The Vegas Buffet in 2025: A Reality Check
Let's cut through the nostalgia: Vegas buffets aren't what they used to be. Prices have tripled. Quality varies wildly. Many legendary buffets have closed forever and aren't coming back.
But here's what nobody tells you: the buffets that survived COVID got better, not worse. They had to. Competition forced them to elevate quality, improve presentation, and justify premium prices. The result? A small handful of buffets now deliver genuine restaurant-quality food with variety you can't get anywhere else.
This guide answers the only question that matters: Which Vegas buffets are still worth visiting in 2025?
The Hard Truth About Vegas Buffets in 2025
CLOSED FOREVER
- • Bellagio Buffet (2020)
- • ARIA Buffet (2020)
- • Luxor Buffet (March 2025)
- • Mirage Buffet (2024)
- • Paris, Treasure Island, Harrah's...
STILL OPEN
- ✓ Bacchanal (Caesars)
- ✓ Wynn Buffet
- ✓ Wicked Spoon (brunch only)
- ✓ South Point Garden Buffet
- ✓ 8 total buffets still operating
What's Changed in 2025
- •Only 8 major buffets still operating (down from 50+ in 2019)
- •Premium buffets now cost $80-95 for dinner—these are NOT loss leaders anymore
- •Wicked Spoon discontinued dinner service—brunch only now
- •Quality has improved dramatically at surviving buffets
- •Made-to-order stations are now standard, not special
- •Strategic eating is essential at these prices—you need a game plan
Vegas Buffets 2025: At a Glance
8
Major buffets still open
(Down from 50+ pre-COVID)
$87-95
Top-tier buffet dinner
(Bacchanal, Wynn)
$20-58
Best value option
(South Point off-Strip)
Understanding Buffet Price Tiers in 2025
Vegas buffets now fall into clear price tiers. Understanding these tiers helps set expectations and avoid disappointment.
Ultra-Premium
$80-95Gourmet ingredients, restaurant-quality execution, special occasion worthy
Examples:
- • Bacchanal (Caesars)
- • Wynn Buffet
Best for: Special occasions, once-per-trip splurges, serious food enthusiasts
Premium
$45-60Quality food with creative presentations and nice atmosphere
Examples:
- • Wicked Spoon (brunch only)
Best for: Great for weekend brunch, Instagram moments, casual special meals
Mid-Tier
$27-40Solid variety and quality at reasonable prices—best value sweet spot
Examples:
- • South Point Garden Buffet
- • MGM Grand Buffet
Best for: Best value-to-quality ratio, smart budget strategy
Budget
$25-35Basic buffet experience—fill up cheaply without expectations
Examples:
- • Garden Court (Main Street)
- • Excalibur
- • Circus Circus
Best for: Tight budgets, families with kids, quantity over quality
Complete Buffet Rankings: The Top 8
I've eaten at every Vegas buffet operating in 2025—some multiple times, at different meal periods, on weekdays and weekends. This ranking reflects verified 2025 prices, current food quality, and honest value assessments.
The Complete Top 8 Vegas Buffets
Verified 2025 prices, hours, and honest quality ratings
Bacchanal Buffet
Caesars Palace
- •Over 250 items across 9 chef-attended action stations
- •Premium seafood including bone marrow, king crab, and oysters
- •Live carving stations with USDA Prime beef
- •Made-to-order ramen, pho, pasta, and crepes
- •Award-winning dessert section with artisan gelato
Specialties:
Best Time: Weekday Dinner (Mon or Thu)
The Buffet at Wynn
Wynn Las Vegas
- •Most elegant buffet atmosphere in Las Vegas
- •16 live-action cooking stations
- •Exceptional seafood with king crab and oysters
- •Made-to-order ramen and dim sum station
- •Beautiful natural lighting and fresh flower displays
- •Bottomless drinks available for $33
Specialties:
Best Time: Weekday Brunch (Best Value)
Wicked Spoon
Cosmopolitan
- •NO DINNER SERVICE - Brunch only in 2025
- •Individual plated portions instead of communal steam tables
- •Modern, trendy atmosphere with excellent presentation
- •Bottomless mimosas/cocktails available for $25 (2-hour limit)
- •Creative, restaurant-quality dishes
- •Kids 4 and under eat free
Specialties:
Best Time: Weekday Brunch (Mon-Fri)
