$5 blackjack in Clearwater, Florida?
I enjoy playing 3:2 double deck $5 blackjack at the downtown Las Vegas casinos - MSS, the Cal, and similar casinos. My bankroll is modest, < $500. I know the barebones basics of card counting and got to try this on my last 3 short visits to Las Vegas in the past 2 years (small wins, <$100). I’m not seeking to make a fortune, just want to enjoy card counting. I’m not much of a social player, and most enjoy playing head-to-head with the dealer if I get to the tables when they first open. Wifey loves the social action; I avoid playing with her, because she doesn’t count, but always seems to win!
$10 blackjack would not work for me, and no 6:5 payback, only 3:2.
Runner-up favorite game is Deuces are Wild Video Poker.
My wife and & I are also foodies. High on my bucket list is to eat my first stone crab claws and try Key West Pink shrimp. For wifey, she adores a good fancy prime rib a la Lawry’s or Morton’s, i.e., not from a buffet line.
On our return to Honolulu, we’ll probably stay a day in Las Vegas - I hope the $5 bj tables haven’t disappeared in downtown???!!!
Anyone have some experience/knowledge to share?
Thanks in advance!
Ain't that always the way?Quote: LostWages. I’m not seeking to make a fortune, just want to enjoy card counting. I’m not much of a social player, and most enjoy playing head-to-head with the dealer if I get to the tables when they first open. Wifey loves the social action; I avoid playing with her, because she doesn’t count, but always seems to win!
Clearwater. Some very upscale resorts there and lots of upscale restaurants and upscale catering services.
Steer clear of the Scientologists. The restaurants that cater to retired Pennsylvania Dutch are good but the food is rather bland.
Steer clear of ALL gambling boats no matter what they advertise. Sailings are erratic if they take place at all. Recall perhaps the recent death of a woman on a casino boat fire. Fifty people enjoyed the five dollar blackjack and twice a week five dollar craps. One of those fifty died. Her autopsy results are still "pending". So whether they say Tampa, Clearwater or St. John's Pass, stay away from those boats that exist more as websites than any reliable sailings.
Tampa's mega casino will be your most likely goal. Its been too long a time for me to give advice on crowds or anything. You want your own 3:2 table all to yourself? Be prepared to go 300 each hand at least afternoons and evenings.
As for food, it’s currently Stone Crab season for another month or so. Frenchy’s with 4 locations in Clearwater beach and another in Dunedin (5 miles North) is a great place to enjoy them. Gulf caught shrimp can be found in almost every bar and restaurant around town. Clearwater Beach also has many options for Gulf Front restaurants that will satisfy your desires for fresh seafood. Crabbies is another good one and there is an incredible roof top bar and restaurant called Jimmy Guanas on top of the hotel at Pier House 60. Free shot at sunset and the best view of the sunset in the area. There are almost many boat trips that go into the bay and gulf for both dolphin cruises and sunset cruises. My favorite is the Tropics, good crew who gives you a good overview of the area. It’s like $25 for a 2 hour tour and well worth it.
My favorite steakhouse is actually LeeRoy Selmons but it is across the causeway in Tampa, a 20 minutes drive from Clearwater. Owned by a former Buc player, it is a middle of the road steakhouse. Higher rated is Flemings right down the street and is closer to a Morton’s.
Hope this helps and if you do get there, have time to enjoy all Clearwater has to offer.
And yea, that just sounded like a tourism ad.
They have great public transportation there (Clearwater-St. Pete and all their beach communities, also stretching north to Tarpon Springs, which is a Greek fishing village for centuries), with very cheap all-day passes, several interconnecting trolley lines, and frequent runs The St. Pete area is worth a half-day or full-day visit. The Looper takes you all up and down Central Avenue; think it's $.50 a ride unless you buy an all-day pass. The beach trolley run is interesting unless you're from Hawaii (kidding).
Start with this link
https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/article/ride-beach-trolley
and use the menus from there to access all their routes to different places. It seems to base in Clearwater, but there were 4-5 separate companies running trolleys that have now joined in one big cooperative effort.
Edit: this is the trolley and bus site..psta. you can access all the routes and fares from this.
https://www.psta.net/riding-psta/schedulesmap/suncoast-beach-trolley/
Boz: I see your tourism ad and raise you a sales pitch. I don't like Tampa itself much, but the communities farther west are fun.
Quote: FleaStiffAin't that always the way?
Clearwater. Some very upscale resorts there and lots of upscale restaurants and upscale catering services.
Steer clear of the Scientologists. The restaurants that cater to retired Pennsylvania Dutch are good but the food is rather bland.
