Casino Player’s Best of Dining & Nightlife Awards 2023 – Best Overall Dining
Best Overall Dining
Casinos are now home to some of the absolute best dining experiences around the country. From gourmet dishes and fun fusion to elegant steakhouses to the perfect plate of sushi, there is literally something for every taste. Properties continue going above and beyond in this highly competitive space and guests certainly benefit. That also goes well beyond what’s simply on the menu.
The top casino-resorts have perfected the guest experience by providing the best food, quality service, ample selection and wonderful wine lists and drink options. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, exotic international fare or a casual meal with friends, casinos from coast to coast have risen to the challenge to ensure their guests have it all.
These casinos work hard to give you the ultimate culinary experience. We salute these winners for providing the Best Overall Dining in 2023.
Atlantic City: Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Colorado: Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: Caesars Windsor
Florida: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Iowa: Rhythm City Casino Resort
Lake Tahoe: Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: South Point Hotel Casino and Spa
Las Vegas Strip: The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
Laughlin: Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
Louisiana: Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Maryland: Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Missouri: River City Casino & Hotel
Native Midwest: FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Native Northwest: ilani
Native South: Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel Casino
New England: Foxwoods Resort Casino
New York: Turning Stone Resort Casino
Ohio: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Oklahoma: Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant
Pennsylvania: Live! Hotel & Casino Philadelphia
Racino: Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Reno: Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: Bally’s Evansville Casino Hotel
Tunica: Gold Strike Casino Resort
Best New Restaurant
There always seems to be a new eatery to check out at a great casino, whether in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, the Gulf Coast or another casino hotspot. These new restaurants are going out of their way to provide something fresh and new with great service and delectable dishes. These establishments are real success stories and worth grabbing a seat and checking out the menu.
Atlantic City: Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Caesars Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Mian, Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Detroit: Assembly Line Buffet, MotorCity Casino Hotel
Gulf Coast: Salt & Ivy, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Iowa: 22 & Vine, Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
Lake Tahoe: Sapori Italian Kitchen, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas Downtown: Project BBQ LV, Circa Casino Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: Naxos Taverna, Red Rock Resort & Casino
Las Vegas Strip: The Bedford by Martha Stewart, Paris Las Vegas
Laughlin: Stockman’s Steakhouse, Edgewater Casino Resort
Louisiana: Nina’s Creole Cottage, Harrah’s New Orleans
Maryland: Lakeside Grill, Rocky Gap Casino Resort Golf
Missouri: Bridgeway, DraftKings at Casino Queen
Native Northwest: East Pan Asian Cuisine, Northern Quest Resort & Casino
Native Southwest: Pink Buddha, Sycuan Casino Resort
Oklahoma: The Food Hall, Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs
Pennsylvania: Copper Whisk, Valley Forge Casino Resort
Racino: Royal Prime Steakhouse, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Reno: Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar, Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: Gordon Ramsay Steak, Caesars Southern Indiana
Best Overall Service
Service with a smile is a plus for any eatery and these restaurants deliver in that respect. You’ll find a great experience from hosts to waitstaff to bartenders to kitchen personnel. Relax and enjoy not just a great meal but service with a truly personal touch. The food at these great spots will make you want to come back, but so will the treatment you receive from the time you open the door to the time you pay the bill.
Atlantic City: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
Colorado: Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: MotorCity Casino Hotel
Florida: Seminole Hard Rock Tampa
Gulf Coast: Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
Iowa: Isle Casino Bettendorf
Lake Tahoe: Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort
Las Vegas Downtown: Circa Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: Palms Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip: Sahara Las Vegas
Laughlin: Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
Louisiana: Bally’s Shreveport Casino Hotel
Maryland: Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Missouri: Hollywood Casino St. Louis
Native Midwest: Soaring Eagle Casino Resort
Native Northwest: Seven Feathers Casino Resort
Native South: Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
New England: Encore Boston Harbor
New York: del Lago Resort & Casino
Ohio: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Oklahoma: River Spirit Casino Resort
Pennsylvania: Rivers Philadelphia
Racino: Miami Valley Gaming
Reno: Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: Bally’s Evansville Casino Hotel
Tunica: Gold Strike Casino Resort
Best Steakhouse
The elegant steakhouse is king in the casino industry. Restaurant trends come and go, but there’s one trusty standby that never seems to fade: the steakhouse. And high-profile casinos work to host some of the best steakhouses around.
