Las Vegas is famous for its self-service buffets, a symbol of decadent American excess and homage to a beloved U.S. pastime, eating. The first Vegas buffet opened in the 1940s, and by 2019, there were about 70 in the area. Buffets used to be filled with meals you could probably make at home, except there were a lot of different dishes to choose from, and therein lay the novelty. These days, Sin City whips up some decidedly posh fare too. Think celebrity-chef-conceived offerings that hero seasonal produce and take a lot more time and effort to produce than spaghetti and meatballs. After a COVID hiatus, Vegas buffets are reopening to great excitement. If you head to the Strip right now, you'll be able to find food within your budget and plenty of fancy and sinfully tasty options to splurge on as well.
The Taste of Bellagio has live cooking stations to delight patrons looking for lunch or dinner. You can expect stand-out Italian and Asian dishes and some of the upscale resort's signature offerings, like crispy Gulf shrimp by Harvest. This restaurant elevates fresh produce and takes sustainability seriously. Other Bellagio restaurants, Lago and Prime Steakhouse, provide surf and turf. If you're looking for excellent service and an incredible range of nosh, you'll find it here, albeit at a relatively steep fee. Prices are a little lower on weekdays than on busy weekends, and while young children get a half-price deal, toddlers eat for free. Try and go early, or you may face a substantial queue for all the bottomless goodies and all-you-can-eat luxuries.
Head to the Buffet at Luxor if you're looking for that quintessential dining experience in Vegas. Highlights include a gargantuan salad bar, fresh pizza, a carving station, omelets, freshly made-in-house desserts, and cuisines from all over the world. This casual, family-friendly dining experience is a can't-miss if you've got kids (if they're under 4, they eat for free) or if you're not in the mood to spend money like a high-roller just to eat.
Wynn offers chow-seekers a veritable feast in a stunning atrium. Honestly, your eyes will bug out like a hungry cartoon character's, so plan to spend a couple of hours here. There's Latin street food, carnivore classics, sushi, vegan and vegetarian dishes, and 16 live cooking stations. Most buffets offer those with a sweet tooth something to satisfy sugar cravings, and Wynn exceeds expectations with its patisserie, hand-dipped ice cream, s'mores, and more. Bring your card and pre-book a spot in line to limit wait times to half an hour.
The acclaimed Bacchanal Buffet at Caesar's Palace is a culinary extravaganza in a recently-renovated 25,000 square foot space. Open kitchens allow you to see the chefs in action. As you would expect from a major resort, the buffet spread has global flair, and it's also expensive. But imagine going from an acai bowl to crab avo toast, or from dim sum to Wagyu, followed by a generous serving of crepes, mini smoothies, or chocolate mousse. You get the picture—the endless options are arguably worth it.
The Wicked Spoon is a popular buffet destination, up there with the likes of Wynn and Caesar's Palace. This place knows that variety is the spice of life, and your stomach is bound to be satisfied, if a little bewildered, after a visit here. There are plenty of user-friendly crab legs to go around and udon noodles and french toast galore. Portions are small—all the better to try everything. You can skip the line just like a VIP if you have an extra $25.
Are you looking for a little off-the-Strip dining? Perhaps some patio seating and maybe all-you-can-drink draft beer for a reasonable price? The Marketplace Buffet at Rampart Casino is worth the 20-minute — especially for their specialty nights. Wednesday through Saturday, the Marketplace Buffet features different regional menus that are sure to surprise and delight, including the fan-favorite NY deli night featuring kosher delights, including matzoh-ball soup and corned beef. Be sure to confirm their hours; The Marketplace Buffet is typically open for weekend brunch and dinners only.
The red curry crawfish here is yum, as are the little servings of French onion soup. High-quality food and fast, friendly service can be had for a price that's half what you'll find on the Strip. The mini drive across the highway may have something to do with that. Look out for the A.Y.C.E lobster nights on Wednesdays.
