Atlantic City’s high-end buffets offer a flavor for every taste
By Alyson Boxman Levine
Whether you call them smorgasbords or buffets, the allure of endless displays of delicious food appeals to everyone. Forget the long lines and trays of cold chicken and pizza; the buffets of today are truly gourmet and offer high-end services only a casino dining establishment can offer. From locally-sourced foods, to wine kiosks and award-winning chefs, Atlantic City casino buffets are truly a cut above the rest.
So how did the great idea of buffets come about anyway? Well, according to historians, Sweden and France were the first countries to formalize the buffet concept. In Sweden, the smorgasbord originated as a way to feed hungry out-of-town visitors who popped in unexpectedly. Starting with just bread and butter—the term translates as “buttered bread board”—the smorgasbord display grew to include several courses, beginning with salted fish, eggs and boiled vegetables, then moving on to cold cuts, warm entrees and salads, and ending finally with dessert and coffee. With a focus on entertaining rather than cooking, the French offered a more refined model, filling their lavish “buffet” tables as a sign of prominence.
When it comes to gaming establishments, the man credited with creating the first all-you-can-eat casino buffet was Canadian-born Herb McDonald. In the 1940s, McDonald worked as a publicist at the El Rancho Vegas, one of the first hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. According to historical accounts, late one night he wandered into the kitchen, brought out some cold cuts, cheese and bread, and spread them out along the bar for hungry customers. The late-night selection was a hit, and McDonald eventually evolved the menu into a 24-hour all-you-can-eat “Buckaroo Buffet.” For just $1, people could choose from a selection of cold cuts, salad, and seafood. Unfortunately, the hotel lost money on its buffet, but gained it back by promoting customer loyalty and enticing new patrons. Soon after, other casinos along the Strip were copying the idea, until nearly every hotel had their own version of the “midnight buffet.” Presently, these all-hours establishments are still a big draw throughout Las Vegas, and range from the inexpensive to the incredibly lavish.
Offering plenty of food variety at a reasonable price, buffets are still gaining in popularity today. These establishments afford people the opportunity to try new types of food they would not typically order from a menu in a traditional restaurant. For many, buffet eating is a science all its own. Some patrons go straight for their favorites; crab legs and prime rib. Others opt for the traditional meal; first starting with a soup or salad, then their entrée with vegetables, followed by dessert. And I’ve seen others go straight for the dessert area, and begin their meal with a sweet treat. One thing is for certain; there are no rules when dining at a buffet. Simply relax and enjoy the bevy of offerings before you.
One of the Atlantic City area’s top buffets is the Waterfront Buffet at Harrah’s Resort. Featuring nine diverse food stations, guests relish in a seemingly-endless selection of delights from across the globe. The Waterfront focuses on fresh ingredients and offers made-to-order dishes such as steaks, custom salads and fried chicken, as well as plenty of dishes with an international flair. From a beautiful hand-rolled sushi station to Mongolian barbecue and steamed mussels, you just may not have room for their delectable desserts.
Borgata Buffet
Bring your appetite to the Borgata and feast at an award-winning restaurant. Named Best Buffet in Atlantic City by The Star-Ledger, Borgata Buffet offers the best of the best: a wide variety of food to fit your style, prompt attention and service, and most importantly, time well spent. Located on the casino floor, Borgata Buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and was designed to reflect an old-world Italian feel. Chat with the chefs while they carve BBQ ribs, or create a bowl of pasta on the spot. Hot or cold, simple or exotic, there’s something for every craving. And if you have a fetish for freshness, ingredients come straight from local Garden State farms for a salad bar par none using the best of seasonal New Jersey produce. An array of mouth-watering desserts by former White House pastry chef, Thaddeus DuBois, will delight every sweet tooth.
Bringing more than 20 years of experience to Borgata’s award-winning culinary program, Chef Biglan oversees the buffet. In his role as Executive Chef, Biglan also oversees in-room dining and catering programs for both the AAA Four-Diamond Borgata and The Water Club hotels, as well as the property’s talented team of chefs and culinary personnel.
At the Golden Nugget, visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat action. Their well-stocked buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but go on Friday for their special seafood buffet. Indulge in unlimited crab legs, clams, and mussels, along with their regular favorites; kielbasa with onions and peppers, roast turkey with gravy and stuffing, mashed potatoes, and Osso Buco. The chefs use top meats and seafood and -- to maintain maximum freshness -- cook many of the dishes in small batches. Build your own sandwich from piles of cold cuts, or create the sundae of your dreams at the frozen yogurt machine. Whether grabbing a quick lunch with the family or settling in for an epic meal, this location certainly makes the short list.
If you’re at the Tropicana, the Fiesta Buffet will impress with an endless array of selections and a stellar view of the beach and boardwalk. This surf and turf buffet caters to carnivores, with seafood delights such as snow crab legs, shrimp, and fresh fish and turf specialties that include hand-carved beef, meatballs, chicken, and more. Enjoy all you can eat seafood specials featuring a multitude of selections from the American, Asian, Italian, and hand-carved beef stations.
A favorite of locals and visitors alike is the buffet at Caesars Atlantic City. Superb seafood, decadent desserts, a fresh salad bar, stone-fired pizza, a self-serve wine station, impressive seasonal selections, and plenty of international cuisine; the Palace Court Buffet has it all. Pile your plate high with grilled swordfish, beef fillets, lasagna, oysters, crab, and much more. As an added bonus, check out the DIY Bloody Mary bar, a self-serve wine kiosk, seasonal food, and an ever-changing menu.
The restaurant was recently expanded to approximately 7,500 square feet, with seating for 350 guests in a warm, modern design. There are intimate tables, large tables for parties, and high-top bar seating in the center to add a hip flare to the space. The buffet is set up in stations so that guests need not stand in a long line.
These decadent buffets offer boundless options to perfectly match any appetite. So, whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a delicious meal awaits. Now comes the difficult decision … deciding which one to choose. Bon appetit!
