While chilling in a Southern California casino pool may be an ideal way to spend the warmer months, quality food and drinks certainly enhance those vacation vibes.
All of the casinos don’t allow outside ice chests, food and drinks, but instead offer several delicious appetizers, barbecue dishes and tropical beverages that will make you feel like you’re on an island getaway.
Here are some of the highlights from the poolside menus at Southern California casinos this season.
WetBar at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 888-999-1995.
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
See the menu: aguacalientecasinos.com.
For a cocktail that provides a refreshing taste while offering a nod to the desert hot springs, guests can try the Hot Water cocktail made with Cruzan light rum, a blended piña colada mix, strawberry puree swirl and float of dark rum for $15. Fresh food items include fish tacos ($18), the three palms burger ($19) and a strawberry arugula salad ($16).
Dive at Harrah’s Resort Southern California
777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center. 760-751-3100.
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
See the menu: harrahssocal.com.
The adults-only pool hosts a swim-up bar that offers tropical drinks such as the Mamba Guava made with Ilegal mezcal, guava purée, house sour and orange bitters for $15.99. Food items include nachos ($13.99), rolled chicken tacos ($11.99) and a cheeseburger ($15.99).
Sunset Bar & Grill at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa
49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. 951-849-3080.
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
See the menu: morongocasinoresort.com.
The Cabazon property offers signature drinks that pair well with a sunny day including the Morongo Limousine Margarita made with Patron reposado, lemon juice, lime juice and Remy Martin VSOP for $13. The kitchen also cooks up bites such as a shrimp or fish basket ($16) sunset smash burger ($15) and personal pepperoni pizzas ($15).
Poolside Café & Bar Restaurant at Pala Casino Spa Resort
11154 Highway 76, Pala. 877-946-7252.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
See the menu: Menu unavailable online, but guest can visit palacasino.com for more information.
The pool adjacent bar serves tropical themed cocktails all for $10 including the Spicy Dessert Margarita made Tanteo Jalapeno, lime juice, Monin prickly pear syrup and it’s garnished with a lime wedge and served on the rocks. The restaurant menu includes breakfast and lunch items like the breakfast burrito ($13.95), chicken or steak nachos ($13.95) and the Pala burger ($14.95).
Coveside Grill at Pechanga Resort Casino
45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. 877-711-2946.
Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.
See the menu: pechanga.com
The Coveside Grill’s bar pours signature cocktails for $15.99 a glass and includes a Tropical Mule made with Malibu, fresh lime juice, coconut purée, pineapple juice, ginger beer all garnished with a lime wedge. Menu highlights include the BBQ chicken & ranch flat bread ($16), gochujang wings ($18) and a Cajun chicken avocado sandwich ($15).
Helix Bar and Radiance Café at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland. 800-359-2464.
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at the Helix Bar and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Radiance Café.
See the menu: yaamava.com
The Helix Bar offers several summer drinks such as the Lovers made with Milagro Tequila Blanco, Dekuyper watermelon schnapps, hibiscus lime sour, garnished with a Tajín rim and served on the rocks. Next door at The Radiance Café, guests can enjoy delicious food items including a SoCal Seafood Cocktail ($18), an LA Street Dog ($16) and a Achiote Chicken Torta ($16). The Radiance Café also offers a weekend brunch which includes unlimited mimosas and a Bellini station ($20) and a bloody Mary and michelada station ($20). Brunch dishes include chilaquiles ($29), New York steak and eggs, ($34) and double stack blackberry waffles ($28).
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