Steer clear of ALL gambling boats no matter what they advertise. Sailings are erratic if they take place at all. Recall perhaps the recent death of a woman on a casino boat fire. Fifty people enjoyed the five dollar blackjack and twice a week five dollar craps. One of those fifty died. Her autopsy results are still "pending". So whether they say Tampa, Clearwater or St. John's Pass, stay away from those boats that exist more as websites than any reliable sailings.
Tampa's mega casino will be your most likely goal. Its been too long a time for me to give advice on crowds or anything. You want your own 3:2 table all to yourself? Be prepared to go 300 each hand at least afternoons and evenings.
Fleastiff - Oi! Thanks for the tips - we saw what boat gambling is like on a short trip we took from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico. Yeah, we’ll stay away from them.
Big ouch on the pricey hands to enjoy 3:2 bj! This might be a non-gambling visit to best enjoy the food & sights before heading home.
Glad I checked to see the WOV now has the Mar 2018 Blackjack Survey. MSS no longer has $5 bj, but there are a selected few to savor. https://wizardofvegas.com/guides/blackjack-survey/
Quote: bozAs for food, it’s currently Stone Crab season for another month or so. Frenchy’s with 4 locations in Clearwater beach and another in Dunedin (5 miles North) is a great place to enjoy them. Gulf caught shrimp can be found in almost every bar and restaurant around town. Clearwater Beach also has many options for Gulf Front restaurants that will satisfy your desires for fresh seafood. Crabbies is another good one and there is an incredible roof top bar and restaurant called Jimmy Guanas on top of the hotel at Pier House 60. Free shot at sunset and the best view of the sunset in the area. There are almost many boat trips that go into the bay and gulf for both dolphin cruises and sunset cruises. My favorite is the Tropics, good crew who gives you a good overview of the area. It’s like $25 for a 2 hour tour and well worth it.
My favorite steakhouse is actually LeeRoy Selmons but it is across the causeway in Tampa, a 20 minutes drive from Clearwater. Owned by a former Buc player, it is a middle of the road steakhouse. Higher rated is Flemings right down the street and is closer to a Morton’s.
Hope this helps and if you do get there, have time to enjoy all Clearwater has to offer.
You answered all my foodie questions, and then some! Wish we were going during the stone crab season, but you’ve provided so many options. We’ll probably arrive on a Thu, have time for a leisurely dinner (thank goodness, no fasting needed for the procedure), do a 2-3 hour outpatient procedure, have time for a 2nd great dinner, enjoy a full Sat of sightseeing, and then leave Sun. Appreciate the tips!
Quote: beachbumbabsStart with this link
https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/article/ride-beach-trolley
and use the menus from there to access all their routes to different places. It seems to base in Clearwater, but there were 4-5 separate companies running trolleys that have now joined in one big cooperative effort.
Edit: this is the trolley and bus site..psta. you can access all the routes and fares from this.
https://www.psta.net/riding-psta/schedulesmap/suncoast-beach-trolley/
BBB!
How wonderful to read your tip-filled notes! Still haven’t figured out how you always have some thoughtful replies to all our posts- you don’t miss a beat, do you?
Plenty of VP machines to fill your day.
Lastly look at Berns steakhouse or Charlies steakhouse
https://bernssteakhouse.com
I would do berns and hit the sessert room afterwards.
A lot of the clesrwater restaurants tend to end up on dirty diners so we rarely eat there (we live in tamps)
No live craps or roulette in florids
Quote: LostWagesQuote: beachbumbabsStart with this link
https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/article/ride-beach-trolley
and use the menus from there to access all their routes to different places. It seems to base in Clearwater, but there were 4-5 separate companies running trolleys that have now joined in one big cooperative effort.
Edit: this is the trolley and bus site..psta. you can access all the routes and fares from this.
https://www.psta.net/riding-psta/schedulesmap/suncoast-beach-trolley/
BBB!
How wonderful to read your tip-filled notes! Still haven’t figured out how you always have some thoughtful replies to all our posts- you don’t miss a beat, do you?
Sure! In this particular case, my brother lived in St. Pete for several years recently, so I was over there a lot. But I became a trolley fan in London, then Paris. It's an outstanding way to get an informed idea of what's interesting in a tourist way, especially the hop-on hop-off types. You can really see everything, sort out what's interesting to you and where it is without a lot of time and expense hunting and parking and fighting unfamiliar traffic.
Quote: beachbumbabsSure! In this particular case, my brother lived in St. Pete for several years recently, so I was over there a lot. But I became a trolley fan in London, then Paris. It's an outstanding way to get an informed idea of what's interesting in a tourist way, especially the hop-on hop-off types. You can really see everything, sort out what's interesting to you and where it is without a lot of time and expense hunting and parking and fighting unfamiliar traffic.