Grilling up a great steak is always nice, but having a world-class chef work some real magic is a great dining option as well. The winners in this category are all about excellence. These memorable venues have captured the quality of the food and proven to be a real “cut” above—both literally and figuratively. Expect impeccable service, beef charred to perfection, and overall exceptional food that caters to the most discriminating steak lover.
In short, guests can look forward to a fantastic overall dining environment. This year’s winners offer a culinary experience in fine dining with mouth-watering steaks, seafood, pastas and award-winning wine lists and make each diner feel like a VIP at every visit. Dig in at these fine establishments!
Atlantic City: Old Homestead Steak House, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Chicagoland: Jack Binion’s Steak, Horseshoe Hammond
Colorado: Monarch Chophouse, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: Buckinghams Steakhouse and Bistro, Grand Victoria Elgin – moved to Chicagoland
Florida: Farraddays Steakhouse, Harrah’s Pompano Beach
Gulf Coast: Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood, Palace Casino Resort
Iowa: 360 Steakhouse, Harrah’s Council Bluffs
Lake Tahoe: Ciera Steak + Chophouse, Bally’s Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Oscar’s Steakhouse, Plaza Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas Locals: Scotch80 Prime, Palms Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip: Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, Sahara Las Vegas
Laughlin: The Range Steakhouse, Harrah’s Laughlin
Louisiana: Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Maryland: The Prime Rib, Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Missouri: Final Cut Steakhouse, Hollywood Casino St. Louis
Native Midwest: Nibi, FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Native Northwest: K-Bar Steak House, Seven Feathers Casino Resort
Native South: Phillip M’s, Pearl River Resort
Native Southwest: Prime, A Shula’s Steakhouse, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass
New England: Cedars Steakhouse & Oyster Bar, Foxwoods Resort Casino
New York: TS Steakhouse, Turning Stone Resort & Casino
Ohio: Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill, MGM Northfield Park
Oklahoma: 1832 Steakhouse, Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant
Pennsylvania: The Prime Rib, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Racino: Royal Prime Steakhouse, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Reno: Atlantis Steakhouse, Atlantis Casino Resort
Southern Indiana: Gordon Ramsay Steak, Caesars Southern Indiana
Tunica: Chicago Steakhouse, Gold Strike Casino Resort
Best Italian
Great Italian has become a staple at many casinos, but some stand out among the rest and this category recognizes some who bring some real amore to this cuisine. Italian restaurants outside of Italy serve as ambassadors for the country, its culture, cuisine and products. Those in this category certainly deliver on that notion. Whether craving some handmade pasta, a bottle of Barolo and some tiramisu for dessert, these restaurants make for the perfect night out. Always inviting, these eateries present a warm atmosphere perfect for a romantic candlelit dinner for two or a special night out in decadent splendor.
Italians know their food. The traditions of their grandparents embraced with flawless and exemplary quality products from Italian heritage are key to a successful trattoria.
Luckily, you don’t have to go all the way to Italy to sample some of this exquisite cuisine. The casino industry is home to some incredible Italian restaurants where all you need is one bite to transport you from America to Sicily. This year’s winners boast a wide selection of enchanting Italian delicacies with flavors and concepts that will certainly delight diners. Get ready to mangia!
Atlantic City: Capriccio, Resorts Casino Hotel
Chicagoland: Bugatti’s Steak & Pasta, Ameristar East Chicago
Detroit: Spago Trattoria, Caesars Windsor
Florida: Cipresso, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: Stalla, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi
Lake Tahoe: Sapori Italian Kitchen, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino
Las Vegas Downtown: Andiamo Steakhouse, The D Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: Osteria Fiorella, Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa
Las Vegas Strip: Balla Italian Soul, Sahara Las Vegas
Laughlin: River Rock Pizza & Pasta, Aquarius Casino Resort
Louisiana: Grotto Italian Ristorante, Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Maryland: Osteria Costa, MGM National Harbor
Missouri: Charlie Gitto’s, Hollywood Casino St. Louis
Native Northwest: Rose & Thorn, ilani
Native South: BRIO Tuscan Grille, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Native Southwest: Paisano’s Italian, Pechanga Resort
New England: Fratelli, Encore Boston Harbor
New York: La Cascata, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Oklahoma: Vino’s Italian Kitchen, WinStar World Casino & Resort
Pennsylvania: Bistecca by IL MULINO, Mount Airy Casino Resort
Racino: Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Reno: Romanza, Peppermill Reno
Best Seafood
Diners don’t just have to be located on the ocean anymore to find some of the greatest seafood. But being at a coastal casino can also complete the ambiance. Whether in Las Vegas, Atlantic City or right in the middle of the country, numerous casinos now offer a great seafood outing.
