Casino Player’s Best of Dining & Nightlife Awards 2023 – Best Night Out
Best Night Out
A trip to the casino can make for a perfect night out—both on the gaming floor and beyond. These properties go above and beyond in setting an overall great atmosphere—from gaming and entertainment to cocktails and meals. These properties bring their best on a nightly basis and make every visit special. Book a room and make it a fun evening with these casino resorts.
Best Overall Service
Service certainly goes a long way in making that casino experience that much better. To make every guest’s night special, numerous casino employees are needed to cater to everything from the mundane to the exotic. Win, lose or draw, a great night out means impeccable service, from stepping out of the car or getting off the bus. Dealers, cocktails servers, restaurant staff, clerks, hotel staff… the list of great employees goes on and on. All of these people have to work tirelessly to serve the stream of guests walking through those doors. It’s a daunting task to be sure, and not every property is truly up to the challenge. But these winners go the extra mile.
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 View
Not every casino is graced with a breathtaking, jaw-dropping, proof-of-the-Almighty type of view. But for those lucky enough to have it, they’re not to be missed. Some are nature’s handiwork—a gorgeous mountain range, a vast ocean as you gaze out to the horizon or a pristine lake carved by glaciers eons ago. Others, like a glowing cityscape, represent mankind’s shining achievements.
For those that can’t lay claim to a tremendous view, there’s always the human spectacle of people watching—a bit of a voyeuristic pastime to be sure, but still an entertaining way to spend a part of the day. Think “Funniest Home Videos” meets “Animals Do The Craziest Things” and you’ll have some idea about what’s in store. Let’s have a round of applause for our winners in these two unique categories: Best View and Best Place to People Watch.
Atlantic City: Nobu Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Jack Binion’s Steak, Horseshoe Hammond
Detroit: Prism, Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Florida: Abiaka Wood Fire Grill, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Gulf Coast: Thirty-Two, IP Casino Resort and Spa
Iowa: 360 Steakhouse, Harrah’s Council Bluffs
Lake Tahoe: Friday’s Station Steak & Seafood Grill, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Top of Binion’s Steakhouse, Binion’s Gambling Hall
Las Vegas Locals: Vetri Cucina, Palms Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip: Top of the World, SRAT Hotel, Casino & Skypod
Laughlin: The Gourmet Room, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
Louisiana: Jimmy’s Seafood & Steak, Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City
Maryland: Lakeside Grille, Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Missouri: Cinder House, Horseshoe St. Louis
Native Midwest: Horizon Steakhouse, Island Casino & Resort
Native Northwest: Vista Prime Steaks & Seafood, Snoqualmie Casino
Native South: Club House Restaurant, Dancing Rabbit Golf Course, Pearl River Resort
Native Southwest: 11ven At Prime, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass
New England: Rare Steakhouse, Encore Boston Harbor
New York: TS Steakhouse, Turning Stone Resort Casino
Oklahoma: McGill’s on 19, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa
Pennsylvania: Jack’s Bar + Grill, Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Racino: The Clubhouse, Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs
Reno: Sky Terrace Sushi & Oyster Bar, Atlantis Casino Resort
Southern Indiana: Cavanaugh’s on the River, Bally’s Evansville Casino Hotel
Best Place to People Watch
Are you looking for a fun and entertaining way to spend a little free time? People watching is a popular pastime, and it turns out that there are certain places in casinos that are better for it than others. Next time you’re out at your favorite casino and need a little break, check out the center bar with a birds-eye view of the casino floor, the VIP Lounge where high rollers gather to play, or one of the many wonderful casino bars where people gather to socialize before dinner or after a show. You may even meet some new friends, witness some interesting conversations or get some inside tips from your bartender.
