The Death of Buffet Day Passes in Las Vegas – Gone Forever?

Key Points:

• While buffet day passes were once common in Las Vegas, they haven’t been offered since 2020.

• Day passes disappeared suddenly at the onset of the pandemic, and while some buffets returned, day passes did not.

Buffets and the Las Vegas experience go together like Jenny and Forrest Gump and remain the preferred dining format for many visitors while in town.

While most buffets charge by the meal, many in Las Vegas used to offer day passes that would allow you to make repeat visits to a buffet, or a number of buffets, over a 24-hour period.

Historically, buffets at Aria, Excalibur, Luxor, and a handful of Caesars Entertainment properties have offered day passes that allowed you to save some cash by paying upfront for a day full of gluttonous bliss.

The most popular option, “The Buffet of Buffets” offered by Caesars Entertainment, gave visitors access to the buffets at Paris, Planet Hollywood, Harrah’s, Flamingo, and Rio for around $80 per 24-hour period. Depressingly, none of the aforementioned buffets reopened post pandemic.

What Happened to Day Passes?

Simply put, the COVID-19 pandemic was the death blow.

Buffets were the first things to get shut down in March of 2020 and were the last to reopen, many staying shuttered for good.

Even the buffets that have reopened are only open for certain meals like brunch and/or on specific days of the week.

Unfortunately, buffets as a business model have faded in popularity with resort operators, with many pivoting to the “food hall” concept instead. This transition boils down to simple economics – Buffets lose money. Food halls don’t.

While I held out hope until now, it’s time to face facts and realize that day passes are gone for good.

Buffet Options Going Forward

Fortunately, select buffets on the Strip, Fremont Street, and just off the Strip have reopened and are ready to welcome you.

While “ultra cheap” buffets are now also extinct, there are a few options that are easier on the wallet at resorts like Circus Circus, South Point, Excalibur, MGM Grand, and Luxor.

If cost isn’t a huge consideration, I recommend spending up to experience a top option like Bacchanal at Caesars Palace, Wicked Spoon at Cosmopolitan, or The Buffet at Wynn.

Another spectacular option, Palms’ AYCE Buffet, is located a short drive from the Strip and is worth the trip.