Las Vegas buffets are part of the appeal that comes with a visit to Las Vegas. However, since the pandemic hit, they have had to close down owing to social distancing rules, among other factors. And with Las Vegas reopening, buffets have had to change their operational strategies to not only cater to the social distancing parameters, they have to up the ante when it comes to maintaining hygiene standards.
So what is it like to eat at a Las Vegas buffet in the post-pandemic era?
1. Say Goodbye to The Salad Bar
On account of the current sanitary concern situation, most buffets will not be providing a salad bar. On the plus side, now you have an excuse not to eat greens when you go out. However, you can get a custom-made salad. But you will have to wait for it to be made by the restaurant staff in their kitchen while you wait.
2. Expect Regular Cleaning Breaks in The Buffet Area
Buffet restaurants have now introduced a mid-serving cleaning routine to reduce viruses transmission and ensure hygienic standards are met. Some intend to clean in 15 minutes intervals, while some intend to do it on an ongoing basis. It ensures that serving spoons are clean in between uses.
3. Glove Up Before Hitting the Buffet Bar
To reduce the transmission of viruses, some buffet restaurants require gloves while handling serving utensils at the serving bar. It also reduces the risk of bacteria transmission to the food.
4. Masking and Sanitizing Upon Entering the Premise Is Mandatory
It is now mandatory to wear masks indoors and to sanitize your hands before you are allowed to enter most buffet restaurants. This, coupled with cleaning measures after each table is vacated, will guarantee that you stay safe while enjoying your favorite buffet.
5. Make a Reservation to Visit Some Buffet Restaurants
Some buffet restaurants, such as Caesars’ Palace buffet, now require that you make a reservation before going to the restaurant. It helps in meal planning as well as ensuring the restaurant does not get overcrowded.
6. You Will Have to Order Some Buffet Menu Items
Cold dishes in most places are now served on an as-ordered basis to reduce exposure to pathogens while sitting out in the buffet bar. Hot foods are much easier to manage as heat naturally kills germs.
7. Social Distancing Is Still a Thing
You will be required to maintain social distance while queuing to enter the restaurant and serving at the buffet bar. Additionally, specific tables in the restaurant will be marked as “non-occupiable” spaces. This is to ensure that the restaurant meets Las Vegas restrictions regarding restaurant operations.
8. High Body Temperature Will Get You Turned Away From Some Joints
Most buffet restaurants, especially those in casinos, have installed non-invasive Thermal scanners and cameras to take the temperature of incoming guests. It ensures that people with high fevers are not admitted into the premises.
9. Eating Booths Are Now a Common Occurrence in Many Restaurants
Some restaurants are now using Plexiglass barriers between tables to maintain social distancing to ensure social distancing is met. It is common, especially in small restaurants, unwilling to give up seating space for social distancing purposes.
10. Most Buffets Are Now Closing Earlier
It gives the restaurant’s cleaning staff plenty of time to sanitize the entire restaurant before it closes. Some restaurants, such as the Bacchanal, are choosing to have different operating hours on other days of the week.
Why Do You Need To Do a Las Vegas Buffet Recon?
With the number of operations buffets now in the single digits, you will need to ensure that you find out as much as you can about their opening hours, menu, admission rules, and social distancing guidelines.
It will save you the headache of getting to a buffet only to get turned away. Not to mention hitting a famous buffet spot only to find that it is closed or no longer serving some of your favorite menu items.
