Bodines Casino Guide and Review
Located in Reno, Nevada, Bodines Casino has historically been known as a more budget-friendly option for both dining and gaming. However, recent user reviews suggest a shift in its offerings, with many long-time patrons noting a decline in value and quality across the board.
The Dining Experience: A Mixed Bag đđ
The majority of recent feedback for Bodines Casino centers heavily on its restaurant, which appears to be undergoing significant changes that impact customer satisfaction.
Price and Portions: The End of "Good Ole Days"
Several reviews lament the noticeable increase in food prices. What were once popular $7.99 dinner specials have reportedly climbed to $8.99-$9.99, with items like the Taco Salad jumping from $7.99 to $10.00. Compounding this, some diners report that the food portions on specials have also become smaller. This shift has led to a feeling among loyal customers that the "good ole days" of unbeatable deals are over, requiring patrons to be ready to spend more for their meals.
Food Quality: Consistency Concerns and Disappointments
While some reviewers still describe the food itself as "good," many others highlight a concerning decline in quality and consistency:
- Omelettes: One particularly strong complaint detailed a veggie egg white omelette that was "basically raw egg white in the middle," lacked "zero flavor or seasoning," and was remarkably small. Repeated issues with incorrect cheese orders were also mentioned.
- Breakfast Items: The breakfast special's short stack pancakes were described as "dense and flavorless," with a "plastic-like skin" forming on the syrup before consumption. Sausages were noted as "incredibly salty" and "encased in plastic."
- Dinner Entrees: A Chicken Fried Steak was found to be "cold, stiff & dry," with bland gravy. Vegetables were small in portion, and mashed potatoes were described as "very small" though a second scoop was provided upon request.
Overall, a sense of blandness, lack of freshness, and "filler diner food" quality pervades the negative food reviews, suggesting that while the food might be cheap, it often doesn't offer much in terms of taste or presentation.
Service: A Consistent Bright Spot â¨
Despite the issues with food, service remains a consistent positive. Reviewers frequently commend the wait staff for being "nice and respectful," "friendly & attentive," and providing prompt service.
Atmosphere: The Lingering Scent đ
As is often expected in casino environments, the entire establishment "reeked of cigarette smoke," particularly noticeable when entering the main casino area before reaching the diner. This is a common aspect of many older casinos and should be anticipated by visitors.
Restaurant Hours: Plan Accordingly
It's worth noting that the restaurant does not open until 7:00 AM, which can be an inconvenience for early risers or those looking for breakfast immediately after an early morning shift.
The Casino Floor: Tighter Pockets? đ°
While the focus of the reviews leaned heavily on the dining experience, the casino aspect also received some critical feedback.
Slot Machines: A Perception of Tightness
Patrons who have frequented Bodines for some time feel that the slot machines "used to be a little more loose than they are now." One user reported losing money "very quickly" before finding quicker wins at a different casino. This perception of "tighter" slots suggests a potentially less rewarding gaming experience compared to previous visits or other local establishments.
Comparison to Competitors
Some users explicitly stated they would be returning to competitor casinos like Fandango, citing the diminishing value at Bodines, particularly concerning the slots and the overall food quality/price changes. This indicates a potential shift in loyalties among former regular customers.
Overall Verdict: Fading Glory? đ¤
Bodines Casino appears to be at a crossroads. While it once attracted patrons with competitive pricing for both food and gaming, recent trends suggest a decline in value. The consistently praised friendly service is a notable positive, but it struggles to outweigh the growing concerns about increasing food prices, diminishing portions, and a noticeable drop in food quality. For those seeking a cheap meal, it might still "beats cooking at home and doing dishes," but expectations for culinary delight should be tempered. Similarly, the casino floor seems to be leaving some players feeling less fortunate than before. Visitors might consider other options in Reno if quality and winning potential are higher priorities than budget-friendly pricing.
Well, the times of rising prices have got hold here at Bodines restaurant. Gone are all the $7.99 dinner specials, they all went up to $8.99 to $9.99. Even the Taco Salad that used ti be $7.99 is $10 bucks now! The food on the specials has gotten smaller. You might not notice, but I been coming here a long time so I know. The food itself is still good as is the service. I guess the good ole days are gone and just be ready to spend more on food. Still beats cooking at home and doing dishes!Came back and got the blackened sole fish filet, pretty render and a nice change from the burgers.
Used to love coming here for the good prices but seems like it's going up and food quality has started going down. I'm sitting here eating a veggie egg white omelette that I ordered and it's basically raw egg white in the middle. Also, the last three times we ate here they ALWAYS get the cheese wrong on my omelette. This time was the last draw with the omelettes though, there was absolutely zero flavor or seasoning in the whole thing. Plus the omelette was so small I finished it in a out 8 bites. So I looked at my wife's plate because I was still very hungry and took some of her steamed veggies from her side... They were literally cold like they came out of a fridge.The slots used to be a little more loose than they are now as well. We used to go to Fandango all the time until we started coming to bodines about a year ago.At least the servers are nice and respectful here.We will be returning to Fandango's in the meantime until the prices or food portion/ quality gets better.
We stopped in here for breakfast on the road home from Tahoe. Of course, the whole place reeked of cigarette smoke, but that's to be expected. We just made our way directly to the diner.I had the breakfast special short stack pancakes, which were dense and flavorless. A busboy brought a small plate with butter and syrup for me several minutes before the food arrived. By the time the pancakes came, a plastic-like skin had formed over the syrup. It actually bulged and hung there like a balloon for several seconds before bursting and the "syrup" pouring out. It was gross. Strings of syrup hung off every bite, making a sticky mess everywhere. I ended up putting butter on the dry side of the cakes and eating that. Do NOT get the pancakes.My meal also came with two sausages. They were incredibly salty and also seemed to be encased in plastic. They were gross.My partner and kids had the typical eggs, bacon, sausage, and hashbrowns. Everything was bland, nothing was fresh. It was just filler diner food - not good, not terrible.Our server was very nice, the food came somewhat quickly, and was cheap. That was the only thing going for it.
The price for my meal was fine($10.99). However the meal itself was not good. *Chicken Fried Steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. Came with a choice of soup or salad. I chose the salad.* The salad was basic & fine. The Chicken Fried Steak was cold, stiff & dry; with gravy that was bland, not savory at all. The serving of vegetables were small in portion(they are spread-out on my plate, giving a larger portion appearance). The mashed potatoes were fine, yet very small portion. Our waiter got me another small scoop, after asking if all was okay? (I mentioned the size of the portion for my potatoes, he agreed it was a small amount)The service was very good. Friendly & attentive. I don't think that I would eat there again, nor recommend the place to anyone. Oh. The price for a 16oz. domestic tap beer was very good! Just $2.75!
I showed up after work at like 5:00 in the morning hoping to get something for breakfast however the restaurant doesn't open till 7:00 so I decided to do a little slot gambling and lost money very quickly and ended up going to a different casino where I won very quickly