Urban Grill updates old favorites

You're sure to recognize several classics -- chili dogs and nachos, for instance -- on the menu of Urban Grill. What will surprise you is how Urban Grill gives such time-honored favorites such a tasty twist.

Slathering that dog with Kobe beef chili, cheddar cheese and fried shallots, for example. Or crafting those nachos out of Italian sausage, brie, olives and crispy won tons.

Urban Grill, which opened about eight weeks ago at 9510 S. Eastern Ave. in Henderson, describes itself as a contemporary American restaurant with Asian influences. For partner Michael Yi, it's all about the flavors.

"I know everybody says that," Yi says. "But take our chicken wings, for example. Everybody has chicken wings, but ours is in a spicy Mandarin chili glaze."

Yi also is concerned with price point and remaining competitive, with entrees ranging from $14 to $25.

A graduate of Bishop Gorman High School, Yi worked for Wolfgang Puck for almost nine years. He characterizes Urban Grill as "casual dining," but with food and wine a cut above what that phrase usually implies.

"Urban Grill is a place where you could come on a date with your significant other, or you could come in with the guys and hang out at the bar at happy hour and watch sports events," he says. "And ladies could come in and just get a nice comfortable booth with a glass of wine and some snacks."

The dining room seats about 180, and a private dining room and a patio are available. Urban Grill is open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are accepted but not required.

Starters: Mini street tacos (beef or fish, with pepper aioli and avocado cilantro creme), $9; crispy asparagus rolls (with pork, cream cheese and kaffir-lime sambal), $9; Twisted Nachos, $9

Salads: Urban Salad (with tri-colored beets, grilled chicken, strawberries and red wine vinaigrette), $10; panzanella (with tomatoes, red onions, sherry vinaigrette, olives and Parmesan), $10

Entrees: Works Burger (bacon, cheddar, mushrooms, onions and truffle aioli), $12; lobster hoagie, $15; Kalbi ribs, $17; boneless buttermilk chicken, $18; Pacific halibut, $25

Extras: Mini hot dogs with Kobe chili or Sticky Chicken Wings with a spicy chili-Mandarin glaze, $5 each during happy hour.

Desserts: Bread & butter pudding with brandy creme Anglaise, $7; Twinkie tiramisu with white chocolate raspberry mint sauce, $7

Information: 432-3200