Twilight at Indiana Live!

Instead of venturing to Indiana Live during the daytime hours as we had planned, LKM and I ended up visiting much later. When we arrived we realized we were not the only ones on the night owl circuit. The surface parking lot near the casino was full, the secondary surface lot was 1/2 full and there were cars waiting for valet parking. LKM decided to park in the garage and we managed to find an available spot on the fourth floor.

We entered the casino with a few other people before being stopped by security. Of course, he wasn't stopping me or any one else behind me in the line, only LKM. After running her i.d. through his scanner two times, he let her go in, apparently satisfied that she was not a 16-year-old trying to party with the adults.

My first impression of the venue is that is it is better than the riverboat I visited, and any of the older casinos that remain in Vegas. The decor is stylish and modern and the cigarette smoke while ever present, is not as intense as it is in Vegas. My only complaint is that there are far too many 1 cent and 5 cent slot machines. I have no use for these, I like one dollar slots. I did find them, but it took some searching.

Since we arrived on 3rd shift, there were not many restaurant options. We had the choice of going to Nascar Grill or Live Market, which is like a food court but with more upscale offerings. All Live Market had at that time was sandwiches, snacks and desserts, so we went to Nascar Grill.

Nascar Grill had their limited after hours menu, so I ordered chicken tenders w/ranch dressing and crinkle fries. LKM had a cheeseburger and fries. I don't eat chicken tenders often, but I must say they were the best I've ever had. They were large, firm and moist, and most importantly, not greasy. They appeared to have been baked instead of fried. I made the mistake of spending $2 for a coke at the restaurant. There was no need to do this since the casino floor has self-service soft drink stations where the drinks are free. There also is an area where there is free coffee.

I should mention there is music in various locations at Indiana Live. There was a loud rock band doing covers in Nascar Grill, a band called Groove, Inc. (that had a female vocalist) in Center Bar and dance music at Mosaic nightclub. LKM and I did not go in Mosaic but could hear the dance music when we stood near the entrance. The cover was only $5, but I needed what little cash I brought with me for gaming.

There is table action at Indiana Live and a poker room but I don't play poker, and did not get a chance to visit the tables. I did notice the poker room was brimming with business.

Before leaving, we decided to return to Live Market to get a closer look at the assortment of pastries. I purchased a chocolate mousse mini-tower that had a combination white/milk chocolate candy base. I did not get a chance to sample it until this evening. It was quite tasty, and a bargain at only $2.

I look forward to returning to Indiana Live during the evening hours so I can try Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, the casino's fine dining offering.