Only a few hundred years ago, seafood was a meal reserved for the lower classes. Lobster, for example, was a meal fit only for prisoners and servants—a cheap source of food that practically washed up on the shore and was considered unfit for proper folk. Oh, how times have changed! Fast-forward through the centuries and the once maligned crustacean is considered a sign of wealth, eaten by the well-to-do, or as a way for the rest of us to celebrate that special occasion.
Seafood has become one of the nation’s preferred dining options, with chain restaurants drawing in millions and specialty eateries boiling, broiling, frying and baking their flaky, salty or succulent fare for the masses. In casinos, the call for exceptional seafood has risen to a fevered pitch, with some of the best oceanic delights seasoned to perfection and served to voracious crowds. Whether you’re in the book for shellfish, lobster, crab legs, shrimp or even good ol’ fish and chips, these seafood shacks aim to please. Check out these award-winning venues when considering that next casino getaway.
Atlantic City: Chart House, Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Colorado: Monarch Chophouse, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: Prism, Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Florida: Council Oaks Steak & Seafood, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: Half Shell Oyster House, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
Iowa: Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, Rhythm City Casino Resort
Lake Tahoe: The Oyster Bar, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Chart House, Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: Oyster Bar, Palace Station
Las Vegas Strip: Lakeside, Wynn Las Vegas
Laughlin: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Golden Nugget Laughlin
Louisiana: Chart House, Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Maryland: Lakeside Grille, Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Missouri: Cinder House, Horseshoe St. Louis
Native Midwest: 5 Bridges Steak & Seafood House, Island Resort & Casino
Native Northwest: Vista Prime Steaks & Seafood, Snoqualmie Casino
Native South: Phillip M’s, Pearl River Resort
Native Southwest: Orange Sky, Talking Stick Resort
New England: Jasper White’s Summer Shack, Mohegan Sun
New York: Portico, del Lago Resort & Casino
Ohio: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Oklahoma: Ruth’s Chris Steak House, River Spirit Casino Resort
Pennsylvania: The Prime Rib, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Racino: Cin City Sea & Steak, Miami Valley Gaming
Reno: Oceano, Peppermill Reno
Southern Indiana: 19 Steak & Seafood, Belterra Casino Resort
Tunica: Fairbank’s Steakhouse, Hollywood Tunica
Best Asian
With everything from the casual and familiar Chinese fare to the delicate flavors of Japanese sashimi to the exotic tang of Thai, Asian cuisine now resonates with all types of diners. Asian dining has become a culinary mainstay at many casinos—quite a difference from steakhouses and other more traditional options.
These restaurants are beloved for providing some of the most delicious and inspired Far East delicacies, transforming a meal into a work of art. Each restaurant excels at providing guests with equally brilliant settings, exceptional service and top-notch quality. Book a reservation for an unmatched experience.
Atlantic City: Kuro, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Mian, Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Colorado: Twenty-Four 7, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Florida: Kuro, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Iowa: 2200 Market, Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Gulf Coast: Jia, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Lake Tahoe: Tahoe Asian Kitchen, Harrah’s Casino Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: 8 East, Circa Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: KJ Dim Sum & Seafood, Rio Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip: Wazuzu, Encore Las Vegas
Louisiana: Bamboo Asian Café, Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City
Maryland: Luk Fu, Live! Casino and Hotel Maryland
Missouri: Asia, Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles
Native Midwest: RuYi, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Native Northwest: 12 Moons, Snoqualmie Casino
Native South: Noodles, Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: Ling & Louie’s, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass
New England: Tao Asian Bistro, Mohegan Sun
New York: Koi, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Oklahoma: Bamboo Noodle Bar, Choctaw Casino Durant
Pennsylvania: Mian, Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Racino: Macau Kitchen Express, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Reno: Rim, Grand Sierra Resort
Tunica: Lucky 8 Asian Bistro, Horseshoe Tunica
Best Sushi
Sushi is one of the most loved and well-known Japanese foods. In Japan, sushi is taken very seriously and chefs may study decades to master what is considered an art form. But not all sushi is created equal and connoisseurs can taste the difference between good sushi and great sushi. Many casinos feature this dish, but only a few really stand out.
