Casino buffets are a Las Vegas institution—all-you-can-eat spreads ranging from modest breakfast bars to extravagant seafood feasts. But with prices climbing past $60 at premium buffets, knowing how to get value matters more than ever. Here's your guide to casino buffet strategy.
How Casino Buffets Work
Pricing Tiers
Most casino buffets use tiered pricing:
Weekday vs. Weekend
- Weekday (Mon-Thu): $5-15 cheaper
- Weekend (Fri-Sun): Premium pricing
Meal Period
- Breakfast: Cheapest ($15-30)
- Lunch: Mid-range ($25-45)
- Brunch: Weekend specialty ($35-60)
- Dinner: Most expensive ($40-75+)
Special Features
- Crab legs/seafood nights: $10-20 premium
- Holiday pricing: Significantly higher
- Prime rib nights: Slight premium
The Buffet Pass Option
Some casino groups offer unlimited buffet passes:
Caesars Rewards Buffet of Buffets
- 24-hour pass to multiple buffets
- Usually around $80-100
- Good value if hitting 2-3 buffets
MGM Rewards Dining Credits
- Points convert to buffet access
- Variable value based on tier status
Calculate whether passes make sense for your eating plans.
Best Times to Visit
For Value
Weekday lunch
- Lowest regular prices
- Same food stations as dinner (mostly)
- Smaller crowds
- Fresh food at opening (11am typically)
Late breakfast/early lunch overlap
- Some buffets offer breakfast prices until noon
- Breakfast foods plus lunch items appearing
- Best of both worlds
For Selection
Dinner opening (4-5pm)
- Full dinner selection just stocked
- Premium items freshly prepared
- Crab legs at peak availability
Weekend brunch (10am-11am)
- Breakfast AND lunch items
- Champagne flowing
- Prime rib often available
Times to Avoid
Friday/Saturday 6-8pm
- Peak crowds
- Long waits (30-60+ minutes)
- Food stations depleted faster
Holiday weekends
- Premium pricing
- Massive crowds
- Reservations often required
Using Comps and Discounts
Player's Club Discounts
Most casinos offer buffet discounts based on tier status:
| Tier Level | Typical Discount |
|---|---|
| Base | 10% off |
| Mid | 15-20% off |
| High | 25-30% off |
| Top | 50% or free |
Always ask about your current discount before paying.
Comp Dining Credits
If you have comp dollars on your account:
- Can usually apply to buffet
- Check if full price or just food (not tax/tip)
- May require minimum gambling first
Two-for-One Offers
Common promotions include:
- Player's club mailers
- Coupon books
- Hotel package inclusions
- App-exclusive deals
Buffet Line Passes
Some casinos offer:
- Priority seating for higher tier members
- Skip-the-line perks
- VIP sections with better service
Maximizing Your Buffet Experience
Arrive Strategically
Scout first Walk the entire buffet before plating anything. See what's available, what looks fresh, and what you actually want.
Start with expensive items Your stomach has limited capacity. Prioritize:
- Seafood (crab legs, shrimp, oysters)
- Prime rib and carved meats
- Made-to-order stations
- Unique or premium items
Skip the fillers Bread, rice, pasta, and fried foods fill you up cheaply. You can eat these anywhere.
Pacing Strategy
Round 1: Proteins Seafood, prime rib, specialty meats. The expensive stuff.
Round 2: Hot entrees International stations, chef specials, roasted items.
Round 3: Exploration Try interesting items you spotted during scouting.
Round 4: Dessert If you have room. Many buffets have impressive dessert stations.
What to Actually Eat
High-value items:
- Crab legs (when available)
- Lobster tails
- Prime rib (carved fresh)
- Sushi and sashimi
- Oysters and seafood bar items
- Made-to-order omelets/crepes
Skip unless you love them:
- Pizza and pasta
- Fried chicken
- Basic salads
- Bread and rolls
- Standard desserts
Stay Hydrated
Buffets are often salty. Water helps:
- Digestion
- Avoiding that overly full feeling
- Cleansing palate between dishes
Alcohol adds cost (usually not included) and fills you up faster.
Top Las Vegas Buffets (2025)
Premium Tier ($60+)
Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars Palace)
- Largest buffet in Vegas
- 500+ items across 9 kitchens
- Exceptional quality and variety
- Worth the price for special occasions
Wicked Spoon (Cosmopolitan)
- Individual portions reduce waste
- High-quality, creative dishes
- Excellent desserts
- Stylish atmosphere
The Buffet at Wynn
- Elegant setting
- Superior food quality
- Smaller but more refined selection
- Premium seafood options
Mid-Range ($35-55)
The Buffet at Bellagio
- Classic Vegas buffet experience
- Strong across all categories
- Good value for the quality
Carnival World Buffet (Rio)
- Huge variety
- International cuisines
- Good bang for buck
- Off-strip location
Budget-Friendly (Under $35)
Garden Buffet (South Point)
- Local favorite
- Excellent value
- Quality exceeds price point
- Off-strip casino
Feast Buffet (Station Casinos)
- Multiple locations
- Solid quality for price
- Good player's club discounts
Circus Circus Buffet
- Most affordable on the Strip
- Basic but satisfying
- Good for families on budget
Beyond Vegas: Regional Casino Buffets
What to Expect
Regional casino buffets typically:
- Cost $15-35 (significantly less than Vegas)
- Offer good variety at lower price points
- Feature regional specialties
- Provide better player's club discounts
Best Practices
- Tuesday-Thursday often best prices
- Seafood nights (usually Friday) worth the premium
- Local players get substantial discounts
- Quality varies widely—ask locals for recommendations
Special Considerations
Dietary Restrictions
Most casino buffets accommodate:
- Vegetarian options (always available)
- Gluten-free (increasingly common, ask staff)
- Allergies (inform staff, they'll guide you)
- Kosher/Halal (less common, call ahead)
Bringing Kids
- Kids under 4: Often free
- Ages 4-12: Reduced pricing (30-50% off)
- Check for family deals during off-peak times
- Avoid peak dinner hours with young children
Group Dining
Large groups should:
- Make reservations when possible
- Ask about group rates
- Consider private dining areas
- Coordinate timing (arrive together)
Tipping at Buffets
Even though you serve yourself, tip:
- Your server (bringing drinks, clearing plates): 15-20%
- Based on full price (not discounted amount)
- More for exceptional service
Many guests under-tip at buffets. Good service—quick drink refills, plate clearing, helpful recommendations—deserves standard restaurant tipping.
The Bottom Line
Casino buffets offer value when approached strategically:
- Time it right: Weekday lunch or early dinner opening
- Use discounts: Player's club status, coupons, comps
- Eat smart: Prioritize premium items, skip fillers
- Match price to occasion: Splurge for celebrations, go modest for casual meals
The best buffet strategy? Pick one that matches your budget, arrive hungry, and enjoy the experience. Just don't gamble your food money trying to "earn back" the cost.