. Enjoy!

Mama Mia

20 Oct 2025

Great island food, great variety! Hawaiian and filipino comfort foods for the soul. Highly recommend!! Missing island comfort foods, come check out this place.

Andrew Meador

14 Oct 2025

From the moment we came in, we were welcomed warmly and they explained the menus to us. I went with the robust garlic chicken, and that's some of the best fried chicken I've ever had. The boneless thighs just give it that extra edge. The Mac salad was also simply fantastic, and I got to try a Hawaiian Sun for the first time. I've had other Hawaiian restaurants in Vegas and this is far above the rest. It's also better than any food I've ever had on the strip. A true locals' joint just east of the UNLV campus.

mark cagdan

10 Oct 2025

Friendly atmosphere, Local Hawaii vibes. Everything on the menu is good. Love their fried chicken and garlic chicken. Kalbi was nice and tender. Variety of hawaiian sun drinks available also.

Billie Moore

30 Sep 2025

Delicious and fresh !! The best Mac salad! I got the Big body Cisco and could NOT eat it all. Very generous with portions!