We’ve collected the submissions and tallied up the responses and now present to you the results of the second annual Casino Connection Choice Awards.

This year we saw even more people writing in with their favorite restaurants, bars, spas and more. We can’t say there are any surprises on this year’s list—although to see a number of people actually had a favorite hospital made us wonder what some of you people do with your free time—with people nominating the tried-and-true favorites from the locals properties like the Cannery, Boyd and Station, to the Strip megaresorts to some—shall we say—interesting “clubs” like the Red Rooster.

While there were really no surprises, if there is any clear winner this year it is Town Square. Everyone seems to love the place, as well as the stores, restaurants and clubs and the movie theater. So without further ado, we present the 2009 Casino Connection Choice Award Winners.

RESTAURANT

Yard House

Town Square

We couldn’t really agree more on this one. Any place that has a multi-page beer menu is top-notch in our book. But the Yard House is more than just a gin joint, and their food is definitely a step up from the traditional beer and a burger kind of fare most brew houses tend to specialize in. It doesn’t hurt that they have outdoor seating, play some great music and have some great people-watching opportunities, too.

CASINO RESTAURANT

Big Sur Oyster Bar

South Point

The oyster bar is quite commonplace in locals casinos—try getting a seat during the lunch or dinner rush—which is somewhat surprising. Typically, people gravitate toward seafood in locations that aren’t 300 miles away from the ocean. But supplied by fresh seafood brought in daily, the Big Sur Oyster Bar is impressive enough to elicit the largest number of votes in this category. It is great for a quick meal before heading back to the casino floor for some more action.

SLOT MACHINE

Wheel of Fortune

This machine is our first back-to-back winner. The community games are gaining in popularity throughout the country, and this one is a winner at casinos all over the United States. It really shouldn’t be surprising that it holds on to the first place position again this year. We were hoping to receive more than one vote each for the I Dream of Jeannie and Dean Martin’s Wild Party machines, but it just didn’t happen. Maybe next year.

PLACE TO GAMBLE

Silverton

3333 Blue Diamond Rd.

Can’t argue this one. The Silverton is comfortable, it’s easy to get to and laid back once you’re there. The lodge feel certainly adds to the relaxing atmosphere, as do the clientele who frequent the property. This isn’t the kind of crowd who spends too much time worrying about their hair or makeup. Instead, these are the laid-back, down-to-earth kinds of people who enjoy sipping beers, making foolish calls in the poker room, checking out the guns at the Bass Pro Shops and maybe sneaking in a game or two of bowling. Obviously a number of you see the enjoyment in a number of those activities.

DOCTOR/HOSPITAL

Desert Springs

2075 E. Flamingo

This isn’t the newest hospital in the Valley, but it is one of your favorites. First opened in 1971, Desert Springs has a less acute ER area (minor emergencies), as well as an outstanding reputation for dealing with cardiac care, bariatric surgery and diabetes-related issues.

With almost 250 beds, there is plenty of room available, although we certainly hope you’ll never need it.

BAR/LOUNGE

The Griffin

511 Fremont St.

In a city filled to the brim with gamblers and tourists, it isn’t surprising that locals picked the off-Strip, gaming-free bar the Griffin as the best in town. Tucked away on East Fremont Street, the Griffin is a gothic wonderland focused on two weekend essentials: drinks and dancing. From their signature Griffin martini to the DJ spinning old-school tunes in the back room, the Griffin has Vegas nights on lockdown for locals looking for a side of glamour with their neon.

NIGHTCLUB

JET

The Mirage

Partygoers pick Jet, the nightclub at the Mirage, as their favorite weekend hot spot, and it’s no surprise. Jet features three rooms, each of which bumps different beats. Top 40 songs and popular club rhythms dominate the main room, while a DJ spins house music in an adjacent room. The last room is the pick of choice for ’80s and rock music fans. With three great genres to choose from and four full-service bars, there’s no need to dance anywhere else.

SINGLE’S SPOT

Blue Martini

Town Square

Las Vegas’ newest mall is the also the site of the city’s most popular new place to meet and greet cute locals. Maybe it’s the fantastic happy hour (half-priced drinks and appetizers Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.), the delicious entrees or the beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the mall’s grassy courtyard. Whatever the reason, singles flock to Blue Martini to chat with friends and strangers alike, making this locals’ lounge the No. 1 place to see and be seen in Las Vegas.

CLOTHING STORE

H&M

Town Square and Planet Hollywood’s

Miracle Mile Shops

We love European boutique H&M’s two Las Vegas locations, and you do, too. The recent transplant delighted our overseas friends with its celebration of inexpensive high fashion for men and women and frequent collaborations with top designers like Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney. H&M is now wooing Americans with its runway pieces at department store prices, and our readers are among those seduced by the stylish European stores.

SHOE STORE

DSW

2100 N. Rainbow Blvd.

You picked the Designer Shoe Warehouse as Las Vegas’ best shoe store, and we know the reason: DSW is the place to go for low-cost designer shoes. From Coach to Steve Madden, DSW supplies this season’s hottest styles for a fraction of an upscale boutique’s prices. No matter what you’re looking for, DSW has it: Athletic shoes, comfortable shoes for work, boots, high heels, flats, loafers, the list goes on. The store also has a permanent sale section that can’t be beat.

SALON/SPA

Canyon Ranch SpaClub

The Venetian

For high-end spa treatments and hair stylists, you chose the Venetian’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub. The 134,000-square-foot spa is a world unto itself, with a health and wellness center, massage, skin care and treatment rooms, a European thermal treatment suite and a three-story rock-climbing wall. Spa-goers can also take nutrition classes and prepare for weddings at this luxury destination. Canyon Ranch’s emphasis on healthy extravagance makes it the No. 1 reader pick this year.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Laughlin

When the weekend rolls around, Casino Connection readers hop in their cars and drive 90 minutes to Sin City’s little sister, Laughlin. It’s to be expected, as Laughlin offers the great gaming and fun bar atmosphere that Las Vegas provides, but the small-town vibe and Colorado River make it a relaxing way to laze away the days. You enjoy taking advantage of Laughlin’s inexpensive hotel rooms, good gambling and amazing beach on the weekends, and we don’t blame you. We’re booking our rooms as we type.

By Greg Jones

Greg Jones is managing editor of Casino Connection Nevada, as well as associate editor of Global Gaming Business magazine.

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