You’ve probably heard the rumors or seen the viral clips. Whenever a big-name celebrity chef like Gordon Ramsay drops a restaurant into a place like Westlake, Louisiana, there’s always a bit of skepticism. Is it just a tourist trap? Is the food actually good, or are you just paying for the name on the door? Honestly, after the dust has settled on the grand opening at Horseshoe Lake Charles, the reality is a lot more interesting than the hype.
It’s not just another steakhouse.
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When Gordon Ramsay Lake Charles (technically Gordon Ramsay Steak) opened its doors, it marked the chef's first foray into the Pelican State. It wasn't just a random choice. This location is part of a massive $150 million transformation of the old Isle of Capri riverboat casino into the land-based Horseshoe property. You aren't eating on a boat anymore. You’re in a sleek, 200-seat space that tries to marry a "swinging London" vibe with some very specific Louisiana touches.
The Menu: More Than Just Beef Wellington
Look, everyone goes for the Beef Wellington. It’s the law of the Ramsay universe. At the Lake Charles location, it’ll set you back about $63. It comes out medium-rare, wrapped in that iconic golden pastry, served with a red wine demi-glace that probably took three days to make. It’s good. Really good. But if you only order the Wellington, you’re kinda missing the point of why this specific location is different.
Because they’re in Louisiana, the kitchen leans into local ingredients. You’ll find a Louisiana Blue Crab Cake on the appetizer list ($30) that uses regional seafood, served with crispy asparagus and lemon hollandaise. It’s a nod to the local culture that you won't necessarily find at his Baltimore or Las Vegas outposts.
Then there’s the steak.
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They use a very specific dry-aging program. We're talking a minimum of 28 days. The cuts are impressive:
- 16oz Kansas City Strip ($72)
- 18oz Ribeye ($85)
- 28oz Porterhouse ($125)
- Japanese A5 Wagyu (Market price, usually a 3oz minimum)
If you’re feeling extra, you can add "Oscar Style" (crab, asparagus, and béarnaise) for $23 or even seared foie gras for $27. It gets expensive fast. You can easily drop $200 per person here without trying too hard.
The Vibe and the "Knife Wall"
If you’ve ever been to a Gordon Ramsay Steak, you know about the knife wall. It’s a signature design element—basically a massive, backlit display of knives that looks like something out of a high-end action movie. In Lake Charles, the restaurant overlooks the lake, which adds a bit of serenity to a place that otherwise feels very high-energy.
The lighting is moody. The art is curated. It feels expensive.
But here’s the thing: it’s inside a casino. That means the "Smart Casual" dress code is a bit of a moving target. You’ll see people in full suits celebrating anniversaries sitting next to someone who just walked off the slot floor in a nice polo and jeans. It’s a weird mix, but it works for Lake Charles.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Don't just show up on a Monday expecting a table. They are actually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for regular service (though they take private events).
Current Hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Reservations are pretty much mandatory if you want to eat at a normal human hour. They use OpenTable, and on weekends, slots fill up weeks in advance. If you're a Caesars Rewards member, you can use your credits here, which is a nice perk if you've been spending time on the casino floor.
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Is It Actually Worth the Price?
This is where people get divided. If you go in expecting a quiet, intimate mom-and-pop steakhouse, you’re going to be disappointed. This is a "Big Event" restaurant. It’s loud, it’s flashy, and the service is choreographed.
The sides are often where the real magic happens, weirdly enough. The Mac and Cheese uses a blend of gruyère, cheddar, parmesan, and manchego ($15). The British Ale Onion Soup uses Boddingtons pub ale and features a white cheddar rarebit ($15). These are the dishes that actually show the "chef" side of the brand rather than just the "steakhouse" side.
One common complaint? The upcharges. Charging $5 for a side of peppercorn sauce or chimichurri when you’re already paying $80 for a ribeye can feel a bit "nickel and dime-y" to some folks. It’s a fair critique. But then you taste the Sticky Toffee Pudding, and honestly, most people forget about the five-dollar sauce.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you want the full experience without the $300 bill, try hitting the bar area. You can often grab a cocktail—they have a killer wine list and "photo-worthy" cocktails—and an appetizer like the Smoked Beef Tartare ($27) which comes with a truffle egg emulsion. It gives you the atmosphere without the full commitment.
Also, park in the Horseshoe garage. It’s free and keeps you close to the entrance. Since the casino moved to land, the walk isn't as treacherous as it used to be during the riverboat days.
Wait Times and Logistics:
- Book early: At least 2 weeks out for Saturdays.
- Check the lake view: Ask for a window table when you check-in; they can’t always guarantee it, but it’s the best seat in the house.
- The "Wellington" Warning: They cook them all medium-rare. If you like your meat well-done, don't order the Wellington. They won't overcook it for you, and honestly, they shouldn't.
Gordon Ramsay Lake Charles has successfully filled a gap in the Southwest Louisiana dining scene. Before this, you had to travel to New Orleans or Houston for this level of "celebrity" dining. Now, it’s right there at 100 Westlake Ave. Whether you’re a fan of the "fiery" chef or just want a really expensive piece of meat, it’s a spot that delivers on its promise, provided you know what you’re getting into.
To get the most out of your visit, download the Caesars Rewards app beforehand to track any potential dining credits, and make sure to double-check the seasonal menu updates on the official website, as Ramsay’s teams often swap out the local "market" sides based on what’s fresh in the Louisiana basin.