Garden Buffet
South Point Casino
- •Best value-to-quality ratio in all of Las Vegas
- •Friday Seafood Night with crab legs, shrimp, oysters ($58)
- •Prime rib and peel-and-eat shrimp included nightly
- •Fresh, well-executed food despite mid-tier pricing
- •Local favorite—worth the 10-mile drive from Strip
- •Excellent service and consistently fresh stations
Specialties:
Best Time: Friday Seafood Night
MGM Grand Buffet
MGM Grand
- •Convenient MGM Grand location on the Strip
- •Decent variety for a mid-tier buffet
- •Recently renovated dining area
- •10% discount for veterans and military
- •CLOSED Wednesday & Thursday
Specialties:
Best Time: Weekday Brunch (Mon or Tue)
The Buffet at Excalibur
Excalibur
- •Budget option on the Strip
- •Basic buffet fare—nothing special
- •Good for families watching their budget
- •10% discount for veterans and military
- •CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday
Specialties:
Best Time: Weekday if you must
Circus Circus Buffet
Circus Circus
- •Open Friday-Sunday ONLY
- •Rock-bottom pricing reflects rock-bottom quality
- •Only option on far north Strip
- •Good for families with young kids who eat free
Specialties:
Best Time: Never (unless desperate)
Garden Court Buffet
Main Street Station
- •Best downtown buffet option (low bar)
- •Beautiful Victorian-era decor with antiques
- •Solid breakfast selection
- •Boyd Rewards members get discounts
- •Clean, well-maintained facility
Specialties:
Best Time: Weekday Breakfast
Detailed Buffet Reviews
Beyond the rankings, here's what you actually need to know before visiting each buffet—the dishes that justify the price, strategic tips, and honest verdicts.
#1 Bacchanal Buffet
#1 OverallCaesars Palace
Mon & Thu: 9am-9pm | Fri-Sun: 9am-10pm | Closed Tue & Wed
Rating
5/5.0
Price Range
$65-92
Tier
ultra premium
Best Time
Weekday Dinner (Mon or Thu)
Why Visit:
- ✓Over 250 items across 9 chef-attended action stations
- ✓Premium seafood including bone marrow, king crab, and oysters
- ✓Live carving stations with USDA Prime beef
- ✓Made-to-order ramen, pho, pasta, and crepes
- ✓Award-winning dessert section with artisan gelato
Must-Try Dishes:
Strategy:
Arrive early and scout the entire buffet before loading your plate. Start with premium proteins (bone marrow, king crab, prime rib) before filling up on sides. The dessert section alone justifies the price—save room!
The Verdict:
Still the undisputed champion of Vegas buffets. Expensive but delivers genuine variety and quality you cannot find elsewhere. Worth the splurge for special occasions.
#2 The Buffet at Wynn
#2 OverallWynn Las Vegas
Daily: 8am-9pm (Brunch 8am-1pm, Dinner 1-9pm)
Rating
4.8/5.0
Price Range
$60-80
Tier
ultra premium
Best Time
Weekday Brunch (Best Value)
Why Visit:
- ✓Most elegant buffet atmosphere in Las Vegas
- ✓16 live-action cooking stations
- ✓Exceptional seafood with king crab and oysters
- ✓Made-to-order ramen and dim sum station
- ✓Beautiful natural lighting and fresh flower displays
- ✓Bottomless drinks available for $33
Must-Try Dishes:
Strategy:
Hit the seafood stations first, then made-to-order stations before lines form. The brunch price ($60) offers the best value—same quality as dinner for $20 less.
The Verdict:
Refined, upscale experience without Bacchanal's overwhelming variety. Best for those who value ambiance and quality over sheer quantity.
#3 Wicked Spoon
Brunch OnlyCosmopolitan
Daily: 8am-2pm (Brunch Only - NO DINNER SERVICE)
Rating
4.6/5.0
Price Range
$45-52
Tier
premium
Best Time
Weekday Brunch (Mon-Fri)
Why Visit:
- ✓NO DINNER SERVICE - Brunch only in 2025
- ✓Individual plated portions instead of communal steam tables
- ✓Modern, trendy atmosphere with excellent presentation
- ✓Bottomless mimosas/cocktails available for $25 (2-hour limit)
- ✓Creative, restaurant-quality dishes
- ✓Kids 4 and under eat free
Must-Try Dishes:
Strategy:
This is brunch only now—don't show up expecting dinner! Weekdays are $7 cheaper and less crowded. Add the bottomless drinks package if you're into boozy brunches.
