If you have ever dined in Las Vegas especially in its buffet restaurants, such as The Wicked Spoon, you will agree that it’s a challenge on different levels. You have to deal with the reservation process, the bewildering array of food and drinks on display, and the strong temptation to indulge in them, never mind your weight loss goals. You can take heart, fortunately, because it is possible to survive and thrive in Las Vegas’ buffet culture by keeping these tips in mind.
Getting In to the Restaurant
Here’s where the first battle can be won. You can get an advantage, no matter how small it may be, by:
- Always make advance reservations, if the restaurant requires it. You will be able to skip the long lines in the most popular restaurants and buffets.
- Use your player’s card, hotel card, or credit card discounts in buffets. You can save money, which can then be used for other purposes, such as seeing the shows.
- Time your visit to the buffet. In most buffets, you can skip the long lines when you eat during off-hours, usually after 2 p.m. for lunch (12 noon to 2 p.m. is prime time for lunch) and after 8:30 p.m. for dinner (5:30 to 8:30 p.m. is the prime time for dinner).
And speaking of time, you should ideally have an itinerary of your days and nights in Las Vegas with allowance for spontaneous adventures. With so many experiences to enjoy, you will want to maximize each experience by planning for it.
Saving Money
Las Vegas can easily and quickly empty your bank accounts, wallets and pockets if you’re not careful about your spending habits – unless, of course, you have an unlimited supply of funds and unlimited credit card limit. You can find clever ways to save money even as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. Your best bets are:
- Go for lunch at the high-end buffets like The Wicked Spoon. You will be delighted to know that it offers great selections of food and drinks at a more affordable set price than during the dinner hours. Think of it as having your cake and eating it, too.
- Check out the late-night specials, which allows for a complete steak meal for a few dollars. You may even befriend a Las Vegas native who will attest that most of them aren’t home cooks because it’s always cheaper to eat out in the Sin City.
If you are pressed for money, there are always the mom-and-pop and fast-food places in Las Vegas but the dining experience will not be the same for obvious reasons.