Horseshoe Cincinnati
By Angela Ash
In March of 2013, the Horseshoe Cincinnati Casino opened its doors, with the claim to fame that they were the only casino located directly in downtown Cincinnati, or anywhere in Cincinnati for that matter. While during its initial opening, gamers in the area were delighted, due to its convenience and proximity to major attractions in the downtown area, which was a HUGE draw for the casino.
Now that Horseshoe Cincinnati has been rewarding gamblers for nearly two years, the tides have actually changed. The casino now seems to be the sole reason why a lot of visitors come to Cincinnati, with attractions often ranking in as a secondary benefit for travelers frequenting downtown and Northern Kentucky locales. After a visit or two because it was literally just down the street from the office, a large number of patrons are now extremely loyal to this casino property, and obviously prefer it to other locations.
And why do gamblers prefer to risk fate at this particular casino? Well, there are several reasons.
Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati is part of the Total Rewards program, which means that the tier credits and comp dollars that you earn here go into the same accumulation as nearby Horseshoe Southern Indiana or Horseshoe Cleveland. And the fun doesn't stop there! The Caesars brand owns casinos in thrilling gaming meccas like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Tunica, providing so many ways to earn and spend your comp dollars that it just makes it more exciting to play at a property that offers so much entertainment and travel potential. Plus, it's just kind of cool to know that money you earn playing video poker in Ohio can be spent to rent a pool cabana at Caesars Palace in Vegas, right?
But even beyond the exterior perks that are offered, Horseshoe Cincinnati is pure exhilaration, boasting approximately 2,000 slot machines, over 80 tables games, and what players are calling the best World Series of Poker room on the east coast.
It takes a lot of effort and customer appreciation to retain casino guests, because let's face it, you don't always walk away a winner. However, if a property can provide an experience that engages the gamer with entertainment, a wide range of dining options, and the perks of a good rewards program... then a wallet that leaves $100 lighter isn't so worse for the wear after a steak dinner at Jack Binion's, or a concert outside under the stars. Word is on the casino floor that players feel that with the combination of winnings, comps, and exciting performers that frequent Horseshoe Cincinnati, that they really do feel that they are "coming out on top". That's a big statement in the casino world.
But the gaming floor is really where it's at. This isn't a casino with the same tired games, just rearranged every few weeks to give the impression that everything is new, bright, and shiny. Horseshoe Cincinnati is right on par with bringing in the newest games, yet still keeping around a few of the classics that their regulars swear by. And with tables that offer a wide variety of games, minimum bets, and high limits... it is not an exaggeration to say that there is truly something for every preference and every budget.
And in the genuine effort to provide "something for everyone", the creative forces behind Horseshoe Cincinnati have even devised a way to allow their smoking guests to light up a cigarette while playing their favorite slot machine, even in lieu of the state's strict smoking laws. The Parlor is a smoking gambling bar and patio, offering 150 gaming options, including slots, video poker, and electronic roulette and blackjack... with televisions and drink specials, all thrown in for good measure.
Now, with only a brief mention so far, we really must jump feet first into the poker craze that has literally swept the nation.
For starters, the WSOP room is just gorgeous. It has a classic, relaxed feel, to cover up the underlying electricity at the 31 tables or pure action. Poker players LOVE this room. It is run in a professional, classy way... which seems to be a major complaint with a lot of other rooms. Players like the service that they receive, such as the ability to buy in right at the table, rather than wait in potentially long lines at the cage, and to receive a massage, again, right at the table. In short, they view their players like professionals at the game, where in a world where poker greats are being treated like rock stars, that's all they really want. And the promotions don't hurt. With Bad Beats, High Hands, and Hot Seats... there is always an extra incentive to play at Horseshoe Cincinnati.
And the entertainment just KEEPS coming! With national artists gracing the stage, with a sprinkling of comedians, game shows, and just about anything else Horseshoe Cincinnati can think up, there is always something going on! The summer concert series is extremely popular, held outside on the lawn at the front of the property. The Rock Bar and Lounge is also a favorite, with a DJ spinning tracks late into the night!
And with all of this fun, there are plenty of dining options to fuel the excitement, ranging from fine dining to quick, casual eateries.
When hunger calls, but you just can't seem to pull away from that Blackjack table for too long, Horseshoe Cincinnati offers up Cafe Italia, where you can experience the wonders of Italy, without ever leaving the casino floor!
Open anytime, Cafe Italia offers absolutely SENSATIONAL sandwiches, whether you are in the mood for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The choices really make you want to order more than one, or at least return for a complete visit... because eating one of these sandwiches is a small feat. With tantalizing names like the Italia, Court Street, 1000 Broadway, the Diamond Club, and the 7 Stars Stack, they come packed with fresh ingredients that just awaken the taste buds! The Court Street is especially tasty, with roast beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle aioli.
And if you are in the mood for pizza, then you have come to the right place, my friends!
