The casino restaurant has gone through a bit of a shakeup over the last few years. Dining options have come and gone, but the biggest shock to Ohio casinos and their hungry patrons was the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, ever-popular casino buffets from Las Vegas to Atlantic City were forced to shut down, at least for a while. Many casinos decided not to reopen them, as patrons with a new perspective on illness and the spread of germs may not be as eager to visit them.
Nonetheless, casino restaurants eventually reopened for business. Despite the loss of some beloved buffets, Ohio casinos offer a variety of satisfying dining options. We’ve compiled just a few of the top-rated Ohio casino restaurants to visit.
Buffets at Ohio casinos
In Ohio, the most popular casino buffets in the greater Cleveland area bounced back. The well-regarded Seven Chefs Buffet at JACK Cleveland Casino reopened, and MGM Northfield Park Racino reopened their buffet as well.
Seven Chefs Buffet at JACK Casino Cleveland:
Seven Chefs features — you guessed it — seven separate stations, each offering a different worldly cuisine: Italian, American, Shuffle, Carving, Asian, Salad and Pastry. It’s more akin to a food court, where you can easily fill up without visiting all the stations. It’s not a particularly cheap option, but there are deals to be had like $9.99 All You Can Eat Tacos on Tuesdays, with $3 margaritas. For lunch on Thursdays, Club JACK members 55 years and older eat for $5.55.
The Buffet at MGM Northfield Park:
MGM Northfield Park recently reopened its popular buffet restaurant to the public. The refreshed buffet has multiple stations with a wide variety of dishes to choose from. The price is more reasonable but still falls in the range of a casino buffet ($25-30 per person). The Buffet has been a welcome new addition to the racino.
Full-service restaurants at Ohio casinos and racinos
Kosar’s Wood-fired Grill at MGM Northfield Park
Named for the beloved Cleveland Browns quarterback, Kosar’s offers a dining experience fit for a champion. Many casinos offer a high-end steak house option, so there’s no big surprise here. Nonetheless, hitting a big win in the casino is a perfect excuse to treat yourself to an expertly prepared meal and amazing service.
Besides the succulent sea bass and mouth watering prime rib, diners rave about the indulgent lobster mac and cheese.
YouYu Asian Fusion Eatery at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati:
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati offers a more unique option in YouYu. Inspired by street food from several Asian countries, the menu invites visitors to sample flavors new and familiar. Enjoy a variety of Asian favorites, from flavorful broth soups to noodle dishes and freshly prepared sushi.
Less commonly found options from Nepalese and Balinese cuisines appear on the menu as well. YouYu is a great place to try something new, whether you’re gambling in the casino or not.
Final Cut Steakhouse and Seafood at Hollywood Toledo and Columbus:
Enjoy a refined dining experience at Final Cut Steakhouse and Seafood in Hollywood Toledo and Hollywood Columbus. With top-notch service and a relaxing ambiance, it’s an excellent choice for special occasions like anniversaries.
While the steaks can be hit or miss, the diverse menu offers other great options, including their indulgent lobster bisque and delectable desserts like chocolate cake and cheesecake.
Brew Brothers at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs:
This spacious and fun sports bar inside Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs features a full micro-brewery that produces 10 unique brews for patrons to enjoy. Find suggested beer pairings next to the tasty offerings on the food menu.
Brew Brothers serves up gourmet burgers like the Brew Brothers Bacon Cheeseburger and the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich on a brioche bun with tangy coleslaw. Great salads and appetizers round out the menu, and the lively atmosphere makes this spot a must-visit.
