Bucket list buffet

[mightwin]

I had always made fun of the high price tag of the Sterling Brunch at Bally's in Las Vegas. Until I went that is.

All you can eat lobster tails? Sign me up.

I went a few years ago with a friend that was trying to do something nice for me on a weekend trip.

I've gone back every trip since. I plan my trip around that buffet.

You have to plan on eating $100 worth of food and champagne to make it worth it if you're afraid of the price. But that's easily do-able. Lobster tails average over $25 each at a not so fancy restaurant. Filet mignon is at least $20 now of these days at a cheaper steakhouse. Throw in huge shrimp, crab legs, and caviar - then there's also lamb chops and a nice assortment of well prepared entrees to choose from. The champagne is rumored to be $50 a bottle and they don't let your glass go empty.

It's not the huge buffets you'll see at other places with 100's of choices. It's a quality over quantity buffet.

The service is outstanding - whether you're in a large group or by yourself. You're made to feel like you are special.

Let me know if you've tried it before. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

If you haven't tried it - it's one of those things you do as a special occasion or after winning maybe.

I've made reservations 6 months in advance - just to guarantee my place at the table there. It's the start of my vacation and I look forward to it every time now.

Wishing royals for everyone.

[Tedlark]

This buffet sounds very good and tempting to try out.

On a semi-related note, I heard a report today that said lobster prices were on a quick rise because of the recent bad weather off the northeast coast of the country. They did not mention in the report if this would cause lobster deliveries to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and other prime western United States lobster consumption areas to be suspended or even halted because of this.

I'm hopeful that Arizona residents will not resort to the hoarding of live lobsters in their swimming pools.

[Casino Knight]

Without a doubt the Sterling is the number 1 buffet in the world. I even hate calling it a buffet. If you are willing to splurge or on a comp, and a foodie, this is an event you don't want to miss. The first time we went our host from a different property wrote us a cash comp to cover the cost, and even provided a limo ride to and from.

As for the hoarding of lobsters in our pools, they'll be gone by the end of the week, summer has arrived and pool temps are too warm for lobsters, but just right for swimming.

[JIMDUECE`SWILD]

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xa4vYHwcwY 

[DaBurglar]

It's been many years since I last tried the Sterling, and only four times total in my life, but I'd say it is indeed something you must try at least once in your life....Bucket List or not, it is worth the experience.    It is still served in the confines of the STEAKHOUSE, right?   Also, does anyone recall exactly when Ballys Steakhouse switched to the current "BLT Steakhouse"?To Casino Knight:   To be comped to Ballys' Sterling by another casino, and offered a LIMO ride as well, really ascribes the impression and image of "HIGH ROLLER" to you....and that's swell.  Might a person inquire just how HIGH a roller you actually are?   I'm asking out of curiosity in that there also must be a plethora of other inside observations and perspectives you might offer the denizens of this forum on other Vegas High Quality establishments and offerings.....your proximity to Vegas (i.e. living in AZ) gives you the advantage of being up-to-date and current.....

[mightwin]

It's still in the BLT Steakhouse. It changed about 4 years ago. I went the first time before BLT took over. It looked like 2 different restaurants in one back then. Now it's modern looking, and the buffet is a permanent fixture off to the side, not just chaffing dishes on folding tables.

You really don't know how much champagne you're drinking because they fill your glass all the time.

The last 2 times I went, I wondered off to the bathroom across the casino, for a needed break (wink, wink), and noticed that I was listing to one side on the way back. How many glasses DID I drink?

I wish I've had this comped, but not yet.... It's worth the price to me.

[Galeygoo]

Thank you for the info, MT. I have often contemplated that buffet but never made reservations. I will definitely go now. I hope I can talk my brother-in-law into going; he is stubborn and will NOT go to a buffet. My sis, his wife, would in a "heartbeat"...hmmmm maybe "Happy Anniversary Guys" might (no pun intended) sway him....

[mightwin]

It doesn't really feel like a buffet. It feels more like a fine dining meal that you serve yourself. That makes it easier to eat 2 lobster tails at a time, then go back for even more.

I've been to the over-hyped Caesar's buffet. High cost, long lines, a huge choice of food. I found that I didn't like much there. And sitting next to people that scraped together the price for this "special" dinner wasn't enjoyable either.

Wynn's buffet is more elegant. High quality food, not massive quantity. I hear/see people complaining not many choices. At least what's there is done right.

I always think of the scene from Vegas Vacation where Chevy goes to the buffet with the brother-in-law and looks at the green and blue food. The server when questioned switches the description. (chicken, beef)

Back in the day - the buffets were cheaper and a place to eat quickly with people from all walks of life. I don't like seating with not well behaved children running past.

I'm getting older and want more to enjoy myself for my money. I can't eat the same amount of crab legs that I used to then go and get 3 more plates of food before getting a minimum of 4-5 desserts.

