Casino Player’s Best of Dining & Nightlife Awards 2023 – For A Special Evening
For A Special Evening
Whether grabbing those dancing shoes or planning for a special time with friends, there’s always reason to celebrate. And these properties make that celebration even better with amazing ambiance, delectable dishes, fantastic service, and plenty of extras on the menu. Whether you’re looking to pop the question to that special someone or celebrating a special birthday with friends, these are some perfect spots to raise a glass and toast some great times. Or maybe just celebrate some of the great people in your life at any time of year. Whatever the case, these establishments will meet—and surpass—your wildest expectations.
Best Place to Celebrate
Light up the birthday candles or toast that 25th wedding anniversary at one of these special eateries. Order that perfect bottle of wine along with an unmatched meal. A special night out means going above and beyond. These restaurants, and especially their staff, pull out all the stops to make that night out an even more joyous occasion. The food is top-notch, the service is superior, and the vibe is just right. Get your guest list together or maybe just make it a night for two—these venues are perfect for a momentous meet-up.
Atlantic City: Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse, Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House, Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Colorado: Roxy’s Restaurant & Bar, Horseshoe Black Hawk
Detroit: D.Prime Steakhouse, MGM Grand Detroit
Florida: Bae Korean Grill, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Gulf Coast: Scarlet’s Steaks & Seafood, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
Iowa: Jack Binion’s Steak House, Horseshoe Council Bluffs
Lake Tahoe: Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Harveys Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Barry’s Downtown Prime, Circa Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: Hawthorn Grill, Rampart Casino at JW Marriott
Las Vegas Strip: Momofuku, The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
Laughlin: Prime Rib Room on the River, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
Louisiana: Ember Grille and Wine Bar, L’auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
Maryland: Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, MGM National Harbor
Missouri: Final Cut Steakhouse, Hollywood Casino St. Louis
Native Midwest: Siniikaung Steak & Chop House, Soaring Eagle Casino Resort
Native Northwest: Line & Lure Seafood Kitchen and Tap, ilani
Native South: Big Sky Steakhouse, Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: Prime, A Shula’s Steakhouse, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass
New England: Red Lantern, Foxwoods Resort Casino
New York: The Western Door Steakhouse, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Ohio: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Oklahoma: 1832 Steakhouse, Choctaw Casino Resort Durant
Pennsylvania: Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Mohegan Pennsylvania
Racino: Cin City Sea & Steak, Miami Valley Gaming
Reno: Charlie Palmer Steak, Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: Gordon Ramsay Steak, Caesars Southern Indiana
Tunica: Twain’s Steakhouse, Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall
Best Romantic Restaurant
When the moon hits her eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore. Pizza may not necessarily be on the menu, but when love is in the air head to one of these award winners. The staff at these places really know how to ring in the romance—inviting environment, delectable dishes, plenty of intimacy, and so much more. No trip to Paris or Venice is needed, although some of these award winners may be the next best thing. Reserve a table and indulge. Order a perfect glass of wine or champagne, and toast to the perfect evening with the one you love. These restaurants go the extra mile when it comes to the language of love.
