Restaurants
October 13th, 2009 at 2:26:33 PM
permalink
This thread is to be used to discuss restaurants and dining available at Flamingo.
October 31st, 2010 at 8:05:07 PM
permalink
I ate at the Burger Joint on Tuesday, October 26, 2010. As you can tell by the name, their main specialty is a wide variety of burgers. We were there around 1300, but it was a weekday so I would not have expected a wait. We waited about ten minutes for a table. After sitting down, we recieved menus but had to wait 15 minutes to have our order taken (I wanted to get up and leave around the ten minute mark, but my friend wanted to stay.) Once our food was served, my friend's burger was made incorrectly, and my grilled chicken sandwich was cold. The bill approached $40 for the two of us.
I have been to Flamingo's buffet and had a good experience. But my experience with the Burger Joint was terrible, so I just thought I would let people know.
I have been to Flamingo's buffet and had a good experience. But my experience with the Burger Joint was terrible, so I just thought I would let people know.
October 31st, 2010 at 8:15:34 PM
permalink
At least you were near a GOOD burger joint, the one in the IP.
I would like to get hired as a waiter at the Burger Joint, just so I could say with a straight face to customers, "We don't serve hamburgers here", and watch their reactions.
I would like to get hired as a waiter at the Burger Joint, just so I could say with a straight face to customers, "We don't serve hamburgers here", and watch their reactions.
The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one. The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality.---George Bernard Shaw
December 26th, 2012 at 4:01:17 PM
permalink
An article published today said that Margaritaville in The Flamingo makes more money than any other restaurant or bar in America, an estimated $43 million per year. Jimmy Buffet has not had a top single in over 30 years, but he is worth an estimated $400 million.
December 26th, 2012 at 4:09:40 PM
permalink
http://blog.nola.com/music/2008/12/margaritaville_mogul_jimmy_buf.html
This is from 4 years ago, so I guess add another $160,000,000 to his earned income?
OTOH, things have not been so rosy as since 2008. But yeah, the guy's setting the model for how to milk that cow, or margarita as it were.
This is from 4 years ago, so I guess add another $160,000,000 to his earned income?
OTOH, things have not been so rosy as since 2008. But yeah, the guy's setting the model for how to milk that cow, or margarita as it were.
aahigh.com
December 27th, 2012 at 1:36:05 PM
permalink
Quote: AhighOTOH, things have not been so rosy as since 2008. But yeah, the guy's setting the model for how to milk that cow, or margarita as it were.
I used to go to Key West a lot in the mid 1980's and I remember when the first Margaritaville opened up. The song was over ten years old at that point, and I was impressed that this guy had the marketing savvy to turn this song into a restaurant.
I would think that he would be a good candidate to shell out $10 million to circle the earth. It seems like there is no such thing as bad publicity for Jimmy Buffet.
December 27th, 2012 at 2:58:27 PM
permalink
Well, apparently the restaurant does either burgers or drinks very well ... or at the very least, quite profitably.
December 27th, 2012 at 3:15:19 PM
permalink
The Margaritaville at Mohegan Sun is very popular as is the souvenir shop.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
December 18th, 2016 at 4:31:25 PM
permalink
My friend will make his first visit to Las Vegas. He wants to know if the restaurants in the Flamingo accept Reward Credits as payment, and if so, is one dollar of Reward Credits worth $1 or $0.50 toward the bill. Specifically, are Reward Credits good at their buffet?
December 18th, 2016 at 5:32:38 PM
permalink
Should be able to get the buffet for full value. It is often closed, but the 9ne at harrahs is open more regularly and also takes comps.
December 19th, 2016 at 5:41:17 AM
permalink
Most are 1 for 1.
https://www.totalrewards.com/content/cet-tr/en/earn-and-redeem/on-location.html. Anything that doesn't have 2 asterisks is 1 for 1.