So, what makes “great sushi” so great? It’s all in the details, but one of the more obvious differences is the quality of the fish. The freshness is another major factor in superior taste, but many would be surprised to learn just how much rice can make a difference in sushi. The way that rice is molded and shaped is said to be of utmost importance. Critics look for the perfect consistency when biting into their sushi nigiri, and the rice is said to need to be firm but not dense.
Though it may seem that sushi is a relatively simple food, the quality and flavor of this Japanese dish is solely on the shoulders of one person: the sushi chef. A great sushi chef elevates the dining experience to a new level and the winners in this category take great pride in providing the best experience for diners.
Atlantic City: Mukashi Sushi Bar, Resorts Casino Hotel
Florida: Rock ’N Raw, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: Jia, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi
Las Vegas Downtown: Red Asian Cuisine, Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa
Las Vegas Strip: Catch, Aria
Louisiana: Asia, L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
Maryland: Luk Fu, Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Missouri: Asia, Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles
Native Northwest: Longhouse, ilani
Native Southwest: Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar, Pechanga Resort Casino
New England: Red Lantern, Foxwoods Resort Casino
New York: Sushi Sushi, Turning Stone Resort Casino
Pennsylvania: Luk Fu, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Racino: 9 Dragons, Hollywood Casino Charles Town
Reno: Sky Terrace Sushi Bar, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Best Mexican
From tacos to tamales, it’s hard not to love authentic Mexican cuisine. One of the main factors making Mexican food so irresistible is that it is a blend of different cultures. Its distinct combination of spices, seasonings and vibrant colors create a beautiful presentation. Many of the traditional Mexican dishes still represent their deep, pre-Hispanic origins, making them truly unique.
Mexico’s cuisine has been blessed with numerous influences, ranging from the early civilization of the Aztecs and Mayas to modern Spaniards. Mexico embarked on its food journey with simple native elements like peanuts, vanilla, beans, coconuts, corn, tomatoes and chili peppers. Don’t forget all the beautiful herbs and spices that dominate any Mexican dish. With time, Europeans added meats such as beef, pork, chicken and goat, as well as cheese to the basket.
Beyond traditional Mexican food, states and Hispanic cultures in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California have added their own take on this cuisine. Many casinos restaurants also reflect this with great Tex-Mex and beyond.
Feisty, vibrant and mysterious—these words perfectly describe these restaurants. Order up some enchiladas, a nice frozen margarita, and enjoy!
Atlantic City: Casa Taco & Tequila Bar, Tropicana Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Taco Suerte, Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Colorado: Bistro Mariposa, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: Detroit Taco Company, Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Florida: Texas de Brazil, Gulfstream Park Casino
Lake Tahoe: El Jefe’s Cantina Tahoe, Harvey’s Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Cadillac Mexican Kitchen, Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: Mi Casa Grill & Cantina, Silverton Casino
Las Vegas Strip: Border Grill, Mandalay Bay
Laughlin: Guy Fieri’s El Burro Borracho, Harrah’s Laughlin
Louisiana: Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar, Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Maryland: Diablo’s Cantina, MGM National Harbor
Missouri: Willy & Jose’s Cantina, Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City
Native Northwest: La Cascata, Spirit Mountain
Native Southwest: George Lopez’s Chingon Kitchen, Yaamavá Resort & Casino at San Manuel
New England: SolToro, Mohegan Sun
New York: Dos Gatos Cantina, Resorts World Catskills
Oklahoma: Taco Casa, WinStar World Casino & Resort
Pennsylvania: Guy Fieri’s Taco Joint, Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia
Reno: Uno Más Street Tacos + Spirits, Grand Sierra Resort
