You’re driving south of downtown St. Louis, past the industrial stretches and the quiet residential pockets of Lemay, and suddenly there’s this massive, glowing compound tucked right against the Mississippi River. That’s River City. It’s weirdly beautiful in a way most people don’t expect from a suburban casino. Instead of a windowless box, you get this 19th-century riverboat town vibe, which honestly feels more "St. Louis" than the generic glitz you find in Vegas or even across the river in Illinois.
River City Casino in St Louis isn't just a place to lose twenty bucks on a slot machine. It’s become a legitimate anchor for the south county area. Since Penn Entertainment (formerly Penn National Gaming) dropped about $380 million to open this place back in 2010, it has basically redefined what a "locals" casino looks like in the Midwest. It’s huge. We're talking 90,000 square feet of gaming space. But the size isn't the point; it’s the fact that it doesn't feel like a basement.
The Gaming Floor Reality Check
If you walk onto the floor on a Tuesday morning, it’s quiet, mostly retirees sipping coffee and playing the penny slots. But Friday night? It’s a different beast. The energy shifts. You’ve got over 1,900 slot machines ranging from the nostalgic mechanical reels to those massive, curved-screen 4K monsters that look like they belong in a flight simulator.
Table games are where the real drama happens. They have about 55 tables. You’ll find the standard blackjack, craps, and roulette, but they also lean heavily into baccarat and various poker derivatives. One thing most people get wrong about River City is the "limit" expectation. While it’s a local spot, the high-limit room is surprisingly posh. It’s called the 1904 Lounge. It’s a nod to the World’s Fair, obviously, and it’s where you’ll see the serious players tucked away from the main floor noise.
The poker room is a specific draw here. It’s not the biggest in the state—Ameristar in St. Charles usually fights for that title—but River City’s room is known for being well-run. They run $1/$3 and $2/$5 No Limit Texas Hold'em pretty consistently. The regs here are friendly enough, but they will take your stack if you’re playing sloppy. Honestly, if you’re a beginner, go during the day. The dealers are usually happy to help you navigate the etiquette when the pressure is low.
Where to Eat When You’re Tired of Losing
Let’s be real: casino food is usually either a sad buffet or an overpriced steakhouse. River City manages to bridge that gap better than most.
✨ Don't miss: Taking the Ferry to Williamsburg Brooklyn: What Most People Get Wrong
The 1904 Steakhouse is the crown jewel. It’s won Wine Spectator awards, which isn’t easy for a casino joint in Lemay. The atmosphere is heavy on the dark wood and leather—very "Old Money St. Louis." If you go, the dry-aged ribeye is the move. It’s expensive, yeah, but it’s the kind of meal that makes you forget you just busted out on the craps table.
Then there’s Beerhouse. This is where most people end up. They have something like 28 different beers on tap, focusing heavily on local St. Louis brews. You can get a Schlafly or an 4 Hands here easily. The food is elevated pub fare. Think pretzels with beer cheese and burgers that are actually seasoned. It’s loud, it’s casual, and it’s usually packed before a show at the Event Center.
A Note on the Buffet Culture
People keep asking about the buffet. Here is the truth: the era of the massive, cheap casino buffet is mostly dead. River City transitioned away from that traditional model post-2020. They’ve focused more on the "Cibare Italian Kitchen" and the "Asia" restaurant. Asia is surprisingly decent for a casino spot; the Pho is legit, especially on a cold night when the wind is whipping off the Mississippi.
Staying the Night: The Hotel Experience
The hotel at River City Casino in St Louis is a four-diamond affair. It’s not a massive skyscraper; it’s a seven-story building with 200 rooms. The design follows that same "steamboat era" luxury theme.
The rooms are spacious. That’s the main takeaway. You aren't cramped. They use high-end linens and the bathrooms feel like a spa. If you’re a local, it’s a top-tier staycation spot. If you’re coming from out of town, it’s a great alternative to staying downtown, especially if you want to avoid the noise of Washington Avenue but still be 15 minutes away from the Arch.
🔗 Read more: Lava Beds National Monument: What Most People Get Wrong About California's Volcanic Underworld
One thing to watch out for: the view. If you get a room facing the river, it’s peaceful. If you face the parking lot... well, it’s a parking lot. Ask for a river view at check-in. It makes a difference.
The Event Center and Nightlife
The Event Center is a 1,400-seat venue. It’s intimate. There’s not really a bad seat in the house. They book a lot of "legacy" acts—think 70s rock bands, famous comedians on tour, and the occasional MMA fight or boxing match.
Because the venue is smaller, the sound quality is actually manageable. It doesn't have that echo-y warehouse feel of larger arenas. Judy’s Velvet Lounge is the other nightlife pillar here. It’s a throwback lounge with live music, usually local cover bands or jazz trios. It’s where you go to decompress after a show or a long stint on the floor. It feels a bit like a movie set from the 60s.
The Logistics Most People Ignore
Parking is free. In a world where everywhere is charging $20 for a spot, this matters. They have a massive garage and a sprawling surface lot.
The PENN Play Program
If you’re going to spend more than an hour here, just get the card. It’s the PENN Play loyalty program. It’s one of the largest in the country, meaning the points you earn here can be used at other Penn properties like Hollywood Casino or spots in Vegas. You get discounts on food almost immediately. Even if you don't think you're a "gambler," the food discounts alone make the 3 minutes at the kiosk worth it.
💡 You might also like: Road Conditions I40 Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Asphalt
Location and Safety
The casino is located in Lemay, which is an unincorporated part of St. Louis County. It’s right on the Greenway trail system. You can actually bike there if you’re feeling ambitious. Safety-wise, the property is very well-patrolled. They have a massive security presence, both visible and undercover. Because it’s a bit isolated from the main city grid, it doesn't get a lot of the "pass-through" trouble you might find in more urban settings.
What People Get Wrong About River City
There’s a misconception that it’s just for "old people." While the daytime demographic definitely skews older, the evenings bring in a much younger, professional crowd from the city. It’s a popular spot for bachelor parties or just a night out that isn't the Soulard bar crawl.
Another myth is that it's "too far away." If you're in the Central West End or Downtown, it's a straight shot down I-55. You can get there in 12 to 15 minutes. It feels like a world away because of the river setting, but it’s remarkably accessible.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to River City, don't just wing it.
- Check the Promotion Calendar: They do a lot of "multiplier" days where your points count for double or triple. If you’re going to play, do it on those days.
- Make a Reservation: If it's a Friday or Saturday, you aren't getting into 1904 Steakhouse without a booking. Use OpenTable or call ahead.
- Join the App: Download the PENN Play app before you get there. Sometimes they have "app-only" offers for free slot play or dining credits.
- Explore the Greenway: If the weather is nice, take a walk on the trail behind the casino. It runs right along the river and offers some of the best views of the Mississippi that aren't blocked by floodwalls.
- Set a Limit: It sounds cliché, but the "atmospheres" of casinos are designed to make you lose track of time. Use the clocks on the wall (River City actually has some, unlike many Vegas spots) and stick to a budget.
River City Casino in St Louis serves a specific purpose. It’s a polished, well-maintained escape that feels a bit more "classy" than your average riverboat gambling hall. Whether you're there for the dry-aged steaks, a touring comedian, or a shot at the blackjack table, it’s a solid representation of St. Louis hospitality. Just remember to breathe some actual fresh air by the river every once in a while.