Parx Casino is firmly establishing itself as a premier culinary destination in Bucks County.
Parx boasts a diverse selection of in-house restaurants that spans upscale steakhouse dining, farm-to-table gastropub fare, authentic Chinese cuisine, and a brand-new Mexican food concept.
Led by Martin Doyle, vice president of food and beverage, the casino currently claims the top four spots for area restaurants on TripAdvisor.
“A lot of people don’t know that,” Doyle said of the high rankings.
The casino’s top-rated lineup on TripAdvisor is led by Bambu in the No. 1 spot, followed by Liberty Bell Gastropub at No. 2, the Beer Garden at No. 3, and Parx Grill at No. 4.
Parx Grill
As the casino’s signature upscale option, the restaurant differentiates itself from traditional New York or Chicago steakhouses.
“It’s not your quintessential New York or Chicago style steakhouse because we do offer full finished dishes along with à la carte options,” Doyle said.
The menu features classic cuts like a bone-in cowboy, filet mignon, and New York strip alongside seafood. Doyle said Parx Grill’s offerings have evolved over time based on guest orders.
“It’s as if the guests wrote the menu with how they chose their meals over the years,” he said.
A recent dinner at Parx Grill included a Clay Pot Crispy Fire Shrimp appetizer, a tender pan-seared sea bass, and a juicy 14-ounce New York strip steak. The meal came quickly and was enjoyed alongside a Basil Hayden Lemonade and a Casamigos Paloma.
Liberty Bell Gastropub
Using a farm-to-table approach, the eatery sources ingredients locally whenever possible, including grass-fed Pennsylvania beef, Pennsylvania premium reserve pork, free-range chicken, and regional produce. The venue recently expanded its hours to include lunch Wednesday through Sunday, with a happy hour running Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Liberty Bell Gastropub features a double rotisserie bar at the back where guests can watch prime rib and chickens cook, a vaulted ceiling over the bar area, and a flexible layout designed to host large parties while maintaining a la carte service.
Liberty Bell Beer Garden
Sharing the same menu as the gastropub, the modern, laid-back garden space accommodates small groups, large parties, a la carte dining, and special events on its outdoor patio. The space regularly hosts celebrity chef appearances, festive Sunday brunches, VIP celebrations and other special events.
“We’ve done everything from VIP birthday bashes to demos,” Doyle said, adding that celebrity Chef Marc Murphy is scheduled to return in September for a meet-and-greet demonstration.
Bambu
Developed in partnership with acclaimed Philadelphia Chef Joe Zhou, the Chinese restaurant offers innovative appetizers, dumpling dishes, classic noodle soups, wok favorites, sushi, and a signature Peking Duck served with steamed lotus root buns.
“We’re delighted with what Bambu is,” Doyle said. “It’s got all the hits that people like.”
Fat Stax
The latest addition to the Parx lineup is a fast-casual tacos and burritos counter located next to Foodies court. It offers freshly made Mexican-inspired items served quickly.
“Fat Stax has gone over extremely well and there is such quality,” Doyle said.
Doyle, a 12-year veteran at Parx, oversees food and beverage operations on the property. His background includes leadership roles at high-profile New York City establishments, including Windows on the World at the World Trade Center and the Red Eye Grill, which ranked among the nation’s most successful restaurants during his time there.
As late-night dining options in the region have dwindled since the pandemic, Parx has emerged as a regional alternative to standard fast food or diner fare.
Doyle acknowledged that the post-COVID late-night landscape has shifted significantly.
“You can have a good meal with multiple concepts in the same building,” Doyle said, adding that guests can visit to play, take in a show, or simply enjoy a meal and a drink.
Doyle credits much of the department’s success to his approach to staffing and retention.
Parx’s dining options get high marks for the knowledgeable and friendly service.
“You can train people how to operate in a specific outlet, but you can’t train people to be good people,” Doyle said. “A firm handshake, eye contact, a smile — those are the ones that stand out to me.”
He added, “People care about each other here and we support each other. If the one thing that’s on our mind is the customer’s intent to return, we’re not going to fail. Everything that we do is based on our customers.”
For more information, visit Parx’s website.
This article is part of a partnership with Parx Casino.