THE BEST OF DINING & NIGHTLIFE AWARDS 2026
Food, fun and so much more – Casino Player once again takes a look at some of the best dining establishments in the casino industry
The American Gaming Association reports that 43 states have some sort of casino gaming landscape. Because of that, gamblers have a wide selection of gaming, entertainment and dining options to choose from. These properties go out of their way to offer the best options available for American casino fans. But the best of these options really stand out.
When taking a seat at your favorite restaurant, these establishments make the trip a completely unmatched experience. Diners can look forward to perfectly seared steaks, the juiciest and tastiest hamburgers, sensational salads, bodacious barbecue, zesty Mexican cuisine, and every taste imaginable. The experience carries over to the drink selections available on the casino floor and at a property’s bars and restaurants, including creative cocktails, a wide variety of craft beers and the perfect shot to ramp up the excitement even more.
The perfect cup of coffee can be a great way to start the morning or keep those eyes open after a late night at the tables or slots. Today’s gaming venues have a seemingly endless pour of java to easily grab some of the best espressos, lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos and more. And if you simply like a good old-fashioned black coffee, you can get one of those too.
The possibilities are endless for dining and drinking at today’s casinos. This month, Casino Player once again takes a look at some of the best dining and drinking establishments in the entire casino industry. Plenty of fun awaits at the slots, table games or poker room on that next trip to the casino and one of the best parts of the trip may be heading to one of the great restaurants listed in these pages.
Today’s casinos offer much more than a cheap shrimp cocktail and bargain buffet. Quite the contrary: Gamblers can now expect meals from some of the best chefs around with gourmet cuisine, excellent casual and quick-bite eateries, stellar service and some tasty liquid libations.
Beyond dining, a bit of nightlife and entertainment can be the perfect complement to a great meal. The types of shows and clubs available are important to most casino-goers, allowing for a complete gaming vacation. Whether you’re in for some dancing, music, comedy and even ventriloquism on occasion, these properties stand out in meeting every whim and desire.
For more than three decades, Casino Player has highlighted some of the best aspects of the entire gaming experience and dining and nightlife are huge parts of that. This issue again focuses on some great properties with amazing experiences beyond the gaming floor. Thumb through this month’s issue for some of the best dining experiences available at casinos across the country. Our focus incorporates everything from the grandest of Las Vegas mega-resorts and vintage properties, to new casinos, regional favorites and hidden gems. But we simply can’t be everywhere at once and definitely need your help.
These “Best Of Dining & Nightlife” awards focus on categories beyond the gaming floor, awarding eateries and hotspots ranging from steakhouses and coffee shops to happy hours, lounges, sports bars and much more. The Best of Dining & Nightlife covers just about anything and everything other than gambling—from fine dining, casual and quick bites to bars and cocktails to entertainment options and great spots for breakfast and a cup of coffee.
As with our other “Best Of” awards, this is when your voices are heard by the entire casino industry. Some properties will be thrilled with the results, and go on to tout their achievements over the next year in media campaigns and advertising. Others may use the results to see where they stack up and possibly determine what they can do better to improve—creating even better casino options for future guests.
These awards are once again the result of your votes, your choices for this year’s best of the best in casino food, beverage and beyond.
Is your favorite eatery or comedy club included? What about that great casino microbrewery that always seems to have your favorite ale? And who could forget that excellent Bahama Mama cocktail to beat the Las Vegas heat? Perhaps there are some winners listed here that might pique your curiosity and are worth checking out? Once again the results offer readers some great spots to consider putting on the itinerary for that next casino trip. Bring a healthy appetite and a smile—you won’t be disappointed.
Congratulations to all of the winners for pleasing every palate, providing excellent service and some real attention to detail! That attention to detail and excellency paid off with Casino Player readers.
Dining Out
Mixing It Up
Grab & Go
Best Night Out
For A Special Evening
Have It Your Way
Sip, Relax, Repeat
At Your Service
It’s Showtime