I would consider using points somewhere other than a Flamingo restaurant though. Definitely don't eat Carlos n Charlies. Made that mistake once.
https://www.totalrewards.com/content/cet-tr/en/earn-and-redeem/on-location.html. Anything that doesn't have 2 asterisks is 1 for 1.
I would consider using points somewhere other than a Flamingo restaurant though. Definitely don't eat Carlos n Charlies. Made that mistake once.
December 19th, 2016 at 10:55:31 AM
permalink
Thank you Rigondeaux and tringlomane for that advice. I see the page that tringlomane referred to can be reached from here by clicking on the link labeled "on nearly 40 resorts and casinos." That page is exactly what my friend needs to plan his meals in Vegas.
December 19th, 2016 at 11:31:32 AM
permalink
Quote: tringlomaneDefinitely don't eat Carlos n Charlies. Made that mistake once.
One of the worst reviewed restaurants in Vegas. Yet they still suck people in day after day. Of course you could say that about the Flamingo in general too.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/carlosn-charlies-las-vegas-2?sort_by=rating_asc
December 19th, 2016 at 11:58:09 AM
permalink
Has anyone had the Flamingo buffet? I usually stick to a few that I like when using my CET Comps for food, but I've heard from a couple others it was pretty good. Thoughts?
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
December 19th, 2016 at 12:05:34 PM
permalink
Quote: RomesHas anyone had the Flamingo buffet? I usually stick to a few that I like when using my CET Comps for food, but I've heard from a couple others it was pretty good. Thoughts?
Not worth it, very limited selections. Best thing is the view of the wildlife outside. Harrahs is a much better lower end buffet if you don't want to use all the comps for Caesars great one.
December 19th, 2016 at 12:08:24 PM
permalink
Ate there in January and thought it sucked. Best options were the desserts. I won't go back.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
December 19th, 2016 at 12:40:31 PM
permalink
Yeah, Harrah's is one of my favorites.Quote: BozNot worth it, very limited selections. Best thing is the view of the wildlife outside. Harrahs is a much better lower end buffet if you don't want to use all the comps for Caesars great one.
Thanks for the good word boys. I won't waste the comp dollars checking it out then.Quote: billryanAte there in January and thought it sucked. Best options were the desserts. I won't go back.
...a comp dollar saved is a comp dollar earned.
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
December 19th, 2016 at 12:55:35 PM
permalink
Quote: RomesYeah, Harrah's is one of my favorites.
Thanks for the good word boys. I won't waste the comp dollars checking it out then.
...a comp dollar saved is a comp dollar earned.
Flamingo is not BAD. It has good fried chicken and deserts, as said. Just smaller. When they were giving away a buffet a day, I'd eat there for a change of pace once in a while.
The best bang for the buck comps IMO is at Rao's, across the street at CP. Super good Italian food. A very nice restaurant with great service. Costs a little more than Harrah's buffet, but less than Ceasars buffet.
Their Chicken Scarpariello is one of my favorite dishes in Vegas.
Don't have time to post an image, but here's an image search:
https://www.google.com/search?q=raos+chicken+scarpariello&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=589&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiG-uvMkYHRAhVKopQKHf2VDs8Q_AUIBigB
December 19th, 2016 at 1:48:47 PM
permalink
Quote: ChesterDogMy friend will make his first visit to Las Vegas. He wants to know if the restaurants in the Flamingo accept Reward Credits as payment, and if so, is one dollar of Reward Credits worth $1 or $0.50 toward the bill. Specifically, are Reward Credits good at their buffet?
Most CET property restaurants will accept reward credits for payment
A few wont.
All the buffets accept
Go to the players club and they have a brochure listing all the Restaurants that accept rewards for payment
I have a Total Rewards visa that I use a lot and pay off every month
I earn about 150.00 a year to spend on food
I never gamble at a CET property
Platinum status simply due to the credit card
I would go across the street and eat at the Caesars buffet
When somebody doesn't believe me, I could care less. Some get totally bent out of shape when not believed. Weird. I believe very little on all forums
December 19th, 2016 at 2:16:18 PM
permalink
Yong Kang Street (Paris) strikes again! One of the few with two asterisks.
