Having a casino located inside an old riverboat presents a unique challenge, as space is limited. As a result, maximizing the gaming floor becomes a top priority. Consequently, space is limited for food options at the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois.
However, that provides an opportunity for the local community to step up. That is, if you are willing to brave the frigid November air or the mild spring weather when this stop returns in April, the downtown area of Elgin provides several great options for players looking for a bite to eat during dinner breaks or between tournaments.
This reporter has now been here almost a week, and with the Main Event right around the corner, here are our top five options for local eats within walking distance of the Grand Victoria Casino.
Five hot dinner break spots
Chico’s Burritos
Conveniently located inside the main lobby of the Grand Victoria Casino, Chico’s Burritos is a Mexican pop-up restaurant serving quick bites, including tacos, burritos, nachos, and other Mexican-style street foods (see our lead photo above.)
Our recommendation? Start with the Elotes en Vaso, a delicious blend of grilled corn with mayo, sour cream, cotija cheese, and a mix of spices, before following that up with the three-taco dinner, which comes with rice & beans plus your choice of shredded chicken or beef on corn tortillas.
- Location: Inside the Grand Victoria Casino
- Hours of operation: Monday - Thursday: 2:30pm to 8:00pm, Friday & Saturday: 3:30pm to 10:30pm, Sunday: 12:00pm to 7:30pm.
The Elgin Public House
Located in the heart of the downtown area, this bar and restaurant embodies the classic feel of small-town charm, situated approximately half a mile from the casino.
Noted for the burgers, which come with either a fried chicken patty or a beef patty, this place also features a great selection of local beers and spirits for those looking to take the edge off after a long day at the tables.
However, our recommendation is the Cajun Rigatoni pasta, which comes with andouille, diced tomatoes, and feta cheese in a Cajun cream sauce, or the Chimichurri Grilled Black Angus Steak, which comes topped with home-made chimichurri, teriyaki mushrooms, and red potatoes.
- Location: 219 East Chicago Street, Elgin, Illinois 60120
- Hours of Operations: Monday to Sunday 11:00am to 1:00am (2:00am on Friday and Saturday)
Coleman’s BBQ
A fan of BBQ? Well, make sure you check out this spot inside the Clock Tower Plaza that features something this writer had never had, Arkansas-style barbecue. This mix of sweet, savory, and spicy sauce was the perfect accompaniment to everything on the menu, from the chicken wings to the beef rib tips, to their homemade sausage links, and even the fries.
Our recommendation? Grab the three-meat combo plate, which comes with a little bit of everything, and savor the flavors of this genuinely home-cooked meal. The only downside to this restaurant is that it is entirely takeout and doesn’t have in-dining seating, so you’ll have to grab it to go and enjoy it back at your seat at the table.
- Location: Clock Tower Plaza, 79, Elgin, IL 60120
- Hours of Operation: Closed Sunday & Monday, Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
Al’s Cafe
Located around the corner from the Elgin Public House, this quaint spot is situated in the heart of downtown Elgin, offering a fusion of classic and modern flair thanks to the culinary expertise of Chef Tony Jamin.
Our recommendation? Any of the specialty Schnitzels on the menu. We got the Zigeuner Schnitzel, which was a breaded pork loin the size of the plate, topped with a creamy roasted red pepper sauce, served with red cabbage, fresh roasted vegetables & spatzle.
Looking for something light? The chef prepares a different soup daily, accompanied by a variety of hot or cold sandwiches.
- Location: 43 Dupage Ct, Elgin, IL 60120
- Hours of Operation: Closed Monday & Tuesday, Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00am- 8:00pm
Spanky's Gyros
Located a stone’s throw away from Coleman’s, inside the same shopping center, about a quarter of a mile from the casino, this classic Chicago-style counter restaurant has limited seating, with just four booths in the building. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flavor and price.
For such a small restaurant, you might think the menu would be limited, but this place offers a diverse selection, including chicken wings, burgers, a classic Chicago-style Italian Beef, kabobs, and gyros.
Of course, with a name like Spanky’s Gyros, we had to order the gyro plate, which came with enough meat to fill three pitas, plus fries, tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and feta cheese, all for under $20.
- Location: 51 Clock Tower Plz, Elgin, IL 60120
- Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday 10:00am to 10:00pm
