Bellagio Buffet Bad

[tryon4]

Now before you get a possy up to lynch me, hear my story.
My wife and I were given a $50.00 gift certificate for Bellagio and we decided to use it at the buffet. Surprise #1 was when we presented the gift and the cashier asked for $23.00 more . I said no it's just for 2 and she replied that's right sir $23.00 more. Oh boy. We were escorted to our table and the hostess pointed to the buffet. No enjoy your meal just a pointed finger. We were seated next to a party of 6, 3 chidren and 3 adults and they became surprise #'s 2, 3 and 4.
We went to the salad bar and were surprised when we couldn't get a regular dinner salad. Just some salads they I couldn't pronounce. ( I have a rule that states that if I can't pronounce it, I don't eat it.) I opted for the clam chowder. ( I should have known better when I saw they couldn't even spell CHOWDAA correctly) Returning to the table I caught a glimpse of our neighbor reaching over to our table and grabbing spoons for little Joey in the high chair. Someone should explain to them just what New England Clam Chowdaa is all about because they didn't seem to have a clue.
Little Joey is making like Ringo Starr and his parents(?) think it is so cute. I wanted to sart singing Irish Songs but my wife convinced me that this was not a good idea.
Off to the buffet for the main course which I was sure would be great considering what we paid. I guess for some this type of food is OK but Wild Range Turkey and some fish I never heard of just don't cut it for me. The lamb was very good as was the roast beef. God only knows what the potatoes were but I followed rule #1 and did the same for the veg. Rice was dry.
Back at the table litttle Joey decided it was temper time and threw his drink on the table and down the floor. Staff came a running to clean up the mess. Unfortunately they didn't notice the spill on my wife. While there I decided to ask for our beverages which had yet to arrive. Just then adult #1 recognizes a friend and call him over to the table to introduce him. Lady #2 replies "Charmed I'm Sure" I dont think I ever heard that except in the movies.
Desserts were very upscale. What ever happened to apple pie or a brownie.
Oh yeah the drinks arrived as we prepared to leave our joyous repast.
You just can't make this stuff up.
On the way to the fountain show (which by the way is spectacular) we hit a $350.00 jackpot.
I guess for just plain folks like us the Bellagio is just a bit upscale. When I learn to eat with my pinky extended I'll return

[grannyvegas]

We ate there a few years back, and like you where not impressed. Guess if I'm paying that much for a meal I want to be waited on.

[jays491628]

Was this on a Friday or Saturday Night? The charge is $33.95 plus tax.That would put the price about $73.

I was on a cruise( the worlds most popular). My first table mates were 2 sisters who were joined by their brother. Between the three of them they did not have enough years to buy a drink.
I asked the Maiter'd for a new table. I was given one with 3 Ladies who were old enough to buy a drink. When it came time to for tips one of the ladies suggested that I skip the Maiter'd since he placed me at the table with the children in the first place.

[Steve]

Eileen and I have always been very satisfied with the Bellagio Buffet. I personally have been there five times without a bad experience.

My choices are limited as I don't eat Seafood but I manage to do OK with all the other items that are there.

I guess you caught a hostess on a bad night if she just "pointed" the way to the buffet. It might have been nice to "point out" some of the features of the buffet and I will bring your post to the attention of the Food and Beverage Department at MGM Mirage.

Also you mentioned the salad. Everytime I was there the was individual bowls with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers (spicy ones) along with the hand-tossed salads.

Steve

[Mrs. PapaGeorgio]

Someone should explain to them just what New England Clam Chowdaa is all about because they didn't seem to have a clue.

You have got to try the clam chowder at Big Al's Oyster bar in the Orleans. Very, VERY good!

[Hoss_Lass]

You sound like my sister in your review of Belliago Buffet. Both of us were raised in the same environment (rural, in the south, very simple and basic living) and she too thinks the Belliago buffet is "just too fancy" for her. NOT ME, good food is good food, I could care less if I could pronouce the names or not!:D I don't really care what name the food has; it's either a meat, vegatable (or made from veggies; pastas etc) or desserts, and if it's prepared safely and well, I couldn't be that predijudiced to my mouth;) .

I have always had a very satisfactory service from the BBuffet; and I've learned, if I don't like where I'm sitting, I'm perfectly free to exercise my choice to request a seating change. Can't blame the hostess for seating me next to some buffouns. I mean, how do they know that? Also, at the salad stations, if you just ask for a plain dinner salad, they'll give you one. Sometimes you just have to ask, :) .

