While chilling in a Southern California casino pool may be an ideal way to spend the warmer months, quality food and drinks certainly enhance those vacation vibes.
All of the casinos don’t allow outside ice chests, food and drinks, but instead offer several delicious appetizers, barbecue dishes and tropical beverages that will make you feel like you’re on an island getaway.
Here are some of the highlights from the poolside menus at Southern California casinos this season.
A favorite at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland is the poolside brunch as one of the most popular dishes, furikake seared Ahi salad made with arugula, quinoa, avocado, sriracha glazed sweet potatoes, Marcona almonds sprouts, cilantro, ginger-lime vinaigrettes is photographed on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
The Fresh Fruit Plate, consisting of assorted seasonal and tropical fruits with honey and yogurt, is served at the Wet Bar at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A favorite at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland is the poolside brunch as one of the most popular dishes, Baja style fish tacos made with Mexican lager beer battered mahi mahi shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, chipotle mayo pickled red onion, cilantro is featured on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
Food and cocktails are served at The Wet Bar located at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The refreshign “Pineapple Mojito” cocktail is served at the Wet Bar at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Bartender Jasmine Mendoza prepares a cocktail drink at the Wet Bar in Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, adding a touch of craftsmanship to the experience, in Rancho Mirage on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The featured cocktails at the Wet Bar in Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa include the “Pineapple Mojito” (left) and the “Hot Water” on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Rancho Mirage. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The handcrafted Chicken Sandwich with fries is served at the poolside Wet Bar at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.(Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The refreshing “Pineapple Mojito” cocktail is showcased at the Wet Bar in Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The Tequila Sunrise” cocktail is expertly served at the Wet Bar in Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.(Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
The third floor poolside bar, Helix at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland serves couple, Jared and Chole Wright on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
The third floor poolside bar, Helix at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland seen Tuesday, May 16, 2023 serves guests as they lounge. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland offers poolside a towel stand equipped with perfumes and coverups for purchase, John Sanchez waits for guest to arrive to his station on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
Bar Helix at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland, offers “Good Good Things” a popular alcoholic drink photographed poolside on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
The “Hot Water” cocktail, known for its refreshing taste, is featured at the Wet Bar in Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, enticing guests in Rancho Mirage on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
A favorite at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland is the poolside brunch as one of the most popular dishes, Ube Pancakes with halo halo fruits, coconut syrup, and toasted coconut is photographed on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
A favorite at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland is the poolside brunch as one of the most popular dishes, furikake seared Ahi salad made with arugula, quinoa, avocado, sriracha glazed sweet potatoes, Marcona almonds sprouts, cilantro, ginger-lime vinaigrettes is photographed on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
Bar Helix at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland, offers sparkling a Hibiscus cooler made from Hibiscus tea, fresh lemon, and sparkling water a popular non-alcoholic drink photographed poolside on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
A favorite at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland is the poolside brunch as one of the most popular dishes, Ube Pancakes with halo halo fruits, coconut syrup, and toasted coconut is photographed on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
Bar Helix at Yaamava Resort & Casino in Highland, offers a spiced Bloody Mary a popular alcoholic drink photographed poolside on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)
WetBar at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 888-999-1995.
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
See the menu: aguacalientecasinos.com.
For a cocktail that provides a refreshing taste while offering a nod to the desert hot springs, guests can try the Hot Water cocktail made with Cruzan light rum, a blended piña colada mix, strawberry puree swirl and float of dark rum for $15. Fresh food items include fish tacos ($18), the three palms burger ($19) and a strawberry arugula salad ($16).
Dive at Harrah’s Resort Southern California
777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center. 760-751-3100.
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
See the menu: harrahssocal.com.
The adults-only pool hosts a swim-up bar that offers tropical drinks such as the Mamba Guava made with Ilegal mezcal, guava purée, house sour and orange bitters for $15.99. Food items include nachos ($13.99), rolled chicken tacos ($11.99) and a cheeseburger ($15.99).
Sunset Bar & Grill at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa
49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon. 951-849-3080.
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
See the menu: morongocasinoresort.com.
The Cabazon property offers signature drinks that pair well with a sunny day including the Morongo Limousine Margarita made with Patron reposado, lemon juice, lime juice and Remy Martin VSOP for $13. The kitchen also cooks up bites such as a shrimp or fish basket ($16) sunset smash burger ($15) and personal pepperoni pizzas ($15).
Poolside Café & Bar Restaurant at Pala Casino Spa Resort
11154 Highway 76, Pala. 877-946-7252.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
See the menu: Menu unavailable online, but guest can visit palacasino.com for more information.
The pool adjacent bar serves tropical themed cocktails all for $10 including the Spicy Dessert Margarita made Tanteo Jalapeno, lime juice, Monin prickly pear syrup and it’s garnished with a lime wedge and served on the rocks. The restaurant menu includes breakfast and lunch items like the breakfast burrito ($13.95), chicken or steak nachos ($13.95) and the Pala burger ($14.95).
Coveside Grill at Pechanga Resort Casino
45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. 877-711-2946.
Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.
See the menu: pechanga.com
The Coveside Grill’s bar pours signature cocktails for $15.99 a glass and includes a Tropical Mule made with Malibu, fresh lime juice, coconut purée, pineapple juice, ginger beer all garnished with a lime wedge. Menu highlights include the BBQ chicken & ranch flat bread ($16), gochujang wings ($18) and a Cajun chicken avocado sandwich ($15).
Helix Bar and Radiance Café at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino
777 San Manuel Blvd., Highland. 800-359-2464.
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at the Helix Bar and 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Radiance Café.
See the menu: yaamava.com
The Helix Bar offers several summer drinks such as the Lovers made with Milagro Tequila Blanco, Dekuyper watermelon schnapps, hibiscus lime sour, garnished with a Tajín rim and served on the rocks. Next door at The Radiance Café, guests can enjoy delicious food items including a SoCal Seafood Cocktail ($18), an LA Street Dog ($16) and a Achiote Chicken Torta ($16). The Radiance Café also offers a weekend brunch which includes unlimited mimosas and a Bellini station ($20) and a bloody Mary and michelada station ($20). Brunch dishes include chilaquiles ($29), New York steak and eggs, ($34) and double stack blackberry waffles ($28).