Best Buffet
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:19:15 PM
permalink
who has the seafood buffet in vegas. I will be visting vegas for the first time in April. Any suggestions? I have herd Rio. What do you think.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:54:38 PM
permalink
I think it would be correct to say the Rio has the only buffet specializing in seafood. I ate there years ago, and can't remember it well enough to comment. However, I didn't like it enough to return. As I recall, the Wynn buffet had the big meaty crab legs already halved and ready to eat. The Sunday brunch at the Mandalay Bay and Aria do too.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:04:31 PM
permalink
I have had a few of the buffets and very much enjoyed the Bellagio. If I remember correctly, they didn't necessarily specialize in seafood but it was nothing to gawk at. If you're going with some people who don't overly love seafood, or you have a change of heart, I would definitely hit it up.
After googling it very quickly, it seems like the Rio has been quite disappointing:
http://www.ieatvegas.com/restaurants/ratings/rate599.html
I would like to add a question of my own. Is there usually a difference between lunch~dinner at these buffets, or are they priced less because it's simply lunch rather than dinner?
After googling it very quickly, it seems like the Rio has been quite disappointing:
http://www.ieatvegas.com/restaurants/ratings/rate599.html
I would like to add a question of my own. Is there usually a difference between lunch~dinner at these buffets, or are they priced less because it's simply lunch rather than dinner?
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
February 22nd, 2010 at 8:01:11 PM
permalink
I can tell from my A.C. buffet experience that they put out some of the more expensive items after the dinner prices kick in.Quote: ahiromuI would like to add a question of my own. Is there usually a difference between lunch~dinner at these buffets, or are they priced less because it's simply lunch rather than dinner?
Hell, even the Chinese buffet in town does the same thing. The spare ribs don't come out until dinner.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 22nd, 2010 at 10:10:17 PM
permalink
My favorite "money is no object" buffet is Bellagio.
When price is a factor, Main Street Station is tops.
When price is a factor, Main Street Station is tops.
"What, me worry?"
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:44:56 AM
permalink
Quote: boomdogwho has the seafood buffet in vegas. I will be visting vegas for the first time in April. Any suggestions? I have herd Rio. What do you think.
I'll go along with Bellagio. Had a few regular seafood dishes plus a sushi station.
The three hour wait on Christmas Eve made me miss it last trip. Pricey, but good stuff usually is.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:46:48 AM
permalink
I think the buffet at The Mirage is the best all-around buffet in town. A very nice mix of different ethnic foods that are somehow actually kept fresh on a buffet. The salad station and the soup station are very good as well.
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:26:16 AM
permalink
Quote: ahiromu
I would like to add a question of my own. Is there usually a difference between lunch~dinner at these buffets, or are they priced less because it's simply lunch rather than dinner?
Yes. They bring out the pricier stuff for dinner. As an example, at the Red Rock buffet they only offer shrimp during the dinner hours. A trick some people do is to arrive just before the they switch to the dinner pricing.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:39:28 AM
permalink
Not a bad idea. But what would be nice is if the buffet was clear about the hours and prices.Quote: WizardA trick some people do is to arrive just before the they switch to the dinner pricing.
Last year I stayed at the Taj Mahal. The buffet opened at 8:00am. I don't remember what time it closes - that's not important. I got there at 11:05am. They were closed until 11:30 as they switch to the lunch menu. I offered to pay the lunch price if I could get in then. Nope.
I also complained that the sign did not indicate that they closed AT ALL. Still not getting in.
FYI: It's not like they were packed with people and needed the break to switch. The place had seating for about 300, but there was maybe 10 people in there.
The next morning, as a test, I asked at the consierge what the buffet hours were. He had to look it up. He told me, but didn't tell me anything about closing from 11 to 11:30. I then asked if they closed when they switch for lunch. He looked again and said that it didn't say anything about that. I then did this same dance with a pit boss with the same results.
FWIW: I think their buffet is OK. Nothing great, but not terrible. I think I am not alone in my opinion since in my subsequent visits, it never seems crowded.
About three weeks ago, I got an email from the Taj announcing ALL DAY BUFFET. I.E. Come back all day. $24.99 weekdays, $29.99 weekends. It's only until 2/28, and, unfortunately, I won't be there to try it out. Personally, I think even for an all day thing, it's still overpriced.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:42:10 AM
permalink
I had the Rio seafood buffet about a year ago. It was OK, but not $40 OK. Maybe they were off that night (my fiancee said it wasn't as good as she remembered), but even then, my level of impress was such that I'd only go just to say I've been. Her mom said it used to be a lot cheaper, which when adjusted for inflation and memory works out to about the mid-$20 range, which is right about where it should be imo.