The Verdict:
Excellent for brunch, but be aware dinner service is discontinued. The individual portion concept keeps food fresher and presentation beautiful. Best for Instagram moments and casual weekend brunches.
#4 Garden Buffet
Best ValueSouth Point Casino
Mon-Fri: 7am-9pm | Sat-Sun: 8am-9pm
Rating
4.5/5.0
Price Range
$27-58
Tier
mid
Best Time
Friday Seafood Night
Why Visit:
- ✓Best value-to-quality ratio in all of Las Vegas
- ✓Friday Seafood Night with crab legs, shrimp, oysters ($58)
- ✓Prime rib and peel-and-eat shrimp included nightly
- ✓Fresh, well-executed food despite mid-tier pricing
- ✓Local favorite—worth the 10-mile drive from Strip
- ✓Excellent service and consistently fresh stations
Must-Try Dishes:
Strategy:
Friday Seafood Night ($58) is the move—you get all-you-can-eat crab legs, oysters, and shrimp for less than a single entree on the Strip. Arrive at 4pm for shortest lines.
The Verdict:
The secret weapon of Vegas buffets. Strip-quality food at off-Strip prices. If you only visit one buffet, make it Friday night here.
#5 MGM Grand Buffet
MGM Grand
Mon-Tue, Fri-Sun: 8am-3pm | CLOSED Wed & Thu
Rating
3.9/5.0
Price Range
$33-44
Tier
mid
Best Time
Weekday Brunch (Mon or Tue)
Why Visit:
- ✓Convenient MGM Grand location on the Strip
- ✓Decent variety for a mid-tier buffet
- ✓Recently renovated dining area
- ✓10% discount for veterans and military
- ✓CLOSED Wednesday & Thursday
Strategy:
Only open for brunch now. It's fine if you're staying at MGM Grand and don't want to leave, but objectively there are better options nearby.
The Verdict:
Mediocre quality for the price. You're paying for location convenience. Skip unless you're staying at MGM and committed to not leaving the property.
#6 The Buffet at Excalibur
Excalibur
Mon, Thu-Sun: 7am-2pm | CLOSED Tue & Wed
Rating
3.5/5.0
Price Range
$33-44
Tier
budget
Best Time
Weekday if you must
Why Visit:
- ✓Budget option on the Strip
- ✓Basic buffet fare—nothing special
- ✓Good for families watching their budget
- ✓10% discount for veterans and military
- ✓CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday
The Verdict:
You get what you pay for. At $33-44, it's not even that cheap anymore. Better to spend $12 more and hit South Point off-Strip for dramatically better quality.
#7 Circus Circus Buffet
Circus Circus
Fri-Sun ONLY | Sat: 7am-2pm, 4:30-10pm | Sun: 8am-12pm | Fri: 4:30-10pm
Rating
3.3/5.0
Price Range
$32-41
Tier
budget
Best Time
Never (unless desperate)
Why Visit:
- ✓Open Friday-Sunday ONLY
- ✓Rock-bottom pricing reflects rock-bottom quality
- ✓Only option on far north Strip
- ✓Good for families with young kids who eat free
The Verdict:
One of the last remnants of old Vegas budget buffets. Quantity over quality. Only visit if you're staying at Circus Circus and refuse to leave property.
#8 Garden Court Buffet
Main Street Station
Mon-Sun: 8am-2pm (Brunch) | Fri-Sat: 4-9pm (Dinner)
Rating
3.7/5.0
Price Range
$25-34
Tier
budget
Best Time
Weekday Breakfast
Why Visit:
- ✓Best downtown buffet option (low bar)
- ✓Beautiful Victorian-era decor with antiques
- ✓Solid breakfast selection
- ✓Boyd Rewards members get discounts
- ✓Clean, well-maintained facility
The Verdict:
The last standing downtown buffet worth visiting. Still budget-tier quality but clean and consistent. Best for breakfast ($25), skip dinner.
Best Buffets By Category
If you're visiting Vegas for a specific craving, here's where to go for the absolute best in each category.
🦀 Best Seafood
Bacchanal Buffet
King crab, snow crab, oysters, bone marrow, fresh poke. No competition.
$87-95🍜 Best Asian Food
Wynn Buffet
Made-to-order ramen, sushi bar, dim sum, Peking duck. Authentic execution.