Atlantic City: Capriccio, Resorts Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Fairbanks Steakhouse, Hollywood Casino Aurora
Colorado: Monarch Chophouse, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: Neros Steakhouse, Caesars Windsor
Florida: Council Oaks Steak & Seafood, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: BR Prime, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Iowa: Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
Lake Tahoe: Sage Room, Harveys Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Hugo’s Cellar, Four Queens
Las Vegas Locals: Michael’s Gourmet Room, South Point Hotel Casino and Spa
Las Vegas Strip: Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Paris Las Vegas
Laughlin: The Gourmet Room, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Casino Hotel
Louisiana: The Vintage, Bally’s Shreveport Casino Hotel
Maryland: The Prime Rib, Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Missouri: 1904 Steak House, River City Casino Hotel
Native Midwest: Nibi, FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Native Northwest: Vista Prime Steaks and Seafood, Snoqualmie Casino
Native South: FIRE Steakhouse, Wind Creek Atmore
Native Southwest: The Pines Steakhouse, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
New England: Cedars Steaks & Oysters, Foxwoods Resort Casino
New York: TS Steakhouse, Turning Stone Resort Casino
Ohio: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Hard Rock Cincinnati
Oklahoma: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, River Spirit Casino Resort
Pennsylvania: Bistecca by IL MULINO, Mount Airy Casino Resort
Racino: Royal Prime Steakhouse, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Reno: Bistro Napa, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Southern Indiana: Sinclair’s Restaurant, French Lick Resort
Tunica: Chicago Steakhouse, Gold Strike Casino Resort
HAVE IT YOUR WAY
Best Late-Night Dining
It’s no surprise that casino visitors keep some odd hours. For many gamblers, the evening doesn’t even really get started until midnight is in the rear-view mirror. Because of the fast-paced, full-throttle casino lifestyle, casinos are accustomed to the 24/7 lifestyle—when a bite to eat really knows no defined time period. Some of the best dining can still be had late into the night (some might even call it morning). A steak late at night? No problem. Breakfast for dinner? Grab a menu. Sure, you can satisfy your late-night cravings with some boring diner grub, but just because you’re out late doesn’t mean you have to. Here’s the list of our readers’ favorite spots for late-night bites.
Atlantic City: Noodles of the World, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
Chicagoland: Burger Brothers, Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago
Colorado: Twenty-Four 7, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: Grand River Deli & Burgers, MotorCity Casino Hotel
Florida: Carousel Club, Gulfstream Park
Gulf Coast: Steak ’N Shake, Harrah’s Gulf Coast
Iowa: Keller’s Express, Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf
Lake Tahoe: Café Del Soul, Bally’s Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Freedom Beat, Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas Locals: Raiders Tavern & Grill, M Resort
Las Vegas Strip: TAO Asian Bistro, Venetian Las Vegas
Laughlin: Beach Café, Harrah’s Laughlin
Louisiana: Roxy’s Diner, Paragon Casino Resort
Maryland: David’s Restaurant & Bar, Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Missouri: Phat Tai, Hollywood Casino St. Louis
Native Midwest: Little Eagle Café, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Native Northwest: Katie’s Kitchen, Angel Of The Winds
Native South: Bistro 24, Pearl River Resort
Native Southwest: Rock & Brews, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
New England: novelle, Mohegan Sun
New York: Emerald Restaurant, Turning Stone Resort Casino
Ohio: Brick’d Pizza, Hard Rock Cincinnati
Oklahoma: Grand Café, Choctaw Casino Resort Durant
Pennsylvania: Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen, Mount Airy Casino Resort Spa
Racino: On A Roll Deli, Casino at Delaware Park
Reno: Café Milano, Peppermill Reno
Southern Indiana: Casino Park Grab & Go, French Lick Resort
Tunica: 8 oz. Burger Bar, Horseshoe Tunica
Best Outdoor Dining
The scenery, the smells, the great weather… Eating outdoors comes with many positives and that includes some great dishes from these award winners. Outdoor dining offers some real escapism, especially in a casino environment where visitors may want to get away and breathe some fresh air for a bit. Many casinos have gotten inventive with their outdoor offerings, creating unique pop-up spaces and even outdoor live music venues. Customers seem to love the efforts. At the right casino, it can make that meal into a memorable event cherished long after the check is paid. Here are this year’s top choices for Best Outdoor Dining.
