INDIANA
Since the early 1990s, the Ohio River has been a hotbed for casino growth. Stretching from southwestern Indiana in Evansville to Rising Sun, Ind., near Cincinnati, there are five casinos boasting the thrills of full-scale casino gaming and the amenities that come with it.
Casino Aztar in Evansville is the oldest of the riverboats, opening in 1995. With a new entertainment district built in direct relation to the casino property, the nightlife comes alive inside and outside the casino. Dine at a plethora of restaurants from RiRa’s Irish Pub to Cavanaugh’s Steakhouse, located on the on the property. Moving up river, you can’t miss the Harrah’s-owned Horseshoe Casino Hotel, which boasts a phenomenal hotel and casino as well as the fine dining of gambling legend Jack Binion in his signature steakhouse. About an hour and a half drive northeast sits the casino jewel of Indiana, Belterra Casino Resort featuring a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, a world-class spa, an outdoor swimming pool and more. Once inside the property, guests are adorned with a contemporary lobby with rich marble and light colors.
Dining at Belterra is delectable with the award-winning Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, the Ultimate Buffet and other more casual eateries. Just 23 miles from Belterra sits Grand Victoria Casino that also has a great links-style golf course, Wellington’s Steakhouse and the River View Buffet. The property also recently added a seasonal outdoor gaming area that features a resort-style feel with gaming tables, a concept never before seen in Indiana. Then, just minutes from Cincinnati, Ohio, is Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg (formerly Argosy Casino) that is still in a honeymoon period celebrating its $350 million expansion that included an upgrade to its culinary options. In addition to the river region of Indiana, there are two racinos further north near Indianapolis — Indiana Live Casino and Hoosier Park — both a sure bet for the quick gambling fix.
In this article we have highlighted some of our favorite dining spots at these properties. Be sure to check them out on your next visit.
Fine Dining
Jack Binion’s Steakhouse
Horseshoe Casino & Hotel S. Indiana • 1-866-676-SHOE (7463) • www.horseshoe-indiana.com
Price Range: $$
With its luxurious decor and elaborate dining areas, Jack Binion’s Steakhouse continues to set the standard for dining excellence. This award-winning steak house is famous for huge, mouth-watering steaks, Maine lobster just hours out of the ocean, and truly decadent desserts. All of it is exquisitely prepared by highly skilled chefs.
Jeff Ruby’s Steak House
Belterra Casino Resort & Spa • 1-888-BELTERRA • www.belterracasino.com
Price Range: $$$
Jeff Ruby is known for his perfection of customer service and culinary expertise. Everything is bigger at Ruby’s, and his steakhouse at Belterra Casino is no exception. A wide variety of steaks and seafood allows for the perfect combination of classic steakhouse offerings.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge
Indiana Live! Casino • 1-877-FUN-4-IND • www.indianalivecasino.com
Price Range: $$
Maker’s Mark Bourbon House & Lounge offers the world-famous Maker’s Mark Bourbon as well as a selection of more than 50 world-famous whiskies for the discerning palate and a wine list of more than 200 labels. Conveniently located near Indiana Live! Casino’s front entrance, the high-end steakhouse is the pinnacle of fine dining and serves succulent, dry-aged beef and the freshest seafood selections cooked to perfection in a chic atmosphere.
Wellington’s Steakhouse
Grand Victoria Casino
Price Range: $$
Experience turn-of-the-century Victorian charm while enjoying the finest choice cuts of tender beef, tantalizing chops and fresh ocean seafood. In addition, they are now promoting a 21 Blackjack Dinner for just $21 per person. Chose from New York Strip, Grouper or Prime Rib along with a selection of sides and a dessert for just $21 … now that’s a steal!
Cavanaugh’s Steakhouse
Casino Aztar – Evansville • 1-800-342-5386 • www.casinoaztar.com
Price Range: $$$
Flawless steaks. Fresh seafood. Impeccable service. Enjoy the finest cuisine paired with sweeping views of the Ohio River. Cavanaugh’s is the perfect place for the perfect evening and features live entertainment nightly at The Piano Bar.
Bogart’s Grill
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
Price Range: $$
Bogart’s intimate atmosphere and tantalizing array of steaks and fresh seafood make this casual yet elegant restaurant the place to go for an exquisite culinary experience.
Homestretch Steakhouse
Hoosier Park Racing Casino • 1-800-526-7223 • www.hoosierpark.com
Price Range: $$
The Homestretch Steakhouse at Hoosier Park Racing Casino give you the best of both worlds…premium steaks and service combined with hot casino and horse racing action. Located on the lower tier of the Homestretch Clubhouse Restaurant, you will find an exciting dining experience. Great steaks, fresh seafood and impeccable service are the hallmarks of this classic American steakhouse.
Buffets
Villa BuffetHorseshoe Casino Hotel Southern Indiana • 1-866-676-SHOE • www.horseshoe-indiana.com
Enjoy an endless selection of perfectly prepared entrees, the finest hand-carved meats, delightfully fresh salads and some of the most tempting desserts you’ve ever seen. A different buffet is served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, they offer an exceptional prime rib buffet every Monday, steak and crab legs on Tuesday and a sensational seafood buffet every Friday, as well as a weekend brunch buffet every Saturday and Sunday.
Temptations Buffet
Casino Aztar — Evansville • 1-800-342-5386 • www.casinoaztar.com
Choose from a wide range of selections from carved beef to Italian favorites at this classic all-you-can-eat buffet.
Live! Market Buffet
Indiana Live! Casino • 1-877-FUN-4-IND • www.indianalivecasino.com
The Live! Market buffet includes more than 100 delicious menu items and was recently voted the “Best Buffet” in Southern Gaming and Destinations Magazine’s “Best of 2009” Readers’ Choice Awards. An extensive lunch and dinner buffet is offered seven days a week with a breakfast buffet that is available daily. Custom butcher shop items, including steak and freshly grilled seafood, and beverage bar station items are also available for an additional charge.
The Ultimate Buffet
Belterra Casino Resort and Spa • 1-888-BELTERRA (235-8377 • www.belterracasino.com
The Ultimate Buffet offers a level of food quality unlike any other on the river. Fill your plate with brick-oven pizza, fresh fish, prime rib, turkey and ham. The endless salad bar and dessert station completes your meal!
The Passport Buffet
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg
The Passport Buffet features a fresh and infinitely fantastic selection of traditional favorites and international dishes, along with a decadent dessert station, as well as your choice of six uniquely themed seating areas.
Casual Classics
Slice of Italy; Legends: Horseshoe Casino Hotel Southern Indiana
Corky’s Ribs & BBQ; RiRa Irish Pub: Casino Aztar Evansville
NASCAR Sports Grille: Indiana Live Casino
Aquarium Café: Belterra Casino Resort and Spa
Big Vic’s Pub & Grub: Grand Victoria Casino
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