San Diego Cardrooms Rated Part I

[Still the Spank E]

Okay.

The Palomar Club has expanded and offers $30 FREE if you buy $50 in chips for the morning 9:00 o'clock 3/6 game(s). You have to play at least until 12noon, but, hey--$50 buys you $80. Need I say more?

Lucky Lady Casino ("The Friendliest Card Room in Town") offers free breakfast if you come for the 9:00 o'clock, excellent food (especially Vietnamese) at dirt cheap prices--PLUS, Terry, one of the managers, is an absolute DREAM to look at.

Village Club: If you like standing around for 90 minutes or more, the low limit tables in this Chula Vista B&M is ideal. You can call to put your name on the list for the bigger games, but, because they have a large territory to themselves, this cardroom lets would-be players stand around forever in hopes of getting a game before getting in their cars and motoring to El Cajon Blvd.

Ocean's Eleven: Too far from Downtown San Diego to be bothered with, unless you enjoy traffic. Otherwise, a fine room with cheap (if extremely mediocre) food, LOTS of tables of all sizes, and a bar (if you consider THAT a good idea).

More later.

[Bulbarainey]

Where is the Palomar club? San Marcos?

[FishNChips]

Dear SpankE:

Ocean's 11 is NOT too far from Downtown SD to be bothered with. I cruise up there from downtown on Friday nights with some frequency. I go with a friend or two and enjoy the carpool lane which saves some time.

The room is large with a wide spread of games and of course, plenty of loose/passives who are anxious to give you their money for a chance at a huge pot on a longshot draw or even better, the jackpot! Your food rating is spot on from what I've tasted -- except the Cheesecake is exceptional.

Thanks for the info on the other rooms. How big are they?

Best Regards,
FishNChips

[Still the Spank E]

They're tiny when compared to O11--strictly mom 'n pop operations. But, like a guy I met once told me in reference to the level of competition: "thank God for Lucky Lady Casino." Lots of chasers, very friendly atmosphere.

[Still the Spank E]

I definitely overstated when saying "too far to be bothered with." They spread much bigger games than anywhere else until you get to L.A., making them the only place to play for many. Additionally, even if you're only playing 2/4 hold 'em the drive is fine if you can go at the right times. When I used to go there early Saturday or Sunday mornings it took 35 minutes of straight driving--the same amount required for Viejas from where I am. However, when I used to try to drive there after work during the week it was a NIGHTMARE. 90 minutes to go 22 miles from, say, Genesee Ave in bumper-to-bumper all the way.

[marsvolta619]

I just moved to Vista so O11 is about 8 minutes away and I love their 20/40. Lucky Lady IS the fishiest casino possibly anywhere

[Rudi]

I doubt I can add anything about O11 that hasn't already been mentioned and I've only played there once after visiting a client in San Marcos.

The low limit locals seem to only care about hitting the jackpot. Table talk usually consists of the following:

"Hey, John, where were you last week. Matt hit the jackpot!"
"Really?"
"Yeah and Mary just hit one yesterday for $200!"
"Oh, no! Come on dealer, I need a jackpot!"

They proceed to stare at their hole cards and flop in eager anticipation of the next jackpot. I was the only one raising at the table. When somebody else did it was either AA, KK or AKs. I saw QQ, JJ, 1010 limped in several times.

I don't know if O11 gets Commerce-wild on Friday or Saturday.

[Still the Spank E]

Palomar is on El Cajon Blvd., a couple/few blocks below 30th Street.

[The Ocho]

How big of games does Village Club spread?

[scott8]

If you play higher than 4/8, or if you play NL, then you really can't beat Ocean's 11. Huge, clean card room with no slots or smoking. The food is pretty damn good as well and dishes cost 2$.