HIGHWAY 9 CASINO; LAKE STEVENS, WA
Highway 9 Casino is worth the search

Nestled discretely in a subdivision of private homes on the east side of Highway 9, just one block south of Frontier Village, sits the Highway 9 Casino. Like many, you may be very surprised to find that this neighborhood casino has made this out-of-the-way location its home for almost two years now. In retrospect, it was a huge surprise to many local residents when construction began, and it was soon discovered that a casino would be operating in their neighborhood. Many were concerned that a business like this would detract from the neighborhood atmosphere and be a major source of consternation for those living in the immediate area. Traffic volume and noise were only a couple of the residents’ concerns. Well, apparently those fears were quickly laid to rest because Highway 9 Casino was recently awarded the “Business of the Year” by the Frontier Village community. They are a good neighbor to those living in the immediate area, due mostly to the fact that on the rare occasion when a complaint may arise, management works very quickly to mitigate the situation, and successfully, so everyone remains happy.

When most people hear the term “casino,” visions of the gargantuan tribal casinos often come to mind, with their huge rooms full of an array of noisy slot machines and dozens of card tables. What separates the non-tribal casino from the tribal casino is the absence of slot machines, so you won’t find one single slot machine in this non-tribal neighborhood casino. What you will find when you walk through the double door entrance is a spacious, clean, brightly colored and well-lit complex consisting of a large card room, pool tables, a central bar, a dining room and an entertainment area. The card room, on the right when you enter, is in a horseshoe shape. On the wall is a full-sized mural of major towns and roadways from South King County to Bellingham.

The card tables are easily identified - Black Jack, Spanish 21, and Pai Gow, among others, and behind each is a smiling dealer ready to get you on your way to winning.

To the rear of the room is the poker area, where 2pm daily poker tournaments take place. With a $25 buy-in, this is a very popular pastime so early signup is suggested. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, there are also special Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments with a $30 buy-in. Enjoy $1 pounders while you’re playing, too.

Saturday night means Black Jack at the Highway 9 Casino, where there is a $200 added tournament every week.

For those of you who have always wondered what card games were all about, or for those who feel they are a little rusty, feel free to come on in and receive some private instruction on the ins-and-outs of Black Jack or any other card game, or how to sign up for a poker tournament, just ask! The management will be happy to provide some special attention.

When you’re ready to take a break from cards, return to the main entrance and across from the card room, you will find three full-sized pool tables. Pool is always free! The tables are in excellent condition, the house sticks are straight, and there is plenty of room for you to make your perfect shot. Mounted in the corners of the pool area are television sets where professional sports are always on display. For you dart players, there is also a dart board available.

The bar is in the center of the complex and completely stocked. There is also a television mounted over the bar so you can enjoy your favorite game with your favorite libation. Pulltabs are within arm’s reach, as well. Happy Hour is daily from noon to 7pm, featuring $1.50 domestic draft beer and half-price appetizers, including baby back ribs, krabby cakes, potato skins and a great assortment of other “munchies.”

And speaking of appetizers… walk past the bar into the dining area, where there is a well organized seating area offering booths, as well as chairs and tables. The cooks at Highway 9 Casino are busy from 9am to 2am daily. Yes, that means at 1:30am on a Saturday morning, after you’ve played cards or sang karaoke and drank all evening, you can order a full meal, not just french fries or a cold sandwich. The full menu is available from 9am to 2am. Breakfast is available all day for those of you who may get a late start. Dinner specials run from 5 to 9pm and include the Thursday “All-You-Can-Eat Crab” special at just $12.99 per person. This is a very popular special so, again, think early! On Fridays they offer steak and lobster, and on Saturday nights, Prime Rib is on special. The regular menu is very complete and moderately priced.

As you pass through the dining area, you will arrive in the entertainment area, which also doubles as a private banquet room, complete with dance floor, a mini-stage with lighting, and a large flat-screen television mounted on the wall.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, Highway 9 Casino is the venue for the best karaoke in the area. Karen and Joe are the hosts and have the best sound around, according to the excellent vocalists who come to share their talent.

The stage is well stocked with one Shure cordless and two Shure corded mics. The speakers are of great quality and provide a deep, clear sound. There is a television monitor on the stage, which can only be seen from the stage, and the large screen on the wall for those who enjoy seeing the lyrics as singers are singing. The song books are located in a “bookcase” located under the stage right speaker, and are designated by song title and by artist. The huge selection not only includes the old favorites, but the most up-to-the-minute songs as well. Karen is very adept at dialing in sound for every singer individually so you won’t be fighting music that is too loud or too soft, or a bad-sounding microphone, or too much echo or no vocal effects at all, etc. Karen is also an accomplished vocalist who can provide you with back-up harmonies if you’d like, and if you’re new to singing, she is happy to help you along if you need it. The stage is large enough for as many as eight singers to get up together, and is visible from the dining area, as well, so your friends can enjoy your performance.

Karaoke hours are Thursdays from 8pm to midnight, so you can still get a singing night in during the week, and Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to 1am. On Thursdays, free recording is offered - one CD per person (provided free of charge) with a maximum of three songs.

During Karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays, at about 10:30pm or 11pm, listen for ‘The Ten Buck Booty Call.” This offers everyone a chance to get up and shake it around - an unbiased judge will determine who has the best “booty-tude” and that person will be the recipient of ten bucks. Hey, that’s good for a drink or two!

Large groups can easily be accommodated - it is the perfect venue for birthday parties, anniversary parties, retirement parties, and bachelor/ette parties. In fact, reserve a spot for your next birthday celebration - the birthday celebrant gets their meal free, with a minimum of eight guests.

The entertainment room may also be reserved for special functions at no extra charge. It can be closed off from the rest of the dining area so if privacy is what you need, they have it.

On Sunday mornings, this room is the home of the breakfast buffet, which is a full breakfast buffet for only $7.99 per person.

The Highway 9 Casino is located at 22 95th Drive NE, in Lake Stevens. Directions: From Everett/I-5, take the trestle turnoff stay left at end of trestle (highway 204) and drive up the hill until you reach the intersection at Highway 9. At the light go right and travel one long block south, and turn left at next intersection (Market Place), and take first right to the casino. Traveling north on Highway 9 from Woodinville/Clearview, or south from Marysville/ Arlington, watch for the intersection with the huge “TARGET” sign (street is Market Place).

General Manager, Carol Henry, can answer your questions about the casino in general, and Food and Beverage Manager, Jim Walsh, is available for questions concerning parties and/or reserving the banquet room. Call (425) 335-5770.

If you’ve never been to a neighborhood casino, Highway 9 Casino is guaranteed to provide you with a great first experience - Cards, food, pool, and entertainment in one stop. You’ll immediately feel like you belong.