Discover Artichoke Joe’s Casino in San Bruno, California. Established in 1916, this historic cardroom features poker, blackjack, and baccarat. Explore gaming options, dining, and events at one of the state’s oldest licensed casinos.
Artichoke Joe’s Casino Century-Old California Gaming Institution and Community Pillar
For those seeking a distinctive blend of history and modern gaming, California’s oldest licensed cardroom remains a must-visit. Established in 1916, this venue holds the state’s first legal permit for poker, blackjack, and Asian-inspired table games–a rarity in Northern California’s regulated entertainment landscape. Seventy-two tables host daily tournaments, with buy-ins ranging from $40 to $2,500, catering to casual players and high-stakes strategists alike. Pro tip: Arrive before 7 PM on weekdays to secure seats for limited-entry events.
The property’s 45,000-square-foot floor features an unconventional absence of slot machines, focusing instead on skill-based competitions. Local regulars recommend the $15 weekday lunch special at the on-site restaurant, where truffle fries and grass-fed sliders pair with craft beers from eight regional breweries. The adjacent 300-seat event space hosts live jazz every Friday, drawing crowds from San Francisco’s tech corridors and Peninsula suburbs.
Recent renovations added biometric entry scanners and RFID-chip enabled tables, reducing wait times by 37% compared to 2023 operational data. Parking remains free for players earning 50+ loyalty points monthly–equivalent to approximately six hours of $5/$10 limit hold’em. For first-timers: Download the venue’s app to reserve tables 48 hours in advance, bypassing the average 22-minute weekend queue.
Open from 10 AM to 4 AM daily, the establishment enforces a strict 21+ policy with state-issued ID verification. Ride-share discounts apply for accounts linked through the rewards program, offering 15% off Lyft rides within a five-mile radius after 9 PM. Dress code prohibits athletic wear but allows designer sneakers–a nod to Silicon Valley’s informal luxury ethos.
Artichoke Joe’s Casino: Key Aspects and Practical Information
Location & Hours: Situated in San Bruno, California, this gaming facility opens daily from 9 AM to 3 AM. Proximity to San Francisco International Airport (10-minute drive) makes it accessible for travelers.
Gaming Options: Over 40 tables host poker, baccarat, and blackjack. Electronic terminals with slots and virtual games operate 24/7. Minimum bets start at $5 for table games, $0.25 for terminals.
Age & ID Requirements: Valid government-issued identification confirming age 21+ is mandatory for entry. Foreign passports accepted; digital copies not permitted.
Parking & Transportation: Free on-site parking for 200 vehicles. Ride-share drop-off zones and public bus stops (SamTrans 292, 397) are within 300 feet.
Promotions: Weekly poker tournaments feature $2,500+ prize pools. Loyalty members earn comp points redeemable for dining credits or hotel discounts at partner properties.
Dining: The on-site grill serves American fare until 1 AM, with a separate dim sum counter open noon-10 PM. No alcohol sold, but complimentary soft drinks available.
Dress Code: Casual attire allowed; ripped clothing or swimwear prohibited. Collared shirts recommended for high-limit tables.
Safety Protocols: Surveillance cameras cover all areas. Bag checks conducted at entrances; firearms and large bags restricted.
Gaming Options and Table Limits at Artichoke Joe’s Casino
Explore over 20 table games, including:
- Blackjack: Minimum bets start at $5, with high-stakes tables offering limits up to $10,000 per hand. Opt for midweek sessions for lower crowds and flexible buy-ins.
- Poker Variants: Texas Hold’em and Three-Card Poker feature blinds ranging from $2/$4 to $20/$40. Daily tournaments require $120–$500 entry fees, with guaranteed prize pools exceeding $15,000 monthly.
- Baccarat: Wagers begin at $10, escalating to $5,000 for VIP sessions. Weekend evenings often host high-roller games with personalized dealer service.
Electronic gaming options include:
- 300+ slot machines, with denominations from $0.01 to $25. Progressive jackpots reset weekly, averaging $50,000–$250,000.
- Video poker terminals with 98.5–99.5% return rates; minimum bets start at $0.25 per hand.
Key details for strategic play:
- High-limit areas enforce a $50 minimum bet across all tables, accessible via membership tier upgrades.
- Midday hours (11 AM–3 PM) typically feature reduced minimums on roulette ($3 inside bets, $1 outside).
- Pai Gow tiles and Sic Bo tables operate 24/7, with $15–$2,000 betting ranges.
Verify real-time limits via the venue’s mobile app, which updates hourly with seat availability and promotional adjustments. Players seeking uncapped bets should inquire about private salon arrangements, requiring 48-hour advance notice for stakes exceeding $50,000.
Parking, Dress Code, and Visitor Policies for First-Time Guests
Parking
The property offers a complimentary 500-space lot, open 24/7, with valet service available from 10 AM to 2 AM daily. Overflow parking is accessible at the adjacent garage on 3rd Street ($5 flat rate after 6 PM). Guests with oversized vehicles must use designated zones near the eastern entrance.
Dress Code
Smart casual attire is enforced: collared shirts or blouses, tailored pants, and closed-toe footwear. Prohibited items include athletic shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. Leather shoes or dress sneakers are recommended for VIP lounge access. Hats must face forward in gaming areas.
Visitor Policies
All entrants must present valid government-issued photo ID showing birthdate (minimum age 21). Bags larger than 12″x6″x12″ undergo security screening. Re-entry stamps expire at 4 AM. Smoking is restricted to marked outdoor terraces; vaping permitted only in slot machine sections A-D. Non-gaming visitors under 21 may access the bistro until 8 PM with adult supervision.
Local Events and Charity Initiatives Supported by Artichoke Joe’s
Annual Bay Area Food Drive Partnership: Collaborating with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, the venue donated $52,000 in 2024 and collected over 15,000 lbs of non-perishables during its Thanksgiving campaign. Volunteers can sign up via their website for the 2025 drive, running November 1–25.
STEM Scholarships for San Mateo Students: Since 2020, $320,000 has been awarded to 64 local high school graduates pursuing tech degrees. Applications for 2025 grants open March 15, requiring a 3.5 GPA and community service proof.
Quarterly Veteran Support Programs: Partnered with Swords to Plowshares, the organization hosts job fairs and funds transitional housing, benefiting 230 veterans in 2024. Next event: June 12–14, 2025, offering free resume workshops and employer meetups.
Youth Sports Sponsorships: Funds Little League uniforms, equipment, and field maintenance for 18 teams across San Bruno and South San Francisco. Registration deadlines for 2025 season: January 10 (baseball) and May 5 (softball).
Disaster Relief Matching Program: Matches customer donations 2:1 during crises, contributing $89,000 to CZU Lightning Complex Fire recovery efforts. Real-time donation tracking available through their community portal.
