Did you know that buffets date back to 16th-century Scandinavia, where they were a staple at celebratory feasts? Or that the first Las Vegas buffet, in the 1940s, only cost a nickel? Whether it’s Vegas extravagance or down-home Southern comfort, this is your roadmap to 15 of the most legendary buffets in America:

The Buffet of Buffets at The Wynn Las Vegas (Las Vegas, Nevada)

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Fit for royalty (or at least high rollers), The Buffet of Buffets at The Wynn Las Vegas isn’t just a meal but an experience. This opulent spread boasts over 200 dishes, with carving stations featuring melt-in-your-mouth prime rib, a dedicated seafood bar overflowing with fresh catches, and an international selection that will have you circling the globe on your plate. Don’t forget to leave room for their legendary chocolate fountain – a true Vegas indulgence.

Golden Nugget Seafood Buffet (Las Vegas, Nevada)

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Las Vegas does buffets right, and the Golden Nugget Seafood Buffet is no exception. This haven for pescatarians offers a dazzling display of fresh-from-the-ocean delights. Dive into plates piled high with succulent shrimp, snow crab legs, and plump oysters. Don’t miss their signature cioppino, a hearty seafood stew guaranteed to warm your soul. For landlubbers, there are alternative options, but the real stars here are the creatures of the deep.

The Country Kitchen Buffet at The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

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Nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains, The Broadmoor offers a taste of luxury with a down-home twist. The Country Kitchen Buffet is a family favorite, featuring classic American comfort food done to perfection. Think fluffy pancakes with all the fixings, juicy carved meats, and a selection of down-south specialties like fried chicken and mac & cheese. The breathtaking mountain views are just the cherry on top of this all-American dining experience.

Circus Buffet at Bally’s Atlantic City (Atlantic City, New Jersey)

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Step right up for a taste of fun at the Circus Buffet at Bally’s Atlantic City! This whimsical buffet caters to families with a vibrant atmosphere and a playful theme. While the decor might be playful, the food is serious. From international favorites like sushi and pasta stations to a carving station with juicy roasts, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to visit the dessert section, a sugary wonderland filled with cakes, pies, and enough candy to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Sugarhill at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa (Tampa, Florida)

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Get ready for a Southern soiree at Sugarhill in Tampa’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This buffet pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of the American South. Spoon into bowls of creamy grits, pile your plate high with pulled pork barbecue, and remember the decadent fried chicken. For a taste of the sea, there’s also a dedicated seafood bar with fresh catches and Lowcountry boils. Leave room for a slice of their signature pecan pie – a true Southern staple.

Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace (Las Vegas, Nevada)

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Las Vegas buffets are legendary, and the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace lives up to the hype. This award-winning haven for foodies boasts over 900 menu items, offering a mind-boggling variety across nine unique kitchens. From fresh sushi prepared by skilled sushi chefs to succulent cuts of meat carved to order, Bacchanal offers a culinary adventure around the world. Cheese connoisseurs will delight in their extensive cheese selection, while chocolate lovers will find themselves drowning in a sea of decadent desserts. Prepare to be overwhelmed (in the best way possible) by the sheer abundance of culinary delights.

Feast Buffet at The International Palms Resort & Casino (Biloxi, Mississippi)

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Biloxi, Mississippi, may not be the first place that comes to mind for buffets, but the Feast Buffet at The International Palms Resort & Casino is a hidden gem. This buffet offers a delicious exploration of Southern cuisine with a Creole flair. Think shrimp and grits with a spicy kick, perfectly seasoned fried catfish, and tender, slow-cooked barbecue. Don’t miss their po’boys, a New Orleans staple featuring crusty bread piled high with savory fillings. Leave room for a slice of their homemade pecan pie – a sweet ending to a delightful Southern feast.

The Buffet at Wynn Macau (Macau, China)

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Las Vegas isn’t the only city with over-the-top buffets. The Buffet at Wynn Macau offers a taste of Vegas-style indulgence in the heart of Asia. This opulent spread boasts international cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients. From a dedicated Peking duck station to a sushi bar featuring melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, there’s a global culinary adventure waiting on every plate. Don’t forget to explore their extensive dessert selection, featuring both Western classics and Asian-inspired treats.

The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa’s Storytellers Cafe (Anaheim, California)

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Calling all Disney fans! The Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers a magical dining experience with a buffet twist. This character dining experience allows you to dine alongside beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse while enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet. The menu features classic American breakfast fare, with Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles adding a touch of Disney whimsy. It’s the perfect way to start a magical day at Disneyland.

The Crave Buffet at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (Las Vegas, Nevada)

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Las Vegas buffets cater to all tastes, and The Crave Buffet at The Cosmopolitan offers a modern take on the classic all-you-can-eat experience. This sleek and stylish buffet features a constantly changing menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Think gourmet small plates, innovative sushi creations, and carving stations with unique cuts of meat. The dessert section is a work of art featuring deconstructed classics and modern takes on sweet treats. The Crave Buffet is a sophisticated option for the discerning buffet connoisseur.

The M Buffet at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino (Las Vegas, Nevada)

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Las Vegas buffets are known for variety, and The M Buffet at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino doesn’t disappoint. This Asian-inspired buffet offers a delicious journey through the Far East. Dig into steaming plates of pad thai, savor flavorful curries, and sample an assortment of dim sum. The adventurous eater can explore exotic options like Peking duck and crispy pork belly. Don’t miss their impressive selection of noodle soups, a perfect way to warm your soul. For dessert, there’s a tempting array of Asian-inspired treats alongside classic Western favorites.

The Liberty Belle at Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)

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Dollywood is a theme park paradise that celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Smoky Mountains. The Liberty Belle continues the tradition with a down-home Southern buffet experience. This family-friendly option features all the classics – think golden fried chicken, slow-cooked pulled pork, and creamy mashed potatoes. There’s also a dedicated salad bar for the health-conscious and a tempting selection of Southern-style desserts like pecan pie and banana pudding. After a day of thrilling rides and toe-tapping music, The Liberty Belle is the perfect place to refuel with a taste of Southern comfort.

Mystic Pizza Buffet at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel (Prior Lake, Minnesota)

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Pizza may be the star of the show at Mystic Pizza Buffet at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, but that’s just the beginning. This all-you-can-eat extravaganza offers a wide selection of pizzas with unique toppings alongside classic Italian fare like pasta dishes and chicken parmesan. For those craving something different, there’s also a Mongolian grill station where you can create your own stir-fry masterpiece. Remember to save room for a slice (or two) of their delicious homemade desserts.

Four Seasons Buffet at Bally’s Eureka (Eureka, California)

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California may be known for its healthy fare, but the Four Seasons Buffet at Bally’s Eureka proves there’s room for indulgence, too. This buffet offers a delightful mix of American comfort food and Asian-inspired dishes. Think juicy carved meats, a dedicated seafood bar, and a Mongolian grill station where you can create your own personalized stir-fry. For lighter options, there’s a well-stocked salad bar and a tempting selection of sushi rolls. No matter your craving, the Four Seasons Buffet has something to satisfy.

Golden Corral (Multiple Locations)

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Golden Corral is a true American buffet institution offering a nationwide buffet experience that caters to families and budget-minded diners. While the focus here is on classic American comfort food, there’s something for everyone. They have satisfying and affordable options for all appetites, from a breakfast buffet overflowing with pancakes and bacon to a dinner spread featuring carved meats, pasta dishes, and a salad bar. Remember to visit their iconic dessert bar, a haven for cake and ice cream lovers.

Roberta Cole