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    place your bets

    Hot Heights-area patio bar rolls out cool casino nights with Bellagio-caliber tables and Vegas vibes

    Steven Devadanam
    Jun 24, 2023 | 6:00 am

    Quick: name the most authentic, Vegas-worthy casino setup in Houston. Is it an ultra-private room at Tilman Fertitta's Post Oak palace? Maybe a new speakeasy from red-hot restaurateur Ben Berg?

    Actually, arguably Houston's most authentic, Vegas-styled casino action (public, anyway) is at popular patio bar Patterson Park. This Heights-area hot spot with White Oak Bayou views isn't known for being posh or for a James Bond vibe. No, this new high-end casino floor is nestled in a party spot favorited by a young, bike-friendly, dog-friendly crowd who dig cornhole and other bar games and catching sports on the big screen.

    Huh?

    “Well, we had to come up with something new, something to set us apart,” Lonnie Schiller, a partner in Patterson Park, tells CultureMap as we check out casino night there. “You know there are a lot of patio bars in Houston.”

    A realtor friend linked up Schiller — who founded CultureMap in 2009 and is behind Cafe Express, Cafe Annie, and The Grove — with Daniel Kebort, a businessman with a big-time, global casino background. Kebort founded Ridotto, a firm that sets up casino floors that rivals anything in Vegas all around Texas.

    A Wynn-worthy casino floor

    Faster than a roulette spin, Patterson Park was home to an expertly designed craps table and two blackjack tables worthy of The Wynn or anything on the Vegas Strip. (These tables are made by the same manufacturer that services big casinos all over the globe.)

    Patterson Park casinoBlowing on dice for good luck: highly recommended.Photo by Marco Torres/ @marcofromhouston

    Patterson Park casino blackjack tableThe high-energy crowd keeps the games fun. Photo by Marco Torres/ @marcofromhouston


    On our trip, crowds packed the long craps table and rocked their best casino moves, even blowing on dice for good luck. The blackjack tables are also a blast, with players dropping bets and dealers working the table and building the hype with fist-pumping cheers on big wins.

    Wheel cool gaming

    Patterson Park casino roulette wheelWatching the wheel spin and ball bounce as the exquisite roulette table hand-made in England. Photo by Marco Torres/ @marcofromhouston

    The real kicker — as we discovered — is Kebort's roulette wheel, crafted by the iconic Cammegh company. Hand-made in England and considered the finest custom wheels in the world, the Cammegh outfit in Patterson Park comes complete with a laser eye and digital display board.

    Ridotto's Cammegh roulette wheel in Patterson Park is so authentic and legit, it's required to be registered with the Department of Justice. “This is most likely the only DOJ-registered wheel in the state of Texas, Kebort tells CultureMap. “You won't find equipment of this quality in Louisiana or Oklahoma, nor will you find it in most Las Vegas resorts.”

    We packed the table and held our breath as the roulette ball to bounced on the wheel. The chic cocktails, dramatic bets and spins, and high-end table made the room feel totally Bellagio.

    How is this even legal?

    Okay, so: Patterson Park may have the best high-end public casino experience in Houston — and potentially, Texas. But last we checked, gambling is illegal here. Right?

    “Yes, gambling for money is illegal,” Kebort acknowledges. “Playing games for pure entertainment and fun is different. Our games will have no cash anywhere. Customers do use a credit card to buy 500 chips for $20 for their time at the tables. If they win, there are small inexpensive prizes. But mostly it’s for the fun and bragging rights. Plus, the tables are Las Vegas quality and the dealers are very friendly — even happy to teach the intricacies of each game.” (Anyone who's been to Vegas recently knows that's not always the case there.)

    Even then, Schiller — who has made a living giving people what they want — wasn't sure about setting up a grand, expensive casino floor with no big cash payouts. Would anyone actually come?

    “I was skeptical,” recalls Schiller. “I had just gotten ChatGPT, and so I asked i if people would play blackjack, roulette, dice, and games like that for only very small inexpensive prizes. To my surprise it said 'yes' — for many reasons: the thrill and excitement, competition, novelty, trying to beat the odds irrespective of the monetary rewards.

    Patterson Park casino chips woman's handRidotto's table are world-class and even the chips are patented. Photo by Marco Torres/ @marcofromhouston

    For authenticity, Kebort uses casino chips that are actually patented. His patent, he says, protects the idea of using a casino style chip to represent the tickets in a traditional arcade like Dave and Busters. These tickets also function as the chips on the tables to mimic a true casino experience.