Without live cooking stations, meat carvers, or mountainous communal plates, the Border Brunch concept is more subtle. There are unlimited made-to-order contemporary Mexican and Southwestern small plates by chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. Often described as 'not your typical buffet,' Border Grill's offering includes the stuff brunch dreams are made of—chicken and waffles, Yucatán eggs Benedict, and tres leches bread pudding.
Japanese food enthusiasts will be glad to know that the country's cuisine is front and center at Makino in Renaissance Center West. You'll find a wide array of raw and cooked sushi, hot soups, plenty of veggies, and all the ramen, teriyakis, and tempuras you could ever want. Desserts include brownies, marshmallow fondue, green tea cake, and tiramisu. The ambiance is pleasant and not as garish as in other locations.
Circus Circus is one of the few establishments offering value reminiscent of the golden days when Vegas buffets were affordable drawcards. You'll be able to customize your omelets and chow fried chicken, tacos, and pasta, and if salad bars are your shtick, you'll be more than impressed. The buffet is also open for dinner, which is rarer than you'd imagine.
Step into 888 Japanese BBQ and you'll find yourself in a carnivore's paradise. This isn't your typical buffet. Here, you're given a selection of raw meats, seafood, and vegetables which you can grill to your liking right at your table. The quality of the ingredients is top-notch, and the variety is impressive, ranging from beef tongue to shrimp. The buffet also includes a salad bar, rice, and a variety of sauces to complement your grilled creations. It's a fun, interactive dining experience that's perfect for groups.
Krazy Buffet lives up to its name with a dizzying array of dishes from around the world. This isn't a place for the indecisive. You'll find everything from sushi to pizza, shrimp to prime rib, all under one roof. The buffet also boasts a generous dessert section, with cakes, pies, and even a chocolate fountain. It's a great place to go if you're dining with a group with diverse tastes.
The Palace Station Oyster Bar may not be a traditional buffet, but it's an all-you-can-eat experience nonetheless. Known for its fresh seafood, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes from clam chowder to pan roasts, all featuring the freshest oysters, clams, and other seafood. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, making it a great place for a relaxed meal.
Nabe Hotpot takes the buffet concept and gives it a twist. Instead of wandering around a buffet line, you're given a pot of simmering broth and a selection of raw ingredients, including thinly sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles. You cook the ingredients in the broth at your table, creating a meal that's exactly to your liking. It's a fun, interactive way to dine, and the quality of the ingredients is superb.
Located in the Venetian, the Grand Lux Cafe offers a buffet experience with a touch of luxury. The menu is extensive, with a range of dishes from around the world. Whether you're in the mood for Asian cuisine, Italian dishes, or classic American fare, you'll find it here. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, with a high ceiling and grand chandeliers, making it a great place for a special meal.
Located in the Main Street Station Casino, the Garden Court Buffet offers a variety of dishes in a beautiful setting. The buffet features a variety of cuisines, including American, Asian, and Italian, as well as a generous selection of desserts. The restaurant is located in a large, airy space with lots of natural light, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a meal.
Sakana offers an all-you-can-eat sushi experience that's hard to beat. The restaurant offers a wide variety of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes. The quality of the fish is excellent, and the chefs are skilled at creating beautiful, delicious pieces of sushi. In addition to sushi, the buffet includes a variety of other dishes, including tempura, teriyaki, and udon.
Located in the South Point Hotel, the Garden Buffet offers a fresh, modern take on the buffet concept. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including a carving station, a seafood station, and a dessert station. The buffet also includes a variety of fresh, healthy options, including a salad bar and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Bahama Breeze offers a buffet with a tropical twist. The restaurant offers a variety of Caribbean-inspired dishes, including jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, and a variety of fresh, tropical fruits. The atmosphere is relaxed and festive, with a decor that evokes a beachside restaurant in the Caribbean.
Imperial Sushi Seafood Buffet offers a wide array of sushi and seafood options. From fresh sashimi to succulent crab legs, this buffet has it all. The quality of the seafood is excellent, and the variety is impressive. In addition to sushi and seafood, the buffet also includes a variety of other dishes, including hot soups and a selection of desserts. It's a great place to go if you're a seafood lover.