$60-80🍰 Best Desserts
Bacchanal Buffet
Artisan gelato, French pastries, 50+ desserts, chocolate fountain.
$87-95🥂 Best Brunch
Wicked Spoon
Trendy atmosphere, bottomless drinks option, individual portions.
$45-52💰 Best Value
South Point Garden Buffet
Friday Seafood Night: Crab legs, oysters, shrimp for $58. Unbeatable.
$20-58🥩 Best Prime Rib
Bacchanal Buffet
USDA Prime beef, perfectly cooked, unlimited portions.
$87-95How to Save Money on Vegas Buffets
Never pay full price for Vegas buffets. With strategic planning, you can save 20-50% on every buffet meal.
Top Money-Saving Strategies
- •Sign up for casino players club cards—always free, often includes instant buffet discounts
- •Visit midweek (Tue-Thu) to save 20-30% compared to weekend pricing
- •Check Groupon and LasVegasAdvisor.com for 2-for-1 offers
- •Time your visit strategically—arrive before meal cutoff times to pay lower prices
- •Look for hotel packages that bundle buffet credits with room rates
- •Military and veterans get 10% off at most MGM buffets
Players Club Discounts: The Secret Weapon
Every casino offers a free players club card. Sign up, gamble moderately, and buffet discounts come fast. Many casinos offer instant new member bonuses.
How Players Clubs Work for Buffets
- 1Sign up for casino's players club at any rewards desk (always free, takes 5 minutes)
- 2Insert card while gambling—slots, table games, sports betting all count
- 3Receive offers via email and mail based on play (buffet discounts come quickly)
- 4Many casinos give instant new member offers—ask at sign-up
Best Players Clubs for Buffet Comps
- •Caesars Rewards: Comp Bacchanal visits with moderate play ($500-1000 coin-in)
- •MGM M life: Tiered benefits with decent buffet discounts starting at Gold
- •Boyd Gaming (Main Street Station): Extremely generous buffet comps for downtown properties
Timing Strategies to Pay Less
Strategic timing can save you $10-30 per person
| Strategy | Savings | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Visit Tue-Thu vs Fri-Sun | $10-20 | Bacchanal: $87 (Mon-Thu) vs $92 (Fri-Sun) |
| Brunch vs Dinner | $20-35 | Wynn: $60 (brunch) vs $80 (dinner)—same food |
| Weekday vs Weekend Brunch | $7-15 | Wicked Spoon: $45 (Mon-Fri) vs $52 (Sat-Sun) |
| Early arrival | $5-15 | Arrive before 11am for breakfast prices, eat into lunch |
Expert Buffet Strategies: Getting Maximum Value
At $60-95 per person, strategic eating isn't optional—it's essential. Here's how to maximize value and enjoyment.
The Pre-Game Plan
- •Scout first, eat second: Walk the entire buffet before loading your plate
- •Identify premium stations: Crab legs, prime rib, bone marrow, fresh seafood
- •Locate made-to-order stations: These have the freshest food but can have lines
- •Check dessert selection early: Knowing what's there helps you pace yourself
- •Take photos of station signs to remember what you want to revisit
The Optimal Eating Strategy
Strategic eating progression for maximum value and enjoyment
| Round | Focus | Why This Order |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium Proteins | Crab legs, prime rib, bone marrow, oysters—these justify the buffet price |
| 2 | Made-to-Order Stations | Ramen, pasta, crepes, omelets—get here before lines form |
| 3 | Specialty Items | Sushi, dim sum, unique dishes you can't get elsewhere |
| 4 | International Cuisines | Small portions to sample variety—Indian, Italian, Asian, etc. |
| 5 | Dessert Round | You saved room, right? Premium buffets have exceptional desserts |
During Your Meal
- •Take small portions until you know what you like—you can always go back
- •Use a new plate for every trip (required by health code)
- •Rotate between hot and cold dishes to avoid palate fatigue
- •Stay hydrated but don't drink too much—liquid takes up valuable stomach space
- •Pace yourself: You typically have 90-120 minutes
- •Take breaks between plates—your body needs time to register fullness
Timing & Crowd Management
- •Best times to avoid crowds: Weekday lunch (11:30am-1pm), early dinner (4-5:30pm)
- •Worst times: Weekend brunch (10am-2pm), Friday-Saturday dinner (6-8pm)
- •Make reservations 30 days out for Bacchanal and Wynn during peak times
- •Arrive right when buffet opens for freshest food and zero lines
Best Buffets by Las Vegas Location
Where you're staying determines which buffets make sense. Here's the breakdown by area.
