5 Nevada Buffets To Skip And 5 Worth The Trip
Nevada’s buffet scene offers a feast for the senses, but not all buffets are created equal. With so many options across the Silver State, knowing which ones deserve your hard-earned money can save you from dining disappointment. From Las Vegas extravaganzas to hidden gems in Reno, here’s our honest guide to the buffets you should seek out and those best left behind.
1. SKIP: Circus Buffet at Circus Circus
Once a staple of budget-friendly Vegas dining, the Circus Buffet now falls short of expectations. The dated food stations offer limited selections that often sit too long under heat lamps.
Many visitors report lukewarm dishes and desserts that look better than they taste. For roughly the same price, numerous better options exist throughout the city.
2. WORTH IT: Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace
Hailed as the gold standard of Las Vegas buffets, Bacchanal lives up to its reputation with over 100 chef-driven dishes. Fresh seafood, hand-carved prime rib, and made-to-order delicacies justify the higher price point.
The modern, elegant space enhances the dining experience. Despite the crowds, efficient service and food quality consistency make this buffet worth every penny.
3. SKIP: Paradise Buffet at Fremont Hotel
Paradise Buffet offers basic, cafeteria-style food that fails to stand out in any meaningful way. The small selection focuses on American comfort foods that lack flavor and freshness.
The outdated décor and cramped seating arrangement further diminish the experience. While the price is lower than Strip options, the quality difference is immediately noticeable.
4. WORTH IT: Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan
Wicked Spoon revolutionized buffet dining with its small-plate approach. Instead of massive troughs, food is served in individual portions that maintain quality and presentation.
The international cuisine shines, especially the Asian and Italian stations. Bone marrow, truffle mac and cheese, and gelato in mini cones exemplify their commitment to elevated buffet dining.
5. SKIP: Grand Buffet at Grand Sierra Resort
Reno’s Grand Buffet promises variety but delivers mediocrity across its sprawling food stations. The quality issues become apparent with dry meats and vegetables that have clearly been sitting too long.
Service inconsistencies and cleanliness concerns frequently appear in guest reviews. Even with its competitive pricing for Reno, better dining values exist throughout the city.
6. WORTH IT: The Buffet at Wynn
Elegance defines The Buffet at Wynn, where natural light floods through floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. The seafood station dazzles with king crab legs, oysters, and sushi that’s refreshed constantly.
Made-to-order crepes and omelets showcase the kitchen’s dedication to freshness. While pricey, the impeccable quality, attentive service, and luxurious atmosphere create a memorable dining experience.
7. SKIP: Flavors Buffet at Harrah’s
Flavors Buffet suffers from inconsistency issues that plague mid-tier Vegas buffets. Food temperature problems are common, with hot foods served lukewarm and cold dishes not properly chilled.
The dessert section particularly disappoints with items that look appealing but taste mass-produced. Given its central Strip location, the price-to-quality ratio simply doesn’t compete with nearby alternatives.
8. WORTH IT: Cravings Buffet at The Mirage
Cravings offers a refreshingly honest buffet experience without pretension. The diverse stations cover global cuisines with surprising attention to authenticity and flavor.
Their rotisserie meats and made-to-order pasta station consistently earn praise. The reasonable price point (for Vegas) and shorter lines make this an excellent choice for families and value-conscious travelers seeking quality without breaking the bank.
9. SKIP: King Buffet – Reno
King Buffet in Reno, Nevada, has garnered a reputation for disappointing dining experiences. Despite its extensive menu, many patrons report that the food lacks flavor and freshness. Dishes such as fried rice and lo mein are often described as bland and underseasoned.
Additionally, some customers have noted that certain items, like shrimp in the sushi, have an off-putting odor, suggesting potential freshness issues. The restaurant’s ambiance has been criticized as outdated and uninviting, with some describing it as “dated and dusty.”
10. WORTH IT: Studio B Buffet at M Resort
Located off-Strip, Studio B rewards those willing to venture beyond the tourist corridor. The seafood selection rivals luxury buffets at a more approachable price point.
Free beer and wine with your meal adds tremendous value. The dessert station, with its chocolate fountain and house-made gelato, provides a spectacular finale to a buffet that locals consistently rate among Nevada’s best.