Atlantic City: Landshark Bar & Grill, Resorts Atlantic City
Florida: Char #3 BBQ Smokehouse, Gulfstream Park
Gulf Coast: The Blind Tiger, Harrah’s Gulf Coast
Lake Tahoe: Alpine Union Bar & Kitchen, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Citrus Grand Pool Deck, Downtown Grand
Las Vegas Locals: Hawthorn Grill, Rampart Casino at JW Marriott
Las Vegas Strip: Mayfair Supper Club, Bellagio
Laughlin: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Golden Nugget Laughlin
Louisiana: Bill’s Bar & Burger, Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Maryland: Signatures Bar & Grill, Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Native Northwest: Tom’s Urban, ilani
Native South: Club House Restaurant, Dancing Rabbit Golf Course, Pearl River Resort
Native Southwest: Waters Café, Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
New England: The Scorpion Bar, Foxwoods Resort Casino
New York: Wildflowers, Turning Stone Resort Casino
Ohio: Hard Rock Cafe, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Oklahoma: Landshark Pool Bar and Tiki Bar & Dining, River Spirit Casino Resort
Pennsylvania: The Liberty Bell Beer Garden, Parx Casino
Racino: The Bugler, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Southern Indiana: Spring No. 8, French Lick Resort
Best Happy Hour
Great drinks at a lower price? Who wouldn’t go for that. When you really need to break away from it all, sitting down with a cold beer or frosty frozen margarita can be a great way to start the night. These bar and lounge happy hours bring plenty of happiness for Casino Player readers, offering great drinks, delicious food and an inviting atmosphere, all without breaking the bank!
Atlantic City: Mountain Bar at Wild Wild West, Caesars Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Oculus Bar, Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
Detroit: Rock Bar, Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Florida: Yard House, Gulfstream Park
Gulf Coast: CONTACT Sports & Race Book, Palace Casino Resort
Iowa: Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, Rhythm City Casino Resort
Las Vegas Downtown: Triple George Grill, Downtown Grand
Lake Tahoe: El Jefe’s Cantina Tahoe, Harveys Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Whiskey Liquor Up Saloon, Binion’s Gambling Hall
Las Vegas Locals: Flare Bar, Silverton Casino
Las Vegas Strip: 108 Drinks, STRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod
Laughlin: Celebrity Lounge, Bally’s Shreveport
Louisiana: Celebrity Lounge, Bally’s Shreveport Casino Hotel
Maryland: Sports & Social Maryland, Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Missouri: The Beerhouse, River City Casino & Hotel
Native Midwest: 5 Bridges Bar, Island Resort Casino
Native Northwest: Bear’s Den, Angel Of The Winds
Native South: Stats Sports Bar & Grill, Pearl River Resort
Native Southwest: Waters Café, Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage
New England: Guy Fieri’s Foxwoods Kitchen + Bar, Foxwoods Resort Casino
New York: Upstate Tavern, Turning Stone Resort Casino
Pennsylvania: Jack’s Bar + Grill, Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Racino: Parlay Lounge, Hollywood Casino at The Meadows
Reno: Sports Bar & Lounge, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Best Casino Cocktail Service
To make every player’s night out seamless, a veritable army of casino employees are needed to cater to everything from the mundane to the exotic. And the casino cocktail service is no exception. The casino floor waitstaff works tirelessly to serve up great drinks to gamblers so they don’t have to move from their seats and miss any of the action. This is a monumental task to be sure, and a great waiter or waitress is certainly appreciated. These casinos and their staff do it right—and are certainly worth the gratuity.
