MGM Springfield – SO Much More Than a Casino

There were no casinos here in Massachusetts until 2015, so we used to have to drive all the way to Connecticut to play some table games!! Thankfully we have some options here now, including MGM Springfield, which was built last year. But MGM Springfield is SO much more than just a casino. Christian and I spent a weekend there and I am going to tell you why everyone needs to plan a visit there.

The Food

I live for food. When I go anywhere, especially for a whole weekend, the first thing I do is investigate my food options. I was so relieved when I saw that MGM Springfield had quite a few eateries.

TAP Sports Bar
If you like sports and great food, the TAP Sports Bar is for you! They have over 60 HD flat screens throughout the restaurant, a bunch of historical sports memorabilia, an arcade and 10 bowling lanes! If that sounds awesome to you, I assure you it is!

Christian got the TAP Cheese Burger (American Cheese, Mayonnaise, LTO) and said it was in the top 5 burgers he’s ever had in his entire life.

I got the Pulled Chicken Sandwich (Crispy Onion, Arugula, Herb Mayo, B&B Pickles) and am already planning a trip back so I can get another one!

The Tap Sports Bar had a great vibe and we really enjoyed having a casual lunch there.

The Chandler Steakhouse
Located in the former Union House Hotel – later renamed The Chandler Hotel – the restaurant’s space was preserved as part of the development of MGM Springfield. The Chandler Steakhouse has raised the bar when it comes to fine dining in downtown Springfield. Guests can savor the finest seafood and steaks complemented by a sophisticated food and drink menu (including an extensive wine list).

I got the 14oz NY Strip, which was nothing short of phenomenal.

Christian got the Grilled Maine Lobster, which he said was delicious.

We also got a Tableside Caesar Salad for Two, which was a lovely addition to our meal.  We finished off dinner by sharing a slice of Vanilla Bean Cheesecake.

The South End Market

The South End Market is MGM Springfield’s food hall with an assortment of options of your choice, including:

• Wicked Noodles – A variety of Asian faire, including Pad Thai, rice bowls and more.
• Jack’s Lobster Shack – This venue’s delicious seafood selections bring out the famous flavors of New England.
• Bill’s Diner – The resort’s only 24-hour location offers American home cooking and all-day breakfast.
• Hearth Grill – For a healthier lunch, Hearth Grill offers a menu featuring soups, salad, veggies and rotisserie meats.
• Gelato & Espresso Counter – Get a sweet treat or a cup of coffee here before you hit the road back home.

We chose to eat at Wicked Noodles.

We got some vegetable Spring Rolls and Lo Mein.  It was a great meal and if we weren’t so full, we would have gone back for more.

The Entertainment

The Plaza
There is this great outdoor space at MGM Springfield called The Plaza. There are food trucks (not all pictured) and as you can see it’s just a great space to hang out.  The Sox game was playing on the big screen when we were out there at night. How cool is that?

Roar! Comedy Club
The historic Armory at MGM Springfield is the place to go for laughs. Yes, it’s an actual historic armory that the MGM Springfield purchased and uses for their comedy club.

The unique Roar! Comedy Series features an eclectic mix of nationally popular comedians as well as rising industry stars. We saw Steve Sweeney while we were there and had a blast at the show!

The Nightlife

Commonwealth Bar
Inspired by a haberdashery, their innovative takes on classic cocktails and live music at Commonwealth are a perfect way to end your night at MGM Springfield.

The Commonwealth Bar and Lounge is located right in the center of the main casino floor and it a really cool place to stop in for a nightcap.

The Casino

MGM Springfield holds the largest gaming floor in Massachusetts! Play the slots or your favorite table games including Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Mini Baccarat.

The Hotel

The boutique-style five-story hotel features 252 eclectic guestrooms inspired by the history, architecture and literary legacy of Springfield. Each space is punctuated by details such as quotations from the works of Emily Dickinson and a surrealist gallery wall installation from artist Corwin Levi.

Our room had a king bed and a gorgeous city view.

The Lobby Bar
The place to gather for after-work socializing, a drink before dinner or to kick-start a staycation. To match the lobby’s library aesthetic, Lobby Bar’s innovative cocktail program offers drinks inspired by literary tales such as Fahrenheit 451, The Polar Express and more.

Room Service
Don’t feel like getting out of bed in the morning to go out for breakfast? Order some room service…that’s what we did.

They also offer lunch, dinner and some alcoholic beverages on their in-room dining menu.

My husband, Christian, and I seriously had the best time at MGM Springfield. Our expectations were beyond exceeded and we were so impressed by all the wonderful service we received while we were there. Because we were only there for a weekend, we didn’t get a chance to see a movie at the Regal Cinema located right at MGM Springfield or visit the spa – so that means we need to get back again real soon!