🎰 The Strip (Caesars to Cosmopolitan)
Best Options: Bacchanal (Caesars) or Wicked Spoon (Cosmopolitan)
The mid-Strip has the highest concentration of quality buffets. This is where the competition drove quality up.
Open Buffets in This Area:
- • Bacchanal (Caesars Palace): #1 ranked, $87-95 dinner
- • Wicked Spoon (Cosmopolitan): Brunch only, $45-52
Permanently Closed: Bellagio Buffet, ARIA Buffet, Paris Buffet
🌴 North Strip (Wynn to Circus Circus)
Best Option: Wynn Buffet
The North Strip lost many buffets to COVID. Wynn is your only premium option, but it's excellent.
- • Wynn Buffet: #2 ranked, $60-80, most elegant atmosphere
- • Circus Circus Buffet: Weekends only, budget quality, $32-41
🎲 South Strip (MGM Grand to Excalibur)
Limited Options: MGM Grand or Excalibur
The South Strip buffet scene collapsed. What remains is mediocre. Consider Ubering to Caesars or off-Strip.
- • MGM Grand Buffet: Brunch only, $33-44, average quality
- • Excalibur Buffet: Brunch only, $33-44, budget quality
Permanently Closed: Luxor Buffet (March 2025), Mandalay Bay
🏙️ Downtown Las Vegas
Only Option: Garden Court (Main Street Station)
Downtown's buffet scene is dead. Only one buffet remains worth visiting.
- • Garden Court Buffet: Budget quality, $25-34, best for breakfast
Honest Take: Skip downtown buffets. Uber to the Strip or off-Strip for better quality.
🚗 Off-Strip (South Point, Locals Casinos)
Best Value: South Point Garden Buffet
Off-Strip buffets deliver the best price-to-quality ratio in Vegas. Worth the 10-15 minute drive.
Top Off-Strip Choices:
- • South Point Garden Buffet: #4 ranked, $20-58, Friday Seafood Night is legendary
Pro Tip: South Point Friday Seafood Night ($58) beats any Strip buffet under $100 for quality and value.
Buffets vs Restaurants: Cost Analysis
At $60-95 per person, are buffets still a good value compared to Vegas restaurants? The answer depends on what you order.
Real cost comparison: Buffet vs ordering equivalent items at restaurants
| What You Want | Restaurant Cost | Buffet Cost | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| King crab legs (1 lb) | $85-120 | $87 (Bacchanal) | Buffet—unlimited portions |
| Prime rib dinner | $65-95 | $87 (Bacchanal) | Tie—buffet adds variety |
| Sample 5 cuisines | $150-200+ | $87 (Bacchanal) | Buffet—massive savings |
| Simple pasta dinner | $25-35 | $87 (Bacchanal) | Restaurant—way cheaper |
| Weekend brunch | $40-75 | $45-60 (Wicked Spoon) | Buffet—better value |
When Buffets Win on Value
- ✓You want seafood (especially crab legs and oysters)
- ✓You want to sample multiple cuisines in one meal
- ✓You have diverse tastes in your group (picky eaters, dietary restrictions)
- ✓You're a big eater who can consume $100+ worth of premium proteins
- ✓You want the experience and variety, not just food
When Restaurants Win on Value
- ✗You want simple, straightforward meals (pasta, steak, salad)
- ✗You're not a big eater (won't eat $60+ worth of food)
- ✗You want a romantic, quiet atmosphere
- ✗You're short on time (buffets require 90+ minutes to justify cost)
- ✗You prefer chef-driven, curated dining experiences
Buffet Etiquette: Don't Be That Person
These aren't suggestions—they're the rules. Break them and you'll get dirty looks from staff and fellow diners.
The Golden Rules
- •Use a new plate for EVERY trip—never reuse plates (health code violation)
- •Don't touch food with your hands—always use tongs and serving utensils
- •Take reasonable portions—you can always go back for more
- •Don't waste food—take small portions until you know what you like
- •NEVER remove food from the buffet—it's all-you-can-eat HERE, not at home
- •Tip your server 15-20%—they still clean your table and bring drinks
- •Don't let children run around unsupervised—it's dangerous and annoying
- •Cover your mouth when coughing/sneezing—basic courtesy
Time Limits and Table Rules
What You Need to Know:
- Time limits: Most buffets allow 90-120 minutes. This is plenty if you eat strategically.
