Laid-back gambling options await the weekend traveler at Lucky Eagle – mySanAntonio.com

By Diana R. Fuentes, Staff Writer

Photo: Diana R. Fuentes /San Antonio Express-News

David Ytuarte, 45, of San Antonio plays a machine as other casino-goers stream by on June 11. A Harlandale High school grad, he and his wife, Janie, are frequent visitors.

David Ytuarte, 45, of San Antonio plays a machine as other casino-goers stream by on June 11. A Harlandale High school grad, he and his wife, Janie, are frequent visitors.

This novelty giant slot machine at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino really works. It's just one of some 3,000 machines at the casino near Eagle Pass.

This novelty giant slot machine at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino really works. It's just one of some 3,000 machines at the casino near Eagle Pass.

A perfect Bloody Mary sits on the center bar at Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in June.

A perfect Bloody Mary sits on the center bar at Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in June.

David Ytuarte, 45, of San Antonio plays a machine surrounded by a sea of others June 11. A Harlandale High school grad, he and his wife, Janie, are frequent visitors. "The winning is really good here," he says.

David Ytuarte, 45, of San Antonio plays a machine surrounded by a sea of others June 11. A Harlandale High school grad, he and his wife, Janie, are frequent visitors. "The winning is really good here," he says.

This exterior shot taken May 28, 2016, shows the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Hotel, with the casino wrapping around it. The six-story hotel opened in 2013; the casino first opened its doors in 1996.

This exterior shot taken May 28, 2016, shows the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Hotel, with the casino wrapping around it. The six-story hotel opened in 2013; the casino first opened its doors in 1996.

Laid-back gambling options await the weekend traveler at Lucky Eagle

A two-hour drive southwest of San Antonio takes you to a laid-back gambling paradise, an oasis of fun and, possibly, profitability.

The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, 794 Lucky Eagle Drive outside Eagle Pass, is a fun day trip or weekend getaway.

Walk into the cool, dark casino from the intense South Texas sun and promptly immerse yourself in the thousands of brightly lit, come-hither machines with their tinkling sounds of money. Of course, its not actual coins dropping into a chute its just a sound effect because what you get when you cash out is a ticket to be redeemed for cash. But it sounds cheery and promising nonetheless.

Where to stay: Right there at the casino are some of the nicest accommodations in the Eagle Pass area. There are 249 spacious, comfy rooms. If you have a specific date in mind, you need to book a month in advance. Yes, you can take your chances if you decide to just drop in and hope theres a cancellation, but demand is high.

Best food option: There are several restaurants distributed throughout the casino; the Sage Steakhouse is particularly good but only open at night Thursday-Sunday. For quick, good food with great service almost around the clock head to Silantro (yes, its a somewhat strange play on the herb). You will get some of the best tacos norteos and fresh chunky guacamole anywhere.

Allergen alert: Smoking is allowed in the casino. There arent many smokers, but if youre sensitive to smoke, be aware that someone could light up right next to you.

Penny-pinching secret: Way in the back, tucked into a corner past the Qu Pasa lounge, theres a self-service beverage bar with free sodas, tea and coffee. As much as you want. Its not advertised and if youre not looking for it, you might not even see it. But its there for those in the know.

Insiders tip: First thing to do when you get to the casino is sign up for the free Players Club. The line may be long, but its worth it. Its how you get comps; the more you play, the more you get: free buffets, free gaming, even a free room, just like in Vegas. And youll get fliers in the mail with free money to use in the slot machines as well as special deals.

How to get there: If youre driving from San Antonio, head south on Interstate 35 and exit U.S. 57. Go about 90 miles through several small towns and keep a sharp lookout for Loop 480; its not well marked. Go south on Loop 480 another 7 miles and keep the eagle eye out for FM 1021, also known as El Indio Highway, which also is not well marked. Its 2.5 miles to the casino entrance now thats easy to see! on your right. Plenty of parking, but theres no valet service at the casino. There is a tram going back and forth. Or you could just take the bus. There are numerous offerings.

dfuentes@express-news.net

Follow this link:

Laid-back gambling options await the weekend traveler at Lucky Eagle - mySanAntonio.com