FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD
The perfect getaways for casino foodies
By Karrie L. Zukowski
Food, fun and unforgettable experiences—what more could you want for a night out or a vacation? As this year’s Best Of Dining & Nightlife Awards voting draws to a close, these casinos stand out as the ultimate getaway spots. Whether it’s their exciting gaming options, world-class entertainment or exceptional dining, each one offers something truly special. Take a look at some of the top contenders you simply can’t miss before casting your vote!
SNOQUALMIE CASINO & HOTEL Snoqualmie, WA
Are you looking for a luxurious getaway just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle? Look no further than Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel in Snoqualmie, WA, the perfect destination for gaming, entertainment, dining and soon… relaxation. What’s even more exciting is that the casino is set to offer its guests an even more unforgettable experience with the addition of an expansive hotel slated to open in the second quarter of 2025.
Snoqualmie Casino will be expanding to add a new 210-key high-end hotel, an additional 11,000 square feet of gaming floor space, an immersive full-service spa, fitness center and indoor pool with outdoor deck, an expansive 2,000-seat entertainment and convention center, a new on-site parking structure and two brand-new restaurants.
While guests of the casino’s future expansion will see and experience new upscale amenities, they will also notice subtle details inspired by Snoqualmie culture. From the modern slant-roof hotel design representing the longhouses of the Snoqualmie Tribe’s ancestors to the carefully chosen artwork placed throughout the resort, guests will enjoy state-of-the-art comfort alongside a gentle homage to the tribe. The spacious rooms will be equipped with deluxe amenities, ultra-cozy bedding and visually stunning guest room design, and boasting panoramic views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Mount Si.
If you’re a foodie, the property expansion will offer two new restaurant concepts, including a new signature steakhouse, with a third to open later. Each restaurant will showcase exceptional cuisine prepared using the highest-quality ingredients. Along with the hotel’s new eateries, current dining options at Snoqualmie Casino will also see updates and improvements.
Since opening to the public in 2008 and becoming known as Seattle’s Closest Casino, Snoqualmie Casino continues to receive regional and national recognition for its commitment to guest experience, community impact and workplace excellence. In 2021, Snoqualmie Casino and the Snoqualmie Tribe made history by becoming the first casino and first tribe to open a sportsbook and offer sports betting in Washington State.
If you prefer entertainment, you’re in for a treat at Snoqualmie Casino. The hotel expansion will feature an exciting new event venue, accommodating over 2,000 guests. It will showcase exceptional talent and national acts that will perform in various music genres from country to classic rock to comedy.
With its prime location, excellent amenities and exciting new offerings, Snoqualmie Casino’s hotel expansion is set to become one of the top destinations for locals and tourists alike. But don’t wait until then to enjoy the incredible amenities available now. Immerse yourself in top- notch entertainment, indulge in a variety of delicious dining choices, try your luck at the exciting gaming floor, and unwind in the cozy ambiance of Lit Cigar Lounge.
No matter what you’re craving, Snoqualmie Casino & Hotel offers a variety of mouthwatering options, featuring fresh local ingredients and expertly crafted dishes by award-winning chefs. It’s the perfect destination for those with discerning tastes.
Vista Prime Steaks & Seafood combines locally sourced ingredients with exceptional cuisine and breathtaking views. Enjoy signature dishes like the Seafood Tower, Hawaiian Wahoo, Rack of Lamb, and Filet Mignon, complemented by an extensive selection of over 450 wines.
12 Moons presents an exciting fusion of Asian flavors with a distinctive Northwest twist. Indulge in favorites like Galbi (Korean BBQ Ribs), Donburi dishes, and an array of House and Specialty Rolls.
For those looking to sample a variety of options, Falls Buffet offers a wide selection across multiple food stations, including a Salad Bar, Sushi Bar, American and International dishes, Italian specialties and Asian- inspired creations.
Snoqualmie Casino has it all, and the future expansion will only enhance the already amazing experience. Stay up to date on the current expansion, and sign up for the interest list at.
Monarch Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk, CO
Experience luxury and adventure at Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk, CO. From premier guest rooms to balcony suites, every accommodation at Monarch Casino Resort Spa exudes luxury and indulgence. Step into your room and feel an immediate sense of freedom, surrounded by dramatic canyon views through palatial windows, as late-afternoon sunlight frames the forest-filled mountainside. It’s a scene of perfection, crafted for your ultimate escape.
Beyond your room, immerse yourself in nearly endless gaming excitement across two expansive levels and 60,000 square feet of casino floor. With over 1,000 slot and video poker machines and more than 40 table games, including baccarat, Buffalo Blackjack and Pai Gow, every moment presents a new opportunity to win and make unforgettable memories.
The fun goes beyond the gaming floor at Monarch Casino Resort Spa. Five exquisite restaurants, including the luxurious Monarch Chophouse and the vibrant Bistro Mariposa, are ready to tantalize your palate, each offering a unique ambiance and an array of irresistible flavors. From mid-week social hours to endless dining options and round-the-clock service, every moment at Monarch is crafted to satisfy your every desire.
