You’re walking down that long, neon-soaked corridor in the MGM Grand, your feet are killing you, and your stomach is starting to make noises that sound suspiciously like a cry for help. You see the sign. It’s the MGM Grand Buffet Las Vegas. It looks tempting. It looks easy. But then you remember every Yelp review you’ve ever read about Vegas buffets—the soggy crab legs, the lukewarm scrambled eggs, the feeling of profound regret after spending forty bucks on a plate of beige food.
Is this one different? Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for. Vegas has changed a lot lately. The days of the $1.99 steak and eggs are long gone, buried under the weight of celebrity chef restaurants and $25 cocktails. The buffet landscape has shifted too. Some have gone "ultra-premium" with $100 price tags, while others have just... stayed the same. The MGM Grand Buffet sits right in that middle ground that’s getting harder and harder to find. It’s a workhorse. It’s not trying to be the Wynn or the Bacchanal, and it definitely knows it isn’t.
The Reality of the MGM Grand Buffet Las Vegas Experience
Let’s get the logistics out of the way first because nobody likes surprises when they’re hangry. You’ll find this place right next to the Grand Garden Arena. If there’s a massive concert or a UFC weigh-in happening, expect chaos. On a normal Tuesday? It’s a breeze.
The pricing is a bit of a moving target. Generally, you’re looking at somewhere between $30 and $45 depending on whether it’s a weekday or a weekend. They’ve mostly leaned into the "Brunch" concept, which is basically Vegas-speak for "we’re serving breakfast and lunch together so we can charge you more." They usually open early—around 8:00 AM—and wrap things up by mid-afternoon. If you’re looking for a massive dinner spread with prime rib and lobster tails at 9:00 PM, you’re in the wrong place. This is a daytime operation.
The room itself? It’s big. Like, really big. It has that classic, slightly dated Vegas charm—lots of beige, lots of mirrors, and enough seating to house a small army. It’s not "romantic dinner" vibes. It’s "feed the family before we hit the slots" vibes. And you know what? That’s fine.
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What’s Actually on the Menu?
You’ve got your standard stations. Let’s talk about the hits and the misses because I’ve seen people load up on the wrong stuff way too many times.
The Seafood Station
People swarm this. It’s like a moth to a flame. You’ll find chilled shrimp, mussels, and sometimes crab claws. The shrimp are usually decent—firm, cold, and not too watery. The cocktail sauce has a good kick to it. But here’s the thing: if you’re expecting top-tier, Alaskan King Crab that’s been hand-cracked by a mermaid, you’re going to be disappointed. It’s volume seafood. It’s fine, but don’t make it your entire personality for the afternoon.
Breakfast Staples
This is where the MGM Grand Buffet Las Vegas actually holds its own. The made-to-order omelet station is consistently one of the best parts of the experience. There’s something about watching a guy flip eggs with surgical precision that makes the food taste better. They’ve got the usual suspects: bacon (usually crispy, thank god), sausage, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes. The eggs Benedict can be a gamble. Sometimes the hollandaise is silky; sometimes it looks like it’s seen things it can’t unsee.
The Carving Station
This is the heart of any buffet. Usually, you’re looking at a brisket or a turkey breast, and on weekends, maybe a prime rib. The brisket is hit or miss—sometimes it’s melt-in-your-mouth, other times you’re chewing it for three minutes. Pro tip: ask for the end cuts if you like those salty, seasoned bits.
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International Flavors
They’ve got a decent spread of Americanized Chinese food and some Mexican options. The street tacos are a surprisingly solid choice. You can customize them with different salsas, and the meat is generally well-seasoned. The pizza is... well, it’s buffet pizza. It’s there for the kids or for when you’ve had one too many mimosas and just need carbs.
The "All-You-Can-Drink" Factor
This is the secret weapon of the MGM Grand Buffet Las Vegas. They offer a beverage package. For an extra fee (usually around $20), you can get unlimited mimosas, bloody marys, or draft beer.
If you’re planning on staying for the full 90-minute time limit, this is actually a steal. Think about it. A single mimosa at a casino bar is going to run you $15 minimum. If you have two, the package has paid for itself. Just don’t overdo it. Day-drinking in Vegas is a marathon, not a sprint, and the desert heat is a cruel mistress.
Why People Complain (and Why They’re Sometimes Wrong)
If you look at online reviews, you’ll see people losing their minds over the "quality." But here’s the nuance: people often compare this to the $80+ buffets at Caesars Palace or the Cosmopolitan. That’s not a fair fight. It’s like comparing a reliable Honda Civic to a Ferrari. The Civic isn’t "bad" because it doesn’t go 200 mph; it’s just doing a different job.
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The MGM Grand Buffet is designed for efficiency and volume. It’s for the guy who just lost $100 at blackjack and wants to feel like he’s winning by eating $100 worth of bacon. It’s for the family with three kids who can’t agree on what to eat. It’s for the group of friends who need a solid base of calories before a pool party.
The biggest legitimate complaint? The wait. Even with a reservation, you might be standing in line. Vegas is crowded, and the MGM Grand is one of the largest hotels in the world.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
- Go early or go late. The "rush hour" is usually between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM. If you show up at 8:30 AM, you get the freshest food and the shortest lines. If you show up at 1:30 PM, you’re basically eating "brunch-lunch," and it’s much quieter.
- The MGM Rewards Card. If you have one, use it. Sometimes you get a discount, and more importantly, you can use your points to pay for the meal. If you don't have one, just sign up at the desk near the casino floor; it takes five minutes.
- Hydrate. I know, I sound like your mom. But seriously. Buffet food is saltier than a pirate’s vocabulary. If you don’t drink water alongside those mimosas, you’re going to wake up feeling like a piece of human beef jerky.
- Check the daily menu. MGM occasionally swaps things out based on the season. If you’re dying for a specific dish, just ask the host before you pay. They’re usually pretty honest about what’s out there.
The Verdict on MGM Grand Buffet Las Vegas
Look, it’s not fine dining. It’s not "the best meal you’ll ever have in Vegas." But it is a solid, dependable option in a city that is becoming increasingly unaffordable. If you go in with the right expectations—expecting a massive variety of decent food in a high-energy environment—you’ll have a great time.
If you want white tablecloths and a sommelier, go to Joël Robuchon (which is also in the MGM Grand, by the way, if you have $500 to spare). But if you want to eat your weight in smoked salmon and hash browns while people-watching, this is your spot.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the MGM Rewards App: Before you head over, open the app to see if there are any specific "Buy One, Get One" deals or member-only pricing.
- Book a Reservation: Don't just walk up. Use the MGM website to snag a time slot. It won't eliminate the wait, but it'll put you in the "faster" line.
- Scope the Buffet First: Before you start piling food on your plate, do a full lap. See what looks fresh. See what’s being replaced.
- Plan Your Day: If you’re doing the all-you-can-drink package, make sure you don't have any high-stakes meetings or intense physical activities (like a 5-mile hike at Red Rock) immediately after. You'll want a nap. Trust me.