Eater Guides

Where to Eat and Drink at Casinos Close to D.C.

Maryland gamblers have been especially lucky lately

by Julekha Dash Updated Nov 2, 2018, 1:12pm EDT

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Casinos close to D.C. are betting that adding hotel rooms, new restaurants, and more entertainment options will keep customers coming back. Three in Maryland have been especially proactive.

MGM National Harbor, which opened two years ago in Oxon Hill, Maryland, is the latest to announce a new dining venue with Osteria Costa. Specializing in the cuisine of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the restaurant replaces the shuttered Marcus from Marcus Samuelsson. The resort also unveiled a $48 million expansion with more slot machines and other gaming options in July.

Live Casino & Hotel (formerly Maryland Live Casino) opened a 310-room hotel this summer featuring a spa, 24-hour restaurant David’s, and a Grand Event Center that has hosted Tracy Morgan, Vanilla Ice and other performers.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore unveiled two celebrity chef restaurants in the past year. GDL Italian by Giada, the first East Coast restaurant from Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis, debuted in May. Gordon Ramsay, everyone’s favorite foul-mouthed British chef, opened an eponymous steakhouse at the end of November last year.

We’ve put together a guide on where to eat, drink and take in a show at these casinos and others within a two-hour drive of D.C.

MGM National Harbor

101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, Maryland, 20745; (301) 971-500

The Prince George’s County complex expanded its food and drink offerings to Osteria Costa as well as a new bar and fast-casual restaurant on the second floor called Snacks. It serves pizza, wings and Asian-inspired bowls. The $1.3 billion casino resort made a splashy debut i in December 2016 with the Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse, their first first joint restaurant project, and FISH by Jose Andres, the mogul’s first spot focused on seafood.

Full-service restaurants: Osteria Costa, Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse, Fish by Jose Andres/Maryland Fry Bar, TAP Sports Bar, and Ginger; Late-night bars include cocktail lounges Felt and Blossom.

Fast-casual: Bellagio Patisserie, Shake Shack, Pappas Crabcakes, and District Deli. The National Market food hall has nine spots, including Amo Los Tacos.

Entertainment and amenities: The Theater at MGM National Harbor boasts top acts, including Britney Spears and John Legend. The shopping experience includes SPJ by Sarah Jessica Parker. The spa and salon offers massages, pedicures, body treatments, and yoga classes.

Live! Casino and Hotel

Arundel Mills, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle #7777, Hanover, Maryland, 21076; (443) 445-2500

David’s at Maryland Live serves a “crab on crab” dish.

The Anne Arundel County casino raised the stakes on its property this year by adding a new hotel, a restaurant, a day spa with five suites and villas, and a 1,500-seat performance hall. The hotel’s 24-hour restaurant, David’s, serves all-day breakfast and global cuisine with Korean, Thai and Mediterranean dishes. Sit at the restaurant’s Lobby Bar to order a cocktail and listen to live music.

The Prime Rib and Cheesecake Factory round out the full-service dining options. Luk Fu satisfies noodles cravings, and its sushi counterpart, 8 at Luk Fu, serves rolls and sashimi. For more casual fare, hit up Latin American restaurant En Vivo, Bobby’s Burger Palace, and the new Luckies for gelato and coffee.

Full-service restaurants: David’s, The Prime Rib, Cheesecake Factory, Luk Fu and 8 at Luk Fu

Fast-casual: Luckies, Bobby’s Burger Palace, Morty’s Delicatessen, Phillips Seafood Express, En Vivo Cocina Latina

Entertainment and amenities: The Live Spa offers massages, facials, and other treatments; Nightly entertainment at Center Stage includes karaoke, salsa lessons, live music and DJs.

Horseshoe Baltimore Casino

1525 Russell St, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230; (844) 777-7463

Gordon Ramsay Steakhouse opened late last year.

Located near M&T Bank Stadium, the Horseshoe has been rolling the dice with a celebrity chef-driven shakeup in its restaurant lineup.

Full-service restaurants: Gordon Ramsay Steak, GDL Italian by Giada, and Guy Fieri’s Baltimore Kitchen + Bar round out the restaurants helmed by TV chefs.

Fast-casual: Baltimore Marketplace houses Guy’s Bar-B-Que Joint, B’more Chicken & Donuts, Heavy Seas Burger Bar, Lenny’s Deli, and Piezzetta Pizza Kitchen. There’s also a Fu Noodle House.

Entertainment: 14Forty Lounge hosts karaoke and live music.

Rocky Gap Casino & Resort

16701 Lakeview Rd NE, Cumberland, Maryland, 21530; (301) 784-8400

Views of the lake and state park are a bonus at the restaurants at this mountain resort and spa.

Full-service restaurants: Lakeside Restaurant

Fast-casual: Signatures Bar & Grill, LB’s Place, A Little Munch coffee and pastry shop

Entertainment and amenities: Live entertainment April through October at Signatures; Bands and stand-up comics perform at its event center, which seats on a first-come basis.

Hollywood Casino at Perryville

1201 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy, Perryville, MD 21903; (410) 378-8500

Maryland’s first casino isn’t the most glamorous of the bunch, but it’s a worthwhile stop for folks headed north on I-95.

Full-service restaurants: The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grill

Fast-casual: The Greene Turtle Express (open 24 hours)

Entertainment: Live entertainment on Saturdays and acoustic music on Fridays

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

580 E 5th Avenue, Ranson, West Virginia, 25438

Washingtonians headed to Harpers Ferry for a country getaway should know that there’s a late night dining option on weekends. Hollywood Casino’s 9 Dragons Asian restaurant serves sushi until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. The Eatery, a food hall and draft house from “Top Chef” alum Fabio Viviani, is scheduled to open this November.

Full-service restaurants: 9 Dragons, Final Cut Steakhouse; Skyline Terrace offers a view of the horse races and a choice of entrees.

Fast-casual: Epic Buffet, Skybox Sportsbar, the Balcony coffee shop; The Corral serves hot dogs and chips, and Longshots Deli serves burgers and pizza.

Entertainment: Ticketed concerts and comedy shows at the Event Center; Free live music is offered in the H Lounge Fridays and Saturdays.