Home of the $7-8/plate dim sum (it's average).
Home of the $7-8/plate dim sum (it's average).
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
December 19th, 2016 at 7:12:38 PM
permalink
with so many good and decent restaurants in vegas, why would you ever eat at a buffet? I find them quite pricy for what you get
December 19th, 2016 at 9:47:22 PM
permalink
I've always liked the Mirage buffet, it's not too expensive but has a lot of food selections.
Caesers is top tier but expensive. I would never pay $50+ for a buffet. Same goes for Wynn.
If you wanna ball on a budget Sam's Town had a breakfast buffet for like 4 bucks. It was okay.
Caesers is top tier but expensive. I would never pay $50+ for a buffet. Same goes for Wynn.
If you wanna ball on a budget Sam's Town had a breakfast buffet for like 4 bucks. It was okay.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
December 19th, 2016 at 10:33:29 PM
permalink
PanAsian in Flamingo's food court has $5.98 Fried Rice. Stay away from the 1 to 3-item combos, the entrees stink.
If you have Harrahs points to spend, Rio has a real Chinese restaurant (not Chinese American).
Yong Kang Street (Paris) has some ok stuff.
Buffet prices have become so inflated on the strip ($30-40 for normal buffets, $60-70 for fancy ones), that it's a much better deal to pay $20-30 for off-strip buffets. There's a Korean/Japanese sushi place I tried a few times in April. M Buffet has a good price for it's selection (I think it's one of the 10 best in town, $16-25 Mon-Thu, $40 Fri-Sun, used to be $9.99 when it opened in 2009).
If you have Harrahs points to spend, Rio has a real Chinese restaurant (not Chinese American).
Yong Kang Street (Paris) has some ok stuff.
Buffet prices have become so inflated on the strip ($30-40 for normal buffets, $60-70 for fancy ones), that it's a much better deal to pay $20-30 for off-strip buffets. There's a Korean/Japanese sushi place I tried a few times in April. M Buffet has a good price for it's selection (I think it's one of the 10 best in town, $16-25 Mon-Thu, $40 Fri-Sun, used to be $9.99 when it opened in 2009).
December 19th, 2016 at 11:07:41 PM
permalink
Quote: IndyJeffreywith so many good and decent restaurants in vegas, why would you ever eat at a buffet? I find them quite pricy for what you get
I tend to agree. They have a few things going for them. They are a bit cheaper, they are faster and you don't have to spend so much time dealing with fussy eaters in your group.
Also, if you care about such things, a buffet can be a good place to get in your fruit and veggies.
Still, nothing at the Harrah's buffet is as good as the food at a good restaurant.
December 20th, 2016 at 5:58:33 AM
permalink
For me, it's the variety. I can try several different foods for one price. But you're right, many are expensive for what you get.Quote: IndyJeffreywith so many good and decent restaurants in vegas, why would you ever eat at a buffet? I find them quite pricey for what you get
Another reason I have seen is that if you want a lot of a single expensive item on the buffet, you can find value in it. For example, one time, I was waiting in line at the IP Biloxi buffet, and I struck up a conversation with a woman in line. She said she was there strictly for the crab legs, and sure enough, that was all she ate. She grabbed a couple of plates of just crab legs stacked as high as structurally possible. I'm pretty sure you can't get that amount of crab legs at a regular restaurant for the price of the buffet.
The buffets for my last trip to Vegas (and Biloxi & Tunica) were comped via MyVegas. So, buffets are definitely a good deal if you don't have to pay anything for them! ;)
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
December 20th, 2016 at 6:08:28 AM
permalink
Quote: IndyJeffreywith so many good and decent restaurants in vegas, why would you ever eat at a buffet? I find them quite pricy for what you get
Variety
Don't have to look at a menu trying to decide
Its really good fast food if there is no line.
