mamat
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February 20th, 2017 at 5:48:38 AM permalink
Food poisoning at Mirage Buffet (very later before close). Projectile **everything** afterwards (one of 4 food poisoning events, including very famous Barcelona farmers' market).

Excalibur buffet...ugh.

I've since learned to be very picky about buffets. When in doubt, don't take the food. Or take it, smell it, and pass....
Some pretty poor buffets have a few very good (or half decent items).
MrV
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February 20th, 2017 at 10:06:05 AM permalink
Food poisoning (stumbling down memory lane): what a "memorable" experience, simultaneously voiding from both top and bottom, perched on a toilet while holding a plastic garbage can.

Oh, what a feeling.
"What, me worry?"
FleaStiff
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February 20th, 2017 at 5:52:15 PM permalink
I realize all this is unpleasant but bad things can happen in any sort of food handling be it buffet style or not. You save money at a buffet, you get variety, options, temptations ... but you also get food out there exposed for a time and often 'seeded' with leftovers. (A new tray of 'x' comes out and they add some of the old 'x' to it, thus innoculating the new batch with accumulate bacteria).

The trouble is that this stuff happens in all restaurants. Watch an episode of Bar Rescue or some such restaurants from hell program.
djatc
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February 21st, 2017 at 1:56:38 AM permalink
I'm gonna try the ACD buffet sometime. You guys wanna start the medical expenses fund now?
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JohnnyQ
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February 21st, 2017 at 10:37:57 AM permalink
Quote: zippyboy

Worst buffet in LV IMO was the old IP buffet...

Agreed ! We ate there once ~10 years ago.

The most disappointing buffet I have had in the past couple of years was at MONTE CARLO.

I think I ate at the ARIZONA CHARLIE's DECATUR buffet about 10 years ago, and I don't remember it being that bad. It might be now.

I thought GOLD COAST was ok, but Mrs. Q hated it.

Someone posted that they didn't like PLANET HOLLYWOOD, but I have always enjoyed it.

Once upon a time, and I'm talking ~15 or 20 years ago, TERRIBLE's actually had a pretty good breakfast buffet with made to order omelettes that I looked forward to. But we haven't been back there in years.
Last edited by: JohnnyQ on Feb 21, 2017
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
zippyboy
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February 21st, 2017 at 9:44:28 PM permalink
I want to revise my answer to the Riviera. Ate there once about 7 years ago, and they committed so many avoidable errors that I can't even remember them all. It was a Sunday brunch and they didn't have syrup for the self-make waffles, or milk for cereal, no tiny spoons for the tiny frozen-then-thawed dessert shot glasses and stuff like that. Normal spoons didn't fit. Just terrible.

IP was guilty of having canned green beans on the breakfast buffet as I recall, and other leftover crap from night before.

Hey, I know they ALL can't be Caesars Bacchanal! That gets my vote for best buffet.
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StevenHowdin
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February 22nd, 2017 at 4:11:50 AM permalink
Haha this is good to know... I'm heading to Vegas in the next few weeks! Out of interest, where's the best buffet?
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DRich
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February 22nd, 2017 at 6:54:07 AM permalink
Quote: StevenHowdin

Haha this is good to know... I'm heading to Vegas in the next few weeks! Out of interest, where's the best buffet?



Best quality is probably thw Wynn Jazz Brunch buffet or the Sterling Brunch buffet at Bally's.

The next tier down are the dinner buffets at Wynn, Bellagio, and Caesars.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
mamat
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February 26th, 2017 at 9:11:42 AM permalink
Quote: StevenHowdin

Haha this is good to know... I'm heading to Vegas in the next few weeks! Out of interest, where's the best buffet?

Try M Resort - used to be $9.99 when they opened, but higher now. In the top 10 IMO.

I think "Sushi Doh" is a better deal than most strip buffets today.
Korean & Sushi All You can eat in Chinatown.
$23 lunch. $27 dinner.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g45963-d5983037-Reviews-Doh_Sushi_Tapas-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html
JohnnyQ
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February 26th, 2017 at 10:24:51 AM permalink
Quote: mamat

Try M Resort - used to be $9.99 when they opened, but higher now.

STUDIO B BUFFET
Chefs prepare delicious appetizers, entrees and patisserie desserts. Also, enjoy complimentary beer and wine.

Hours of Operation:
Lunch Monday – Thursday: 11am - 2:30pm $16.99
Children 5 years – 8 years $11.99

Dinner Monday – Thursday: 2:30pm - 8:30pm $24.99
Children 5 years – 8 years $17.99

Prime Rib Brunch Friday: 11am - 2pm $24.99
Children 5 years - 8 years $17.99

Seafood Buffet Friday: 2:30pm - 8:30pm $39.99
Children 5 years – 8 years $26.99

Seafood Brunch Saturday & Sunday: 11am - 8:30pm $39.99
Children 5 years – 8 years $26.99

http://www.themresort.com/restaurants-bars/dining/studio-b-buffet
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
BobDancer
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February 26th, 2017 at 12:01:52 PM permalink
Quote: JohnnyQ

STUDIO B BUFFET
Chefs prepare delicious appetizers, entrees and patisserie desserts. Also, enjoy complimentary beer and wine.



