Well, that's a nice easy one and, since today is the QoD writer's birthday, she's gifting herself a question with a quickie response. Don't worry, we'll return to epic next week, if not before.
The answer to your question is: Yes! We could have left it at that, but this is QoD and it's just not in our DNA to do that, even on our birthday. So we called the buffet at Bellagio, just to make sure, and the nice lady who answered the phone had a very strong accent, rendering one in three words unintelligible to us, but we got the gist, and that is that as long as they have spaces at the bar, you can walk right on up and skip the line for the tables. It's really a play for the single traveler or a couple -- it's not a huge bar by any means, so don't expect to find seats for a party of six.
However, if you are traveling with a party (or even if you aren't), Bellagio recently introduced another play, unique among Las Vegas buffets, in the form of a Chef's Table. Placing you at the heart of the action, right in the kitchen, this premium-upgrade dinner option is offered daily from 3:30 10 p.m., for $53.99 ($59.99 Fri/Sat) and not only entitles you to skip the line, but also comes with all kinds of custom extras, including a specialty menu of artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and caviar, along with tableside presentations including "live-action" salad creations, meat carvings, and a house-made chocolate fondue for dessert.
You will also find an array of seasonal fruits, house-baked breads, and canapés in the kitchen, from which to help yourself, and that's all in addition to the legendary regular spread at Bellagio, which has justifiably kept it in the upper-echelons of Las Vegas buffets, despite an onslaught of gourmet competition. Note that for an additional $11.99, all buffet guests 21+ at Bellagio may avail themselves of the unlimited-drink option, including limitless refills on margaritas, Bloody Marys, sparkling wine, or beer.
This exclusive service is available to parties of between eight and eighteen guests. Reservations are required, by emailing [email protected]. As an aside, the only other Las Vegas buffet that offers table reservations is Paris' Le Village Buffet, which offers an online booking service using OpenTable.com to assist with those pesky wait times.
Hmm, guess this didn't turn out to be so short after all.
