Carson City, Nevada - Request

Can we get some reports on the gaming action in Carson City, Nevada?

Quote: Asswhoopermcdaddy

Can we get some reports on the gaming action in Carson City, Nevada?

Two words for anyone going to CC:
Casino Fandango.

I visited Casino Fandango about a year ago. It was a weekday, and the casino had a few patrons. They had $3 minimum tables. I played at a full 3CP table. I can't report on BJ conditions. Overall, based on my limited observations, it had a fun, friendly vibe. The craps table had a reduced crew -- can't remember if it was 1 or 2 dealers.

I didn't stay or eat there, so I can't comment about that.

I was also there in 2010 back when they had a mechanical parrot that "flew" around the casino, hanging from a track in the ceiling. Occasionally, the parrot would screech and drop cash. There was no such parrot the last time I was there, but there were rumors of his return in the future.

Would people chase the parrot around?

No. the one time I saw it, it moved pretty fast. It did one circuit above the casino floor, and then disappeared through a slot in the wall. I only saw it drop a few $1 bills. Nothing worth knocking over little old ladies to get. I found it to be an odd spectacle, though.

I just checked their website, and there is no mention of the parrot. Perhaps the rumors I heard were just that -- rumors.

Sorry I couldn't provide you with more than just the "parrot report." I noticed PokerAddict recently did some Northern Nevada casino reviews. Perhaps he also has some info on the Carson City casinos?

Does Fandango have a sportsbook?

Quote: DHass22

Does Fandango have a sportsbook?

I haven't been there in years but I know they used to. An independent one too. However, they probably got bought out by William Hill. If anyone can confirm or deny, please do.

Quote: DHass22

Does Fandango have a sportsbook?

I haven't been there in years but I know they used to. An independent one too. However, they probably got bought out by William Hill. If anyone can confirm or deny, please do.

It is a William Hill 'McBook' or 'Taco Book' or 'Book in the Box' site.

https://www.williamhill.us/find-a-location/

Quote: William Hill

Casino Fandango
3800 S. Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701 US

Hours:
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

https://www.casinofandango.com/casino/race-sports-book/

Quote: Casino Fandango

Casino Fandango features William Hill Race and Sports Book...

Ormsby House, a casino and small hotel, that achieved some notoriety in Carson City history is no more. Its occupancy permit has been allowed to expire and the property is likely to become residential and retail space since all the recent potential sales to gambling interests have fallen through.

I got an email about voting for the best casino buffet, and I see that Rum Jungle Buffet at Casino Fandango currently sits at #2 on the leaderboard.

Two questions: Is it worth the drive from Reno to Carson City just the buffet, and why does Rum Jungle Buffet look exactly like Reno's Atlantis Buffet did in the 2000s? (Even with the pastel-colored booths!)

Quote: smoothgrh

I got an email about voting for the best casino buffet, and I see that Rum Jungle Buffet at Casino Fandango currently sits at #2 on the leaderboard.

Two questions: Is it worth the drive from Reno to Carson City just the buffet, and why does Rum Jungle Buffet look exactly like Reno's Atlantis Buffet did in the 2000s? (Even with the pastel-colored booths!)

No. Better Buffets in Reno. Do not go to CC. Atlantis, Eldorado/Silver Legacy, Perpermill. Friday and Saturday are premium buffets usually with some sort of seafood or steak theme. The Buffets in Reno are not at the same level as Las Vegas such as the Wynn or Bellagio. But again it will only run between $20-$30 for those who have to pay. Atlantis and Grand Sierra both have renovated and have improved their Buffets within the past year or two.

Quote: Vegasrider

No. Better Buffets in Reno. Do not go to CC. Atlantis, Eldorado/Silver Legacy, Perpermill. Friday and Saturday are premium buffets usually with some sort of seafood or steak theme. The Buffets in Reno are not at the same level as Las Vegas such as the Wynn or Bellagio. But again it will only run between $20-$30 for those who have to pay. Atlantis and Grand Sierra both have renovated and have improved their Buffets within the past year or two.

We wound up going to one of the other restaurants on the list: Hiroba Sushi in Sparks.

It was excellent! $23.95 for all-you-can-eat sushi dinner (not including tax and tip) on Sunday. We got there around 5 p.m. and there were already people there, but not at capacity. It's not a buffet. You mark what you want on slips of paper, then they bring your sushi to you.