They've already been mentioned for regular buffets, but Bellagio is excellent and Wynn is full of... well, win, even factoring in the price.
They've already been mentioned for regular buffets, but Bellagio is excellent and Wynn is full of... well, win, even factoring in the price.
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:43:57 AM
permalink
In AC, I think Harrah's is the best...huge selection and the best ice cream I've ever had. Borgata is also very good. Showboat is well above average. The rest are nothing worth visiting.
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:44:39 AM
permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBear
About three weeks ago, I got an email from the Taj announcing ALL DAY BUFFET. I.E. Come back all day. $24.99 weekdays, $29.99 weekends. It's only until 2/28, and, unfortunately, I won't be there to try it out. Personally, I think even for an all day thing, it's still overpriced.
Actually that isn't bad. Assume you hit breakfast and dinner, $30 to eat two full meals. If you want to be a pig and go for three even cheaper. Plus one could stop in for a "break" and have just coffee or pop, maybe some yummy deserts. I'd give that a shot if the line was usually reasonable.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:48:57 AM
permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBearAbout three weeks ago, I got an email from the Taj announcing ALL DAY BUFFET. I.E. Come back all day. $24.99 weekdays, $29.99 weekends. It's only until 2/28, and, unfortunately, I won't be there to try it out. Personally, I think even for an all day thing, it's still overpriced.
lulz. Doesn't Excalibur do that? I've never been there, but I hear it's mediocre at best.
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:55:52 AM
permalink
Quote: wildqatQuote: DJTeddyBearAbout three weeks ago, I got an email from the Taj announcing ALL DAY BUFFET. I.E. Come back all day. $24.99 weekdays, $29.99 weekends. It's only until 2/28, and, unfortunately, I won't be there to try it out. Personally, I think even for an all day thing, it's still overpriced.
lulz. Doesn't Excalibur do that? I've never been there, but I hear it's mediocre at best.
Luxor does. Did it last time I was there. Food wasn't bad, but one buffet is more than enough for a few days, let alone a few hours. No need for that again.
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:07:48 AM
permalink
MGM Grand and the Stratosphere also posted similar offers for Buffet Passes valid all day but I dont know if they still stand. It was part of a marketing drive aimed at getting more bodies through the doors in the height of the recession.
[This space is intentionally left blank]
February 23rd, 2010 at 12:13:04 PM
permalink
Quote: DetroitCobraQuote: wildqatQuote: DJTeddyBearAbout three weeks ago, I got an email from the Taj announcing ALL DAY BUFFET. I.E. Come back all day. $24.99 weekdays, $29.99 weekends. It's only until 2/28, and, unfortunately, I won't be there to try it out. Personally, I think even for an all day thing, it's still overpriced.
lulz. Doesn't Excalibur do that? I've never been there, but I hear it's mediocre at best.
Luxor does. Did it last time I was there. Food wasn't bad, but one buffet is more than enough for a few days, let alone a few hours. No need for that again.
On the Excalibur buffet, it was less than mediocre but tolerable. I ended out just eating soft serve for about half my meal, because everything was so bland and tasted the same. One bonus I enjoyed was that I dealt with my own drink, not having to wait for someone to refill it. Some might think of it as a downside, but I liked it. Full control over my meal.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:10:53 PM
permalink
Quote: CroupierMGM Grand and the Stratosphere also posted similar offers for Buffet Passes valid all day but I dont know if they still stand. It was part of a marketing drive aimed at getting more bodies through the doors in the height of the recession.
They had it at the Stratosphere last May when I was there. I only ate dinner there once. The food's ok, not great but edible and there's plenty of it.
I do wonder how many tons of sawdust result from the combination of an all-day buffet plus an all-day pass to the rides atop the tower ;)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:50:43 PM
permalink
Quote: boomdogwho has the seafood buffet in vegas. I will be visting vegas for the first time in April. Any suggestions? I have herd Rio. What do you think.
Now that we've got sufficiently off track ...
I would say Fremont on Thursdays (check that?) with the 2-for-1 Fremont Street coupon. More for your money. Green Valley Ranch is also pretty good for seafood. Heard good things about the M too, but haven't tried it yet.
In A.C., Trump Marina is very underrated.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:15:48 PM
permalink
Wow thanks for the response.
Which buffets serve king crab and do they serve it hot or cold? I know this is probable a dumb question but does anybody have lobster on their buffets. Again, thanks for all the tips for I have no clue.
