The thought of visiting casinos conjures up several stereotypes, from the glittering slot machines and bustling table games to the all-you-can buffets. This latter casino staple, most known for its cheap eats in the City of Sin, Las Vegas, the casino buffet has a home in Colorado as well.
Although you won’t wind sprawling buffets at all of Colorado’s gambling halls, there are a handful of casino restaurants with buffets to choose from. Out of the 3 casino towns in the state, only buffets can be found in Black Hawk and Cripple Creek. The casinos in Central City are without them to our knowledge.
Because these buffets are located inside the casino, you’ll need to be 21+ to dine. It’s best practice to sign up for the local casino’s awards program. This can track your time spent playing and reward you with discounts at some of these very same restaurants. Plus these free programs are free to sign up for and often required for the member pricing at most of these restaurants.
Casino parking is usually located on-site in a free parking garage.
Best Buffets in Black Hawk and Cripple Creek
To really make your Gilpin or Teller County casino day a trip to remember, be sure to do more than gamble. You can play casino games virtually anywhere, there are online casinos for that. Instead, soak in the local culture, and make sure you get a bit to eat, or two, or three. Go up as many times as you feel to the buffet.
Sometimes you’re hitting the table hard and need to fill up on all-you-can-eat grub, to soak up the free booze and slow down play. Other times it’s just fun to feel like you’re actually beating the house (in terms of money spent) by enjoying the flexible nature of restaurant buffets. Here are the best casino buffets in Colorado:
Ameristar’s Centennial Buffet – Black Hawk
Another adult-only, 21+ buffet is located at Ameristar, only steps away from the casino floor. “The world awaits” at this exceptional casino buffet in Black Hawk. It allows you to dine on fares from China to Italy. There’s also the standard American and Mexican fare you’d expect in Colorado. Last but not least is the delectable dessert bar at the Centennial Buffet.
Stations include:
- Seafood Station
- Mexican Station
- Italian Station
- Asian Station
- American Grill
- Carving Station
- Salad Bar
- Hot Bread Station
- Lavish Desserts
Reservations are not accepted, it is first come, first serve. The impressive interior has a rich mountain ambiance, with hand-hewn timbers, iron fixtures, and massive stone columns.
There is a Champagne Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. The Lunch Buffet runs from 11 am to 2 pm Wednesday to Friday. The Dinner Buffets runs Wednesday through Sunday, starting at 4 pm on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends.
111 Richman, Casino Pkwy level 1, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | 720-946-4080
Farmer’s Pick Buffet at Horseshoe – Black Hawk
The Horseshoe Black Hawk is one of the favorites in town. This massive casino features over 1100 slots and daily lunch and dinner buffets, along with weekend breakfast and brunch buffets. The Farmer’s Pick Buffet offers a huge range of food, from pizza to sushi rolls.
What’s special about the Farmer’s Pick Buffet is that it partners with the region’s growers to ensure you get the freshest fare around. There are over 60 tasty items to pick from at the buffet, including a healthy salad bar and a savory dessert bar. These locally grown ingredients make for a more nutritious and delicious meal. Products, meat, and eggs, it’s all fresh for farm-to-form dining.
The lunch buffet runs from 11 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday and it’s combined with the brunch buffet from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There’s also a Saturday and Sunday morning breakfast from 8 am to 10 pm. Dinner service from 3:30 pm to close every day of the week.
401 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | 303-998-7777
Monarch’s The Buffet – Black Hawk
Calling itself “Black Hawk’s Premier Dining Buffet”, The Buffet at Monarch Casino is a nightly can’t-miss if you’re a fan of lobster and crab. You must be 21+ to dine at this buffet. The nightly event provides Whole Main Lobster (1 per person), Snow Crab, and USDA Prime Rib. Plus a whole bunch of buffet staples.
On weekends there is a wonderful Saturday and Sunday Champagne & Mimosa Brunch.
These unique stations are ready to serve at any time:
- Asian Station
- American Station
- Southwest Station
- Seafood Station
- Live Action Station
- Dessert Station
Every Monday to Thursday from 3:30 pm to 10 pm there is a Lobster, Crab, and USDA Prime Rib Dinner. The Seafood Spectacular is held Friday and Saturday from 3:30 pm to Midnight and Sunday from 3:30 pm to 10 pm. On weekends the Champagne & Mimosa Brunch is from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
Every day enjoy All You Can Eat Crab Legs! These snow crab legs are available daily starting at 3:30 pm and all day long on weekends. To receive the best deals and member prices sign up for Monarch Rewards.
488 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | 303-582-1000
Seasons Buffet at The Lodge Casino – Black Hawk
“Your 1st choice for fun!” The Lodge Casino is a locals’ favorite with a big-sized casino, a myriad of games, and unique amenities like its attached hotel and buffet. You must be 21+ to dine at the Seasons Buffet.
Every day there is a breakfast buffet from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. On Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm there is a brunch. On weekdays Monday to Friday lunch is served from 11 am to 3 pm. The dinner buffet begins at 4 pm daily.
There are theme nights on Tuesday and Wednesday, so no crap legs. It’s best to sign up for the free membership at Guest Services to receive the member pricing here. All former and active military, as well as first responders, receive 20% off at the Seasons Buffet.
240 Main St L2, Black Hawk, CO 80422 | 303-582-6374
The Down Under Restaurant Buffet at Midnight Rose – Cripple Creek
One of three adjacent Triple Crown Casinos, the Midnight Rose boasts several one-of-a-kind highlights. It has the only poker room in Cripple Creek. It also boasts the town’s only casino buffet at The Down Under Restaurant. Touted as the “Best Fine Dining In Town”, probably gets its name from its basement location under the Midnight Rose.
This fine dining establishment is an excellent choice to make your vacation complete. Every Thursday to Sunday there is a satisfying Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet. Pair your meal with an excellent wine from a wide array of choices. Then finish with a yummy dessert. With low lighting, wooden oak floors, and historic brick walls The Down Under Restaurant exudes ambiance.
256 E Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, CO 80813 | 719-689-0303
Those are some of the best casino buffets in Black Hawk and Cripple Creek, Colorado. Bon appetite!
Colorado’s Growing Population