The sushi is prepared well—and with a reasonable amount of rice. The unagi is small, but it comes on a small ball of rice like half the size of a regular nigiri (you can always order more). The salmon skin hand roll is the best I've ever had—the salmon was hot and crispy. You can order other items like edamame and cucumber salad, which I really enjoyed.

They're not fanatical about you finishing all your pieces. We had a couple pieces left on a plate and the server asked if we'd like it taken away. The dinner also comes with one dessert choice including green tea ice cream, deep-fried banana, or mochi (in different flavors—I picked mango). The only negative was that the Mrs. thought the miso soup tasted odd, though I didn't try it.

I'd definitely visit again.

Quote: smoothgrh

We wound up going to one of the other restaurants on the list: Hiroba Sushi in Sparks.

It was excellent! $23.95 for all-you-can-eat sushi dinner (not including tax and tip) on Sunday. We got there around 5 p.m. and there were already people there, but not at capacity. It's not a buffet. You mark what you want on slips of paper, then they bring your sushi to you.

I'd definitely visit again.

Thanks. That is a succinct but very fine and helpful recommendation.

Next time try the sushi bar at the Atlantis, get there before 4 and you can get the lunch pricing of $21.95. All you can eat plus a bunch of appetizers off the menu. I don't order rolls, just sushi and the rice is very minimal. Almost not enough. I live in Sparks, I think I may know where that place is. I think off Prater and Sparks Blvd.

The sushi bar at Atlantis used to be our regular place until one year when we visited, it was just not good at all. I remember specifically that we ordered tomago for my younger son at regular price, and it was tiny. How does a sushi place screw up tomago?! But there were other issues that I’m not remembering. In any case, it was enough that we decided to try other places.

Tamago is tiny, but it's all you can eat so I just order triple of everything since everything they make is small to begin with, but it's not full of rice like a lot of places so I like the Atlantis. I heard the Peppermill has really good sushi but expect to pay a lot, no AYCE.

The plan is to visit Carson City this weekend! Yes, Carson City.

Staying at Courtyard by Marriott next to Casino Fandango, so will definitely visit that casino.

Probable other activities:
Capitol Building tour
Nevada State Museum
Biking around the Kit Carson Trail
Trap shooting

Any other suggestions?

Have you been to Virginia City?
how is the weather up there this time of year? Is there snow on the ground?

Quote: billryan

Have you been to Virginia City?
how is the weather up there this time of year? Is there snow on the ground?
link to original post

I guess if you have never been to VC, then it’s worth a trip. Could be a little snow left over on the hills but roads should be clear. Lake Tahoe this time of year is absolutely breathtaking..

Quote: smoothgrh

The plan is to visit Carson City this weekend! Yes, Carson City.

Staying at Courtyard by Marriott next to Casino Fandango, so will definitely visit that casino.

Probable other activities:
Capitol Building tour
Nevada State Museum
Biking around the Kit Carson Trail
Trap shooting

Any other suggestions?
link to original post

Reds 99 is a cool place to eat. A trip up to Tahoe is worth it. So beautiful during the winter. The owners of Fandango opened a new casino in Sparks last year called Legends. I find their machines tight!

Quote: smoothgrh

Staying at Courtyard by Marriott next to Casino Fandango, so will definitely visit that casino.

Make sure to ask about the parrot! ;)

Quote: Joeman

Quote: smoothgrh

Staying at Courtyard by Marriott next to Casino Fandango, so will definitely visit that casino.

Make sure to ask about the parrot! ;)
link to original post

I asked about the parrot! Friendly custodian dude said it used to drop $2 bills, but couldn't remember how many years ago it stopped flying! He said the casino owners treat customers well. Or did he say employees? Maybe both? It has been a long night!

Carson City trip

Friday night

Carson Valley Inn, Minden NV
$10 blackjack, double deck
Played one $10 hand and won
Asked about canceled playing cards, and the pit boss gave me two decks!
Two $1-$2 no-limit hold'em games downstairs. Seems to be the only poker room in the area.
At coffee shop, son and I each had a $3 mini sundae. chocolate ice cream with hot fudge, nuts, whipped cream. no cherry, but was just the right amount for a light dessert.
Server told table next to us they still had prime rib, even at 11:30 p.m.
9-6 JoB at 5-cent denominations
Everyone at this casino was very friendly -- definitely the best casino in the area!