Which buffets serve king crab and do they serve it hot or cold? I know this is probable a dumb question but does anybody have lobster on their buffets. Again, thanks for all the tips for I have no clue.
February 24th, 2010 at 6:07:08 AM
permalink
Of all the buffet's I've put myself through out in Vegas, I have never seen lobster.
February 24th, 2010 at 9:35:06 AM
permalink
The sterling brunch at Bally's serves lobster and champagne. It only is open on Sunday's, not sure of the hours. 2 weeks ago it was $85 each.
February 24th, 2010 at 3:36:54 PM
permalink
"Best" is relative. If price is no object, I'd go for the Wynn. For the best combination of value and quality, I like the M Resort, Planet Hollywood (for ethnic food particularly) Green Valley Ranch, and the Silverton (dirt cheap, really strong value).
February 24th, 2010 at 10:09:12 PM
permalink
Quote: boomdogWhich buffets serve king crab and do they serve it hot or cold?
Many do. I've seen them at several, ranging in posh from Wynn to Harrah's. Regardless, they're not particularly uncommon after 5:00 PM, although they may or may not be a daily thing depending on the level of posh.
Quote: boomdogI know this is probable a dumb question but does anybody have lobster on their buffets.
I think Wynn had lobster on New Year's Eve. Doesn't do you much good now, though. :^)
February 25th, 2010 at 5:24:57 PM
permalink
Thanks again for all the help. One more question. My wife eats like a bird and would not enjoy the buffets as much as me. Do these buffets have a menu for people like my wife?
February 25th, 2010 at 6:03:55 PM
permalink
*Some* full-service restaurants also have a small buffet, particularly for breakfast. Other than that, no. If you're heading to the casino's buffet, that's the only option.Quote: boomdogDo these buffets have a menu for people like my wife?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
February 27th, 2010 at 9:41:52 AM
permalink
Had lunch at the Bellagio buffet about two weeks ago. It was the best buffet I have ever had. Everything was fresh and high quality. Easiest $20 I have ever spent to eat in Vegas.
February 27th, 2010 at 10:23:37 AM
permalink
Stay away from the Luxor Buffet. Anything with starch tastes like day old bread, though this doesn't include the pasta. I don't think anything I ate there was better than something you could buy in the frozen food section at the grocery store. Then there's the stingy prime rib cutters that think paper thin prime rib will satisfy someone at an all you can eat buffet. I asked the ladies at the register if this was normal and they told me to just let the guy know the thickness I wanted. I went back and requested like a half inch thick slice and the guy didn't cut it any thicker. I should have just leaned against the counter and ate piece after piece just to spite the jerk. The brunch wasn't any better. I worked at CWU's (Central Washington University) dining hall and the food we served there tasted a hell of a lot better than the garbage the Luxor serves.
March 6th, 2010 at 12:47:16 AM
permalink
Quote: boomdogThanks again for all the help. One more question. My wife eats like a bird and would not enjoy the buffets as much as me. Do these buffets have a menu for people like my wife?
i have this same problem with ms. nap. she doesn't eat often during the day, and when she does she doesn't eat too much. the best thing to do is find '2 for 1' coupons so basically you only pay for yourself. then your wife can eat as little or as much as she wants without feeling guilty of wasting money. i actually find ms. nap eating more than she normally does at the buffets because she usually finds several things that she likes.
you can also find promotions where you can play for a free or 2 for 1 buffet, or if you are 50 or over some casinos have 'senior days' where you can get similar deals.
my belief is that you should always try to use these offers anyway as they are often right there for the taking. just takes a little research.
March 6th, 2010 at 4:56:33 PM
permalink
you can also find promotions where you can play for a free or 2 for 1 buffet, or if you are 50 or over some casinos have 'senior days' where you can get similar deals.
How does this work?
How does this work?
March 6th, 2010 at 6:33:54 PM
permalink
for individual casino promotions or offers check their website for info. you have to get a players card, but sometimes just signing up gets a coupon or offer. after that they might offer a free buffet or 2 for 1 if you play and earn so many points, like 300 points earns a free lunch, etc. there are restrictions so double check each promo. there are also websites that offer coupon books for a fee, but can be worth it. but the key here is to sign up for players cards wherever you go and get any coupons that comes with it, then keep checking their website for continued offers.
vegas is a tourist destination so offers are everywhere. the competition is great, but so is the demand. maybe the wizard can find a niche somewhere in here.
vegas is a tourist destination so offers are everywhere. the competition is great, but so is the demand. maybe the wizard can find a niche somewhere in here.