- Sharing: Not allowed. Each person must pay for their own buffet admission.
- Takeout boxes: Absolutely not. Removing food is grounds for being kicked out without a refund.
- Re-entry: Once you leave, you cannot return. Plan bathroom breaks carefully.
- Dress code: Casual is fine. No swimwear or offensive clothing.
What Happened to Vegas Buffets? The COVID Massacre
COVID didn't just close buffets temporarily—it permanently killed the Vegas buffet industry as we knew it. Here's what we lost.
Permanently Closed Vegas Buffets
Bellagio Buffet
Closed: 2020
COVID-19 pandemic, never reopened
ARIA Buffet
Closed: 2020
Replaced by Proper Eats Food Hall
Luxor Buffet
Closed: 2025
Closed March 30, 2025
Mirage Buffet
Closed: 2024
Entire resort closed
Paris Buffet
Closed: 2020
COVID-19 pandemic
Treasure Island Buffet
Closed: 2020
COVID-19 pandemic
Harrah's Buffet
Closed: 2020
COVID-19 pandemic
Flamingo Buffet
Closed: 2020
COVID-19 pandemic
Planet Hollywood Buffet
Closed: 2020
COVID-19 pandemic
Mandalay Bay Buffet
Closed: 2020
COVID-19 pandemic
M Resort Buffet
Closed: 2020
COVID-19 pandemic
Why So Many Buffets Closed Forever
Economic Reality
- • Labor costs tripled post-COVID
- • Food costs skyrocketed 40-60%
- • Real estate too valuable for low-margin buffets
- • Casinos realized they could make more money with restaurants
Consumer Shift
- • Younger travelers prefer curated dining experiences
- • Health concerns about communal food
- • Instagram culture favors restaurants over buffets
- • Families (buffet core audience) visit Vegas less often
The buffets that survived did so by elevating quality, improving presentation, and charging premium prices. The era of $9.99 all-you-can-eat crab legs is dead. What remains is better—just more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vegas buffets worth it in 2025?
Depends entirely on which buffet and what you value. Premium buffets like Bacchanal ($87-95) and Wynn ($60-80) deliver genuine restaurant-quality food with variety you can't get elsewhere. They're worth it if you eat strategically and appreciate variety.
Mid-tier buffets ($33-44) are questionable value—you're better off eating at regular restaurants. Budget buffets are only worth it if you're desperate or staying at that property.
Worth It
Bacchanal, Wynn, South Point
Questionable
MGM Grand, Excalibur
Skip
Circus Circus
Do you need reservations for Vegas buffets?
| Buffet | Reservations? |
|---|---|
| Bacchanal (dinner, weekends) | ESSENTIAL—book 30 days out |
| Wynn (weekend dinners) | ESSENTIAL—book 30 days out |
| Wicked Spoon (weekend brunch) | Recommended |
| Bacchanal (weekday dinner) | Recommended |
| All other buffets | Walk-ins usually OK |
Can you take food from Vegas buffets?
❌ ABSOLUTELY NOT
Buffets explicitly prohibit removing food from the dining area. Violators will be kicked out without refunds and potentially banned. Security watches for this. All-you-can-eat means all you can eat THERE, not all you can take home.
Are drinks included at Vegas buffets?
✓ Always Included
Water, soda, coffee, tea, juice, lemonade
Usually Extra ($25-35)
Beer, wine, cocktails, bottomless packages
Exception: Some weekend brunches include mimosas in base price
Are Vegas buffets kid-friendly?
Most Vegas buffets welcome children and offer discounted or free pricing for kids. Premium buffets attract families seeking special experiences.
Best Buffets for Kids:
- • South Point: Huge variety, recognizable American foods, reasonable prices
- • Bacchanal: Variety ensures picky eaters find something
- • Excalibur: Budget-friendly for families
Kid Pricing: Most buffets charge 50% for children 4-10, free for under 4
What's the best day to visit Vegas buffets?
| Day | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday-Thursday | Lowest prices, smallest crowds, easy reservations | Fewer specialty items than weekends |
| Friday-Saturday | Premium items added (more crab legs, oysters) | Highest prices, biggest crowds, hardest reservations |
| Sunday | Festive brunch atmosphere | Higher prices, long waits |
| Holidays | Special themed menus | Massive upcharges ($150+), huge crowds |
Pro Tip: Tuesday or Wednesday dinner at Bacchanal offers the best quality-to-price ratio.