Atlantic City: Resorts Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
Detroit: MotorCity Casino Hotel
Florida: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: Scarlet Pearl Resort & Casino
Iowa: Hard Rock Hotel Casino Sioux City
Lake Tahoe: Bally’s Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino
Las Vegas Strip: Wynn Las Vegas
Laughlin: Golden Nugget Laughlin
Louisiana: Margaritaville Casino Resort Bossier City
Maryland: Rocky Gap Casino Resort Golf
Missouri: Bally’s Kansas City
Native Midwest: Soaring Eagle Casino Resort
Native Northwest: Snoqualmie Casino
Native South: Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
New England: Bally’s Twin River Lincoln
New York: del Lago Resort & Casino
Ohio: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Oklahoma: River Spirit Casino Resort
Pennsylvania: Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Racino: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Reno: Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: Bally’s Evansville Casino Hotel
Tunica: Gold Strike Casino Resort
Best Bartenders
These guys and gals bring plenty of fun to the bar scene experience. Some of these service professionals are happy to serve up a quick conversation, excellent recommendations, or super service with a smile. They also bring plenty of mixology expertise, working tirelessly to serve up delicious concoctions in a great atmosphere. A great cocktail can be a real work of art, offering a perfect blend and giving players a much-needed break from the casino floor. These bars, lounges and restaurants feature some of the best bartenders in the casino industry.
Atlantic City: Villain & Saint, Ocean Casino Resort
Chicagoland: Council Oak Bar, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
Colorado: Escape Bar, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: Bacchus Bar, Caesars Windsor
Florida: The Rez Grill Bar, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: Black Clover Lounge, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi
Iowa: The Yards, Hard Rock Casino Hotel Sioux City
Lake Tahoe: HQ Center Bar, Bally’s Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Vegas Vickie’s, Circa Resort & Casino
Las Vegas Locals: Flare Bar, Silverton Casino Hotel
Las Vegas Strip: Carnaval Court, Harrah’s Las Vegas
Laughlin: The Range Bar, Harrah’s Laughlin
Louisiana: HooDoo Cocktail Lounge, Harrah’s New Orleans
Maryland: David’s Restaurant & Bar, Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Missouri: The Beerhouse, River City Casino & Hotel
Native Midwest: Dacey’s Sportsbook & Taphouse, FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Native Northwest: Elements Lounge, Seven Feathers Casino Resort
Native South: Eagle Bar & Grill, Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: Kickers, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Lone Butte Casino
New England: The Scorpion Bar, Foxwoods Resort Casino
New York: The River Bar, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino
Ohio: Legends Bar, JACK Cleveland Casino
Oklahoma: 5 O’clock Somewhere, River Spirit Casino Resort
Pennsylvania: Jax, Parx Casino
Racino: Centerbar, JACK Thistledown
Reno: Crystal Lounge, Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: Volt Lounge and Bar, Caesars Southern Indiana
Tunica: Jack Binion’s Steak House, Horseshoe Tunica
Best Beach/Pool Bar
Summer is almost here and no casino resort stay would be complete without hitting the pool. These oases offer plenty of sunshine, some real relaxation, and crisp, cool water. A great drink can add to this perfect summertime scene. Whether there’s a swim-up bar or just excellent drink servers, a drink and some time at the pool can make for the perfect combination. A few casinos located on the ocean may even offer a real beach club, perhaps adding even more to this tropical escape. Grab the beach towel and a shady spot. The only thing that might add to the outing might be a nice massage. These venues really up the pool and up the cool.
Atlantic City: Landshark Bar & Grill, Resorts Casino Hotel
Florida: Pool Bar & Grill, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Gulf Coast: Wahoo’s Poolside Bar & Grill, Palace Casino Resort
Las Vegas Downtown: Stadium Swim, Circa
Las Vegas Locals: Sandbar Grille, Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa
Las Vegas Strip: Beach Bar & Grill, Mandalay Bay
Laughlin: The River’s Edge Pool Bar, Aquarius Casino Resort
Louisiana: The Busted Coconut, Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City
Maryland: Terrace Bar, Rocky Gap Casino Resort Spa
Missouri: The Pool at Ara Spa, Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles
Native Southwest: Helix Bar, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
Oklahoma: Landshark Pool Bar, Tiki Bar & Dining, River Spirit Casino Resort
Pennsylvania: Get Wet Ultra Pool, Mount Airy Casino Resort
Reno: Sole Poolside, Peppermill Reno
Southern Indiana: Spring No. 8, French Lick Resort
