2013 is looking like it will be a year to remember for the Maryland Live! casino in Arundel Mills. Table games will join the already expansive options of slot machines in the casino early in the year and an outpost of the highly-rated mini-chain The Prime Rib has been added to the list of drink and dining options. Whether or not your the gambling type, this location of the steakhouse is worth a visit.

The Prime Rib has locations in Philadelphia, D.C. and a flagship restaurant in Baltimore. It's known for upscale decor — including black leather couches — and tasty cuts of steak. But this branch has a few additions that make it stand apart. The 75-seat lounge area hosts a bar that spans across two full walls to accommodate what is likely to be a large influx of visitors. The Patio at The Prime Rib is a 76-seat open-air veranda with heat lamps and a fire pit to accommodate crowds in all seasons. Finally, the restaurant also offers a collection of premium cigars in a floor-to-ceiling humidor which can be enjoyed on the patio. The combination makes it feel more contemporary and modern than some of the other locations.

Wine lovers will be in awe of the collection of over 240 bottles, assembled with care by restaurant manager Jean-Jacques Retourne, formerly of Citronelle in D.C. The menu includes a page of by-the-glass wines ($8–$18) and eight pages of red and white bottles, mostly priced between $60–$120, with an entire page of Cabernet and Cabernet blend options to pair with the meaty steaks.

Assistant manager Mark Mitchell put together the remaining drink options which include eight beers on tap along with several Belgian and other beers in bottles, a collection of high-end liquors, cocktails and two specialty infused beverages. Mitchell hopes to be able to expand the draft selection — which currently is the same as the casino — to include local brews.

After much consideration, our favorites of all the drinks we tried on a recent visit were The Piney (vodka and pineapples; $16) and The Gala (rum and Gala apples; $14). Both pack quite the punch and are worth every penny. Happy hour kicks off March 5, and will run 4:30–6:30 PM, Tuesday–Thursday. Deals include half off all draft beers, $5 beer samplers and $5 featured red and white wines.

7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover; 855-563-5483