$2 Million Courtyard Cafe Makeover at The Orleans

The 24-hour Courtyard Cafe is the next dining destination at the Orleans to receive a major makeover and it will be a big one. The resort’s long-standing casual option temporarily closed on Oct. 10 to start the remodel.

While the 6,574-square-foot footprint won’t change, the upgrade will reconfigure the layout and change the interior design. The project has been allocated an estimated $1,870,000 in construction costs to bring the cafe into the 21st Century.

During the downtime, guests are directed to a temporary space across from the French Market Buffet, where the resort will be offering "a limited menu." No timetable for completion of the project has been announced.

And while one restaurant closes, another has quietly returned. Among the improvements made since a temporary June shutter, The Prime Rib Loft has removed the red tablecloths, red lighting and streamlined the menu at their second-level location with views of the casino floor below.

A locals’ favorite for many years, prime rib remains their proud focus, still offering the Orleans, English, "Cajun Style" and "Real Beefeater" cuts of meat, ranging in size from 10 ounces to the 24-ounce Beefeater "served bone on."

While dishes such as the "Orleans Cajun Pasta," "Parmesan Crusted Red Snapper" and "Filet of Beef Oscar" are gone from the menu, new items include a shrimp scampi appetizer, "Creole Tenderloin Tips" and the $35 "signature house 14-ounce Porterhouse steak served with au gratin potato."

Opening hours are daily from 5 to 10 p.m. and closing later at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.