Casino Fandango, Carson City
Only a 30-yard walk from Courtyard by Marriott, where I'm staying
Friendly custodian guy regaled me about the casino's history, including the infamous bill-dropping parrot, and how the buffet is now a coffee shop setup
At the Bird Bar, played 25-cents 8-5 JoB with $1,342 royal progressive. Probably not a good idea with the tax penalty on the royal.
Was getting a lot of deuces, so switched to Deuces Wild 20-12-10 (97.58%) with a $1,065 royal progressive.
I asked bartender which whiskey he recommended, and he poured me a pretty good Four Roses bourbon
Said they had Crown Royal, but couldn't comp it, and would be $6
For my second drink, a different bartender suggested Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, which I liked more because of its sweeter finish
Finished down in VP $6.25

Saturday

Casino Fandango (part II)
Three tables open at 10 a.m.: Three Card Poker, $10 6-deck blackjack, and $10 pai gow poker
Signed up for a players card and got two decks of playing cards with rubber bands instead of boxed, but the edges are NOT cut off!
Went back to same video poker machine, got a spicy bloody mary, and finished even after a few hands.
Lots of early 2000s IGT slots around the "Volcano slots" area
Played Creature from the Black Lagoon slots (which I have in my garage) at 15x10x$0.01 and lost $40, even with a $5 free play bonus that popped up on the display
Played Cops & Donus slot at 20x5x$0.01 and lost $20
Played pai gow poker at $10/hand, won 1 and lost 4 games.
I got a jack-high pai gow on the first hand and the dealer pointed out that the side bet would have paid 15-1

Carson Nugget, downtown Carson City
Replica Batmobile there
Also have six coin-operated pool tables
Live keno
Played Pick-a-Pair poker and lost 50 cents
Three table games (all blackjack, I think) that open at 12:15 p.m. on Saturdays
Bought a $2 deck of cards from a vending machine

Cactus Jack's, across the street from Carson Nugget
Super small, slots-only casino
I like how they have the old school door to get into a glass area before you go into the main building to keep the chilly drafts out
Two Cashman Bingo machines
Oddly, many of the marquees over video poker say "Game Queen" instead of the usual Game King, which I've never seen. Doesn't have any IGT tradmarks. Maybe custom glass?

Points Casino, in the mall across from Casino Fandango
It's next to Dotty's and also owned by Dotty's, with a door into Dotty's
They have all kinds of prizes (housewares, etc.) on the wall like at a Dave & Busters
Attendant guy said you earn points from play and can redeem for prizes or free play
I asked how much a whiskey like Woodford Reserve would be, and he said it would be comped if I'm playing, but checked and said a double shot would be $5.50
He also said the Bourbon St. sports bar casino next door is also owned by Dotty's
Finally he mentioned that unlike Dotty's, they close during the graveyard hours.

Lunch at Paul Schat's Bakery
Excellent pastries, sandwiches, and salads!
Wait in line, get your number, find a table, and they bring out your food
Very cute and cozy, with only about five booths and five tables

Capital City Gun Club
Trap shooting:
$20 rifle rental
$10 for range tokens (25 targets)
With ammo, it was $66 altogether
I hit 8 out of 25
It's voice activated, so don't yell and have it mistakenly fling a target!

Nevada State Museum
$10 admission, free for age 17 and under
The mine exhibit is awesome! Bring the kids!

Sunday morning
Jackpot crossing
Behind Slot World on the main road leading to Virginia City
Self-serve coffee, tea, and soda. Ask for a mug or cup at the bar. Tip the nice server!
Get a royal flush, win a tee-shirt, min 25-cent wager
Bonus poker: 6-5 5 cent; 7-5 25 cent
Played Bally Game Maker Pick ‘em poker at 5x$0.05 — old school sounds and graphics! Played for some time and lost $3
Played Cashman Bingo. Put in $42, got a bingo, and cashed out $40.15 for a $1.85 loss
The nice ladies said the third floor used to be a restaurant, but now is for catered events.