May 24th, 2010 at 11:17:40 AM
permalink
Downtown Buffets
The Main Street Casino's Garden Buffet is the nicest looking of the inexpensive buffets in downtown. If you go twice in one day, it is still cheaper than the all day buffet prices on the strip. The four craps tables permit 20X free odds and are usually crowded.
Very much the same deal can be gotten at the Fremont casino, but physically Main street is much prettier.
(1) Main Street Casino (Garden Buffet) - Boyd property [500 seats]
(2) Fremont Casino (Paradise Buffet) - Boyd property [450 seats]
(3) The buffet at the Golden Nugget is the priciest by about 30%, but the food is a little better. As the only buffet not on the ground level, it has the best view. The weekend champagne brunch is $17.99 during the day vs. $10.99 at Fremont casino nearby. Weekend seafood buffet (3:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.) is $20.99 which is the maximum buffet price downtown. [250 seats]
(4) Stuffed Buffet at the Plaza is the lowest priced buffet with the most limited hours (44 hours/week). The desert selection is particularly pathetic.It feels like my Jr. High School cafeteria. Easy access to the bus station.
Thu – Mon 4pm-10pm for $8.88 with Players Club Card (lowest
Sat & Sun 7am-2pm for $9.99 with champagne.
(5) Final choice for buffets is the Courtyard Grill and Buffet at Fitzgerald's casino. Buffet is very loosely defined here. It is more like an all you can eat salad bar with a custom made pasta plate for dinner. However, if you want pasta, this may be your better choice since it is not sitting out in a warming tray. You can still pick from a limited choice of greens, wet salads, and cookies and brownies. It looks like standard stuff you would find at the deli counter.
(X) The Chinese buffet at El Cortez has been discontinued in favor of some Chinese entree selections at the coffee shop.
Tuesdays and Fridays after 4PM at Fremont.
The Main Street Casino's Garden Buffet is the nicest looking of the inexpensive buffets in downtown. If you go twice in one day, it is still cheaper than the all day buffet prices on the strip. The four craps tables permit 20X free odds and are usually crowded.
Very much the same deal can be gotten at the Fremont casino, but physically Main street is much prettier.
(1) Main Street Casino (Garden Buffet) - Boyd property [500 seats]
(2) Fremont Casino (Paradise Buffet) - Boyd property [450 seats]
(3) The buffet at the Golden Nugget is the priciest by about 30%, but the food is a little better. As the only buffet not on the ground level, it has the best view. The weekend champagne brunch is $17.99 during the day vs. $10.99 at Fremont casino nearby. Weekend seafood buffet (3:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.) is $20.99 which is the maximum buffet price downtown. [250 seats]
(4) Stuffed Buffet at the Plaza is the lowest priced buffet with the most limited hours (44 hours/week). The desert selection is particularly pathetic.It feels like my Jr. High School cafeteria. Easy access to the bus station.
Thu – Mon 4pm-10pm for $8.88 with Players Club Card (lowest
Sat & Sun 7am-2pm for $9.99 with champagne.
(5) Final choice for buffets is the Courtyard Grill and Buffet at Fitzgerald's casino. Buffet is very loosely defined here. It is more like an all you can eat salad bar with a custom made pasta plate for dinner. However, if you want pasta, this may be your better choice since it is not sitting out in a warming tray. You can still pick from a limited choice of greens, wet salads, and cookies and brownies. It looks like standard stuff you would find at the deli counter.
(X) The Chinese buffet at El Cortez has been discontinued in favor of some Chinese entree selections at the coffee shop.
Tuesdays and Fridays after 4PM at Fremont.
May 24th, 2010 at 11:30:06 AM
permalink
Agreed. All the Boyd properties do good buffets. I've heard the same thing about the Stations properties but have yet to try any of them.
Edit: Don't forget to get your 2-for-1 coupons for Main Street and Fremont buffets here: http://www.vegasexperience.com/coupons
Edit: Don't forget to get your 2-for-1 coupons for Main Street and Fremont buffets here: http://www.vegasexperience.com/coupons
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
May 24th, 2010 at 1:24:54 PM
permalink
Quote: boomdogI know this is probable a dumb question but does anybody have lobster on their buffets. Again, thanks for all the tips for I have no clue.
At the Mirage buffet you can add a one-pound Maine lobster or a porterhouse steak for $10.
I had lunch at the Mirage buffet in April and thought the Chinese foods were the best options. Sushi was good too. I was disappointed in the dessert selection, although I did enjoy the banana pudding. Also there were no fresh berries (at least the day I went), failing one of the Wizard's tests of buffet excellence!