I'm platinum so I get to skip the line. Walk in, pay, eat and leave. More time for fun stuff
Would rather have 20 different bites then 20 same bites
crabs and roast beef :-)
With my total rewards visa, I look at buffets as free. My reward for paying off my card every month
When somebody doesn't believe me, I could care less. Some get totally bent out of shape when not believed. Weird. I believe very little on all forums
December 20th, 2016 at 8:56:38 AM
permalink
Quote: JoemanThe buffets for my last trip to Vegas (and Biloxi & Tunica) were comped via MyVegas. So, buffets are definitely a good deal if you don't have to pay anything for them! ;)
Agree 100% -- that's the price I'd pay.
I'm no old timer, but when I first visited Las Vegas in 1995 there were many of the $2.99 - $9.99 variety. Of course, you got what you paid for, but isn't that what buffets are intended? An inexpensive hook to get folks to your resort? As we have lamented on multiple forums, times are changing and the hooks are going the way of the dino. I don't begrudge folks for going to buffets, in my opinion, the value is gone.
December 20th, 2016 at 8:07:01 PM
permalink
I feel like the MBAs got rid of the loss-leader buffet on the strip over the past 10 years (my admittedly bad memory tells me it was better when I first went). You now pay a little extra for the buffet "experience" and... people seem to be ok with it.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
December 21st, 2016 at 4:25:45 AM
permalink
Some prices from 2009-2010:Quote: IndyJeffreyI'm no old timer, but when I first visited Las Vegas in 1995 there were many of the $2.99 - $9.99 variety.
M Resort Buffet: $9.99 when they opened.
Orleans Buffet & Main Street Station Buffets - around $8-12 dinners (possibly with coupon, Orleans had 2 for 1 coupons for locals)
-> These were three of my favorite buffets, with pretty good food.
-> Many of the cheap buffets on the strip were TERRIBLE. I sometimes didn't eat them even if comped/free.
Ellis Island $5.99 Steak Special
...maybe around 2000-2005, Orleans had a $1.99 Graveyard Steak & Eggs Special.
-------------------------
2016 prices:
M Resort $17 Weekday lunch, $25 Weekday dinner, $40 Weekends
Orleans $10 breakfast $12 lunch $19-26 dinner
Main St Station $8 breakfast $9 lunch $12-26 dinners
Ellis Island $9.99 Steak Special ($12.99 w/o players card)
The prime rib at the Orleans buffet is quite good. The Prime Rib Loft (at Orleans) has IMO some of the best prime rib anywhere in the world (unlike the buffet prime rib, it is aged).
December 21st, 2016 at 8:41:02 AM
permalink
Quote: mamatThe prime rib at the Orleans buffet is quite good. The Prime Rib Loft (at Orleans) has IMO some of the best prime rib anywhere in the world (unlike the buffet prime rib, it is aged).
This is a large part of my opinions on 2016 buffets -- so much better servings at restaurants, for not more (or often times less) cash.
I'm no longer a buffet kind of guy.
December 21st, 2016 at 9:14:48 AM
permalink
Quote: IndyJeffreyThis is a large part of my opinions on 2016 buffets -- so much better servings at restaurants, for not more (or often times less) cash.
I'm no longer a buffet kind of guy.
It isn't just me. I went from requiring a buffet every trip to it being my last option for food. I think it also has to do with the explosion of legitimately good food options Vegas, the strip in particular, has experienced over the past five years. And since buffets have gone up in price by a not so insignificant amount, that helps people pay the 25-40% "strip tax" at these higher quality restaurants.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
December 21st, 2016 at 10:56:48 AM
permalink
Quote: BozOne of the worst reviewed restaurants in Vegas. Yet they still suck people in day after day. Of course you could say that about the Flamingo in general too.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/carlosn-charlies-las-vegas-2?sort_by=rating_asc
Wow, I have never seen so many one star Yelp reviews filled with ALL CAPS WARNINGS to stay away. I am generally suspicious of Yelp but when the reviews are that unanimously horrible, you know a place sucks.