Atlantic City: The Deck, Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Push Lounge, Horseshoe Hammond
Colorado: Bar 8042, Ameristar Black Hawk
Detroit: Strut, MotorCity Casino Hotel
Florida: Center Bar, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: ILOV305 Center Bar, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi
Iowa: Lobby Bar, Hard Rock Hotel Casino Sioux City
Lake Tahoe: HQ Center Bar, Bally’s Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Mega Bar, Circa Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: iBar, Rio
Las Vegas Strip: The Heart Bar, Planet Hollywood Hotel Casino
Laughlin: Zodiac Bar, Aquarius Casino Resort
Louisiana: 5’Oclock Somewhere Bar, Margaritaville Casino Resort Bossier City
Maryland: On The Rocks, Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Missouri: Pulse Bar, Bally’s Kansas City
Native Midwest: Poker Bar, FireKeepers Casino
Native Northwest: MUZE Lounge, ilani
Native South: Gumbeaux’s Oyster & Sports Bar, Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: Blue Coyote Cafe, Talking Stick Resort
New England: Vista Lounge at Wombi Rock, Mohegan Sun
New York: Centrifico, del Lago Resort Casino
Ohio: Hard Rock Center Bar, Hard Rock Cincinnati
Oklahoma: Prizm Lounge, Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant
Pennsylvania: PBR Pittsburgh, Live! Casino Pittsburgh
Racino: Centerbar, JACK Thistledown Racino
Reno: The Crystal Bar, Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: Juno Bar, Caesars Southern Indiana
Tunica: Stage Bar, Hollywood Casino Tunica
NIGHTLIFE
After a rigorous day of play, some of the best nightly hangouts for the casino lover are the bars and lounges that offer the great drinks, service, atmosphere, music and more.
The casino lounge is where the evenings usually begin and often end. Right in the middle of the casino is a place where you can meet your friends or make new ones and enjoy a good cocktail and listen to live music. Casinos are always among the best places to find fun and excitement and if you’ve had a losing session, at least you’ll have some friends to commiserate with!
Congratulations to this year’s champs in the categories of Best Lounges, Best Bars, Best Place for Cocktails and Best After Hours Spots.
For a Few Drinks
Maybe enjoying a bit of jazz on a perfect evening or catching a big game with some friends, some places just require a second round. Perhaps another craft beer would be nice or a tasty bourbon and Coke. These establishments have patrons keeping the party going just a bit longer, requiring at least a second round. The atmosphere is great for a night out—chatting, relaxing and having plenty of fun. Order up a round of drinks and enjoy these hotspots that go above and beyond to keep the night rolling in a great direction—just book a hotel room or call a cab if the party goes on a bit too much.
Best Lounge
Sit back and relax. That’s what most people have in mind when it comes to a casino lounge. The cool vibe offers a nice respite from the gaming floor. These venues often feature great decor, expert mixologists, great music, and perhaps even a nice cigar. Order a drink and chill out in style with these great casino lounges.
Atlantic City: Nola’s Bar & Lounge, Ocean Casino Resort
Chicagoland: Lotus, Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Colorado: Cabaret Stage Bar, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: Axis Lounge, MGM Grand Detroit
Florida: Council Oak Lounge, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: Mignon’s Lounge, Palace Casino Resort
Iowa: Whiskey Roadhouse, Horseshoe Council Bluffs
Lake Tahoe: Backstage Bar, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Rush Lounge, Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: The I Bar, Rio Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip: Casbar Lounge, Sahara Las Vegas
Laughlin: The Main Riverview Bar, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
Rush Lounge, Golden Nugget Laughlin
Louisiana: Tie: Allure Ultra Lounge, Bally’s Shreveport Casino Hotel
Maryland: Blossom, MGM National Harbor
Missouri: Judy’s Velvet Lounge, River City Casino Hotel
Native Midwest: Club Four One, Island Resort & Casino
Native Northwest: Elements Lounge, Seven Feathers Casino Resort
Native South: Big Sky Steakhouse, Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: Tukut Lounge, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
New England: Blackstone Cigar Bar, Bally’s Twin River Lincoln
New York: Fire Lounge, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino
Ohio: Hard Rock Center Bar, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Oklahoma: Riffs, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa
Pennsylvania: X Lounge, Parx Casino
Racino: Jerry Longo’s Meatballs & Martinis, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Reno: Cin Cin Bar and Lounge, Eldorado Resort Casino
Southern Indiana: Volt Lounge and Bar, Caesars Southern Indiana
Tunica: Stage 2, Gold Strike Casino Resort
Best Bar
From wonderful liquid libations to a cold craft beer, a bar can be the perfect place to chit-chat with friends. Order up something you’ve never had before and watch these great barkeeps in action. Or maybe just go for an old favorite that reminds you of great times—and get ready to make some new memories. These casino bars feature great staff and a perfect ambiance.