It does sound like you found some food you liked so it wasn't a total loss. And don't worry about learning how to eat with your pinky extended at Belliago, my husband and I certaintly don't and we have always had good service there. Relax, and just enjoy good food at Belliago Buffet. :cool:

[tryon4]

In response to Hoss Lass.
We asked for a plain iceburg lettuce salad and were told that they would have to go to the kitchen and it would take 10-15 minutes.
We did ask to be moved but it was very busy and we were told that they had only 4 tops available.
I complained not once but twice about the seating situation but received no satisfatory answer.
Trust me we are very easy to please. Hardly ever complain. But we were completely put off by this experience. So much so that we probably would never go back and we always give a place a second shot.
The kid next to us banging spoons was a complete distraction and the fact that the adults did nothing to stop this rude behavior was another turnoff that I am sure was not the Bellagio's fault.
The bottom line< I guess, is different strokes for different folks.

[AnnPedi614]

In response to Hoss Lass.
We asked for a plain iceburg lettuce salad and were told that they would have to go to the kitchen and it would take 10-15 minutes.
We did ask to be moved but it was very busy and we were told that they had only 4 tops available.
I complained not once but twice about the seating situation but received no satisfatory answer.
Trust me we are very easy to please. Hardly ever complain. But we were completely put off by this experience. So much so that we probably would never go back and we always give a place a second shot.
The kid next to us banging spoons was a complete distraction and the fact that the adults did nothing to stop this rude behavior was another turnoff that I am sure was not the Bellagio's fault.
The bottom line< I guess, is different strokes for different folks.

I realize we all want peace while we eat, but to blame the Bellagio because they didn't have another table to put you at is wrong. Place the blame for Joey's behavior right where it belongs, WITH THE PARENTS! As for the food, maybe it was too fancy for you, but it sounds like you enjoyed everything but the rice. Think about it, if they were charging those prices just for apple pie, guests would be outraged! The one thing that would completely tick me off is the fact they didn't bring you, your drink. There is no excuse for that. I have not tried the Bellagio Buffet for dinner as I am not really into Buffets for dinner. I want to be served, not serve myself. I don't mind for breakfast, but I do at dinner time.
Though I appreciate the info in your post, and realize that you did not enjoy your meal, I just don't see how all the blame can go to the Bellagio. The hostess and your beverage and the bland rice are about all see, that were really the Bellagio's fault. It seems to me they were trying to get you what you wanted when you asked for iceberg lettuce, you just didn't want to wait. Special orders especially at a buffet, do take time. JMO

[tryon4]

Of course it is Joey's parents fault. And I am just stating my opinion about food and service. We dine at all types of restaurants in Vegas. From hot dog at Westward Ho to Prime Rib at Sir Galahad's to 9 Fine Irishmen at NY, NY. Buufets to coffee shops. For $75.00 I want and expect a lot more than I received at Bellagio and I don't care whose "FAULT" it was. We left dissatisfied and reported such. We also report on the good.

[Steve]

In response to Hoss Lass.
We asked for a plain iceburg lettuce salad and were told that they would have to go to the kitchen and it would take 10-15 minutes.
We did ask to be moved but it was very busy and we were told that they had only 4 tops available.
I complained not once but twice about the seating situation but received no satisfatory answer.
Trust me we are very easy to please. Hardly ever complain. But we were completely put off by this experience. So much so that we probably would never go back and we always give a place a second shot.
The kid next to us banging spoons was a complete distraction and the fact that the adults did nothing to stop this rude behavior was another turnoff that I am sure was not the Bellagio's fault.
The bottom line< I guess, is different strokes for different folks.

I spoke directly to the Executive Chef at the Bellagio Buffet and he did confirm that there are lettuce wedges at the salad bar for lunch and dinner. I have made my own salad everytime we went to the buffet.

Steve

[tryon4]

See I did say don't send out the possy. I guess we hit it on a bad night. But for $73.00 for 2 there shouldn't be a bad night. If you like the Bellagio Buffet then please continue to enjoy. For us we shall continue to frequent Bally's Big Kitchen (&Serling Brunch) and Rio's World Carnival. If we all liked the same things how dull would it be. Also for a quick inexpensive buffet try the Sahara.

