When Bacchanal Buffet opened in 2012, it was a game changer. Not only was it a giant space meant to feel intimate with ornate glass dividers separating the space into unique dining nooks, but the number of food options was astronomical even for Las Vegas. In the early days, they were making close to 500 unique dishes a day. That has since been trimmed to 250, but it still ranks Bacchanal at the top for choice alone. It’s the reason Bacchanal is considered one of the best buffets in the city. And a recent multi-million-dollar renovation tells us it isn’t going away anytime soon.
The vibe: It’s a big room with 25,000 square feet of space, but it’s cleverly designed. With the glass partitions and a food station line that meanders like a long flowing stream curving left then right, the room feels much more intimate—despite there being hundreds of other diners milling around. Diners can watch chefs prepare the dishes in an exhibition kitchen where copper pots hang overhead, making it seem more like a cooking show television set than a working kitchen, helping to connect diners to the food they’re eating.
The food: Menu items change seasonally but always hover around 250 dishes. They’re made by cooks working in 10 different kitchens, with some chefs preparing many items on the go. Diners will find everything from seafood chilling on ice and crispy lechón and japchae dumplings to grilled oysters and made-to-order duck carnitas quesadillas. Be sure to save room for dessert—it may just be the best part of the Bacchanal experience.
The drink: Soft drinks, iced tea and the like are included in the price of the buffet. Alcoholic beverages–beer, wine or mixed drinks–are available as an add-on.
Time Out tip: You can’t make a table reservation but you can reserve an entry time in advance that acts as a line pass and allows you to go straight to the host stand at your chosen time.