Written for Bristol Bites by Gary Pallock
It pays to check out your food and beverage options before you put your usual sports betting app New York (or wherever you are) down and go and hit the casino on a day or night out. Since, typically, we will spend at least a few hours out punting, then it’s inevitable that our bellies are going to start rumbling at some point in time. Whether you call Bristol home or you’re a blow in for a bit, it makes sense to check out the gastronomic options available at each of the local casinos in town. Let’s take a look at what each of the houses has to offer for punters…
The Grosvenor Casino
When you’re after a bite to eat at the Grosvenor Casino, you’ll find their restaurant within the casino itself just a quick hop over from the slots and tables. While it’s not a large casino, you’d be surprised at the quality of food offered within their small restaurant and bar area – it’s on par with some of the larger casinos in the UK for sure.
Both sections serve different menus, so you’ll need to decide whether you’re after a quick between games bite to eat (in which case, you’re better off at the bar), or whether you’d like a full, sit down, hearty meal.
The bar
The bar menu at the Grosvenor Casino offers some upscale takes on your regular favourites, delivered in a more casual, lounge-like atmosphere.
Choose from items like the Classic Burger (beef on glazed brioche with tomato, mayo, lettuce and slaw and served with fries), the Loaded Hot Dog (Beechwood smoked pork in glazed brioche with fried onions, American ketchup and mustard), Harissa Chicken Flatbread, Fish and Chips (served with mushy peas, of course), and the 8oz Rump Steak (complete with skin-on fries, slaw, lettuce, onion rings, tomato and mushroom) as well as a host of other faves. The drinks list also includes an impressive list of wines by the glass, beers on tap, and a variety of modern cocktails.
The restaurant
If your appetite is in full swing, or you’re playing in-house with other guests, then you might like to come together at the Grosvenor Casino restaurant. The Grosvenor Casino restaurant is a well-presented affair that offers tasty and good looking dishes (and drinks) that are more fine dining than pub grub – but without that fancy price tag.
The menu spans Starters, like Bread & Olives, the Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, and the Stilton Stuffed Field Mushroom (yum!); Stove favourites, like Crispy Pork on Spicy Noodles, Grilled Sea Bass with Tomato & Olive Salad; Salads, such as the Salmon Nicoise, and Avocado, Tomato & Emmental Tart; and a range of Grill items like the 8oz Sirloin Steal and Full Rack of Ribs. You can also order items from the Bar Menu here, along with some delightful Desserts.
Very reasonably priced 2 or 3 course set menus are available Sunday through to Thursday.
Rainbow Casino Bristol
Located in Bristol Harbourside, the Rainbow Casino is a favourite among locals and travellers alike. An unassuming frontage gives way to a lit up floor with slots and tables galore. It’s a great place to stop in for a flutter – as well as a meal if you are in the mood!
The Rainbow Casino offers punters the choice of their Restaurant or Late Bar when it comes to in-house dining options. Both have a great range of beers, wines, and cocktails available for customers to purchase at very reasonable prices.
Restaurant
The restaurant at the Rainbow Casino’s menu reads like a who’s who of all your favourites – and it’s an extensive menu, too. Check out their Cheese Loaded Potato Skins or Sticky Duck Wings for Starters; order the Chicken Tikka Masala, Apple and Ale Pork Belly, Spaghetti and Meatballs, or Yorkshire Pudding Sausage and Mash for Mains; or their 8oz Ribeye or Surf and Turf Topper from the Grill (or even one of their delicious burgers); and finish it all off with a Salted Caramel Fudge Cake or Jam Roly Poly for Dessert.
The Rainbow Casino is a standout in our book because it has some super bargain midweek nights. Currently running is Tuesday’s Steak Night, with any steak for £10; Pie & a Pint on Wednesdays for £9.95; Curry Night Thursdays for £6.95 (with super cheap sides); and Friday’s Fish And Chips, with 25% off.
Late Bar
Don’t worry if you’re feeling peckish at all hours – the Late Bar is open. Snacks like the Chicken Mayonnaise or Tuna and Cheese Sandwich or Wrap, Crispy Chick and Fries, Nachos, Handmade Onion Bhajis, and a range of pizzas are available 24 hours to fill your needs – along with a breakfast menu, if it’s getting to that hour of the morning.
Genting Casino
Third on our list is Genting Casino, Bristol. While Genting doesn’t offer a dedicated restaurant, unlike the Grosvenor and Rainbow Casinos, they do have an array of tasty offerings to keep your stomach lined and stop it from growling as you stay and play, alongside a list of classic and sophisticated drinks to sip on – as well as food and beverage specials that you can redeem for points earned at the casino.
Food delights include the Wholetail Scampi & Fries, Penne Pasta with Chicken, Duck Spring Rolls, Red Thai Prawn Curry, Chicken Town Four Cheese Pizza, the Steak Burger, Honey Roast Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ciabattini, and more.
But why go out to gamble and eat when you can do it at home?
Unless you’re hell-bent on socialising with mates, or you really like the feeling of hanging out in the casino, then you know what? It’s much easier to relax at home and play casino games online and just order yourself some UberEats. Hey, you can even stay at home and play games about food while you’re waiting for your food!
If you’re into the slots or the table games, then you might be surprised at just how far along online casino games have come. Pair playing on your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone with ordering your favourite take away food and you have a great night in – without having to worry about whether you’re going to enjoy the food at the casino or not – and without having to dress up and get a taxi out. And hey, if you feel like mixing up a drink or two with your favourite bottles of spirits then who’s to say you’re not a real bartender in the comfort of your own home?