Ameristar Hotel Casino
2200 River Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
721.328.8888
Formerly the Waterfront Grill, Ameristar rebranded their restaurant in October 2009 to reflect the need and requests of their patrons. From talking with their patrons, the management found that patrons still desired a fine dining atmosphere at a more approachable price point and recognized this by introducing the Bourbon’s concept, which promotes a fine dining feel while serving a greater population with more competitive prices. The new concept has been quite successful and the staff at Bourbon’s continued to listen to their patrons and found that customers have embraced the new homestyle BBQ menu, yet still yearned for some of the creative contemporary dishes from Waterfront Grill. This lead to an enhanced menu that was released in February of this year and that we recently got to sample on our visit.
For those who loved the atmosphere of the Waterfront Grill, there is nothing to fear as the warm, cozy feel is still there, anchored by the gorgeous fireplace in the center of the room. The only difference in the feel of the dining area is that the lights are kept just a bit higher, adding to the more casual ambiance the rebranding effort was trying to achieve.
While we took a look at the new and improved menu, our group sipped on red wine from the extensive wine list that Bourbon’s offers. The wine perfectly complemented the appetizers we chose, which included King Crab Cakes and Pan Seared Scallops. Other appetizers include Fried Pickles and Burnt Ends (glazed, chopped brisket, house made pickles and garlic toast). We followed the appetizers with the creamy and flavorful smoked ham and corn chowder served with homemade croutons and the house and Caesar salads.
The appetizers were delicious and unique and served their purpose—to whet our appetites for the amazing main courses—wonderfully. And the main courses are definitely worth waiting for!! From the new, more upscale offerings, we chose the steak and lobster combo with the twice baked cheese potato and the Chilean Sea Bass served with an amazingly creamy king crab risotto and Valencia orange asparagus. If you are looking to impress a guest (or just experience some incredibly fine dining for yourself), one of these two options would certainly be a good choice. However, they have to compete with some equally good BBQ fare, including the Ribs, Shrimp and Sausage BBQ combination that we experienced. The ribs on this entrée were so tender they literally fell off the bone and none of us could get enough of them. Truly delicious BBQ! Other entrée options include a Blackened Prime Rib sandwich, Cornmeal Crusted Chicken and Smokehouse Pasta (seasoned chicken, shrimp, sausage and penne with a smoked tomato cream sauce). Prices on the entrée menu range from $13.99 to $27.99.
All entrees are served with one side item with options ranging from Iowa sweet corn pudding and green chile mac & cheese to iron skillet pit beans and apple pecan coleslaw. From traditional to unique, you’ll surely find a side item that appeal to you.
We’d had a chance to peruse the dessert menu while we were ordering our appetizers, so we knew we had to save room for a few of these unique choices. We ended up choosing the Sweet Potato Cheesecake, Deep Dish Chocolate Pecan Pie and Seasonal Berries in Grand Marnier Cream. All of us seemed to have a different favorite when it came to the desserts! The cheesecake was so deliciously unique—we didn’t know what to expect when we ordered it, but it appealed to all of us (and one in our party doesn’t even like cheesecake!). The chocolate pie was so delectable to be beyond words. One of the staff commented that it was hard to describe—all you needed to know was how good it was! And who can find fault with fresh berries in whiskey cream? Certainly no one in our party! It may be difficult to keep your appetite alive after the appetizers and entrees, but we certainly suggest you give it a try. These desserts are well worth it!
Chef de Cuisine Thurman Gleb has done a phenomenal job of combining fine dining with traditional BBQ for an atmosphere and a menu that all can enjoy. Whether you are looking to celebrate a special occasion with your significant other or just have a good meal while you are spending time at the casino, you will love Bourbon’s. The restaurant is open Tuesday-Thursday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.