Poolside food and drink
While chilling in a Southern California casino pool may be a 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 appetizers, barbecue dishes and tropical beverages that might make you feel like you're on an island getaway.
Here are some of the highlights from the poolside menus at local casinos this season.
WetBar at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage
32250Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. 888-999-1995. Hours: 11a.m.-6p.m. daily.
See the menu: aguacalientecasinos.com.
Bet bets: For a cocktail that provides a refreshing taste while offering a nod to the desert hot springs, guests can try the Hot Water, made with Cruzan light rum, a blended piña colada mix, strawberry puree and 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
777Harrah's Rincon Way, Valley Center. 760-751-3100. Hours: 9a.m.-6p.m. daily.
See the menu: harrahssocal.com. Best bets: The adults-only pool hosts a swim-up bar that offers tropical drinks such as the Mamba Guava, made with 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: 11a.m.-7p.m. daily.
See the menu: morongocasinoresort.com.
Best bets: The Cabazon property offers signature drinks that pair well with a sunny day, including the Morongo Limousine Margarita, made with Patron reposado tequila, 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
11154Highway 76, Pala. 877-9467252.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
See the menu: Unavailable online, but palacasino.com offers more information.
Best bets: The bar serves tropical themed cocktails for $10, including the Spicy Dessert Margarita, made with Tanteo Jalapeno, lime juice and Monin prickly pear syrup; 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
45000Pechanga Parkway, Temecula. 877-711-2946. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
See the menu: pechanga.com
Best bets: The Coveside Grill's bar pours signature cocktails for $15.99 and includes a Tropical Mule made with Malibu liqueur, fresh lime juice, coconut purée, pineapple juice and ginger beer and garnished with a lime wedge. Menu highlights include the barbecue chicken & ranch flatbread ($16), gochujang wings ($18) and a Cajun chicken avocado sandwich ($15).
Helix Bar and Radiance Café at Yaamava' Resort & Casino
777San Manuel Blvd., Highland. 800-359-2464.
Hours: 8a.m.-10p.m. daily at the Helix Bar, and 11a.m.-5p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 10a.m.-5p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at Radiance Café.
See the menu: yaamava.com
Best bets: The Helix Bar offers summer drinks such as the Lovers, made with Milagro Tequila Blanco, Dekuyper watermelon schnapps and hibiscus lime sour, garnished with a Tajín rim and served on the rocks. Next door at The Radiance Café, guests can order a SoCal Seafood Cocktail ($18), an L.A. Street Dog ($16) and an achiote chicken torta ($16). The cafe also offers a weekend brunch that includes unlimited mimosas, 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).