Bistro Mariposa’s Wednesday Night Social Hour
Step into Bistro Mariposa to embrace the sensory journey of flame- kissed flank steak, sweetly charred street corn from the grill and margaritas that feel cool in the hand and spicy going down. Social Hour beckons with half-priced appetizers and select cocktails, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Indulge with top-shelf tequilas and mezcals; witness the precision and panache of the open kitchen, a harmonious blend of orchestration and performance, inviting contemplation of endless possibilities. Whether you seek a casual sip, engaging conversation or a full dining experience, Bistro Mariposa promises the perfect beginning or conclusion to your night.
Monarch Chophouse: A Taste Above
Through an array of every imaginable slot machine available, beckons a bluish glow. From behind the glass over 300 labels of wines from around the world invite you into the hallway that leads to unimaginable tastes. Welcome to Monarch Chophouse, a modern twist on the classic steakhouse. Home to crafted cocktails like the Smoky Old Fashioned and the Casino Royale. Along with classic steakhouse favorites like the ambitious Tomahawk, and a tableside Caesar. Raise your tastes and your expectations here.
The Buffet: A Story of Endless Exploration and Found Favorites
Your buffet experience begins with an endless array of culinary delights. With nearly unlimited options stretching on and on, cuisines from around the world converge in Black Hawk. Whether you crave classic Italian dishes, Korean short ribs, Pho, BBQ favorites, Latin cuisine orindulgent cold-water lobster tails, your desires are fulfilled without having to search far.
Black Hawk Around the Clock: Twenty-Four 7
Just off the gaming floor lies Black Hawk’s only 24-hour restaurant: Twenty-Four 7—the perfect place to refuel from endless game play and the best people watching on property. Let your inner child go wild with breakfast served all day, or get a cold one with the boys over burgers and savory bites.
Spa Monarch: The Art of Relaxation at the Top of Black Hawk
Imagine. The elevator doors opened to the 23rd floor. The top of Monarch Casino Resort Spa. You glide out of the elevator and in through the double-glass doors, behind which, Spa Monarch awaits. From signature treatments, to unique spaces—everything designed to indulge. You start in the Aqua Lounge. The views of the canyon alone are worth an entire day.
While outside, the rooftop pool awaits. Outdoors, with a glorious view, the rooftop hot tub serves as a four-season oasis—especially in the winter months, where you can watch the snow fly and come to rest in the sea of evergreens that surround you. This, you think to yourself, is exactly where I want my story to be written.
For more information, visit www.monarchblackhawk.com.
Palace Casino Resort Biloxi, MS
The saying “good things come in small packages” perfectly describes Palace Casino Resort. This boutique destination offers all the amenities of a larger casino resort, but with a more intimate and relaxing atmosphere—and it’s no surprise voters from numerous publications agree.
In 2024, Palace Casino Resort won five first-place Best of Dining & Nightlife Awards and15 first-place Best of Gaming Awards from Casino Player magazine, plus 13 gold awards in the Sun Herald Best of Coastal Mississippi Awards including Best Casino, Best Local’s Casino, Best Customer Service, Best Player’s Club, Best Resort, Best Sports Book (CONTACT Sports & Race Book), Best Casino Spa (PURE The Palace Spa), Best Golf Course (The Preserve Golf Club), Best Hotel/Casino Restaurant (Palace Buffet), Best Casual Restaurant (STACKED Grill), and Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Steakhouse and Best Wine Selection for Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood restaurant.
Palace Casino Resort was awarded 12 Best of Slots Awards from Strictly Slots magazine, Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for 2024, WXXV TV 25’s 2024 Viewer’s Choice Award for Best Casino, and has been awarded the prestigious Four Diamond Award for over 20 years from the American Automobile Association (AAA), in addition to AAA’s Inspected Clean Award numerous times.
When visiting the Gulf Coast region for the best dining and nightlife options, be sure to visit any or all of the award-winning restaurants and sportsbook at Palace Casino Resort. The resort is Biloxi’s only smoke- free casino resort.
The menu at Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood features USDA Prime steaks and delicious seafood. The fine-dining restaurant creates incredible cuisine with unparalleled attention to detail and extraordinary service. Mignon’s is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday, 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Each month, Mignon’s hosts a monthly wine pairing dinner featuring a five-course gourmet dinner paired with wines from a selected vineyard, whose representatives attend to educate diners on the wine selections. Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood won Best Steakhouse in Casino Player magazine’s Best of Dining & Nightlife Awards for 2024, Diner’s Choice Award from OpenTable.com, and Best Steakhouse, Best Wine Selection and Best Fine Dining in Best of Coastal Mississippi Awards.
Palace Buffet offers guests an interactive dining experience with four live-action cooking stations featuring freshly grilled meats, Southern comfort dishes, coastal seafood favorites and Asian cuisine on a Mongolian BBQ grill. Palace Buffet serves lunch and dinner daily and breakfast on the weekends. Palace Buffet was previously voted the Best Buffet by readers of the Sun Herald and named Mississippi’s Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet by Reader’s Digest and The Daily Meal.
