As traditional buffets yield to food halls, a few diehards remain. Rampart Casino’s is terrific.
So many things we’ve loved about Las Vegas have been disappearing. From free parking and generous comps to lounge acts and themed attractions. One of the biggest offenders has been the loss of the iconic value-priced buffet. Once there were dozens, but the number has dwindled to a pitiful few.
Of the remaining buffets, most are located within high-end casinos on the Strip. Consequently, they tend to be extremely expensive. The Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace ranges from a $64.99 brunch to $79.99 at dinner. The Buffet at Wynn tops out at $74.99, and Cosmopolitan‘s brunch-only Wicked Spoon can be as high as $62 with an additional $35 upcharge to move to the front of the line.
Head off-Strip and you’ll find the type of buffets that are much more reasonable. South Point‘s Garden Buffet is immensely popular with visitors and residents, while A.Y.C.E. at Palms Casino has made a name for itself thanks to all-you-can-eat lobster on Wednesday and Thursday.
In the northwest corner of the valley, Rampart Casino offers Market Place Buffet, a surprisingly affordable take on the Vegas mainstay. Bright, cheery, and comfortable, Market Place Buffet features several “culinary action stations”, with food prepared continually before your eyes. There’s outdoor patio seating (in season) so you can enjoy your meal while taking in Rampart’s meticulously kept grounds.
Vegas 411 visited Market Place recently for a Thursday lunch. Arriving shortly after the 11 am opening, the buffet had a short line that moved quickly. Priced at $20.99 with a $3.00 discount for designated levels of the Rampart players program, the meal was every bit as good as the now-defunct Feast Buffet at Station Casinos.
Market Place Buffet is divided into sections that make selection easy. FARMSTAND features a wide variety of prepared salads, along with fresh fruits, vegetables, and toppings to make your own taste-tempting creations. There are three hearty soups to choose from, with more in the GLOBAL station.
On the far left of the buffet, GLOBAL focuses on eastern-hemisphere favorites. Asian dishes like orange chicken, lo mein, spicy tofu, chicken curry, and a few seafood selections are colorful, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying for an afternoon splurge.
Head over to EURO for a wide selection of pizzas, pasta, Greek and antipasto salads, and more.
CARVERY is your all-American stop for meats and vegetables. Rotisserie chicken, prime rib, roast pork, Italian sausage, and others are sliced just for you. A few surprises included ballpark-style hot dogs topped with slaw, and sweet potato fries.
Our final stop on the Market Place Buffet tour is THE SWEET SHOPPE. Cakes, cookies, and other baked goods are served directly from Rampart’s bakery. Soft-serve frozen dessert is nestled alongside a gelato station, spooned out by an attendant. You can also request a slice of one of their many specialty pies.
The dining area at Market Place Buffet is spacious, comfortable, and very clean. Service is rapid, attentive, and friendly.
The prices at Market Place Buffet depend on the day and time. There are a few themed evenings that affect the cost. Hours and prices at the time of this publication are shown below…and subject to change.
Rampart Casino is located at The Resort at Summerlin, adjacent to JW Marriott at 221 North Rampart Boulevard in northwest Las Vegas. For full details on the resort, visit their website here.