    Each ticket value matches traditional dollar values in a casino (red chips are 5 tickets instead of $5, green chips are 25 tickets, black chips 100 tickets, and purple chips 500 tickets instead of $500.) “This gives the players an authentic experience and thrill of winning without the inherent risk found when gambling in a traditional casino environment,” says Kebort.

    Schiller says the crowds showed up just one week after Kebort and Ridotto set up shop. “People come to play and get quite animated, even yelling and celebrating when they win.” Prizes also include one-of-a-kind fashion and travel books from Schiller and his wife's collection.

    A cool spin on Vegas vibes

    Patterson Park casino signYou'll swear you're on the Strip. Photo by Marco Torres/ @marcofromhouston

    The big Strip-styled sign, patented casino chips, and top-quality tables make for such a Vegas vibe that Schiller and his team are already shaking up their cocktail menu with drinks like the 007 Martini — shaken, not stirred, natch — and more to come. Patterson Park is a casual scene, but Schiller may throw a dressy, Casino Royale-themed party where players can show up in their best James Bond and Vesper Lynd fits. Whatever it takes to keep partiers spinning the roulette wheel and rolling the dice.

    “Of course we just want them to buy drinks,” Schiller says. “But so far it’s working!”

    Patterson Park casino

    Photo by Marco Torres/ @marcofromhouston

    The craps table is Wynn-worthy.

    -----

    Casino nights at Patterson Park are expected to run through July 31. Get more information at Patterson Park online.

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    Weekend event planner

    Here are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Oct 21, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    Seth Meyers
    Photo courtesy of NBC
    Seth Meyers will perform at Bayou Music Center on October 24.

    If you wanna get in the spooky, cinematic spirit before Halloween pops off next weekend, on Thursday, Kefita Coffee will screen the cult vampire flick Ganja & Hess, while Box 13 ArtSpace will have a demonic double feature of The Exorcist and The Devils. And, on Sunday, Shoeshine Charley’s Big Top Lounge will close out its horror-tinged month of Mid Main Movie Club double bills with The Shining and The Thing.

    Here are some other events and happenings going down this weekend, from a Mediterranean festival to an East Montrose tour/walk to a two-night performance from someone who really adores Beyonce.

    Seth Meyers
    Photo courtesy of NBC

    Seth Meyers will perform at Bayou Music Center on October 24.

    Thursday, October 22

    Architecture Center Houston presents "Big Dome, Bigger Dreams: Visions for Harris County Domed Stadium" opening reception
    "Big Dome, Bigger Dreams: Visions for Harris County Domed Stadium" explores the history, significance, and possible future of one of Houston’s most recognizable landmarks. The exhibition traces the Astrodome, from its groundbreaking development and revolutionary engineering achievements through its decades of historic events, decline, and ongoing debate over its future. Through Friday, January 22. 5:30 pm.

    Gente de Teatro presents El Test
    Would you prefer $100,000 now or $1,000,000 in 10 years? The play El Test (The Test) begins with a simple question and uses humor and intelligence to strip away the masks we all wear. What starts as an innocent game ends up questioning everything: love, success, failure, friendship, ethics, the fear of time's passage, and the small lies each character has used to construct their identity. All performances are in Spanish. Through Sunday, November 1. 7:30 pm (3:30 pm Sunday).

    Theatre Under the Stars presents Mrs. Doubtfire
    Based on the beloved 1993 film, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of a Scottish nanny in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. A hysterical and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy that proves we’re better together. 7:30 pm (8 pm Friday; 2 & 8 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

    Friday, October 23

    Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation presents Power of Literacy Luncheon
    Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s Ladies for Literacy Guild will host its annual Power of Literacy Luncheon, now in its 11th year. The luncheon will feature a conversation with Grammy/Emmy winner Harry Connick, Jr., who will discuss his new book, Babe: Elaboratio - A Tribute to My Mother. Attendees will also enjoy a silent auction, raffle and special “Giving Tree” opportunity. Proceeds from this year’s luncheon will benefit childhood literacy initiatives throughout the Houston area. 11 am.

    St. George Orthodox Christian Church presents Houston Mediterranean Festival
    The Houston Mediterranean Festival celebrates the culture and flavors of the Mediterranean, featuring dishes like gyro, shawarma, and baklava, plus Arabic entertainment from around Houston and dancing from the St. George Dabke troupe. For two days, families can enjoy petting zoo visits, face painting, and balloon artists. Visitors can also explore the Mediterranean marketplace, take a tour of the church, and bid in the silent auction for a chance to take home something special. 11 am.