[cindyinnj]

We always stay at Bellagio, and of course, we go to the buffet. I always find something to eat, but I too lack a taste for some of the food there. The food I do decide to eat is excellent. My husband will eat anything and everything, so for him this buffet is paradise! There's always shrimp or freshly carved meats. I agree, the salads were a bit strange and I'm not much of a fish eater, but there was iceburg lettuce wedges there too! Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. Perhaps someday you can try it again, refuse any tables near children and enjoy all the food you like, especially their wonderfully made desserts!

[Steve]

See I did say don't send out the possy. I guess we hit it on a bad night. But for $73.00 for 2 there shouldn't be a bad night. If you like the Bellagio Buffet then please continue to enjoy. For us we shall continue to frequent Bally's Big Kitchen (&Serling Brunch) and Rio's World Carnival. If we all liked the same things how dull would it be. Also for a quick inexpensive buffet try the Sahara.


I also like the B.K.B.at Bally's and the Sterling Brunch is Eileen's and my favorite..the price just went up to $62.00 a person!

If any of my members go to the Sterling Brunch, mention the newsletter to IIario, the Maitre D at the brunch. He is a very nice person.

Steve

[ISing4UnMe]

We were escorted to our table and the hostess pointed to the buffet. No enjoy your meal just a pointed finger.
We went to the salad bar and were surprised when we couldn't get a regular dinner salad. Just some salads they I couldn't pronounce. ( I have a rule that states that if I can't pronounce it, I don't eat it.) I opted for the clam chowder. ( I should have known better when I saw they couldn't even spell CHOWDAA correctly)
Off to the buffet for the main course which I was sure would be great considering what we paid. I guess for some this type of food is OK but Wild Range Turkey and some fish I never heard of just don't cut it for me. The lamb was very good as was the roast beef. God only knows what the potatoes were but I followed rule #1 and did the same for the veg. Rice was dry.
Desserts were very upscale. What ever happened to apple pie or a brownie.
Oh yeah the drinks arrived as we prepared to leave our joyous repast.
You just can't make this stuff up.
On the way to the fountain show (which by the way is spectacular) we hit a $350.00 jackpot.
I guess for just plain folks like us the Bellagio is just a bit upscale. When I learn to eat with my pinky extended I'll return
We had a very similar experience. The buffet was not worth the price imo, and we have never gone back. Didn't like the fancy "Saddle of Boar" (code for Roast Pig), don't like cold crab legs, and the desserts were very bland. In addition, every one of us in our party had a bad bout of the runs after eating there, no joke. I guess the food was too rich for our blood. :rolleyes: Tee-hee, sorry couldn't resist.

[iam4nd]

Tryon4

Too bad you had a poor dining experience there. We've been there several times and always enjoyed it. I make it a point to try something I've never had each time and so far only the "Applewood Smoked Sturgeon" has been displeasing to my palate. Glad you posted about your not-so-good buffet. Its always good to hear different viewpoints.

[Vegas Vic]

I don't been to make this a "dump on the Bellagio" thead but I am a buffet lover and I did not think the bell's buffet was worth the cost....and not worth a wait in line. We were comped so that allowed us to skip the line.

The Wild Boar Ribs tasted like any good pork rib. The food was good but not THAT good.

We often enjoy the Orleans Buffet with a 2 for 1 out of the American Casino Guide. Using the coupon, the Bell was over 4 times the cost of the Orleans and while the food overall tasted better, it was not 4 times better.

But if cost doesn't matter and if you can skip to the front of the line, then what the heck....I would pick the Bellagio.

[Steve]

Here is a tip:
Vic mentions waiting in line...
Just ask a pit boss for a Line Pass. You have to pay but you don't have to wait in line.

At the Bellagio you can go to the Players Booth and if you have enough points, they will issue you a line pass.(The Pit Bosses can't do it at the B)

Steve

[tryon4]

Hold on just a second. Paying for a line pass just doesn't seem fair or right. :p
Now for you that like Bellagio then by all means enjoy. There is enough variety around this fabulous city we all love to please all. For the Mrs. and I we will spend our hard earned credits elsewhere.
But remember the fountais are worth the price (ha ha ).

[parisbill]

I for one think that the Bellagio Buffet is great and have enjoyed it every time.

I can appreciate thatit's simply an individual opinion but hope taht others try it and evaluate it for themselves...

