Best Place to People Watch

With a wide variety of patrons, it's no wonder Lutes Casino was voted Yuma's Best Place to People Watch.

"It's a logical choice," said owner Bob Lutes. "We have doctors, lawyers, nurses ... It's a melting pot. If you want a taste of whole Yuma, this is the place to come."

People of all types flock to Lutes because of its "uniqueness," he said. "You won't find another place like it in the country. We've got all kinds of things to look at, a boot in the ceiling, old movie posters, an old barber pole. All kinds of workers off the street come in. We have a little bit of everybody. It's real casual, so you'll see people that are just casual, then you'll see others with coat and ties."

Lutes is so unique, it has been featured in Arizona Highways, Sunset magazine the Arizona Republic and on public broadcasting, he said. And National Geographic will soon feature it as well, he added.

A former pool hall, Lutes Casino has billiards tables, a full bar, games and food. "We're more of a family restaurant ... and not just hamburgers," Lutes said. "We have salads and things for people on fat-free diets.

"And some of the same staff has been here for 40 years."

Lutes is located at 221 S. Main St., and the number is 782-2192. It's open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.