Can buffets really work after the Pandemic?

On June 27th, 2020, my family and I headed to the only open buffet in Las Vegas, Nevada. For years, buffets have become an iconic part of the Las Vegas experience. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic that began a few months ago, many restaurants were forced to close down including buffets. Although promised to reopen eventually, the future of buffets left people wondering if buffets could truly survive. So we wanted to find out!

Before heading to the buffet we did our research and discovered that you needed a reservation in order to eat at the buffet and that’s exactly what we did! We arrived to our reservation about 15 minutes early because we read online that even with a reservation, guests often stood around waiting for a table to open. We checked in and waited for about 20 minutes before we were seated.

On the table there were QR codes meant to be scanned from your cell phone that brings up an online menu. If you don’t want to use your phone or would rather hold a physical menu, those were offered as well if you ask. The menu listed every menu item that is available to eat during your dining experience. Although you can no longer stand up and pick up your food on your own, you can still order as many menu items that you want within a two-hour span. We had an excellent waiter who took our various rounds of orders (he recommended ordering 3-4 dishes at a time). Our server even asked us if there were any special dietary restrictions so that they could make sure that everyone had a special experience. This meant a lot especially since my youngest sister has a metabolic disorder that does include dietary restrictions. After he took the first order we expected to be waiting for some time to receive our dishes however that was NOT the case! Within a matter of minutes, food runners brought out all 21 of our dishes (there were 7 of us who each ordered 3 dishes to begin with) had arrived.

The first couple of dishes that I had ordered were absolutely delicious! The chilled crab legs with butter were fresh and bursting with flavor. The beef rib was a lot larger than I expected (not complaining at all) and was covered in tangy and mouthwatering barbecue sauce. I had also ordered chicken pot stickers which were yummy as well. Our server, along with the various food runners, constantly checked in on us and cleared our empty dishes. We were able to order as many times that we wanted (like how you can normally get up and get as much food as you like), and everyone was really helpful.

I loved the variety of foods that the Wynn offered. We came during the gourmet brunch so we got the best of both worlds. There were amazing breakfast dishes such as the s’mores pancakes and equally amazing lunch/dinner items.

After we were pretty stuffed from our various dishes of delicious food, we made sure to save room for dessert. There were A LOT of desserts to choose from and we all ordered at least two rounds of desserts (4-6 desserts per person). Not only were the desserts pleasing to the eye, they were absolutely delectable! My favorite dessert of the night was the strawberry shortcake. The photo of this dessert was featured on the menu and upon seeing it, I knew I needed to try it. I would go back to this buffet just to order this dessert again.

So, the can buffets work after the pandemic? YES! This new and innovated way of providing a buffet experience in a safe and clean manner was perfect! I would one-thousand perfect revisit the Wynn Buffet and any other buffet with this setup. I really hope more buffets in Las Vegas and around the world will follow the Wynn’s example and reopen up! Below is the link to The buffet at the Wynn along with their menus, prices, and reservation system if you want to take a more in depth look. I can’t wait to experience this buffet and show the world that BUFFETS CAN WORK!

Link to The Buffet at the Wynn: https://www.wynnlasvegas.com/dining/casual-dining/the-buffet

-Amanda