Slot World
Fairly big
Betsy’s Big Kitchen coffee shop/diner
I think I heard Three Way-Action Poker
One machine had 8-5 JoB at 5 and 25 and 50, but a nearby machine had 9-5 JoB
Saw a guy playing the original Black Rhino slot at 90 cents/spin
They still have an Ocean Magic
Played IGT 1-cent denom traditional 3-reel slots (with handle) @ 9x$0.01, lost $2


Max Casino
Modern casino, but relatively small number of machines
One machine has 6-5 JoB on all denoms
Also has uncanny valley blackjack and bubble craps
Black Bear Diner attached


Red Dragon Casino
Same owner as Dotty’s
Only 15 machines, including the usual U1 machines, but also has 4x$0.25 pool table (with pool cues), ping pong table, dart board, crane games, pachinko machines (not working), and two karaoke rooms ($20/hour)
Unique feature is Asian drinks like Japanese whiskey, sake, canned boba drinks, canned teas and Asian sodas and snacks
Attendant was really helpful, got me my first Dotty's card, and poured me some good drinks
I had a Sensei and also a Hibiki Harmony whisky.
Played IGT Pick-a-pair poker @ 5x$0.05, lost $3
.

Casino Fandango
Three Card Poker, won first two hands but eventually lost $35
Cards are hand-shuffled and dealt old-school style!
Saved a chip for my collection
Breakfast/lunch at the Palm Court Grille. Pot roast was deceptively tender and tasty!
Whole pies for $15! (But I didn’t get one)
Played keno 5x$1, picked 6 numbers and got only 2 numbers on each game. lost $5.
I told my son this casino restaurant experience closely matches that of my childhood.

I had been to Carson City before to visit the State Museum, and to drive from Reno to South Lake Tahoe before the bypass was built, but I never stayed there nor gambled there until this trip. It was far more pleasant than I expected, and everyone I met was very nice. I asked my son if perhaps it’s because life is less stressful there, akin to the people we met on our vacation in Canada.

Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for sharing.

I need to do another northern Nevada vacation; if only it didn't take all day to get there from northeast FL. (And flights ain't exactly cheap, either!)

Quote: smoothgrh

Breakfast/lunch at the Palm Court Grille. Pot roast was deceptively tender and tasty!
Whole pies for $15! (But I didn’t get one)
Played keno 5x$1, picked 6 numbers and got only 2 numbers on each game. lost $5.
I told my son this casino restaurant experience closely matches that of my childhood.

Yes, mine as well -- sitting in the coffee shop playing keno (well, the grown-ups played, but I got to root for the numbers to come in) while waiting for the food to arrive!

Nice trip report. I live in Reno and have only been into two of the casinos you reviewed in CC. Fandango and Nugget .

You make it to Virginia City? Probably not a big tourist trap this time of year.

Yeah, you may not find the bargain airfares into Reno compared to LV but flying in and out of here is a breeze and renting a car is even easier. For the low rollers, you are never forced to play above your means here in Reno compared to a lot of casinos in Vegas.

Quote: Joeman

Sounds like a great trip! Thanks for sharing.

Yes, mine as well -- sitting in the coffee shop playing keno (well, the grown-ups played, but I got to root for the numbers to come in) while waiting for the food to arrive!
link to original post

Glad to share, especially for those who can relate! I've mentioned before that I try to "go back in time," and this trip certainly felt like it took me back!

I remember the keno ladies were always nice about warning us to not allow us kids to fill out the keno cards. I think they understood the temptation of crayon and paper was so strong!

Quote: billryan

Have you been to Virginia City?
how is the weather up there this time of year? Is there snow on the ground?
link to original post

I've visited twice. Awhile back, I posted about playing a 1970s electromechanical slot machine in a Virginia City saloon.

There was still some snow and ice around — enough for my son to throw some snowballs at me at the Nevada State Museum. This year has been especially cold and snowy around these parts, of course.

Any craps table there pls??

Quote: speedycrap

Any craps table there pls??
link to original post

I saw no craps tables anywhere in Carson City.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Less than two weeks after I signed up for a players card at Casino Fandango, I got a mailing for:
$5 in free play
win $30-$300 in "flash play"
$10 dining credit
one $129 night at the Courtyard by Marriott next door

I think these are pretty good offers for the small amount of play that I did!

Gold Dust West does have a craps table, $5 or $10 minimum, open weekends only.