Oh my, you’re a world traveler! I enjoyed similar world travels, but maybe not as adventurous as yours! Thank you for making me enjoy all your posts even more!
Quote: troopscottHardrocks blackjack is typically $15 with an occasional $10 table in the mornings
Plenty of VP machines to fill your day.
Lastly look at Berns steakhouse or Charlies steakhouse
https://bernssteakhouse.com
I would do berns and hit the sessert room afterwards.
A lot of the clesrwater restaurants tend to end up on dirty diners so we rarely eat there (we live in tamps)
No live craps or roulette in florids
Ah, a source for Video Poker if the urge comes! BJ too rich for my pocket. Super tips for wifey if she gets the Prime Rib yearning! Berns might just do the trick! Thanks for your share!
Quote: Boz
My favorite steakhouse is actually LeeRoy Selmons but it is across the causeway in Tampa, a 20 minutes drive from Clearwater. Owned by a former Buc player,
He has been dead for 7 years so I don't think he owns it. Kind of like Tim Horton's....
You can get live craps on the vessel from Cape Canaveral and two days a week you can get live five dollar craps on that decrepit boat moored off Port Richey where the woman died several weeks ago.
If you visit the Tampa Hard Rock you can atleast do a trip report for us so we can learn the latest offerings.
Hope the medical procedure goes well.
Quote: FleaStiffI would definitely stick to high end restaurants if ordering any fish: there is an intense Red tide alert meaning algae blooms and lots of dead fish washing up on the shore, so steak just might be a good idea.
You can get live craps on the vessel from Cape Canaveral and two days a week you can get live five dollar craps on that decrepit boat moored off Port Richey where the woman died several weeks ago.
If you visit the Tampa Hard Rock you can atleast do a trip report for us so we can learn the latest offerings.
Hope the medical procedure goes well.
Appreciate the heads-up and tips! A high end steak/prime rib house will do for wifey. She’s been a tireless and non-complaining health advocate, especially since 1 Dec 2017!
Maybe a quick visit to Tampa HR would be in order.
Cheers, and hope the procedure goes well too!
You live in Hawaii. I was 2 years there, and I can tell you. Don't waste any money on expensive fish here, because you will be disappointed. The only one I can think of that's worth the money here MIGHT be fresh swordfish steaks out of the Atlantic, and most restaurants overcook it. (There's lots of great fish here, but when you compare it to what you can get in Hawaii; it will not compare well).
Its not just shellfish that are floating up onto the beaches free for the taking and winding up who knows where. If a restaurant collects the dead fish and then adds onions and chilies and limes, the profits would be high. I don't know if this is happening or not but I sure would not be ordering fish if I were going to restaurants.Quote: gamerfreakI believe it’s only shellfish that are affected by red tide (in terms of human consumption).
Quote: FleaStiffIts not just shellfish that are floating up onto the beaches free for the taking and winding up who knows where. If a restaurant collects the dead fish and then adds onions and chilies and limes, the profits would be high. I don't know if this is happening or not but I sure would not be ordering fish if I were going to restaurants.
As a restaurateur I disagree. While you may find a rogue desperate operator almost out of business, every legitimate business carefully sources their product. Their reputation and investment is on the line in a tough industry every day. Successful business’s didn’t get that way by risking customer safety to save a few dollars. Red Tide has been an issue almost annually and increases costs but is part of the business. No different than wings around the Super Bowl, you manage cost increases as part of daily management. The well known long term restaurants know this and are not serving bad fish.
As to what Babs said about quality compared to Hawaii I would agree, but I would throw Grouper in there as something you see in Florida restaurants and is very popular. Frenchy’s is known for their Grouper sandwiches.
Quote: BozA. Frenchy’s is known for their Grouper sandwiches.
Cant go wrong with A Frenchy's Grouper sandwich
I love them
I hear Frenchy's has their own boats catching Grouper in the gulf
There is another type of Grouper in Florida now. For five dollars you get a six dollar array of lottery tickets in a variety of games.Quote: terapinedCant go wrong with A Frenchy's Grouper sandwich
I will second the Bern's suggestion. Note that if you do the kitchen & wine cellar (very impressive, BTW) tour after dinner, it will end at the dessert room. Just ask your waiter about the tour toward the end of your meal.Quote: troopscottHardrocks blackjack is typically $15 with an occasional $10 table in the mornings
Plenty of VP machines to fill your day.
Lastly look at Berns steakhouse or Charlies steakhouse
https://bernssteakhouse.com
I would do berns and hit the sessert room afterwards.
