I played at South Coast tonight for the first time. (As a new local, I'm gradually trying to get around to all the poker rooms--but it takes a long time!) I was pleasantly surprised, after reading the generally negative comments from the editor(s) and visitors. I kinda liked the place. It was Sunday night, from about 11 pm to 4 am.

It was absolutely the quietest of the poker rooms that are not physically separated from the rest of the casino. Now, maybe that was because the adjacent slot machine area was dead, and at another time the bells and whistles would drive me crazy, but it was actually quieter than some rooms that *are* isolated from the main casino floor) (e.g., Monte Carlo, Harrah's, Caesar's Palace, Bellagio). I like quiet. I also never caught a whiff of cigarette smoke, even though I'm pretty sensitive to it. Again, maybe just a slow night and fortunate timing for me, but I was happy about it.

No problems with any of the dealers or cocktail waitresses. Didn't need floor people for anything, so can't judge their performance.

Had a pro sighting: Barry Greenstein walked in and transacted some business at the poker desk. Apparently GSN's "High Stakes Poker" is taping there tomorrow (though not in the poker room--presumably a private suite they've outfitted to act as a studio), and he was making some arrangements for that.

Incidentally, the place is just now being transformed into "South Point Casino," breaking off from the Coast Casino group. The chips still say "South Coast," but the dealer uniforms and table felt (a really nice maroon color) have already been replaced to reflect the new name. Signs posted everywhere say that players can pick up new player cards after Oct. 25, 2006, so I'm guessing that's the date that the switch will be finalized.

The competition at the game I play most ($1-2 NL hold'em) was about average for the city--no "drunk tourist" ultra soft spots giving away chips, but also no scary-good sharks. I held my own without any particular difficulty. Players were pretty friendly, and although a few knew each other, I didn't get the feeling that I had walked in on a private, longstanding game at which I was the only unknown player. (That's how some people report feeling at, say, the Hilton, and it's exactly how I felt when I tried Texas Station the other day.)

As with all subjective opinions, it's a "your mileage may vary" situation, but I absolutely would go back to play there again.

Title edited by LVM to better reflect subject matter.

Thank you for posting. Haven't had a chance to get out to South Coast. From what i have heard from others, it is a pretty basic room that serves its purpose. Good to hear that they have a NL going. Somtimes, locals rooms have issues getting it going.

Please consider also adding your experiences as a Trip Report in the main page as well.

_________________
Incessant Twitter Ramblings available here: LasVegasMichael