Atlantic City: The Lobby Bar, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Oculus Bar, Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
Colorado: Bar 8042, Ameristar Black Hawk
Detroit: Strut, MotorCity Casino Hotel
Florida: L Bar, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: 850 Wine & Spirits, IP Casino Resort and Spa
Iowa: The Yards, Hard Rock Hotel Casino Sioux City
Lake Tahoe: Mountain Bar, Harveys Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: The Sand Dollar Downtown, Plaza Hotel Casino
Las Vegas Locals: Lucky Bar, Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa
Las Vegas Strip: The Chandelier, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Laughlin: The Main Riverview Bar, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
Louisiana: 5 O’clock Somewhere Bar, Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City
Maryland: On The Rocks, Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Missouri: Bottleneck Blues Bar, Ameristar Casino Resort St. Charles
Native Midwest: Ascend, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Native Northwest: 360 Bar, ilani
Native South: Gumbeaux’s Oyster & Sports Bar, Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: 360 Sports, Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
New England: The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House, Mohegan Sun
New York: Centrifico, del Lago Resort Casino
Ohio: Hard Rock Cafe Terrace, Hard Rock Cincinnati
Oklahoma: Mason Jar Bar, Choctaw Casino Resort Durant
Pennsylvania: PBR, Live! Casino Pittsburg
Racino: Fire & Ice, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Reno: Rendezvous Bar, Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: Juno Bar, Caesars Southern Indiana
Tunica: Jack Binion’s Steak House, Horseshoe Tunica
Best Place for Cocktails
Anyone can serve up a cold beer, but when it comes to a real signature cocktail a real mixologist might be better suited for the task. These properties are great for a frozen margarita, daiquiri, and the much less ordinary. Sip that perfect drink and engage in a little escapism. In fact, maybe a second round is in order.
Atlantic City: Chelsea Five Gastro Pub, Tropicana Atlantic City
Chicagoland: Lotus, Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Colorado: Chophouse Lounge, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: VU Bar, Caesars Windsor
Florida: Rez Grill Bar, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Gulf Coast: Butler’s Bar & Lounge, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
Iowa: The Lobby Bar, Hard Rock Casino Sioux City
Lake Tahoe: Park Prime Steakhouse, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Legacy Club, Circa Resort & Casino
Las Vegas Locals: VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub & Lounge, Rio Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip: Bar Parasol, Wynn Las Vegas
Laughlin: Tango’s Lounge, Tropicana Casino Resort
Louisiana: Atrium Bar, Paragon Casino Resort
Maryland: Felt, MGM National Harbor
Missouri: King Cat Club, Ameristar St. Charles
Native Midwest: Ascend Sportsbook & Lounge, Soaring Eagle Casino Resort
Native Northwest: Muze, ilani
Native South: Big Sky Steakhouse, Coushatta Casino Resort
Native Southwest: 11ven At Prime, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass
New England: Guy Fieri’s Foxwoods Kitchen + Bar, Foxwoods Resort Casino
New York: Lounge 101, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Ohio: Sequel, Hollywood Casino Toledo
Oklahoma: The Rotunda Bar, WinStar World Casino & Resort
Pennsylvania: Jack’s Bar + Grill, Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Racino: The First Turn, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Reno: Charlie Palmer Lounge, Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: The Piano Bar at Cavanaugh’s, Bally’s Evansville Casino Hotel
Tunica: Legends, Horseshoe Tunica
Best After-Hours Spot
Cut loose at some of these stellar hangouts. Whether you’re ready to hit the dance floor or rock out with some live music, check out the hotspots for some real fun. Expect some super sound systems, vibrant lighting, cool DJs—and of course great staff to keep the party going. These after-hours clubs keep things lively and will have you and your crew coming back for more.
Atlantic City: B Bar, Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa
Chicagoland: Push Lounge, Horseshoe Hammond
Colorado: Bar 8042, Ameristar Casino Black Hawk
Detroit: Grand River Deli & Burgers, MotorCity Casino Hotel
Florida: Entice Ultra Lounge, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Gulf Coast: Rush Lounge, Golden Nugget Biloxi
Lake Tahoe: HQ Center Bar, Bally’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort
Las Vegas Downtown: The Sand Dollar Downtown, The Plaza Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas Locals: Shady Grove Lounge, Silverton
Las Vegas Strip: Drai’s Nightclub, The Cromwell Hotel & Casino
Laughlin: Losers’ Lounge, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
Louisiana: Noodle Bar, Bally’s Shreveport
Maryland: Poe’s Nest, Horseshoe Baltimore
Missouri: Q Bar, Draft Kings at Casino Queen
Native Midwest: Little Eagle Café, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
Native Northwest: Steelhead Lounge, Seven Feather Casino Resort
Native South: Center Bar, Pearl River Resort
Native Southwest: 11ven At Prime, Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass
New England: Commonwealth Bar and Lounge, MGM Springfield
New York: The River Bar, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino
Ohio: Vintage 51, JACK Cleveland Casino
Oklahoma: Red River Lounge, Choctaw Casino & Resorts Durant
Pennsylvania: Sports & Social, Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia
Racino: Silks Bar and Grill, Oaklawn
Reno: Sky Terrace, Atlantis Casino Resort
Southern Indiana: The Eatery by Fabio Viviani, Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
Tunica: Sweet Tea, Gold Strike Casino Resort
Best Sports Bar
Sweat that latest bet on the big game at one of these top-notch sports bars. Better yet, check out several games all at once while enjoying a nice drink and a quality meal. Cheer on your team to victory and hopefully hit on that parlay as well. At these bars, however, you’re always a winner. Here are your favorites in the Best Sports Bar category.
