Bally's bets on pop, pasta to boost casino's luck
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Calamari, rapini and chicken Parmesan at Tre Denari. Photos: Monica Eng/Axios
After two years of setbacks and disappointing financial returns, Bally's temporary casino in River North is betting on a new Italian-American restaurant and live entertainment to help change its fortunes.
Driving the news: I attended a press preview of Tre Denari on the casino's third floor, where the Medinah Bistro had once served innovative fare like a collard-mushroom melt and drinks inspired by Wicker Park's Dove's Luncheonette.
- Those are gone.
Dig in: The new Tre Denari menu offers competent versions of steak, meatballs, chicken parmesan, calamari and pasta in a 40-seat, wood-paneled room.
- One Off Hospitality is still helping with the menu and local sourcing.
Listen up: Before leaving the casino, I caught an energetic performance by The Divas, a female pop trio who crooned and danced behind the ground-floor bar while most patrons focused on their slot machines.
- The 360-stage features atrium views from all three levels and officials promise a lineup of our "most beloved local bands."
- Future acts include RCP Band, The Grady Experience and Sidestreets Band.
The verdict: Based on the decent, but unremarkable, food and entertainment I caught at the casino last week, I'm not sure the new attractions will change Bally's luck.