Serving up all sorts of specialty pizzas, the thin, crispy crust literally defines these pies! And when it comes time to choose your toppings, the regular favorites are all on the list, including pepperoni, bacon, and Italian sausage. However, if you are craving something different, try the Ranch Pesto Chicken... a slice of paradise topped with smoked chicken, ranch pesto sauce, roasted red peppers, and three cheeses. You will definitely be coming back for more!
The word "buffet" has almost become synonymous with the casino. However, all casino buffets do not stack up the same, and the Spread at Horseshoe Cincinnati is the perfect example of what any casino buffet should attempt to emulate.
First of all, the atmosphere at this venue is exciting! The smells and aromas fill the air, and live cooking stations can sometimes turn into dinner and a show. But what will really get the blood pumping is the FOOD! It is literally everywhere, cleverly displayed in themed areas that seem to encircle the room with a daunting number of choices with which to fill your plate again and again.
With Cincinnati's strong German heritage, Rhineland offers up absolutely delicious burgers, sausages, and other selections inspired by the local Over the Rhine neighborhood.
There is an Asian section, with all of your favorites prepared in an open kitchen, where you can see the fresh ingredients that are going into your rice or noodle dish. The Italian and Mexican themed areas round out the global selections to tempt your palate, offered in a fun, interactive way!
And do not miss the various Heartland Carving Stations, featuring smoked, grilled, and roasted meats! But while you may be tempted to go straight for the meat, fill up a plate at the Marketplace, the Spread's nod to farm to table produce, dairy, and baked goods. Modeled from Findlay Market, proudly the oldest market in the entire country, experience "fresh" in a whole new way!
Now, what would be a buffet without the dessert? This is where the Spread completely takes the experience over the top, with a tantalizing array of culinary delights, featuring pies, cakes, cookies, and everything a sweet tooth could ever yearn for! Don't forget to visit the crepe station, and top it off with your favorite gelato.
And just because they like to go the extra mile, the Spread also offers various themed nights, such as Steak, American BBQ, Shrimp, Seafood, Surf and Turf, and a fantastic Sunday Brunch!
When even stepping foot into Horseshoe Cincinnati, a visit to the Spread Buffet is a MUST!
When it comes to a mouth-watering cut of pure joy, I can not imagine anyone even coming close to Jack Binion's Steak. Really. And with Mr. Binion's name right on the sign, it just HAS to be of the same classic quality as its namesake.
This is easy to see, just by exploring a few facts. The beef is 100% Black Angus, corn fed, and aged to absolute perfection. In fact, you can expect nothing less than the very best JBPR beef. Hungry yet?
And while most enter the doors of Jack Binion's Steak for the steak, the unique, extensive wine and cocktail list draws plenty of patrons in to imbibe at the lounge. With wonderful entertainment, including instrumental, jazz, and even national acts... there are plenty of reasons to choose Jack Binion's for that expertly crafted drink at the end of a long day, or at the start of a long night. You can even order selections from the lounge menu, with offerings like the 14 Ounce Prime New York Strip, Spiced Pub Fries, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.
You may view their Dinner Menu HERE and their lounge menu HERE.
However, when you do enter the doors for dinner, expect an unparallelled experience! With starters like the "build as you like it" Seafood Centerpiece, Seared Ahi Tuna, and Crispy Calamari, large portions are plenty for the table to share. A wonderful selection of salads and soups are also available.
And when it is time to move to the main course, there are plenty of options for those who may not prefer steak. With Chilean Sea Bass, the Double Rack Duroc Pork Chop, and the Roasted Free Bird Chicken, you may forget for just one minute about the infamous steak selections.
For just ONE minute, because such legendary cuts are difficult to erase from memory for too long! With bone-in selections like the 18 Ounce Rib Eye and the 16 Ounce KC Strip, these steaks are dry-aged for 45 days, producing perhaps one of the most delicious things you have ever tasted. However, the true crowning glory is the Binion's Feature Oscar, a 14 Ounce Prime New York Steak, crowned with King Crab and an aromatic Bearnaise.
Also keep in mind that any steak may be enhanced with a Lobster Tail, Sauteed Onions, Salt & Pepper Prawns, and more!
The array of sides is wonderful, featuring large portions of Bourbon Creamed Corn, Rock Shrimp Mac & Cheese, and several potato options.
If you think that you may be escaping without dessert, think again. The dessert selection at Jack Binion's Steak is definitely worth cheating on that diet. So let me stress that you absolutely MUST try the Chocolate Souffle. I find it hard to believe that it is possible that anything more decadent could exist on the planet. Rich, yet light... this souffle will visit you in your dreams!
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, or if dinner IS the special occasion, be sure to visit Jask Binion's Steak, located conveniently inside the Horseshoe Cincinnati Casino.
Also keep in mind that while there are plenty of dining options right on property, Total Rewards members may redeem their reward credits at local area restaurants like the super trendy Metropole located in 21C, or Moerlein Lager House. For a complete list, click HERE.
Now, why end the fun when you can turn it into an overnight stay, or a long weekend? Horseshoe Cincinnati has teamed up with several hotel partners in the downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas, to provide top notch accommodations for their valued players.
