When you're spending a day at the slots or poker tables in San Diego County, a great buffet can make the experience. We've tried them all, from massive seafood spreads to comfort food stations, to help you find the perfect spot to refuel without leaving the casino floor.
Where to Find the Top Casino Buffets
San Diego's tribal casinos invest heavily in their dining, and the buffets are competitive. You'll find everything from prime rib to sushi, often with player rewards that make meals even cheaper.
Sycuan Casino Resort: The Feast Buffet
The Feast Buffet at Sycuan is a local favorite, featuring a Mongolian grill, a sushi bar staffed by a chef, and a dessert station with fresh crepes. Dinner costs $34.99 and includes crab legs on Fridays. Sycuan's players club members get 10% off, and you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, or cash.
Barona Resort & Casino: Oak Canyon Buffet
Oak Canyon Buffet is known for its high-quality prime rib and themed nights, like Italian on Tuesdays. Dinner runs $39.99, but Barona's players club often offers comps based on your slot play. They're open from 11 AM to 9 PM, and they accept all major credit cards.
Viejas Casino & Resort: The Buffet
Viejas focuses on fresh, local ingredients with a carving station and live pasta cooking. Their weekend champagne brunch is $32.99 and runs until 3 PM. Use your Viejas Rewards card for discounts, and pay with PayPal at the kiosks, or with Visa and Mastercard directly.
Valley View Casino & Hotel: The Buffet
Valley View offers solid value at $29.99 for dinner, featuring a build-your-own taco bar and American classics. Show your Valley View Rewards card for a $5 discount. Hours are 10 AM to 9 PM, and they take cash or credit.
Maximizing Your Buffet Experience
Always sign up for the free players club card before you eat—it'll often knock a few dollars off your bill. Weekends are busier but may have better selections like seafood. Most buffets here don't require reservations, but going early avoids the rush. Remember, you must be 21 or older to enter any casino dining area in California.
FAQ
Do casino buffets in San Diego offer discounts for seniors or military?
Yes, several do. For instance, Barona often has senior discounts on weekdays, and Sycuan sometimes offers military discounts. It's best to check directly with the casino's players club for current promotions.
What's the best time to go to avoid long lines?
Aim for weekdays, right when they open for lunch at 11 AM or before the dinner rush at 5 PM. Friday and Saturday nights see the longest waits, sometimes over an hour, especially during seafood specials.
Can I get a comped buffet meal from gambling?
Absolutely. If you're playing slots or table games, use your players club card. Casinos like Barona and Viejas regularly offer free buffet vouchers as rewards once you accumulate enough points. Even a couple hours of slot play can earn you a meal.
Are there any buffets with all-you-can-drink options?
Viejas Casino includes champagne with their weekend brunch buffet. Most others offer soda and coffee as part of the price, but alcoholic drinks are typically an extra cost, charged to your tab separately.