It’s a Vibe! Tin Lizard Bar & Grill at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel

by Stefanie Powers

This summer just got a lot more fun! Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel in Vinton, La. recently opened a new dining and drinking experience that you don’t want to miss. Tin Lizard Bar & Grill made its debut on June 30 and is a casual American restaurant specializing in modern cuisine with an extensive craft beer and cocktail selection.

“Tin Lizard’s space includes a stunningly detailed center bar that features revolving brews on tap and a spacious main dining room with ample seating,” says Joshua Britt, spokesperson for Delta Downs. “The venue is conveniently located off the casino floor, in the Main Promenade.”

Previously known as the Gator Lounge, the space has undergone extensive renovation. “The design showcases modern elements accented with brick and wood-plank walls and contemporary art and décor throughout the space,” Britt says. “Twenty large-screen televisions are stationed throughout the bar and restaurant for you to catch all the sports action.

Tin Lizard Bar & Grill features mainstream favorites, as well as specialty dishes, prepared under the watchful eye of Chef Nate Winters, who’s been with Delta Downs for 16 years. A Lake Charles native currently residing in Sulphur, Winters says that his cooking experience came from working in professional kitchens under great chefs. “I fell in love with cooking when I was 19, working for Chef Kevin Thompson,” he recalls. “He is a very accomplished, creative, and nurturing chef. It was then that my passion was born. It sparked a desire for food that I didn’t know existed.” After discovering his passion, Winters attended SOWELA Technical Community College where he earned his degree in Culinary Arts.

Winters is excited about the whole concept of Tin Lizard. “It’s a vibe!” he exclaims. “It has a fun and upbeat atmosphere, unique cocktails, and delicious food that guests will love and come back for. I feel we’ve created something that people will really enjoy.”

Starters include boudin egg rolls, Idaho potato skins and blackened crawfish queso with house-made queso, blackened crawfish tails, creole tomatoes, jalapeno and cilantro corn chips. The main menu includes hand-crafted pizzas, sauced and dry-rubbed wings, soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches and more. Featured signature dishes include pepperoni pizza with San Marzano tomato sauce, pepperoni and oregano; the Jackpot Burger, an eight-ounce Angus beef patty with applewood-smoked bacon, cheddar, pepper jack, onion rings and barbecue sauce; and the fried catfish dinner.

There’s something for everyone on the drink menu, from old standards such the Negroni and Old Fashioned to the Raspberry Lemon Drop. Featured cocktails include the refreshing Middleton Mule and the Captain Punch made with Captain Morgan Rum, triple sec, orange juice, pineapple juice and splash of grenadine.

A quality selection of craft, domestic and imported brews are available with multiple brews on tap, including Blue Moon, Shiner Bock, Yuengling, Abita Purple Haze and more. The brew bottle menu features 11 selections comprised of regional and national favorites.

Tin Lizard Bar & Grill is open from Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. To learn more about Tin Lizard Bar & Grill, visit www.deltadowns.com.