lori silverstein

Review of Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St...

First, I want to say my husband and I have eaten a...

First, I want to say my husband and I have eaten at Pearl's Oyster Bar at Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Mo. for years. The full order last night was 2 garlic/cheese bread appetizers (4 slices of bread each) 4 iced teas 3 surf n turf dinners and 1-10 oz sirloin steak dinner. We started eating there over 10 years ago when their fried shrimp dinners were $15.00 and you got 6 nice size shrimp for the price. (an average of $2.50 per shrimp) Last night their price was $25.00 for their fried shrimp dinner and you only get 5 decent size shrimp. (That is $5.00 per shrimp) Last night my husband and 2 friends all ordered the Surf and Turf. You get a really SMALL petite steak and 3 shrimp and 2 sides all for $26.00. I ordered the 10 oz sirloin steak for $23.00. (You get a steak and 2 sides. My husband and I opted for an upgrade to one side for an additional $2.00 for a dinner salad instead of the sides offered-corn on the cob-1/2 cob, rice and beans or grilled asparagus). The quality of the food and the service were good. Ameristar has increased their prices and reduced the portions throughout ALL of their restaurants. One more thing to note, yes, we went on a Saturday night around 7:30 p.m. You would expect this restaurant to be packed. In fact, the hostess stated that you needed a reservation but they had 1 table available for us. During our stay, the restaurant never obtained capacity seating. The restaurant bar and half the tables available were always empty. Ameristar needs to rethink their approach to their customers. The pricing is fine if you are using Casino comps. You will find that the occasional customer or out of town visitor will opted for another restaurant (Outside the Ameristar Casino complex) more budget friendly. As for my husband and I? I think we will start exploring the nice little restaurants and bars along the riverfront from now on.