A nice feature of the M Buffet is that you get it their seafood meals "free" for a modest amount of slot or vp play. Assuming you're playing their loosest games, you can get a dinner buffet ($40 retail --- I wouldn't pay that --- but I would pay $20 and consider it an excellent value) for about $10 in EV --- and considerably less on 2x point days.
Toes14
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February 26th, 2017 at 1:32:17 PM permalink
My wife and I ate at the buffet at Imperial Palace back in the day. I can't for the life of me remember why. I guess we thought "how bad can a buffet be?". It was not worth the $9-10 each. Nearly everything was fried, overcooked, dried out, and either over or under seasoned. Most of the items had been sitting out under heat lamps for too long. They even messed up the salad bar section with wilted and/or browned lettuce,, slimy vegetables, etc.

The only thing I remember actually being good was the banana pudding.
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JohnnyQ
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February 26th, 2017 at 2:03:52 PM permalink
Quote: Toes14

Imperial Palace Buffet.... Nearly everything was fried, overcooked, dried out, and either over or under seasoned. Most of the items had been sitting out under heat lamps for too long. They even messed up the salad bar section with wilted and/or browned lettuce,, slimy vegetables, etc.

Yep, that's my recollection too !
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
vegas
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February 26th, 2017 at 7:52:42 PM permalink
I just ate the Fremont Casino buffet and it was the worse crap I ever ate. It was steak night and I could not see any, so I asked the chef where the steaks were? He said how do you want it and I said medium. He then reached in a pot of hot water and gave me a steak...... They grill them and then put them in a pot of hot water to keep them warm. They do the same with hamburgs. The rest of the food was just as bad. It was free and I still complained.
50-50-90 Rule: Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there is a 90% probability you'll get it wrong
zippyboy
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February 26th, 2017 at 9:15:52 PM permalink
Quote: Toes14

My wife and I ate at the buffet at Imperial Palace ......
The only thing I remember actually being good was the banana pudding.


Because it was out of a can.
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
FleaStiff
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February 26th, 2017 at 10:19:51 PM permalink
I don't know what the situation is now; but quite some time ago the worst buffet in Vegas was the free sausages and free scrambled eggs served to the dealers each morning. Undoubtedly rejects from the Hotel Guest's buffet. Things that had been on the steam table too long or something and were sent to the dealer's buffet.

Day after Day... ALWAYS those tiny lttle pork sausages and scrambled eggs. Nothing else. Ever.

One dealer speaking to his fellow crew members at the craps table said that Seven-Elevens were beginning to look attractive to him (meaning robbing one) because the tokes were non existent since the casino was often utterly deserted. I usually hit the craps tables early and I think I was the only one in the casino at the time.

I don't recall which casino it was, I'm sure its long gone now.

Mistakes can happen at any casino, even relatively new and well equipped ones that are reasonably well run. I know one casino, half way to California, where a poker dealer called out "FLOOR" and then said 'sit down and take over my game, NOW'. Dealer then walked in as dignified a manner as he could manage to the men's room and while he was in a cubicle heard another dealer come tearing in. The first dealer soon phoned the Casino Shift Supervisor and said 'shut down the employee buffet immediately or you won't have any dealers at all for the rest of the shift'.
mamat
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March 2nd, 2017 at 9:42:04 AM permalink
Quote: BobDancer

A nice feature of the M Buffet is that you get it their seafood meals "free" for a modest amount of slot or vp play. Assuming you're playing their loosest games, you can get a dinner buffet ($40 retail --- I wouldn't pay that --- but I would pay $20 and consider it an excellent value) for about $10 in EV --- and considerably less on 2x point days.

If doing the daily "free buffet" for pts (redeem by 7 pm), remember to allow time to play & eat. Can't use the buffet on the next day.

M Buffet for weekday lunch ($16.99) is a great deal.
300 slot base points (or 850 VP base points). Should be the same on 1x & 8x/3x days.
Advertising suggests you can do pts for both free lunch & dinner, but in practice, I couldn't do twice in one day (Maybe the right cashier can do it).
http://www.themresort.com/promo-free-buffet

Beers on Tap (and rootbeer) included.
Wine included.

I like the "tuna poke" & "salmon lomilomi". Those alone could cover the entire cost of the buffet for me...
Wizard
Administrator
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March 2nd, 2017 at 11:20:36 AM permalink
Quote: StevenHowdin

Haha this is good to know... I'm heading to Vegas in the next few weeks! Out of interest, where's the best buffet?



