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Rio Seafood Buffet- Worth it?

Discussion in 'Restaurants & Buffets' started by Steve in RI., Feb 24, 2013.

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  1. Steve in RI.

    Steve in RI. Low-Roller

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    I've been to the Carnival Buffet several times, but I've never been to this one. This is the day I'll probably be by myself and won't mind splurging as I have the TR points. Is it worth the extra cost from the regular buffet? I can eat plenty of crab and lobster, so I think I'll get my monies worth.
     
  2. chef

    chef Resident Buffetologist

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    The consensus on this board is that it is not. Our suggested plan is to go to a high-end buffet instead. There, you will find plenty of seafood choices and have a better quality meal.

    Any naysayers to this approach, please speak up.
     
  3. salukidean

    salukidean High-Roller

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    10 years ago....it was definitely worth it and more!

    After Harrahification......not worth it at all. Go to Bellagio, Wynn, or Caesars for the money.
     
  4. Viva Las Vegas

    Viva Las Vegas Elvis has left the building

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    I concur with Andy and salukidean. The quality has fallen off over the past several years. The tiny lobster offered is not great, and the crab legs are consistent with what you'll find at the Fremont seafood buffet night downtown.

    It's ok / edible and I've gone twice over the past year on points because others have wanted to go, but I prefer the Wynn or Bellagio buffets and I typically eat seafood for the main course.

    Considering you want to use points, you may want to check out the new Caesars Palace buffet to see if they offer the crab and lobster you seek. Tell the cashier (at CP or at the Rio Seafood Buffet) you want to look around and hopefully you'll find items you like at one or both.
     
  5. sybgal

    sybgal VIP Whale

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    Another vote for the new Caesars buffet...maybe a better use of your comps... may want to think of the buffet of buffets since the single price for the new buffet is steep. That way you could always get breakfast or lunch the next day. We will try Caesars on our trip next month - the word-of-mouth has been really good on the quality of the individual servings. Hope you have a great trip!!
     
  6. Steve in RI.

    Steve in RI. Low-Roller

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    With these comments in mind, maybe I'll give Ceasars or Bellagio a try. If I end up going towards the area of the Rio, I can probably get a better deal at Gold Coast or the Palms if I want to save a little.
     
  7. Starz22

    Starz22 Low-Roller

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    The Rio buffet is worth the money...Lot's of selections good tasting food. Yes the "lobster" is small...but where else are you going to get all you can eat lobster? Their sea food selection is good...not to mention all the other stations you have. I go to Vegas once a year and always make sure to eat at the Rio seafood buffet.
     
  8. jrinct1

    jrinct1 VIP Whale

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    Steve being from RI......I would strongly urge you taking the above advice and pound the seafood.
     
  9. NandJfrmNJ

    NandJfrmNJ VIP Whale

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    And if you really want to splurge and have better quality seafood, try the Sterling brunch at Bally's.
     
  10. Steve in RI.

    Steve in RI. Low-Roller

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    I've never done the Sterling Brunch. Sadly, we won't be arriving until 12:15 AM Monday Morning so that is out. I'm wondering what the current dinner price is for the Ceasars buffet? I know its 15 dollars more on the 24 pass, but found nothing on the website as to the exact cost.

    Speaking of good seafood in RI, there is a place in Charlestown called the Nordic Lodge that has all you can eat full sized lobsters on top of a lot of other great stuff. Its only open on the weekends, and closes during the winter. Its 80 dollars a person, but well worth it if you really enjoy lobster for a once in a great while splurge!
     
  11. volfaninbama

    volfaninbama High-Roller

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    With the $10 off coupon from American Casino guide almost the same price. If you like seafood this is an awesome buffet. I recommend giving it a try.
     
  12. Busyman

    Busyman VIP Whale

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    Caesars is $45.99 weekday - $50.99 weekends

    It makes the BOB pass worth it. I would spend $65 for a weekday buffet pass + premium at Caesars or $20 less for the lonesome meal.

