[sargentodiaz]

I've been watching Golden Corral ads for years. And then, learned they built one here in Vegas. With so many buffets in the casinos, why on earth should they open a stand-alone?

Gotta admit, my first buffet was in '51 at the old Hacienda. I think it was sixty-nine cents for an all-you-could-eat dinner. And, in the 34 years I've lived here, I can't even begin to count how many I've been too. The one at the Rio several years ago was great. So was the one at the Fiesta Rancho before they changed owners.

But another? C'mon, what could they possibly do to make them more attractive than those already here?

Well, my wife and I went to the one they just opened. Raining with the line to the door – not a big deal as they don't provide much inside space for a line. They have a drinks area before you get to the cashier with over-priced products to add to the so-called reasonable price. We didn't learn until later that we learned they served coffee as part of the price.

So, was it worth it? Well, the salad bar was good and had my favorite – deviled eggs. Had a reasonable fruit section along with Chinese and Mexican food and BBQ stuff. Appeared to be the standard side dish selection and a large desert section. Quite by accident I ran into another favorite – green bean casserole. But, the biggest surprise was the steak. Not a huge piece but satisfactory. And the taste! Better than anything I've had for years. Almost as good as what they used to serve at Binion's old downstairs steak house.

It appears it will be a success for one simple reason – parents don't have to drag their kids through smoke-filled casinos with security guards glaring at them to get to the buffet.

Understand they'll be completing another in the next few months.

But, it'll be a while before we go back just because of the lines to get in.

[MSchu]

I was getting tired of seeing GC commercials and not be able to drive by and avoid the restaurant all together. Now, I get my wish.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by sargentodiaz

It appears it will be a success for one simple reason – parents don't have to drag their kids through smoke-filled casinos with security guards glaring at them to get to the buffet.

Understand they'll be completing another in the next few months.

I think you are exactly right about the appeal of a place like this in LV. The lines will go down, probably, after it's been there a while, and the other one opens. I haven't eaten in GC lately, but it's good value for the money, and, as you say, without having to deal with the "must pass through casino to get to ANY food" of the hotel casinos.

[BBMW]

In Vegas, I don't see why anyone would care about having to pass through a casino to get to a buffet.

[observer53]

Originally Posted by BBMW

In Vegas, I don't see why anyone would care about having to pass through a casino to get to a buffet.

With a bunch of kids in tow, I can certainly see it. It's a lot shorter trip from the GC parking lot into the restaurant than it is through some of the casinos. I'm not saying it would be a big deal for everyone, but focusing on the GC topic, I think it will do just fine, in part for that reason, in part because people are familiar with them from visiting them where they live, and because it's a good value for the price.

[Raiderman]

Originally Posted by BBMW

In Vegas, I don't see why anyone would care about having to pass through a casino to get to a buffet.

Because some people still bring small children to Las Vegas. I don't understand it, but they do.

[SoCalCpl2]

Not only going thru a casino but the parking for a casino then the walk to the buffet can really suck at times and different places....

And not only for the tourists, but for locals as well.. Not EVERYONE who lives in Vegas just loves to go to the casinos....

[SoCalCpl2]

Originally Posted by Raiderman

Because some people still bring small children to Las Vegas. I don't understand it, but they do.

Our grandchildren LOVE Vegas.. And why wouldn't people bring kids to Vegas.. It has other things to do than the casinos....

My grandkids LOVE Shark reef at Mandalay Bay and they think the Museum is cool too...

They also love going to the different places to eat.... And watching the attractions on the strip....

[aardogfsu]

The reason a place like this will make it in Vegas (as well as some dumpy Chinese buffets in existence) is that some people just aren't foodies or don't know how to create a good deal for themselves.

I'd rather go to Bellagio at 3:15pm and pay $22 for king crab and rack of lamb then $15 for instant mashed potatoes and a taco bar elsewhere at 5pm (I'm looking at you, Golden Coral).

You can eat quality food at great prices here in Vegas if you are smart about it.

I used to go to Terribles breakfast buffet (closed now) with a buy one get one coupon and a players card...would pay $1.99 per buffet. Typical breakfast food, nothing fancy...hot bar, cold bar...but for $1.99 you couldn't beat it.

If you want Golden Coral type food and it doesn't bother you, there are a lot of other choices in town for a way better deal.

[ElleTea]

Did you miss this very long thread?

YES its cominggggggg