Hops House 99 in Bangor, Maine

Hops House 99 sits inside Bangor's Hollywood Casino but doesn't feel like a typical casino joint. They sling burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast wraps with the kind of care you'd expect from a proper restaurant, not a gaming floor. The prices won't shock you, and the staff, especially the regulars, genuinely seem to like being here.

• Fresh, carefully made food at prices lower than you'd guess
• Service staff like Donna and Mike who genuinely remember you
• Strong cocktail program and beer selection
• Surprisingly good ribeye and pulled pork sandwich

Start with the Blue Cheese Hamburger, which comes with crispy sweet potato fries and a dill pickle. The Pulled Pork Sandwich is also worth the trip. For breakfast or brunch, the Country Scramble Wrap has earned a loyal following (it used to come with tater tots, which some regulars still mourn). Don't skip the appetizers, and if they have a ribeye on the board, order it.

Busy and warm, especially during peak dining hours. It's a working restaurant that happens to be inside a casino, not the other way around.

This isn't fine dining. It's honest food and honest service in a corner that could've coasted on being inside a casino. Instead they seem to care.

Guests consistently praise the staff's speed and kindness, even when things are slammed. One recent visitor called the service 'lightning-fast' and 'warm and friendly the whole time.' People come back for specific dishes and specific servers, which says something.