In my opinion, the top three, in order, are Wynn, Caesars, and Cosmopolitan.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Romes
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March 2nd, 2017 at 11:50:17 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

In my opinion, the top three, in order, are Wynn, Caesars, and Cosmopolitan.

I've eaten Caesars and Cosmo's from that list, and in my opinion Caesars blows them out of the water.
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
MrV
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March 2nd, 2017 at 1:19:00 PM permalink
Has the Bellagio's buffet fallen upon evil times?

It used to be great, but I haven't eaten there for several years.
"What, me worry?"
ahiromu
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March 2nd, 2017 at 3:20:07 PM permalink
If you want the best buffet experience in the city, I recommend Caesar's. You'll most likely wait in a line and pay $60, but its quality is consistently high.

That said, the value is extremely low. Buffets only get so good and I can't justify paying that much anymore. Go to a steakhouse or other sit down, food has gotten really good on the strip if you do a little research.
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RS
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March 2nd, 2017 at 3:40:11 PM permalink
My favorite is Cosmo. I haven't eaten at Bally's or any of the other brunches, but I hear Bally's brunch is top notch.

Still though, just about everything at Cosmo's "Wicked Spoon" buffet is very good. It's not like a typical buffet, where some food is really good but the majority is mediocre. It's all top notch. Well, I'm not including the nasty sh** like chicken paws or some of that wonky oriental food.
SiegfriedRoy
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March 2nd, 2017 at 3:50:46 PM permalink
Aria stepped up big time. It used to be meh, but I think they've realized getting 3 stars on Yelp for their flagship property was not acceptable. They don't have as many variety as Caesars, but it's cheaper and good quality.
ahiromu
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March 2nd, 2017 at 4:36:11 PM permalink
Quote: RS

My favorite is Cosmo. I haven't eaten at Bally's or any of the other brunches, but I hear Bally's brunch is top notch.



I was very underwhelmed with Bally's Brunch. Do not recommend, this was last October.
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tringlomane
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March 2nd, 2017 at 5:46:11 PM permalink
Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Aria stepped up big time. It used to be meh, but I think they've realized getting 3 stars on Yelp for their flagship property was not acceptable. They don't have as many variety as Caesars, but it's cheaper and good quality.



Aria has been our go to lunch buffet in recent trips (partly thanks to myVegas). We have thought it was pretty good for the price on the strip. We think it is better than Wicked Spoon, which was a bit too exotic for us at least when we tried it.

Also even though the Station buffets were slammed earlier. I think Red Rock and GVR (owned by Stations) are actually pretty good, and very good considering the price.

We almost tried Riviera in Dec. 2011 once because they offered a free buffet for new members. I initially agreed to it, but thought we should check it out first. When I saw one person in there...I changed my mind. Probably the right move it sounds like...
PokerGrinder
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March 2nd, 2017 at 5:56:48 PM permalink
I'm stunned so many people like the Aria buffet. I had it as one of the worst on the strip when I lived in Vegas 2013/2014. My main poker room was Aria so I had hundreds of dollars in comps at all times. I went twice and both times were horrible food and service. I had a talk with the manager and told her that I wouldn't ever be back and would tell everyone who mentions it how bad it was. She didn't seem to care much, I got the impression she got complaints like that a lot. By the way I wasn't angry this was a disappointed customer talk not an angry one.
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tringlomane
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March 2nd, 2017 at 7:48:47 PM permalink
Quote: PokerGrinder

I'm stunned so many people like the Aria buffet. I had it as one of the worst on the strip when I lived in Vegas 2013/2014. My main poker room was Aria so I had hundreds of dollars in comps at all times. I went twice and both times were horrible food and service. I had a talk with the manager and told her that I wouldn't ever be back and would tell everyone who mentions it how bad it was. She didn't seem to care much, I got the impression she got complaints like that a lot. By the way I wasn't angry this was a disappointed customer talk not an angry one.



I never ate it before 2015. They may have made a significant turnaround in food versus 2013/2014. Service, meh. We often ask for 2 drinks at a time because they use stupid small glasses.
djatc
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March 2nd, 2017 at 8:03:39 PM permalink
Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Aria stepped up big time. It used to be meh, but I think they've realized getting 3 stars on Yelp for their flagship property was not acceptable. They don't have as many variety as Caesars, but it's cheaper and good quality.



Hope this is recent. I went about a year ago and it was no good. I expect it as good as Caesers seeing as it's mgms nicest property.
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MaxPen
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RogerKint
March 3rd, 2017 at 12:20:16 AM permalink
Aria buffet sucks. Bacchanal at Ceasars is top notch. Bellagio is right up there with Wynn. I don't find Cosmos Wicked Spoon all that great, for value anyways. They have alot of individual serving stuff which I like. Mirage is better than Aria, lol. There's another horrid place called Market something in the belly of Planet Hollywood. Stations either can't cook meat properly or it is janky. Sterling brunch is cool if your a foodie. Personally, I just like a good sit down steak anymore.
mamat
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March 3rd, 2017 at 6:17:34 PM permalink
Quote: MaxPen

There's another horrid place called Market something in the belly of Planet Hollywood.

