Eastside Cannery Fun and Games

Eastside Cannery Fun and Games: Remembering a Las Vegas Favorite and Exploring Alternatives

Are you planning a trip to Las Vegas and looking for a local gem off the Strip, perhaps hoping to experience the Eastside Cannery's unique blend of fun and games? Many visitors and locals fondly remember this Boulder Highway establishment for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings. However, it's important to know the current status of this well-known venue.

This article will take you on a journey through the "fun and games" that once defined the Eastside Cannery, exploring its past attractions and amenities. More importantly, we'll address its current status and guide you toward other fantastic options within the Boyd Gaming family that can fulfill your desire for Las Vegas entertainment.

The Legacy of Eastside Cannery Fun and Games

The Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel, which opened its doors on August 28, 2008, quickly became a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a more relaxed gaming and entertainment experience away from the bustling Las Vegas Strip. It was designed with an industrial aesthetic, featuring bronze, glass, and steel, and offered a comprehensive array of activities.

A Look at the Gaming Floor

At its peak, the Eastside Cannery boasted a substantial 63,876 square feet of gaming space. What kind of gaming fun could you find there?

• Slots and Video Poker: The casino was home to a large selection of slot machines, with over 1,900 slots and video poker machines available. In 2010, they even dedicated a portion of the floor to coin-operated slot machines, which proved popular with older gamblers.
• Table Games: For those who preferred the thrill of strategy and chance, Eastside Cannery offered around 20 table games. These included popular choices like blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker.
• Sportsbook and Racebook: Sports enthusiasts could place their wagers at the onsite sportsbook and racebook, enjoying the excitement of live betting.
• Bingo: A 450-seat bingo hall was also a significant draw, offering a classic gaming experience that appealed to a dedicated crowd.

Entertainment and Dining That Once Shined

Beyond the gaming, Eastside Cannery was a hub for entertainment and diverse dining options, making it a complete destination for fun and games.

• Live Entertainment: Marilyn's Lounge was a popular spot for nightly live acts, featuring various musicians and performers. The venue also had a showroom that hosted traveling acts, including well-known artists like The Commodores and Smokey Robinson.
• Variety of Restaurants: Guests could choose from several onsite restaurants to satisfy their cravings. These included:
  • Cannery Row Buffet: Offering a wide array of cuisines, from Pacific Rim to Southern and Italian dishes.
  • Carve (Steakhouse): For those seeking a more upscale dining experience.
  • Snaps: A casual coffee shop or cafe.
  • Casa Cocina: Specializing in Mexican cuisine.
  • The Eastside Deli: Perfect for a quick bite.

Beyond the Casino Floor: Other Amenities

The Eastside Cannery was more than just a casino; it offered a range of amenities designed for comfort and leisure.

• Pools: The property featured both outdoor and indoor swimming pools, providing a refreshing escape, especially during the warm Las Vegas months.
• Fitness Center: Guests could maintain their workout routines at the onsite fitness center.
• Bars and Lounges: Multiple bars, including Pin-ups Bar, provided places to relax with a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
• Hotel Accommodations: With 307 smoke-free guestrooms, the hotel offered comfortable stays with views of the Las Vegas valley.

Why Did Eastside Cannery Close? Its Current Status

Despite its robust offerings and local popularity, the Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel has faced significant challenges. The property closed its doors on March 17, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many other casinos in Nevada eventually reopened, the Eastside Cannery has remained closed since then and continues to be closed as of 2025.

Boyd Gaming, which acquired the Eastside Cannery in 2016, has cited a "lack of customer demand" as the primary reason for its continued closure. They have, however, maintained the property and even secured extensions for its gaming license, indicating that a future reopening is possible, though not currently planned. Most of its former customer base has relocated to Sam's Town, another Boyd Gaming property nearby.

Exploring Alternatives for Your Las Vegas Fun and Games

While the Eastside Cannery's fun and games are currently on hold, Las Vegas still offers a plethora of entertainment options. If you were looking for a similar "locals" experience or a property within the Boyd Gaming portfolio, here are some excellent alternatives:

• Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall: Located very close to the Eastside Cannery on Boulder Highway, Sam's Town is a popular locals' casino known for its Mystic Falls Park, bowling alley, cinema, and diverse gaming and dining.
• Cannery Casino Hotel (North Las Vegas): Not to be confused with Eastside Cannery, this sister property in North Las Vegas offers a vibrant casino, live entertainment, and dining options.
• The Orleans Hotel & Casino: A larger Boyd Gaming property, The Orleans provides extensive gaming, multiple restaurants, a bowling center, a movie theater, and live shows.
• Gold Coast Hotel & Casino: Located just west of the Strip, the Gold Coast offers a lively casino, a bowling alley, bingo, and various dining choices.
• Suncoast Hotel & Casino: Situated in Summerlin, the Suncoast features a casino, movie theater, bowling alley, and a wide array of dining.

These properties offer the kind of diverse "fun and games" experiences that Eastside Cannery once provided, ensuring your Las Vegas visit is filled with excitement.

Conclusion

The Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel holds a special place in the memories of those who enjoyed its unique blend of gaming, entertainment, and dining. While its doors remain closed for now, its legacy as a vibrant spot for "Eastside Cannery fun and games" is undeniable. For those seeking similar experiences, Boyd Gaming's other Las Vegas properties offer fantastic alternatives, ensuring the spirit of local Las Vegas entertainment lives on.

Have you visited the Eastside Cannery in its active years? What were your favorite memories or games? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore one of the alternative Boyd Gaming properties for your next Las Vegas adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel currently open?

No, the Eastside Cannery Casino Hotel has been closed since March 17, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remains closed as of 2025 due to a lack of customer demand.

What kind of games did Eastside Cannery offer when it was open?

When operational, Eastside Cannery featured a wide range of gaming, including over 1,900 slot and video poker machines, around 20 table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker, as well as a sportsbook, racebook, and a 450-seat bingo hall.

Were there entertainment options at Eastside Cannery?

Yes, Eastside Cannery offered live entertainment in Marilyn's Lounge and a showroom that hosted various traveling acts and performers.

What are some alternatives to Eastside Cannery for fun and games in Las Vegas?

For similar experiences, you can visit other Boyd Gaming properties in Las Vegas such as Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall, Cannery Casino Hotel (North Las Vegas), The Orleans Hotel & Casino, Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, and Suncoast Hotel & Casino.