The other weekend, the guys and I took a little trip to a destination famous for its gambling opportunities and had a great time. But in truth, I spent very little time at the tables and slots. Why did I forgo this intregal part of the trip, you ask? ‘Cause I’ve got plenty of opportunities to gamble here in San Diego when the mood strikes!
![Barona Casino](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/barona-gambling.jpg)
San Diego has numerous Indian Casinos in our East and North county regions. In all honesty, I’m not a huge gambler but do enjoy it for the entertainment value every once in a while. After a few months of playing poker online, I work up the courage to head over to one of the Indian Casinos and try my luck with some real money. San Diego casinos that I’ve visited and enjoyed are: Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino, Sycuan Resort & Casino and Viejas Casino & Outlet Center.
My last casino visit was to the Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino a couple of months ago. Barona recently won like 25 awards for their casino, so I figured I should roll someplace recognized as a leader in their field. Unfortunately, my online Texas Hold ‘Em skills weren’t quite honed to perfection that night, and the fine ladies and gentlemen at my table quickly added my $40 to their stacks of chips. Vowing to return one day and sweep the table, I cheered myself up with an amazing steak dinner at Barona’s Oaks Steakhouse – absolutely fantastic! Definitely one of the better steakhouses that I’ve eaten at.
![Ranch House Buffet at Barona Ranch Resort & Casino](http://blog.sandiego.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/barona-food.jpg)
If you’re a casino regular, you’re also well familiar with the concept of the casino buffet. I’ve had the pleasure of eating at Barona’s Ranch House Buffet, and I gotta say that my mouth still waters thinking about it. Now, I’m not a huge buffet guy, but when I do a buffet, I do it big! The Ranch House Buffet has multiple islands of different types of foods (I think my first plate had sushi, macaroni & cheese, salad and carne asada on it). I definitely ate my fill that day! In fact, I’ve even been tempted to drive out to Barona just to do Sunday brunch there!