Did Wicked Spoon stop serving dinner?
⚠️ YES—BRUNCH ONLY NOW
Wicked Spoon discontinued dinner service in 2024. They now operate as a brunch-only buffet, open daily 8am-2pm.
Current hours: Daily 8am-2pm | Prices: $45 (Mon-Fri), $52 (Sat-Sun)
How much should you tip at buffets?
Standard: 15-20% of buffet price
Yes, you should tip at buffets. Servers still clear plates, refill drinks, and clean your table. They rely on tips.
Tipping Examples:
- • Bacchanal dinner ($95): Tip $15-19
- • Wynn brunch ($60): Tip $10-12
- • South Point dinner ($38): Tip $6-8
Final Verdict: The Future of Vegas Buffets
The Vegas buffet landscape has fundamentally changed forever. The era of $9.99 all-you-can-eat prime rib is dead and never coming back. COVID accelerated trends that were already happening: rising costs, changing consumer preferences, and casinos realizing buffets were no longer profitable loss leaders.
What remains is a tale of two extremes: premium experiences commanding premium prices (Bacchanal, Wynn), and budget options serving deal-seekers and families (South Point, Excalibur). The middle tier has almost completely disappeared.
Who Should Still Visit Vegas Buffets in 2025?
✓ Buffets Make Sense If You're...
- •A foodie who appreciates variety and quality over curated experiences
- •Traveling with groups with diverse tastes (everyone finds something)
- •A first-time Vegas visitor wanting the classic buffet experience
- •Craving seafood (buffets beat restaurants on crab legs and oysters)
- •A strategic eater who can maximize value by eating $100+ of premium items
✗ Skip Buffets If You're...
- •Not planning to spend 90+ minutes eating
- •Content with simple meals (pasta, salad, basic proteins)
- •Seeking romantic or quiet dining ambiance
- •On a strict budget (premium buffets are expensive, budget buffets are mediocre)
- •Preferring chef-driven, curated dining experiences over volume and variety
The Final Tier List: Our Honest Rankings
Worth Every Penny
- • Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars Palace) — $87-95
- The undisputed champion. Restaurant-quality food, 250+ items, unmatched variety.
- • South Point Garden Buffet — $20-58
- Best value in Vegas. Friday Seafood Night ($58) beats any Strip buffet under $100.
Excellent If Price Is Right
- • Wynn Buffet ($60-80) — Refined, elegant, excellent quality
- • Wicked Spoon ($45-52) — Great for brunch, modern vibe
Acceptable Only for Convenience
- • MGM Grand Buffet ($33-44) — Mediocre quality, paying for location
- • Excalibur Buffet ($33-44) — Basic, nothing special
- • Garden Court ($25-34) — Best downtown option (low bar)
Skip Unless Desperate
- • Circus Circus Buffet ($32-41) — Weekends only, rock-bottom quality
The Bottom Line
My honest recommendation for 2025:
Visit ONE premium buffet during your Vegas trip—either Bacchanal or South Point depending on your budget. Treat it as an experience rather than just a meal. Arrive with a strategy, eat the premium items, and make it worth the price.
For your other meals, explore Vegas's incredible restaurant scene. The city has evolved beyond buffets. You'll eat better food, save money, and have more memorable dining experiences at restaurants than at mid-tier buffets.
The Vegas buffet isn't dead—it's evolved. Understanding which buffets justify their prices and which trade on nostalgia is the difference between a memorable meal and an expensive disappointment.
Eat strategically. Choose wisely. And remember: at $87-95 per person, every plate counts.
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Sources & References
This article references official sources and trusted authorities to ensure accuracy and provide additional resources for readers.
Eater Vegas
Restaurant news, reviews, and comprehensive Las Vegas dining guides
Caesars Entertainment
Official site for Caesars Palace, Paris, LINQ, Flamingo, Harrah's, and Planet Hollywood
MGM Resorts International
Official site for Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Vdara, Park MGM, and more
Yelp Las Vegas
Local business reviews for restaurants, bars, and services
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Official Las Vegas tourism authority with event calendars, visitor guides, and destination information
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