MGM Resorts International announced in March 2020 that it would temporarily close its buffets, including the Aria buffet. The closure also affected other resorts and hotels, including the Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, and MGM Grand. Management noted that the move was short-term, and buffets would be evaluated weekly to assess their opening.
Sadly, the Buffet at Aria did not reopen after this initial closure. Other resorts, including Bellagio, Luxor, Excalibur, and MGM Grand, are now open and feature some of the best buffets Vegas has to offer. The once popular spot for free drinks will no longer serve the residents or the ever-growing buffet-loving tourists.
Why is Aria Buffet Closed?
The Aria Buffet closed down due to some shakeup in the Aria Hotel by the management. The buffet closure happened almost the same time new restaurants like the Din Tai Fung and Salt & Ivy Café came into the building. Speculation suggests it closed down to open up room for new and more exciting options, but the MGM Resorts International management hasn’t commented on the matter.
Despite its average selections, the Aria buffet was a beloved venue for most Vegas guests and residents. Complimentary beer and wine were offered before the Corona Virus pandemic, and lots of diners started visiting less frequently when the offer got pulled down. The shortage of customers may be attributed to the pandemic, the less frequent offers, and the regular menu that only served classics.
Despite this, Aria Buffet is permanently closed and won’t be opening in any other venue. The sign has been removed from the venue, and we are yet to see which restaurant replaces it.
At the moment, Aria Hotel offers exciting brunch options with no buffet from Bardot Brasserie and Lemongrass. Brunch at Bardot is on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, where you can feast on sweet and savory dishes. Lemongrass, on the other hand, is open from Friday to Sunday between 11 am and 3 pm. Try their shrimp pad Thai and the beloved Singapore noodles.
Also Read: Best Restaurants in Aria Las Vegas
Aria Buffet: Menu, Prices, Directions
- Address: Aria Hotel, 3730 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89158
- Phone: 702 590 8638
- Dress code: Casual
The Buffet at Aria was located on the second-floor Promenade, right next to Herringbone. Stay on the left-hand walkway if you are headed from the casino floor. Stop once you get to Optica and locate the escalators that will take you to the second-floor Promenade. You can proceed to find Herringbone and go from there or keep to the right-hand walkway and take a left when you see the Buffet sign.
Aria Buffet was a walk-in where you could not make reservations, and the various menu items were only available at select times. For example, the assorted crab legs could only be feasted upon between 3 pm and 10 pm daily.
Located on the pool level, The Buffet featured various live-action cooking stations where you could get a sizeable selection of seafood and other items. The all-you-can-eat style was one of the most beloved in Vegas due to its affordable prices and long history in the region.
Like most buffets in Vegas, the eating duration was limited to two hours, and it could include both brunch and dinner so long as the time was not exceeded. Some of their stations included:
- Asian Station – Featured authentic dishes from Asian countries like China, Japan, and Thailand.
- Mediterranean – North Africa and Middle Eastern foods graced this menu with healthy dishes that included vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
- Carvery – This station was where you could find meats (slow-roasted, smoked, or grilled).
- Sweets and Salads – There was a station for making your own salad and other vegetable foods, including baked potatoes. Sweets were in plenty, from fresh daily products to cakes and candies.
- Italian and pizza – The two stations came with Italian staples like plates of pasta, cheeses, authentic pizza, and gluten-free options.
Prices & Hours
| Hours | Prices | |
| Breakfast | Mon-Fri 7am – 9am | $29.99 |
| Brunch | Sat-Sun 7am – 3pm | $35.99 |
| Lunch | Mon-Fri 11am – 3pm | $29.99 |
| Gourmet Dinner | Fri-Sun 3pm – 10pm | $45.99 |
| Dinner | Mon-Thu 3pm – 10pm | $40.99 |
| All Day Pass | Mon-Fri | $60 |
| Two hours of bottomless drink pass, $19.99 | ||
Other Closed Buffet:
Final Thoughts
You won’t fall out of luck when looking for a buffet in Vegas, the city is largely visited because of them. Some of the open buffets on the Vegas Strip include Wynn Buffet, MGM Grand, Bellagio, Luxor and Excalibur buffet, Wicked Spoon, Bacchanal Buffet, Circus Circus Buffet, and South Point Buffet.
For those looking for options off the Strip, then your choices are Westgate Buffet, Palms A.Y.C.E. Buffet, and the Main Street Station Buffet in Garden Court.