One star off what would've been a five-star good time because of the cigarette fog hanging in the air at the Western. It's so thick you can practically sink your teeth into it. If they have a ventilation system it is in desperate need of an overhaul, it probably stopped working back in the 70s.\n\nThe casino is mostly machines, but there are a few table games. Playing can be incredibly cheap ($1 blackjack). There's a snack bar on hand with the usual greasy fare, but my rec is to eat before you go. What food I saw looked sketchy at best. The drinks are CHEAP: $1 beers, $1.50 cocktails.\n\nSunday night karaoke is held in a corner of the casino and provides free entertainment for anyone willing to listen. The crowd attending is a combination of people looking for a cheap good time and characters who you just know are waiting all week for what they firmly believe is their turn in the spotlight. If you're lucky you'll get a program as diverse as the one I heard with friends on our first visit: Native American chants performed acapella, \"That's Life\" done as William Shatner-style spoken word, and at least half a dozen Patsy Cline weepers. One take on Marvin Gaye's immortal \"Let's Get It On\" had the whole lounge area up and out of their chairs squealing. And the man who chose an Earth Wind & Fire song he didn't know, we were glad to sing his song for him from our seats.\n\nI was fortunate enough to be with a group, and I wouldn't go to the Western any other way. Not everyone there looks like they're just after just a good time. Anything you might be nervous about losing, leave it at home. And keep an eye on your drink if you order one. EW&F guy also spent the evening wandering around asking if he'd left his drink behind and claiming other people's drinks. (He got in some serious trouble for this after he ganked the wrong woman's Corona.)\n\nTry to see the whole thing from the right perspective, otherwise you're missing a classic Las Vegas treasure. And fortify yourself with antihistamines if you're sensitive to smoke at all, as I plan to before my next karaoke night visit.
places reviews