When the local Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) announced an expansion to the FireKeepers Casino in 2019, a decade after the property’s opening, there was no question the new addition would include a fine dining restaurant. The result is Nibi (above), which opened in 2021. Taken from a Potawatomi word meaning “water,” Nibi, the AAA Four Diamond restaurant inside Battle Creek’s FireKeepers Casino, stands in contrast to the casino’s Sacred Fire motif, found throughout the resort.

The restaurant marks the perfect spot to enjoy a special evening out, whether you’re in Battle Creek to enjoy gaming or are simply looking for a memorable dinner (above). USDA Prime ribeye, strip steak and New York wagyu short ribs share space on Nibi’s menu with first-quality salmon, sea bass and shellfish. Accompanying the menu’s steak and seafood entrees (below) is an assortment of premium starters and side dishes, including charcuterie, seasonal green salads and oysters. 

Alongside Nibi’s food menu is an extensive searchable wine list, presented to guests on an electronic tablet. The wine list includes 380 selections and an inventory of 2,800 bottles, with a strong representation from California, France and Italy, and many bottles are priced at below $50. Nibi’s selection is so impressive that Wine Spectator awarded the restaurant a Best of Award of Excellence for 2023.

After you’ve finished dinner, spend time looking over the extensive displays showcasing the history and culture of the NHBP, which owns and operates Nibi and the FireKeepers Casino. The exhibits are located behind glass, just outside the restaurant.

AAA Inspector Notes:

“Located steps from the casino floor, this impressive restaurant is tastefully decorated, complete with modern furnishings and a soothing waterfall. Jumbo shrimp cocktail and lump crab cakes are excellent first-course choices. Entrées include pan-seared sea bass with mascarpone risotto, duck confit and salmon. Diners can't go wrong with a prime steak, such as the filet mignon or the New York strip, that can be paired with sides like the twice-baked potato or sweet corn brûlée.”