I would also suggest going to Clearwater Beach, as it is IMHO, one of the best beaches in Florida. But being from Hawaii, you are probably not easily impressed with a beach!
Quote: BozAs a restaurateur I disagree. While you may find a rogue desperate operator almost out of business, every legitimate business carefully sources their product. Their reputation and investment is on the line in a tough industry every day. Successful business’s didn’t get that way by risking customer safety to save a few dollars. Red Tide has been an issue almost annually and increases costs but is part of the business. No different than wings around the Super Bowl, you manage cost increases as part of daily management. The well known long term restaurants know this and are not serving bad fish.
As to what Babs said about quality compared to Hawaii I would agree, but I would throw Grouper in there as something you see in Florida restaurants and is very popular. Frenchy’s is known for their Grouper sandwiches.
Yeah, Boz, I would have to agree. Grouper is outstanding on the Gulf. I would also suggest yellowfin tuna IF you're able to get it fresh that day, and served whole. Otherwise don't bother with it; you have to pick it off the bones done this way, but it's succulent and meaty. Has to be fresh, though, or it just tastes like trash fish.
Quote: JoemanI will second the Bern's suggestion.
Wear a suit jacket
Its that kind of place
Quote: JoemanI will second the Bern's suggestion. Note that if you do the kitchen & wine cellar (very impressive, BTW) tour after dinner, it will end at the dessert room. Just ask your waiter about the tour toward the end of your meal.
I will third the Bern's suggestion.
It is a restaurant unique unto itself. In the 1970s I lived close to Bern's. I used to take dates to Bern's for dessert (long before the upstairs dessert bar) after a party or show or whatever. With no reservation, we could sit in the bar for a nightcap and dessert. My dates appreciated it, and they often showed that appreciation in other delightful ways.
Bern's boasted the largest wine cellar in the history of the world (according to Florida Trend magazine, Oct-2002, p. 82). Bern Laxer -- founder, with his wife, Gert -- bought two long-closed motels that were adjacent to the restaurant and stored wine in them. And, yes, kitchen staff would run to and from hotel rooms each filled with carefully inventoried bottles of wine. The wine list -- eventually completed to Bern's satisfaction -- was a work in progress in the 1970s, and a copy of the VERY thick wine list was chained at each table. It was a wine biology-geography-history book that the restaurant now sells.
Not sure if they still have it, but in the 1970s, Bern had a farm in Plant City that grew organic vegetables served in the restaurant. It was considered a compliment to ask for seconds. Wait staff were required to have a college degree and worked at the farm for 6 months before they set foot inside the restaurant.
Yes, it's more expensive than an "average" steak-house restaurant, but you can manage the cost to a fair degree. This is because the aged steaks Bern's serves are cut for you only after you order them. Bern's menu shows a list of steaks in a grid. Across the top are different sizes. Data cells show the cost for that choice. So, you can order a smaller sized steak for a lower cost, and still have room (and budget) for the upstairs dessert room.
Bern designed (patented?) a way to allow better wine to be sold by the glass, by filling the partly empty bottle with nitrogen (IIRC). I only saw Bern Laxer one time. Someone ordered a rather expensive bottle of wine ($1,500+ according to my waiter, about the cost of a new car). Bern accompanied the Wine Steward to the table for the uncorking.
Called the "perfectionist of perfectionists" by Florida Trend, Bern Laxer passed in 2002. However perfect Heaven might have been before he arrived, I have no doubt Bern is finding ways to make it even better.
Actually, it's been my experience that the prices of the cuts at Bern's are comparable to those at a Ruth's Chris or Mortons. However, at Bern's, you get their French onion soup, a salad, potato, vegetable, and onion rings included with the price of the steak. At the other places, the steaks typically come a-la-carte, and you pay extra for sides. For me, that makes Bern's less expensive than the upscale steakhouse chains. Less expensive, that is, until we hit the dessert room! :)Quote: LuckyPhowYes, it's more expensive than an "average" steak-house restaurant, but you can manage the cost to a fair degree. This is because the aged steaks Bern's serves are cut for you only after you order them. Bern's menu shows a list of steaks in a grid. Across the top are different sizes. Data cells show the cost for that choice. So, you can order a smaller sized steak for a lower cost, and still have room (and budget) for the upstairs dessert room.
Regarding the wine list, Lucky is right -- it's like a phone book (anyone remember those?). I think they boast over 10,000 wines. We usually try to find an older bottle (40+ years) that they have to decant at the table. The sommeliers have guided us to some good ones in the $50 range that were unique and very tasty.
Sorry for the Bern's hijack, LW, but I highly recommend it if you are going to be in the Tampa Bay area for a few days.
