Hawks Prairie Casino is one of my favorite places to go for a few hours of fun. Not only does this casino offer a comfortable atmosphere to gamble in, they take pride in their food, their customer service, and their low prices—just the formula that keeps customers like me coming back.
And now that football season is here, Hawks Prairie entices with more reasons to return – namely, a huge 14-foot screen and the NFL viewing package.
Football game day specials include $2 domestics and well drinks, $3 micros and $4 Bloody Mary’s (all day Sundays). Food specials such as $5 pizza and $4 jalapeño cheddar tots, along with regular fresh sheet specials, help fuel fans.
When Seahawks are on the big screen, the casino kicks it up a notch with a free score board game card and prize wheel, where winners can take home up to $500.
Mike Uuereb and his fiancé Gena Gregor attended every Seahawks game last year, and plan to do the same this year. Dressed in fan gear and cozied into a booth, Mike says they like to come to Hawks Prairie Casino for games because it’s laid-back and casual.
“It’s like you’re at home with friends,” comments Gena. “The wait staff is very nice, plus you can win.”
The sports game board is free to the first 50 guests, and numbers are drawn and assigned randomly. If your number matches the score at the end of each quarter, you get a chance to spin the prize wheel. Prizes range from free meals to $500 cash.
At the recent Hawks/Dolphins showing (what a finish!) one woman won two quarters in a row and walked away with $50 and $75 cash wins.
Abby Travis is a server and promotional staff with Hawks Prairie and loves working football games.
“My favorite part is all the regulars that come in. The games bring in new customers, but then they come back every week,” says Abby. “It’s just nice to get to know people. They bring a really fun vibe and everybody’s just excited to be here.”
Walking into the building, the family-friendly restaurant is situated on the left, with pull tabs and table games on the right. (No slot machines here.) A full-service lounge is in the center, with plenty of bar and table seating. Also unique to Hawks Prairie Casino is the off-track horse race betting.
Keeping with the Seahawks theme, a NFL fan bowl is part of the pull tabs, where customers can try their hand at winning Seahawks goodie baskets.
With all the game day excitement, guests need good food to keep them going. This is where Executive Chef Kyle Weedon and Sous Chef Meandy Moeun come to the rescue, sourcing locally and making sauces from scratch.
Steak from local meat suppliers, and produce from local farms supply the kitchen (and the chef’s imaginations) result in fresh sheet menu items that range from Eggplant Parmesan, to house-smoked Pastrami on Rye, to Asian Grilled Pork Salad. Breakfast, burgers, and fried snacks are part of the regular menu. Keep an eye on their monthly $4 meal specials, too.
Sixteen beers on tap wash it all down, with a rotating $3 micro, and deep military discounts. Military receive 20-percent off all meals and enjoy happy hour pricing on drinks all day, every day.
Casino Manager Dave Magee believes in supporting the community and regularly hosts food drives. The next drive begins in October, where Texas Hold ‘em Tournament players can get $500 in free tournament chips with a donation of three non-perishable food items.
“It’s not hundreds of items we end up donating – it’s thousands,” says Dave.
Dave’s management style is working. Employee and customer retention is strong. He comes from a background of larger casinos, and moved over to Hawks Prairie Casino two years ago. “I am blessed to be working here,” he says.
His costumer-conscience commitment shows on the gaming floor, in the restaurant, and now with football fans.
“People like to go where they feel at home,” he says. “And it’s always fun to watch the games with a bunch of fans in the room.”
Hawks Prairie Casino is located at 8318 Quinault Drive NE in Lacey.
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