The glitz, glamour, and lights of Las Vegas often overshadow the Biggest Little City in the World. But Reno, Nevada, is a well-known city that offers its fair share of gambling opportunities and is a favorite choice for those who like to try their luck at the tables or in front on the machines. Whether you're looking for a resort-like experience or want a quaint kind of campy place that is beloved by locals, you'll find something that suits you in Reno. Read on for our recommendations on the five best casinos in Reno.
Eldorado Resort Casino
Image via Flickr under CC BY 2.0 by jimg944
Eldorado is the casino that glows golden. In Spanish, el dorado means "the gilded one" or "the golden one." The well-chosen color theme throughout this vast hotel and resort is a constant reminder of the elegance and splendor you can find in Reno. Eldorado is the start of everything golden in Reno and anchors down Silver Legacy and Circus Circus by a connected walkway.
Make sure you drink a beer in their microbrewery and chow down on some pasta from their in-house pasta shop. Energize your body before heading out to the slot machines with some specialty coffee from their in-house roasters. For some relaxing "me-time", stop at the spa to experience their full-service salon, book a massage in one of 12 themed spa rooms, or enjoy some hydrotherapy soaking tubs with your spa service. In Eldorado, all that glitters really is gold.
Silver Legacy of Nevada
Silver Legacy of Nevada is the new kid on the block. The domed ball of the resort illuminates in green, reminiscent of Oz's Emerald City or the glowing green light Jay Gatsby just couldn't quite grasp. Enter their enchanting doors and you'll be in the throes of an opulent casino with keno and poker lounges, a Wheel of Fortune, sports booking, slots, and 85 table games. Take a break from the games and nourish your body with a meal at one of their six award-winning restaurants. Chow down on some prime rib at Ruth's Chris Steak House or eat a Gregg's All-American Burger at Cafe Central.
Get some entertainment in by catching one of their famous headline acts like ZZ Top or Air Supply. Get your laughs in at the Laugh Factory, the famous club that has launched many well-known comedians today. And end your day with a luxurious swim in their calming bathing pool.
Bonanza Casino
Bonanza Casino brings the Old West right into Reno. As you walk in, you'll feel like you stepped right into a Western flick with buffalo heads and steer skulls decorating the walls. Try your luck on the slot machines to work up an appetite. Touted as the best steak in town, Cactus Creek Prime Steakhouse serves up some prime Angus beef with perfectly seared grill marks. They are open from Thursdays to Sundays, from 5 p.m. to close. Call ahead for reservations to ensure you have the best seat and quality service.
And if you just can't wait for a hot meal, head over to the Branding Iron Cafe. They are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offer a variety of menu options ranging from American, Italian, Mexican, and seafood favorites. Specials include "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner" Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and all-you-can-eat spaghetti Wednesdays.
They have options for the kids, like their Southwest Grilled Cheese and southwest favorites, to keep in their theme, like signature quesadillas, enchiladas, and a sizzling fajita platter. For a tasty crunch to satisfy late-night munchies, order the Macho Nachos. They are homemade tortilla chips fried to a golden, crispy goodness, topped with refried beans, your choice of protein, cheese, olives, jalapenos, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. You'll sleep with a full tummy!
Peppermill Resort Casino
Peppermill Resort is an easy-to-get-to retreat, just 10 minutes away from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Its Roman-inspired decor makes guests feel like true gods and goddesses upon entry. They've been providing the best hotel amenities for over 40 years and earned the AAA Four Diamond rating for hospitality industry excellence. They treat their guests well! Each room has luxurious bedding, custom-made plush double pillow-top mattresses, and 42-inch wall-mounted high-definition LCD televisions. You can relax in style.
If you want to play games without losing all our funds, Peppermill is your place. They have a Game Lab arcade that is perfect for the kids or kids at heart to let loose and have fun with the latest video and arcade games. Spend some quality time with the kids and show them how you slay on classics like Pac-Man.
The Gold Dust West Casino
If you want to be where all the locals go for a good time, visit The Gold Dust West Casino. It is a very low-key establishment that is just a five-minute drive from the Reno Arch. Its large casino floor provides the opportunity for visitors to play slots, video poker, keno, and table games. After you've had your fill of playing and winning (fingers-crossed), head to The Grille to fill your belly. On their menu, you find some belly busting burgers and biscuits the size of plates. For some homestyle flavor, try their biscuits and gravy. The savory simplicity of two warm buttermilk biscuits topped with smooth country gravy is hard to top.
After your taste buds and tummies have had their fill of southern cooking and all the yummy fixings that Reno casinos offer, turn your attention to your own kitchen and the love you cook up there. Here at Wide Canvas, we offer customers the opportunity to design their own kitchen. You can use our studio, free, to plan out the look and details of your future home kitchen. Simply make your reservation online by selecting a time and date. You'll have a dedicated workspace and the chance to be creative and see your dream kitchen come to life.
What did you think of our list of best casinos in Reno? Did your favorite make the cut? Stop by or leave a message and let us know. We'll add your suggestions to our list.