Eric B.
Yelp
The Missus and I neither wager nor smoke. And Gary, Indiana ain't exactly on our bucket list. Nevertheless, we had show tickets, so we battled crosstown traffic and road construction. As long as we were making the trek, we figured we would also indulge in their all-you-can-eat buffet.
Measured by Las Vegas standards, the casino is small. Self-parking and clean restrooms are plentiful. The personnel we encountered were friendly and helpful. The gaming floor is much more attractive to the eye than the nostril. I can't comment on gaming since I am not a "Wizard of Odds." But the museum-like displays of rock & roll memorabilia throughout the casino are worth braving a spot of sinus discomfort.
The buffet restaurant, "Fresh Harvest," currently opens at 4 PM (closed Mon and Tue). A long line had already formed by 3:45 and we didn't actually get seated until 4:20 (they take reservations from 4:30 on; also, the line for Rewards members is much shorter). The quality of the chow ranged from meh (a few of the desserts) to very good (steak, BBQ ribs, salmon, frog legs). If you skip veggies and carbs and stoke up on proteins instead, the $39.95 tariff is not a bad deal. Price includes Coca-Cola products and coffee or tea. Our wonderfully attentive server brought us sharp steak knives.
Those who 'eat like a bird' would be better off next door at the mid-priced "Constant Grind" Café. An Asian eatery, a steakhouse (appropriately, its 'high steaks' are next door to the high-stakes room), and of course the Hard Rock Café round out the restaurant options.
The show venue, "Hard Rock Live," accommodates up to 2,000 and is well designed for human traffic flow. Security is not unlike TSA screening at airports. The hall itself is plain but the sound system and our seats in the risers - second row center -were superb. The adjacent restrooms are ample to handle intermission crowds.
Following the show, we lingered to grab some coffee and hear two live rock bands in the casino. The party vibe was such that total strangers were chatting with one another. Overall, thumbs-up.