Atlantic City: The Gallery Bar, Book & Games, Ocean Casino Resort
Chicagoland: 99 Hops House, Hollywood Casino Joliet
Colorado: Barstool Sportsbook, Ameristar Black Hawk
Detroit: BetMGM Sports Lounge, MGM Grand Detroit
Florida: PLA Sports Bar, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Gulf Coast: BetMGM Book Bar & Grill, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi
Iowa: Draft Day Sports Lounge, Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
Lake Tahoe: William Hill Sports Bar, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Sports Book Bar, Golden Nugget Casino Las Vegas
Las Vegas Locals: Sports Book Bar, Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa
Las Vegas Strip: TAP Sports Bar, MGM Grand Las Vegas
Laughlin: The Hall of Fame Bar & Lounge, Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino
Louisiana: DraftKings Sportsbook Bar & Grill, Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Maryland: Sports & Social Maryland, Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Missouri: The Sports Bar, Horseshoe St. Louis
Native Midwest: Dacey’s Sportsbook & Taphouse, FireKeepers Casino Hotel
Native Northwest: Stix Sports Bar, Seven Feathers Casino Resort
Native South: Stats Sports Bar & Grill, Pearl River Resort
Native Southwest: 360 Sports, Agua Caliente Cathedral City
New England: Sportsbook Bar & Grill, Bally’s Twin River Lincoln
New York: The Lounge at Caesars Sportsbook, Turning Stone Resort Casino
Ohio: O.H. Sports Bar, Hollywood Casino Columbus
Oklahoma: Scoreboard Sports Bar, River Spirit Casino Resort
Pennsylvania: Sports & Social Steel City, Live! Casino Pittsburgh
Racino: Sports Bar, Casino at Delaware Park
Reno: Race and Sports Bar, Grand Sierra Resort
Southern Indiana: Stadium Sports Bar & Grill, Belterra Casino Resort
Tunica: Caesars Sportsbook, Horseshoe Tunica
Best Craft Beer Selection
Craft beer is big and casinos have gotten in on the act in recent years as well. Order up a nice pint of that favorite IPA, lager, porter or stout. Better yet, order a sampler to find that perfect brew for your own taste or mood. These establishments feature a wide suds selection along with a perfect atmosphere for your sipping pleasure.
Atlantic City: The Yard House, Bally’s Atlantic City
Chicagoland: 99 Hops House, Hollywood Casino Joliet
Colorado: Escape Bar, Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk
Detroit: Rock Bar, Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Florida: Oculus Bar, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Gulf Coast: BetMGM Book Bar & Grill, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Iowa: Main + Abbey, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City
Lake Tahoe: Alpine Union Bar, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas Downtown: Chicago Brewing Company, Four Queens Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas Locals: The Front Yard, Ellis Island Casino Hotel Brewery
Las Vegas Strip: Beer Park, Paris Las Vegas
Laughlin: The Brew Brothers, Tropicana Laughlin
Louisiana: Riverview Restaurant and Brewhouse, Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City
Maryland: Brew Brothers, Horseshoe Baltimore
Missouri: 99 Hops House, Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
Native Midwest: 5 Bridges Bar, Island Resort & Casino
Native Northwest: The Stix Fix, Seven Feathers Casino Resort
Native Southwest: 360 Sports, Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage
New England: Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap, Encore Boston Harbor
New York: Upstate Tavern, Turning Stone Resort Casino
Ohio: Sequel, Hollywood Casino Toledo
Oklahoma: North Brew, Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant
Pennsylvania: Liberty Bell Beer Garden, Parx Casino
Racino: The Brew Brothers, Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs
Reno: The Brew Brothers, Eldorado Resort Casino
Southern Indiana: Tap House Restaurant and Bar, Bally’s Evansville Casino Hotel
Tunica: Jack Binion’s Steak House, Horseshoe Tunica