    I don't even think it's worth it to buy an individual CET buffet with the existence of the BOB pass.

    In the DC area we have 3 Brazillian Churasscarias (like Pampas Grill) and those serve premium meats with the highest costing being about $50 pp.

    Texas De Brazil
    Chima
    Fogo De Chao
    we used to have Greenfields.

    I'd will definitely check out Caesars my next go round to see all the hubbub.
     
  13. jrinct1

    jrinct1 VIP Whale

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    Nordic ldge is up to 80 $$?? WOW. Giving the Sterling Bruncha run for the money ( PRICE WISE...........LOL).
     
  14. Steve in RI.

    Steve in RI. Low-Roller

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    I stand corrected jr1inct. Nordic Lodge was up to $85 dollars this past year! Maybe if I have a good trip in Las Vegas, I'll set some money aside for a splurge over the summer.
     
  15. hondo230

    hondo230 Tourist

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    Nordic lodge

    I'm from east coast & had heard about this place. Never considered it (I hate buffet food) until I tried Sterling @ Ballys. Then I find out that no booze is included in the price. That ended my interest in the place, along with having to go up for each individual lobster.

    On your next trip to Vegas, try to plan it so you can try the sterling brunch.
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2013
  16. T-Dubb

    T-Dubb Tourist

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    Few years ago it was ok...no hell no!! I was told try M Resort...their is alomst $30 but you also get free berre and wine with it as well...sounds worth it but I will have to admit if you want a good buffet go to one of those off strip ones....
     
  17. KBT2012

    KBT2012 High-Roller

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    I love a lot of buffets and have eaten at just about all of them on the strip many many times. I can say Rio in my opinion is one of the worst out there, it tastes like TV frozen dinners and it costs a lot of money for that.

    My top:

    1.) Caesar's Palace Baccanal Buffet
    2.) M Resort
    3.) Wicked Spoon at Cosmpolitan
    4.) Wynn Buffet
    5.) Bellagio Buffet
     
  18. bswim

    bswim High-Roller

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    I guess I'm spoiled, I catch most the fish I eat and come from a long line of fisherman in the family. Here in the NW we're pretty spoiled when it comes to seafood. A local casino serves a seafood buffet that the locals just rave about, I ate their once and haven't been back.

    I've eaten at several Vegas buffets, including the Bellagio and the only decent seafood was the crab legs. Even the previously-frozen catfish fillets I got at the Rio were worse than I get at home. Bellagio was serving up some "smoked salmon", first off it wasn't smoked, it was smoked flavored, secondly it was the palest colored farm raised salmon I've ever seen. Everything else at the buffet was really good.

    Basically what I'm getting at is, don't go to the desert and expect great seafood. There's a HUGE difference in seafood when it comes straight from the saltwater to a restaurant and when it get's frozen and shipped inland.
     
  19. Steelers7

    Steelers7 Low-Roller

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    Well, if you are using points and it's going to be a free buffet then it's probably worth it. Personally I like eating there. There is such a big variety and it's all of a seafood variety except for a small "meat" section that I never look at. If you're going to be at the Rio anyway, might as well do a flyby and see if there is enough there that you might like. I believe it opens at 4:30.
     
  20. eksantirik

    eksantirik High-Roller

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    No, it's not worth it, despite the $10 coupon I used from ACG. The lobster was a joke, I felt like it's bait & switch as I asked at the door "do you serve lobsters?". I should've went in and checked for myself. Other stuff was not good either.

    By the way, what's up with every buffet screwing up crab legs by cutting them in halves. It kills the whole crab eating experience I think. You can't get the meat as a wholesome piece. I think the more you touch meat, the less taste you get. All buffets around Seattle serve crab legs as whole. Not sure about other cities.

    By the way, I think BoB Bacchanal buffet surcharge is $15 per buffet. So, if you go to Bacchanal thrice, you'll end up paying $50+$15+$15+$15 = $95, yikes!
     
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