Serious Strategies to Get More From Las Vegas Buffets

Las Vegas buffet binges are a longstanding tradition in Sin City.

Sometimes, it’s all about the all-you-can-eat value of a hearty, reliable buffet where you can stuff yourself silly for the price of a strip cocktail.

Of course, Vegas is particularly known for its premium buffet selections. There aren’t many other places where can you get foie gras, crab legs, prime rib, and fresh sashimi all on the same plate.

Wherever you go, though, you want to get the most value for your money, don’t you?

We’re here to help.

Las Vegas Buffet Strategies to Get More For Your Money

When it comes to casinos and buffets, Vegas knows what it’s doing.

Buffets are arranged in such a way to tempt you towards the lower cost, higher profit items so that you have less room for more premium foods.

Beat the system.

These 5 buffet strategies will maximize the value you get from Las Vegas buffets.

1: Start With the Right Buffet

Decide whether you want the top-notch Vegas buffet experience, something cost-effective to handle your drunchies, or a buffet that can satisfy a diverse group of picky eaters.

For gourmet tastes, try The Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan or the Paris Le Village Buffet.

If you’re looking for good food at very reasonable prices, definitely check out the Garden Court Buffet at Main Street Station.

Studio B Buffet at M Resort is perfect for people who have exacting tastes, since food is chef-prepared right in front of you, and there’s a huge selection to please a variety of palettes.

Do a little research to find a buffet that specializes in your favorite foods.

Some specialize in international cuisine or seafood, while others are great at brunch, but not as good for dinner service.

When it comes to Vegas buffets, there’s no such thing as a wrong choice. It’s just that some choices are a little better suited to your individual tastes.

2: Do a Walkthrough First

Before you even pick up a plate, take a walk around the buffet to see what’s there.

If you go down the buffet line with everyone else, you’ll end up with a full plate by the time you get to your real favorites.

Strategize a little.

Look at everything first, and make a mental note of things you definitely want on your plate.

Then:

3: Start In The Middle

Buffets are designed with the most expensive items – like crab legs, steak, prime rib, and roast duck – in the place where they’re hardest to reach.

By the time you get to the carving station and premium offerings, your plate is supposed to be full of mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob.

Sure, those sides are delicious.

But they’re also pretty mundane and inexpensive.

You can eat rice any time, but you probably don’t have a freshly carved rack of lamb in your regular meal rotation, right?

Head to the middle stations first and start with your main course items.

From there, fill in the rest of your plate with your must-have, absolute favorite sides.

Just remember:

4: Stay Away From Cheap Carbs and Carbonation

Okay, prime rib is way better with some buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the juice, but do you really want to pay $50+ dollars for a Vegas buffet, only to fill up on carbs?

Yes, those freshly baked rolls smell delicious.

They’re supposed to.

Bread is cheap, and when you eat more bread, you eat less Atlantic salmon. You paid for the salmon, though, so eat it!

You don’t have to swear off carbs completely. Just pay attention to what’s on your plate.

Try picking one or two carb-laden side items that are personal favorites, and give yourself smaller servings in favor of the foods you don’t normally eat.

Carbonated beverages also make you feel full, so stick to drinks like water, iced tea, and non-carbonated cocktails.

Champagne is an exception to that rule, of course.

5: Take Your Time

Feeling full is a luxurious self-indulgence.

Feeling bloated…not so much.

Some people think that it’s best to eat as much food as you can, as quickly as you can. If you do that, you technically will get more food for your money.

Just remember this:

In Vegas, you’re probably going to have to walk somewhere after dinner.

That walk is very unpleasant with a buffet-induced stomachache.

It’s best to take your time and really enjoy the food and the experience and wait a few minutes between plates to let everything settle.

You’ll likely eat a little less, but that’s how you end up with that warm, sleepy, satisfied feeling at the end of your meal.

Sometimes, it’s tempting to stuff yourself with just one more bite of tiramisu, though.

In that case, Alka Seltzer works wonders.

What’s your favorite Las Vegas buffet? Share it in the comments!