May 24th, 2010 at 1:46:18 PM
permalink
Lots of useful info in this thread. I am heading to LV next month and appreciate the advice.
Roghaltz
Roghaltz
May 24th, 2010 at 3:00:34 PM
permalink
I tried the Fremont last year. It was fine for the price. I also tried the Golden Nugget, which was better but doesn't justify the price difference. The Fremont, as I recall, had a larger than average selection of no sugar added deserts.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
May 24th, 2010 at 3:07:33 PM
permalink
Quote: NareedI tried the Fremont last year. It was fine for the price. I also tried the Golden Nugget, which was better but doesn't justify the price difference. The Fremont, as I recall, had a larger than average selection of no sugar added deserts.
The Golden Nugget adds a few specialty items like locks for your bagel and a shrimp dish. The sugared deserts are a little more ambitious. Coffee is excellent. It's not radically better, but it is only an additional $3. The champagne price on weekends does not seem justified.
Fremont does have a huge selection of sugar free deserts. No seafood, but it does have baked fish. They will make omelets special for you in the morning.
May 24th, 2010 at 3:29:47 PM
permalink
Does anyone know which buffets have REAL sushi? I don't mean the rolls with the seaweed wrapped around it. I mean the kind with a dollop of rice and a big honkin' piece of raw fish slapped on top of it. I was shocked to discover this at the Motor City Casino buffet in Detroit. It really made the buffet for me. (I should add that to my Detroit casino reviews). They also had just the raw fish, without the rice. I believe this is called sashimi. Salmon and Yellowtail, plus shrimp. Pots of wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger as well.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
May 24th, 2010 at 3:50:43 PM
permalink
Quote: pacomartinThe Golden Nugget adds a few specialty items like locks for your bagel and a shrimp dish. The sugared deserts are a little more ambitious. Coffee is excellent. It's not radically better, but it is only an additional $3. The champagne price on weekends does not seem justified.
Fremont does have a huge selection of sugar free deserts. No seafood, but it does have baked fish. They will make omelets special for you in the morning.
I went to dinner on both occasions. As I don't eat either fish or seafood (or, if you believe my parents, neither anything that has ever been within 100 miles of the sea), I tend to judge buffets differently from the average person, I guess.
I don't recall the prices, but I've the distinct impression the Nugget's was around $5 more than Fremont's (this was a year ago). It's not much, but for similar quality it's not worth it.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
May 24th, 2010 at 4:27:21 PM
permalink
Quote: teddysDoes anyone know which buffets have REAL sushi? I don't mean the rolls with the seaweed wrapped around it. I mean the kind with a dollop of rice and a big honkin' piece of raw fish slapped on top of it. I was shocked to discover this at the Motor City Casino buffet in Detroit. It really made the buffet for me. (I should add that to my Detroit casino reviews). They also had just the raw fish, without the rice. I believe this is called sashimi. Salmon and Yellowtail, plus shrimp. Pots of wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger as well.
Todai in the Miracle Mile shops surrounding Planet Hollywood.
I doubt that an all you can eat buffet will serve sashimi, as it would cost them too much.
Gunkanmaki (warship rolls) round sushi which is wrapped with seaweed and topped with ingredients such as salmon roe.
Grilled Salmon
Ikura
Masago
Mayonnaise Shrimp
Salmon Skin
Seafood Dynamite
Seaweed
Shiitake
Spicy Octopus
Spicy Scallop
Spicy Shrimp
Spicy Tuna
Tako Salad
Tobiko
Uni
Nigiri (ordinary sushi)
Albacore
Ama Ebi
Anago
Avocado
Ebi
Hamachi
Hirame
Hokkigai
Ika
Inari
Izumidai
Kanikama
Maguro
Roasted Bell Pepper
Sake
Salmon Skin
Shime-Saba
Smoked Salmon
Suzuki
Tai
Tako
Takuan
Tamago
Torigai
Unagi
Maki (rolls)
Baked Salmon
Chicken
Dragon
Futomaki
Garlic
Grilled Salmon
Hosomaki
Kappa (Cucumber)
Mixed Fish
Negihama
Oshinko (Takuan)
Spicy Tuna
Spicy Salmon
Tamago
Tekka (Tuna)
Tempura Crunch
Tempura Shrimp
Unagi
Western style (rolls)
Alaska
California
Caterpillar
Philadelphia
Rainbow
Salmon Skin
Spider
Vegetable