The Sterling Brunch is my way of treating myself to a high class meal - without the real price of what I eat. I don't want to see the tab for 3 or 4 lobster tails and a nice side of 2 filet mignons, a few large shrimps and truffle mashed potatoes - before picking at least 3 desserts, topped off with several glasses of better champagne.

I planned my next trip for August yesterday and have already called for reservations.

I wish everyone royal flushes and a good meal of their choice.

[DaBurglar]

It doesn't really feel like a buffet. It feels more like a fine dining meal that you serve yourself. That makes it easier to eat 2 lobster tails at a time, then go back for even more.

I've been to the over-hyped Caesar's buffet. High cost, long lines, a huge choice of food. I found that I didn't like much there. And sitting next to people that scraped together the price for this "special" dinner wasn't enjoyable either.

Wynn's buffet is more elegant. High quality food, not massive quantity. I hear/see people complaining not many choices. At least what's there is done right.

I always think of the scene from Vegas Vacation where Chevy goes to the buffet with the brother-in-law and looks at the green and blue food. The server when questioned switches the description. (chicken, beef)

Back in the day - the buffets were cheaper and a place to eat quickly with people from all walks of life. I don't like seating with not well behaved children running past.

I'm getting older and want more to enjoy myself for my money. I can't eat the same amount of crab legs that I used to then go and get 3 more plates of food before getting a minimum of 4-5 desserts.

The Sterling Brunch is my way of treating myself to a high class meal - without the real price of what I eat. I don't want to see the tab for 3 or 4 lobster tails and a nice side of 2 filet mignons, a few large shrimps and truffle mashed potatoes - before picking at least 3 desserts, topped off with several glasses of better champagne.

I planned my next trip for August yesterday and have already called for reservations.

I wish everyone royal flushes and a good meal of their choice.

Are Reservations ABSOLUTELY required, or is it (still) possible to show up, say right when it first opens, and grab a seat or two?     One of my favorite tactics, since I hate being tied to resrvations because I tend to decide last minute what I want to eat or not......I'm very mood oriented when it comes to my diet and I make my choices based on what I feel like eating and how hungry I actually am RIGHT at that very moment.I have to say, with few exceptions, I rarely have a problem getting seated in whatever restaurant or dining establishment I choose regardless of whether I have a reservation or not......obviously there are certain places (and certain Times of day/evening) when you'd never even THINK of trying to get in without a reservation, but for the most part, such as with most Steakhouses, I always get a seat.......maybe it has something to do with the fact I bring my own....."seat".....?Edited to +       WHat's the deal with the WYNN not having too many choices?   what exactly is "not many"?   Are you talking entre selections or everything in general (like limited salad bar offerings for example?)   I've obviously never been to the Wynn, but given the fact they are still going to open one in Boston (without the Wynn name mind you) I am curious now......

[mightwin]

Sterling Brunch has a few seats around a (high) bar that you can sit at without a reservation, but each time I've gone since the remodel it's full. I haven't been there close to the opening time, so I cannot answer your question.

My comment about the Wynn's buffet - was about complaints I've read about not enough choices - isn't my opinion. My opinion is they have a very nice assortment of choices for me - all done well. I like prime rib, check, crab legs, check, dessert, check. I don't go to a higher priced buffet to eat pizza. I don't like sushi yet. I don't really like fish or chicken usually unless it looks interesting in it's preparation. There's a lovely salad bar with lots of choices (I don't pile everything on a salad) - and the dressings are very tasty. It doesn't have the huge selections that Caesar's has, but the food quality is higher in my opinion.

I'm picky and set in my ways.

One trip to the dinner buffet at the Wynn I did my usual...first plate crab legs. The woman at the table across from mine kept looking over. I get all the meat out of the shells first, then eat. I wanted more crab, so I went for a second plate. Neighboring table still watching intently. When you eat alone you tend to hear conversations around you. Third plate, a nice piece of prime rib and some sort of potato side. Women started grounching to her dining partner about my trips back and forth. I went for one more trip to get salad. What I didn't mention is that I don't like my food to touch. So I may get several plates, but not necessarily a lot of food. I don't like salad dressing mingling with my potatoes. When I got up to go for dessert, I'd had it with the loud woman. I stopped at her table, smiled, and told her if she didn't like the way or what I ate - look the other way or move. When I returned with my choices - not one word out of her. On their way out - the gentleman winked at me, and said thank you.   

I like the Wynn Buffet. I also like the Terrace Cafe just down the hall at the Wynn.

I guess I'm also picky on my choices because I don't like a bunch of ill-behaved screaming children around.

My first stop in Las Vegas when arriving on Sunday morning is the Sterling Brunch. I feel like it's my way of pampering myself.

Another great find was the Second Street Grill downtown - fine dining without the higher prices. It's the door next to Tony Roma's, at the Fremont. Coffee served in a french press pot.

I'll stop now. Sorry to go on and on. And in hindsight I might not have answered your question exactly.