[Steve]

Hold on just a second. Paying for a line pass just doesn't seem fair or right. :p
Now for you that like Bellagio then by all means enjoy. There is enough variety around this fabulous city we all love to please all. For the Mrs. and I we will spend our hard earned credits elsewhere.
But remember the fountais are worth the price (ha ha ).


When I said "PAY" I meant for the buffet, not the Line Pass.

Steve

[tryon4]

Oh that does make it different.
We eat a lot of our meals at the Excalibur because that is where we stay. We always have a line pass which is with the chit you get at the One Club Booth.

[STR8 FLUSH]

I also like the B.K.B.at Bally's and the Sterling Brunch is Eileen's and my favorite..the price just went up to $62.00 a person!

If any of my members go to the Sterling Brunch, mention the newsletter to IIario, the Maitre D at the brunch. He is a very nice person.

Steve
He may be a nice person, but I ain't paying him $62pp to be nice to me!!!:eek:

[Steve]

He may be a nice person, but I ain't paying him $62pp to be nice to me!!!:eek:


Let me say this about the Brunch. I agree the price is a bit steep but if you have ever gone there I think you will find it is worth every penny.

The average price for a gourmet restaurant in Las Vegas is now anywhere form $75 to $125 and up per person so the Brunch might even be considered a bargain :rolleyes:

Trust me, it is worth trying one time.

Steve

[paulista]

I've been to thsi buffet just once, almost 3 years ago and I still remember how much I enjoyed the cold king crab legs. I ate a LOT of them. Really a lot. So now, how much would I've spent if I had it a la carte? Not to mention I'd never order 2 or 3 portions just for myself.

[paulista]

I'd gladly pay let's say $40 for a all you can eat king crab leg, and at the Bellagio buffet I had it for much less and got as extras some wonderfull desserts

[iam4nd]

I have been told that they will heat the crablegs for you if you ask. I haven't tried personally because I usually just get a few cold ones.

[stuffarooni]

I have been told that they will heat the crablegs for you if you ask. I haven't tried personally because I usually just get a few cold ones.
Which one, iam4nd? Bellagio or Ballys Sterling?

BTW, if anyone is into champagne, I read that Ballys serves Perrier Jouet, and that stuff goes for almost $40 a bottle. I wouldn't mind having all-you-can-drink of that particular bubbly :D

[iam4nd]

Stuffarooni--- It was the Bellagio. Also I am certain that my wife had her crablegs heated for her at the MGM Grand buffet a few years ago.

[Steve]

Which one, iam4nd? Bellagio or Ballys Sterling?

BTW, if anyone is into champagne, I read that Ballys serves Perrier Jouet, and that stuff goes for almost $40 a bottle. I wouldn't mind having all-you-can-drink of that particular bubbly :D


That's one of the reasons that this Brunch is the price that it is, and it is all-you-can-drink. They will even make a Mimosa for you at the table. (Hold the O.J.)

Steve

[hhalligan]

the first time I stayed at the Bellagio while getting my players card I asked for and received a line pass. I do not believe it is a problem if you are staying at the hotel. If not i am sure they will look up your play on the computer.

[Lori R]

Sorry but I must agree with the unimpressed. I had the breakfast buffet at Bellagio a few months ago and, while I certainly got enough to eat and it was reasonably tasty, I would not go back. Aladdin and Paris are clearly superior.

[dragondoll]

To me, the Bellagio buffet is good, but not worth the price when compared to the many other better buffets around. I found the dining room to have very little ambience. It was uninteresting, noisy and crowded. The lines to get in are ridiculous. One Christmas day it must have gone as long as a mile. :eek: It seemed to have wrapped around the entire lobby. I wondered what they were giving away for free. :confused: I guess those people standing in line were gluttons for punishment. The lunch line was so long that it was probably dinnertime by the time they got in! IMO, no food, no matter how good, was worth waiting for that long. I am baffled why this restaurant buffet continues to get such high ratings. :confused: Am I missing something?

My recommendation is the Paris Buffet. First class! And if you go around
9 am for the breakfast, the lines are not at all long. Even the buffet at the Flamingo has improved tremendously over the past year. Great value, very good food, so many choices, not expensive, and best of all-tremendous ambience overlooking the bird and fish sanctuary. Just got back 10 days ago, and can not wait to visit again. :)