STACKED Grill was awarded Best Deli in the 2024 Best of Dining & Nightlife Awards. Guests enjoy STACKED Grill’s variety of specialty burgers, tasty appetizers, salads, shakes and much more. The casual restaurant serves breakfast all day and lunch and dinner daily with extended hours.
CONTACT Sports & Race Book is the ideal location for gathering with friends to watch and bet on sports and horse racing. Relax in comfortable seating and catch all the games on the many large flat- screen HDTVs or the big screen. Enjoy burgers, pizza, wings and buckets of beer, served by friendly cocktail servers during game times.
Additional amenities at Palace Casino Resort include a 236-room hotel with modern, beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Biloxi’s Back Bay, PURE – The Palace Spa, Palace Café & Bakery, gift shop, fitness center, marina, pool and Wahoo’s Poolside Bar & Grill (open seasonally). The resort offers golf at The Preserve Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course, located just a short drive away in Vancleave, MS. The Preserve Golf Club is located on 245 pristine acres, surrounded by an 1,800-acre nature preserve. With five sets of tees, superior customer service and unprecedented course conditions, The Preserve Golf Club provides both advanced and novice golfers an extraordinary golfing experience.
For more information about the resort’s restaurants and amenities, visit www.PalaceCasinoResort.com or call 800-PALACE-9.
TALKING STICK RESORT Scottsdale, AZ
Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, AZ, is a Four Diamond haven where fun is limited only by your imagination. World-class gaming, luxurious guest rooms, gourmet dining, first-rate entertainment and a state-of- the-art spa wait to satisfy your every whim.
Bursting with creature comforts and contemporary appointments, deluxe guest rooms exude a relaxing ambiance that melds Southwest style with modern flair. Each spacious room boasts distinguished features, such as floor-to-ceiling windows, complimentary wireless Internet access, countless premium in-room amenities and patio areas or balconies with stunning views of the Camelback and McDowell mountains. This oasis is no mirage.
Offering more than 1,400 multi-denominational slot machines, you’ll find the hottest new games like Emperor Mystery and Frogged Up. Not to mention a large array of penny slots, video poker, table games, poker and keno. Be sure to join the Player Rewards Club to receive bonuses just for playing your favorite games. Player Rewards Club offers members a range of valuable benefits, including entries into the monthly giveaways and drawings, free play, dining discounts, exclusive tournament and event offers and access to the exciting amenities at Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona.
Talking Stick is also home to Arizona’s largest poker room, known as The Arena. Favorites like Texas hold’em, Omaha and seven-card stud, as well as daily, weekly and monthly tournaments, are featured. On top of that, there are plenty of jackpots and giveaways happening all the time. The poker room boasts a dedicated 24/7 kitchen, crafting delectable scratch- made specials—a rarity among poker rooms nationwide.
With all of this fun and excitement, you’re bound to get hungry. The culinary experts at Talking Stick Resort work tirelessly to ensure that visiting guests have a wide range of dining experiences to choose from. With an eye on every detail, all six restaurants have been designed for optimal comfort and to satisfy all dining preferences.
Tash restaurant is a Mediterranean dining experience for those who think food should be as inspired, innovative and courageous as they are. The Tash menu merges the freshness of local ingredients with the boldness of global inspiration to create truly transcendent dishes.
Visit Orange Sky to experience the four elements—earth, water, air and fire—distilled into a single culinary journey through inspired dishes, curated cocktails, ethereal 360° views and the intense passion they put into making your experience magical. The menu is built on the principle of food sovereignty, which prioritizes local, sustainable and culturally rooted choices around growing and preparing food.
Experience a taste of New Orleans in Scottsdale at Ocean Trail, located just off the casino floor on the main level. The dining area is an exclusive 19-seat seafood bar with sleek, modern décor. Ocean Trail is consistently given top reviews and is the ultimate destination for New Orleans-style dining.
Blue Coyote Cantina is the ideal spot for those who seek a true Southwestern experience. The Southwestern-inspired menu features tacos, burritos and other dishes that pair well with a large selection of tequila, a margarita, sangria or cerveza.
Located on the Garden Level (lower level) of the resort, Blue Coyote Cafe offers an eclectic mix of mouthwatering American cuisine and sushi—an accessible yet hip Scottsdale restaurant that has something for everyone.
Black Fig Coffee & Bistro is an express service eatery just steps from the casino floor. Open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, the bistro serves fresh coffee, tea and lattes, as well as delicious handcrafted sandwiches, specialty pizzas, mouth-watering appetizers and fresh soups and salads.
Last but not least, the plethora of amenities include eight bars and lounges, 24-hour in-room hotel dining service, resort pools with poolside cabana rentals, a 650-seat showroom with regular live entertainment, an on-site florist, barber shop, 24-hour hotel fitness center, concierge service, dry cleaning and valet laundry service, on-site rental car service, adjacent golf course and full-service spa.
Upcoming events include Aaron Lewis, Jan. 31, Beatles vs Stones, Feb. 20, Ron White, March 8, The Black Moods, March 14 & 15, and Asleep at the Wheel, March 29.
For more about all that Talking Stick Resort has to offer visit www.talkingstickresort.com.