December 21st, 2016 at 11:08:13 AM
permalink
Yeah. Unless you go to Bachanel or something, most of the food will be very so-so. Best example might be dessert. Even at a relatively good buffet like Harrah's, you are not going to find a particularly good dessert. It will be about the level of a chain grocery store's bakery. It tastes good because there's a lot of sugar, but that's all you can really say for it.
That's true of most of the dishes: pizza, pasta, mexican, sushi, salad, etc will be mediocre. If you eat at one buffet several times, you'll find a few dishes that are pretty good, but not great. Rotisserie chicken at Harrah's, for example.
On vacation, especially if you are not from some place that has tons of good restaurants, I think it's much better to pay maybe 30% more and have a delicious and memorable meal, especially if you have comps.
Well, maybe not. If you're paying cash, go have the BBQ at Ellis Island, for example. $14 I think. Not the best in the world, but a really good meal, with their own brewery that also makes a killer root beer for anybody who isn't drinking. Or grab a couple slices of extra fancy pizza at five fifty at Aria. Hard Rock also has a good Asian place, with entres for $15-$25 and the Culinary Dropout, which has some really outstanding stuff. The Trout and Salmon are both great, I think $22 or so. Fantastic Banana Cream Pie for maybe $6. Go to Tacos El Gordo for a few dollars.
I'd even prefer overpaying for one of the fancy burger places. Is a really awesome burger worth $20? Maybe not. But it will be great and you'll remember it. I'd rather do that than pay $20 to eat a pound and a half of poorly prepared bacon or so-so roast beef.
That's assuming your goal is good food though. If you've got other things to do and want a fast, well balanced meal, buffets are good.
That's true of most of the dishes: pizza, pasta, mexican, sushi, salad, etc will be mediocre. If you eat at one buffet several times, you'll find a few dishes that are pretty good, but not great. Rotisserie chicken at Harrah's, for example.
On vacation, especially if you are not from some place that has tons of good restaurants, I think it's much better to pay maybe 30% more and have a delicious and memorable meal, especially if you have comps.
Well, maybe not. If you're paying cash, go have the BBQ at Ellis Island, for example. $14 I think. Not the best in the world, but a really good meal, with their own brewery that also makes a killer root beer for anybody who isn't drinking. Or grab a couple slices of extra fancy pizza at five fifty at Aria. Hard Rock also has a good Asian place, with entres for $15-$25 and the Culinary Dropout, which has some really outstanding stuff. The Trout and Salmon are both great, I think $22 or so. Fantastic Banana Cream Pie for maybe $6. Go to Tacos El Gordo for a few dollars.
I'd even prefer overpaying for one of the fancy burger places. Is a really awesome burger worth $20? Maybe not. But it will be great and you'll remember it. I'd rather do that than pay $20 to eat a pound and a half of poorly prepared bacon or so-so roast beef.
That's assuming your goal is good food though. If you've got other things to do and want a fast, well balanced meal, buffets are good.
December 21st, 2016 at 1:36:41 PM
permalink
Since this is about Flamingo, I have to say Bonanno's in the food court has horrible pizza. Sauce makes the pie and they have to be using some of the cheapest, blandest they can find to save a few dollars. No comparison to Secret Pizza at all.
December 21st, 2016 at 2:50:23 PM
permalink
Walk down the street to Ellis Island.
For 7.75 (8.38 with tax), they have a huge mexican chicken/beef bowl. (Probably 1/3 the price of the strip).
The nearby Subway on the strip is a few dollars more than usual, but a decent deal.
McDs on the strip is quite expensive.
I haven't found any Flamingo restaurants that I like yet.