I like the shish kabobs at the Spice Market Buffet at PH (hard to find at buffets). Yeah, I skip most of the food there.

It's hard for me to consider the strip Vegas buffets unless they are comped. Might as well eat at regular restaurants.
If you like prime rib, Orleans Prime Rib Loft is $32 for 24 oz bone-in aged prime rib ($24 for 10 oz).
Back when buffets were $8-12 with unlimited prime rib, it was a great deal. Now. Not so much. Try Orleans, M Resort, Main St Station for lunch. Caesars Buffet is $30-50 for brunch (cheaper than $56-58 dinners).

------

Some California $20-30 buffets are comparable to the Vegas Strip $50-80 ones (The $56-58 Caesars buffet used to be $10-12.).
http://gamboool.com/the-bacchanal-buffet-at-caesars-palace-menu-price-hours

The four best in CA are:
South CA (Pala, Valley View, Barona)
North CA (Red Hawk)

Valley View has $10 lunch specials on Mon-Thu. $20 dinners with unlimited lobster tails & stuffed lobster, sushi hand rolls, desserts that taste like real desserts (not buffet junk) - cheesecake rocks! And you can put on your own unlimited blackberries, raspberries, blueberries.

Pala lobster buffet (Thu) has 4-6 different types of lobster (unlimited), (Tue) has a 1 lb lobster tail (only 1/customer)

...and heavy players in CA have two free buffets/day at many casinos.

-----
I miss the $1.99 steak & eggs on graveyard shift at Orleans...
The Wynn $40-50 buffet was cool when it began in 2005 (and mondo expensive). Luxurious back then. Now junk strip buffets are $35-50.
Wulfgar1224
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March 3rd, 2017 at 10:45:39 PM permalink
Are there any opinions on the Paris buffet? It is one of the few major ones on the strip that I haven't tried. I was thinking of hitting it up when I go this March. But, looking through the thread, I haven't seen one person mention it. Is it not good bang for the buck? Or, is it just lousy? Mediocre? I was just curious about opinions.
mamat
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March 11th, 2017 at 1:36:41 AM permalink
Quote: Wulfgar1224

Are there any opinions on the Paris buffet? It is one of the few major ones on the strip that I haven't tried. I was thinking of hitting it up when I go this March. But, looking through the thread, I haven't seen one person mention it. Is it not good bang for the buck? Or, is it just lousy? Mediocre? I was just curious about opinions.

Paris Buffet was one of my favorites before the expense Wynn Buffet opened up. A surprising variety of dishes you didn't get at most buffets.

Tried it three times this year and was disappointed.
Perhaps they have less variety than 10 years ago, or my experience with buffets has changed.

It's a good buffet still, but I think M resort's variety is better.
AxelWolf
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March 11th, 2017 at 4:46:18 AM permalink
Quote: tringlomane

Aria has been our go to lunch buffet in recent trips (partly thanks to myVegas). We have thought it was pretty good for the price on the strip. We think it is better than Wicked Spoon, which was a bit too exotic for us at least when we tried it.

Also even though the Station buffets were slammed earlier. I think Red Rock and GVR (owned by Stations) are actually pretty good, and very good considering the price.

We almost tried Riviera in Dec. 2011 once because they offered a free buffet for new members. I initially agreed to it, but thought we should check it out first. When I saw one person in there...I changed my mind. Probably the right move it sounds like...

I hear really good things about Red Rock from AP's and poker players.

I heard Palace Station and possibly others are upgrading their buffets.

I think they shut down the Broiler steakhouse at Palace Station.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
mamat
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March 13th, 2017 at 1:47:07 AM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

I heard Palace Station and possibly others are upgrading their buffets.

I think they shut down the Broiler steakhouse at Palace Station.

Palace Station Charcoal Room has fantastic scallops - appetizer dish (May 4, 2006).
AxelWolf
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March 13th, 2017 at 4:29:42 AM permalink
Quote: mamat

Palace Station Charcoal Room has fantastic scallops - appetizer dish (May 4, 2006).

I dislike most seafood, always have. Scallops and lobster in on that list. I do like Shrimp and clam chowder, but that's about it.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
mamat
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March 13th, 2017 at 4:51:33 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

I dislike most seafood, always have. Scallops and lobster in on that list. I do like Shrimp and clam chowder, but that's about it.

Darn shame. Palace Station's scallops were the best food I had on that 3 week visit to Vegas.

What foods do you like? Favorite dishes in Vegas?
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