    Rice Cinema presents The Fall
    In co-writer/director Tarsem Singh’s 2006 fantasia, a young immigrant girl recovers from a broken arm in a Los Angeles hospital during the 1920s. She befriends a bedridden stuntman who was paralyzed after an accident on set. He tells her an epic, fantastical tale about a group of outcast heroes seeking revenge against an evil ruler. As the line between reality and imagination blurs, the stuntman’s story reflects his own fragile emotional state, and the girl weaves herself and the people around her into his vivid mental landscape. 7 pm.

    Houston Symphony presents "Hocus Pocus Pops"
    "Hocus Pocus Pops" is packed with music, costumes, candy, and just the right amount of mischief. The Houston Symphony will present a family-friendly concert full of spooky favorites, playful surprises, and magical moments that bring the spirit of Halloween to life. Folks are encouraged to come dressed in their best costume. Before the concert, kids and families can explore the plazas for trick-or-treating, activities, and festive fun. 7:30 pm.

    Saturday, October 24

    The East Montrose Civic Association presents the 15th Biennial Home Tour and Art Walk
    The East Montrose Civic Association will host its day-long, 15th Biennial Home Tour and Art Walk this weekend. During the 1960s, East Montrose became a center for the counterculture and hippie communes. Today, this pedestrian-friendly area exhibits a diverse mix of people and architecture. Tourgoers can get a glimpse of how the architecture has been transformed over the years, with results of unique renovations that are characteristic of this distinctive, eclectic neighborhood. 10 am.

    Flying Saucer presents 15th Anniversary Celebration
    Flying Saucer will celebrate 15 years in Sugar Land Town Square with a block party featuring craft beer, music from DJ Jetplane, anniversary beer experiences, exclusive merchandise, and raffles featuring prizes from our Sugar Land Town Square neighbors. Attendees can join the beer-sampling experience for $30. They will receive a taster card and a custom 15th Anniversary Taster glass, along with access to a choice of up to 10 rare beer pours. 4 pm.

    The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts presents Beyond Broadway: Tituss Burgess
    Tituss Burgess is known from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Schmigadoon, one of his many star turns on Broadway (Oh, Mary!, Moulin Rouge, Guys and Dolls, The Little Mermaid, Jersey Boys), or all these memes. Wherever you know him from, he’s one of the most versatile and dynamic performers out there. This one-night-only concert will feature a wide swath of music, ranging from classic and modern musical theatre hits to songs by John Mayer, Shirley Bassey, Bette Midler, music from Porgy & Bess, and more. 7:30 pm (1 pm Sunday).

    Bayou Music Center presents Seth Meyers
    When he’s not trying to make sense every weeknight on his NBC late-night talk show, Seth Meyers still heads out on the road and does stand-up. The former Saturday Night Live head writer/Weekend Update anchor has already dropped two specials (Netflix’s Lobby Baby in 2019 and HBO’s Dad Man Walking in 2024). He’ll be in the Lone Star State for two shows this weekend – first hitting Dallas on Friday, then Houston on Saturday. 7 pm.

    Sunday, October 25

    Space City Fest
    Space City Fest is a Christian music festival recognized as one of the largest Christian hip hop festivals in the country. This year’s festivities will be headlined by four-time Grammy winner Lecrae. It will also feature performances from other Christian hip hop artists. The event will be hosted by Houston’s own Von Won — Christian hip hop artist, community leader, and lead pastor of Space City Church. 4 pm.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents The Third Man
    Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles star in director Carol Reed’s gripping 1949 drama, set in post-World War II. Allied-occupied Vienna. An American novelist arrives in the city, learns that his longtime friend Harry Lime is dead, and sets out to find out what happened while also becoming involved with his friend’s lover. Globally acknowledged as a masterpiece, The Third Man (which will be shown in glorious 35mm!) is must-see essential cinema. 5 pm.

    BEAR...BE A Resource presents Stetsons & Stilettos
    Stetsons & Stilettos is BEAR...BE A Resource's largest fundraising event of the year. The Western-inspired evening supports the group's work providing essential resources, comfort and dignity to at-risk and CPS-involved children and their caretakers across Greater Houston.

    People can enjoy food, an open bar, live music, a magician performance, silent and live auctions, a wine and liquor pull, bandana embroidery, and more. Attire can range from Western wear and boots to cocktail attire and stilettos. 6:30 pm.

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