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Where?
Central Strip
Who owns it?
Michael Gaughan
Ostensible Theme
I have to admit that the name of this joint gave me pause, until
I looked it up. Westerners originally referred to Northern Africa
and the pirates that came from there as Barbary. Eventually,
"Barbary Coast" came to mean any district known for
lawless living. And, in its day, San Francisco certainly had
its share of lawless living. So there you have it, a San Francisco-themed
casino named Barbary Coast.
Clientele For
such an infamous name, this Barbary Coast doesn't seem rowdy
in the least, even if it is pretty busy. Maybe the Victorian
aura intimidates the rabble.
Employee costumes
Pardners, my observations were tainted by a rodeo convention
in town; the employees got to wear casual and Western wear in
the casino, instead of their normal uniforms. So, I'll have to
double-check on my next visit.
Carpet and Other Decor
According to the Barbary Coast, the road to perdition is a wide
promenade with park benches, trees and streetlights made to look
like gas lanterns. At one entrance, John Wayne and Ann Dvorak
cavort n a poster for a movie called "Flame of the Barbary
Coast."
San Francisco, especially at the turn of the last century, is
an oft-used locale for Las Vegas casinos. The casino which, given
the theme, could be a minimalist's nightmare, is kept from being
overdone with dark walls and beige striped wallpaper. Blue carpet
with gold foliage adds some color and frills, as do the antique-style
chandeliers and wall sconces.
Paintings always seem so lost among the aisles of flashing and
pinging video poker and slot machines. Still, the paintings of
stagecoaches and the like and stained glass touches add a little
warmth to the atmosphere.
A frosted glass portrait of a senorita with an off-the-shoulder
ruffle and upswept hair sits at the entrance to the restroom.
Inside, there's a large sink and grooming area, complete with
hairspray and lotion (yay!). The stalls have a faux marble look
to them, and the floors are mere tile, but there are big honking
mirrors in which to admire your pretty face.
Food
Drai's and Michael's contribute to the high-class atmosphere
with their cuisine and atmosphere. The mere name of the Victorian
Room reminds you to mind your manners.
Games
Two words that did not appear together in Victorian times were
"fun" and "club." The Barbary Coast flouts
all conventions with the Barbary Coast Fun Club.
Entertainment
Karaoke? A nightclub? I'm sure all the society matrons wearing
bustles would be just shocked.
Other Services
You can send a telegraph, just like in the olden days, at
the Western Union office.
Did it work?
The Barbary Coast isn't campy or flashy at all, but comes across
as a respectable, pleasant establishment. They do more with less
here.
Suggestions
If this place ever gets too grungy; it will become indistinguishable
from every other Gilded Age-inspired casino in town.
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