-----
Buffets: Golden Nugget is pretty awful, but the bread pudding is the best I've ever tasted. Heard it was Steve Wynn's mom's recipe. Some buffets have real gems.
Aladdin Spice buffet (Now planet hollywood) has kebabs.
Used to like Paris's French Market buffet for the variety of dishes, but they seemed pretty boring in 2016. Maybe they reduced their variety of dishes??
...and yes, there's not really a monetary savings to eat at Strip buffets anymore.
For 7.75 (8.38 with tax), they have a huge mexican chicken/beef bowl. (Probably 1/3 the price of the strip).
The nearby Subway on the strip is a few dollars more than usual, but a decent deal.
McDs on the strip is quite expensive.
I haven't found any Flamingo restaurants that I like yet.
-----
Buffets: Golden Nugget is pretty awful, but the bread pudding is the best I've ever tasted. Heard it was Steve Wynn's mom's recipe. Some buffets have real gems.
Aladdin Spice buffet (Now planet hollywood) has kebabs.
Used to like Paris's French Market buffet for the variety of dishes, but they seemed pretty boring in 2016. Maybe they reduced their variety of dishes??
...and yes, there's not really a monetary savings to eat at Strip buffets anymore.
December 22nd, 2016 at 2:40:49 AM
permalink
Quote: mamatWalk down the street to Ellis Island.
I can recommend Ellis Island to pretty much anyone. The biggest draw is the food. Second is the root beer, never tried the beer but I hear good things about it. Third is the decent paytables on many video poker games.
Oh, and free parking, if you're into that kind of thing.
PS: Also there are tons of coupons to use for LVA, and ACG if I remember correctly. They are pretty generous.
"Man Babes" #AxelFabulous
December 22nd, 2016 at 3:24:50 PM
permalink
Just discovered that Planet Hollywood has a 24-hr Earl of Sandwich ($7.99 for 6" subs).
Cheap place to spend Harrahs pts (only worth 50% for normal players) if you are staying at Flamingo.
Flamingo has a Johnny Rockets in their food court, but I haven't tried them yet & don't know the hours.
Cheap place to spend Harrahs pts (only worth 50% for normal players) if you are staying at Flamingo.
Flamingo has a Johnny Rockets in their food court, but I haven't tried them yet & don't know the hours.
December 22nd, 2016 at 6:06:54 PM
permalink
Quote: mamatJust discovered that Planet Hollywood has a 24-hr Earl of Sandwich ($7.99 for 6" subs).
Cheap place to spend Harrahs pts (only worth 50% for normal players) if you are staying at Flamingo.
Flamingo has a Johnny Rockets in their food court, but I haven't tried them yet & don't know the hours.
Johnny Rockets is open super late iirc. Considering my hours in Vegas, at least 1am on weekends. Of course, these things can change weekly.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
December 22nd, 2016 at 6:12:42 PM
permalink
Quote: djatcI can recommend Ellis Island to pretty much anyone. The biggest draw is the food. Second is the root beer, never tried the beer but I hear good things about it. Third is the decent paytables on many video poker games.
Oh, and free parking, if you're into that kind of thing.
PS: Also there are tons of coupons to use for LVA, and ACG if I remember correctly. They are pretty generous.
Ellis Island also has the world's best nog.
December 22nd, 2016 at 6:12:42 PM
permalink
Quote: djatcI can recommend Ellis Island to pretty much anyone. The biggest draw is the food. Second is the root beer, never tried the beer but I hear good things about it. Third is the decent paytables on many video poker games.
Oh, and free parking, if you're into that kind of thing.
PS: Also there are tons of coupons to use for LVA, and ACG if I remember correctly. They are pretty generous.
Ellis Island also has the world's best nog.
December 23rd, 2016 at 1:59:25 AM
permalink
The only thing that sucks about Ellis Island is that when you sign up for the players card, you have to shorten your last name if it's too ethnic.
