Located in Reno, Nevada, the Gold Dust West Casino presents itself as a local gaming and dining establishment. However, recent guest experiences paint a picture of a venue grappling with declining quality, perceived greed, and an outdated atmosphere. This review synthesizes various patron observations to offer a detailed look into what visitors can expect.
For many, the core of a casino visit lies in the gaming floor. Unfortunately, the Gold Dust West Casino appears to fall short of expectations in several key areas. Patrons describe the casino as a "black hole for your wallet", implying a less-than-favorable gaming experience where losses are common. Concerns about high pricing extend beyond the gaming itself, with one reviewer highlighting "$14 cigarettes", which is indicative of a venue perceived as "money thirsty" or "greedy".
A notable absence reported is the lack of complimentary cocktails, a standard offering in many casinos, further reinforcing the perception of the establishment being overly cost-conscious. The overall ambiance of the casino floor is also criticized, with decor described as being "decorated fresh in 1968", suggesting a desperately outdated look that hasn't kept pace with modern casino standards.
Concerns about security staff being "bargain basement" also contribute to a general sense of neglect and cost-cutting that could impact guest comfort and safety.
The Gold Dust West offers dining options, primarily the Gold Dust West Cafe and "the Grille". While some reviewers acknowledge the restaurant as "okay", the overall consensus on food quality and dining service is largely negative or mixed.
The Cafe is described as an "old Reno type dining establishment" that seems to cater heavily to a senior demographic, with observations of it being "packed with people over 70 years old" and a "vibe... pretty much an assisted care home". While service in the Cafe was noted as "fine" by one guest, and prices were once considered "reasonable", the food quality has seemingly declined.
The service at "the Grille" specifically came under heavy criticism. Patrons reported having to repeatedly ask for basic items such as sugar, lemon, butter, extra gravy, toast, jelly, and hot sauce. This suggests a significant lapse in attentiveness and training among the wait staff, with one reviewer observing the waiter as "nervous the whole time and stressed out".
The overarching sentiment from recent reviews is one of a venue in decline, struggling financially, or simply prioritizing profit over guest experience. Phrases like "this place must be hurting bad" and "on the verge of closing" encapsulate the negative perception. The aggressive cost-cutting measures, such as exorbitant cigarette prices, removal of free amenities, and perceived decline in service and food quality, suggest a management philosophy that is alienating its customer base. For those seeking a vibrant casino experience or high-quality dining, the Gold Dust West Casino in Reno may not be the ideal destination, as it appears to be a shadow of its former self, if it ever was one.
Wow this place must be hurting bad... $14 cigarettes - haha... Closed down the good food counter, no more free dessert at the other "diner", decorated fresh in 1968, and what I can only assume is a bargain basement security staff... One would think they are either on the verge of closing, or so money thirsty they make Ebenezer Scrooge look like Oprah by comparison...
Hands down the best waffle I've ever eaten. My kids and wife like it a lot also. Service was great in the diner and where can you get a meal that tastes great, fills you and is less than $20 including tax and tip? I don't know why we ever stopped coming here.
Always lost here. It’s a black hole for your wallet. No cocktails ever. This place is a completely greedy ass establishment. 💯. I’d advise anywhere else in Reno but this place. Garbage. I give it two stars because their restaurant is okay.
The server was very nice, I was greeted with a smile and promptly seated. The food was disappointing. My hamburger looked like somebody sat on it: flat and overcooked to the degree of having burnt edges. The bun was oily on the top half, while soggy on the bottom half. This place used to be consistent with food quality. At least the prices were reasonable. What happened?
I had dinner in the Gold Dust West Cafe because it was close to where I was staying and the prices look reasonable. It is definitely an old Reno type dining establishment. They must have lots of specials for locals because the place was pretty much packed with people over 70 years old. Walkers, scooters, canes galore. I ordered the turkey dinner, and it was adequate but pretty much cafeteria style food. The service was fine, but the overall vibe in the place is pretty much an assisted care home.