HIDDEN GEM: DESERT DIAMOND CASINO

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SHOULD WE STAY OR SHOULD WE GO?

Given that it’s fall break this week and Mr. Buzz is on vacation, we found ourselves intent on having some fun. We considered venturing back to the beach in Orange County (Mr. Buzz’s gills are crispy at this point), or up north to Prescott, but after a difficult weekend navigating “emerging adult” life situations, we just didn’t have the brain cells to plan a true getaway. (And, we thought parenting teenagers was hard. 😅 )

I’m blaming all the drama on the full moon, the effects of which I was still feeling on Tuesday night, the night I had already planned to visit The Desert Diamond Casino in Waddell. By that time, I was so crabby that the entire ride over there, I was running through the lists of adult beverages I was going to order to take my edge off. And, I don’t even drink.

Now, I should also say that I don’t gamble either, so this choice for an outing made zero sense but, like all of my stories, I was being called there, so off we went.

PARTY IN THE FRONT

It’s only 10 minutes from Verrado to the casino! I cannot believe how close it is! We took Indian School to the 303 to Northern Avenue. Warning though, Northern is under construction which isn’t a big deal but it can be confusing with all the barriers and cones. I also didn’t look at the map (above) before going there, so we parked on the backside in the structure nearest the 303. The front of the casino is off Sarival which will then have you entering the main entrance. I’d suggest parking in the Sarival lot and entering through the front.

(RISKY) BUSINESS IN THE BACK

We parked in the back structure, which was was pretty chill on a Tuesday night. I didn’t think anything of it as we were going in, but I would not have wanted to walk out there alone. Casinos can attract some unsavory characters, which I only noticed because I caught a weird vibe from a guy as we were leaving. Don’t get me wrong, it’s clean and well-lit, just be careful and keep your head on a swivel.

ONCE INSIDE

We entered through the side entrance and were lucky enough to be greeted by Andrés, the security guard. He gave us the lay of the land and mentioned how much he loved the brisket at the Pub Stop, one of the restaurants among several other dining options which include:

• Morton’s The Steakhouse

• Libations (check out their drink specials)

• Lightning Lounge 

• Food Hall

By this time, I had exactly 10 minutes to catch the drink special at Libations, so that’s where we headed first. Except by the time we got there, all I could think about was brisket.

PHOTO HEIST

At this point I should tell you that there are a lot of rules at casinos and the big one that really hinders being able to tell a proper story is the fact that photography and videos inside are frowned upon. Mr. Buzz and I felt like we were living Ocean’s 11, trying to snap pictures. We were really living on the wild side that night! Ha!

As such, you’re going to have to rely on links like this from the architectural firm to get the get the proper feel for the place. The property itself is absolutely stunning! Sparkling, new, swanky and clean! Way better than driving all the way to Vegas in my opinion.

Because this visit ended up being all about the food, luckily we were able to take pictures in the restaurant…

DETOUR: PUB STOP

I have to admit that I was reluctant to try eating at a “pub,” but we studied the digital menu on the wall outside the door, found a few things that sounded good, and headed in. It was chill (only a few other people there) and clean; we selected a booth in the corner.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

We each studied the menu decided we’d get several things and share:

• Brisket Dinner (with cornbread, coleslaw, and macaroni & cheese) - $25;

• Bowl of chili (with cornbread croutons) - $6;

• Side of onion rings - $6;

• Ice water - fancy & free!

HAPPY-NESS AT FIRST BITE

It took only ONE BITE of the chili to make everything right in my world. Which then turned into bites of everything else on the table and my heart was singing. Both of us could barely talk, savoring everything. It was magical! Truly!

The brisket, so flavorful and tender (teeth not required 😀). The mac and cheese, divine! My chili - I can’t even… And, the ranch dressing I ordered to go with the onion rings… made in-house and the best I’ve ever had! It was so much much food, we ended up bringing it home and having it for lunch the next day. One bite in and Mr. Buzz says “We gotta go back.” To which I say “Tonight works for me!”

Our server, Heather Ludlow, was wonderful and turns out, she lives in V-Town! No way! She was communicating our love to chefs: Tyler (Sous Chef) and Daniel (Assistant Sous Chef) and the next thing you know, they sent us this:

TAKE MY MONEY!

TOURING

After dinner, we went exploring. Heather took us out on the patio (gorgeous!) and pointed to where someday there will be an amphitheater and hotel.

Mr. Buzz was raving about the “facilities” but you’re going to have to trust both of us on how nice those are too! I draw the line at taking or sharing pictures of that but I will hint: fellas, go (pun intended) and shine a light on it.

If you’re into gambling, they have 900 slot machines, a poker room, sportsbook (with giant TV’s lining the entire room) and table games: blackjack, roulette and baccarat. The slot machines are not like I remember them… they are now all digital and interactive and giant! I saw this one guy getting a workout, standing and jumping up and down, stretching to slam buttons at the top of the very large screen. I wish I could have captured it because it was hilarious.

 EVENTS

Be sure to follow their events calendar for all the fun things happening! Two upcoming things you don’t want to miss:

• October 18, 2025: Oktoberfest | $25 | 4-10 PM

• October 31, 2025: Rocktober Fest | $25 | 6 PM - 12 AM

Tickets for both events include 2 food tickets and 5 drink tickets! Awesome deal!

JUST GO!

This glittering getaway offers a mix of lively (and animated) gaming options and surprisingly great dining and libations. Whether you’re a high-roller (or no-roller, like me 😆), or just here for the people watching, you must check it out!

FIND THEM

• 📍 Location 

• 🌐 Website

• 📱 Instagram

Also, because I love back stories, you can read about the history of the Desert Diamond Casino operations here.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK…

As always, if you go, please let them know The Buckeye Buzz sent ya!

And, if you’ve already visited, please email me and share your experience!

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Publication Disclaimer: Everything included here is accurate to the best of my knowledge at the time of publication. It is always best to double-check links to be sure event information hasn’t changed if you plan on attending something.

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