Bally’s Chicago Casino at Medinah Temple

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After pushing back the original opening date for its temporary casino, Bally's temporary casino at the Medinah Temple at 600 N. Wabash Ave in Chicago's River North neighborhood opened to the public on Sept. 9, 2023. The Illinois Gaming Board limits the operation of a temporary facility to two years. Bally’s may have an option to extend for an additional 12 months, allowing the casino operator to stay up to three years in Medinah Temple, according to reports.

The three-story interim casino features nearly 800 slot machines and more than 50 table games, according to Bally's. It also includes two restaurants; the diner-style Medinah Bistro, and the Asian street food noodle bar Kitchen 888. The casino also has full-service bars on the first and third floors, and a coffee bar, Wabash Café. 

While there are no on-site accommodations at the temporary casino, Bally's has partnered with The Royal Sonesta Chicago River North, located at 505 N State St, just one block south of Bally’s Casino Chicago Medinah Temple. The 4-star boutique hotel features an indoor pool and sundeck, as well as a 24-hour fitness center, a full-service restaurant, a terrace, a bar/lounge, a banquet hall, meeting rooms and 8,150 square feet of conference space. It is just a 10-minute walk from Michigan Avenue and Chicago Riverwalk. 

The Royal Sonesta also offers parking to Bally's overnight guests. Parking accommodations can also be found at 50 E Ohio, 10 E Grand, and 21 W Ohio St.

*Must be 21 or older with proper I.D.

Bally's temporary casino at the former site of Bloomingdale's Home Store will operate until the company's approximately $1.7 billion Bally’s Chicago Casino Resort can be constructed into a permanent spot planned for the River West neighborhood on a portion of the Tribune Publishing Plant site. Construction of the permanent venue is slated to open in late 2025 or the first quarter of 2026.

The much anticipated permanent casino resort development expected to start being built no sooner than July 2024 at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street will reportedly include a casino, food hall and restaurants, a theater and event space, a museum and exhibition area, and VIP areas, as well as a 500-key hotel. The more than 10 acres of outdoor space include a park for the community, which will allow for various programs such as art fairs and farmers markets, according to Bally's.

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Dining & Restaurants

Kitchen 888

• Serving: Asian Fusion

Inspired by Asian Street Food, Kitchen 888 at Bally's Chicago has a lively atmosphere and serves authentic Asian cuisine. Hungry gamblers can choose from dim sum, including edamame, potstickers, Vietnamese egg rolls, Szechuan dumplings and wok-fried wings, along with noodles, stir fry & rice, a variety of sides and beverages.

General

Price range: Average

Reservations: (401) 475-8564

Alcohol: Yes

Ambience: Casual

Attire: Casual

Medinah Bistro

• Serving: Tex-Mex

if you're a bit hungry but don't want to have to leave the casino, Medinah Bistro at Bally's Chicago offers a relaxed atmosphere and a classic menu. Inspired by the tiny 41-stool neighborhood diner in the Windy City's Wicker Park, Dove's Luncheonette, this diner-style bistro serves Mex-Tex cuisine and a classic menu including starters, entrees and a selection of specialty Agave cocktails enjoyed at Dove's. 

General

Price range: Average

Reservations: (401) 475-8564

Alcohol: cocktails

Ambience: Casual

Attire: Casual

Wabash Café

• Serving: Quick Eats, Coffee

With something for everyone, Wabash Café at Bally's Chicago serves signature LavAzza nitro brew and other specialty coffees along with a variety of quick eats such as salads, sandwiches, burritos, hot dogs, spring rolls, sweet treats and other non-alcoholic beverages. 

General

Price range: Average

Reservations: (401) 475-8564

Ambience: Casual

Attire: Casual

Bally's Chicago Casino Venues & Hotspots

Center Bar

The Center Bar greets patrons as they enter Bally's Chicago and is the perfect place to meet friends for cocktails, wine and local brews, after a long day or a night out. Specialty cocktails like Purple Haze, Pit Boss and Espresso Martini are just a few of the creations expertly mixed. 

Bistro Bar

Located in the Midinah Bistro, the Bistro Bar serves up tasty, specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and beer & wine.