The Best Value Buffet in Las Vegas: South Point Garden Buffet Review (2026)

Published on

Las Vegas is famous for its over-the-top, wildly expensive buffets. Places like the Bacchanal Buffet or the Wicked Spoon get all the hype, but let’s be honest: leaving those buffets feeling like you actually got your money’s worth is rare.

If you are looking for serious value without sacrificing quality, you need to drive about 15 minutes south of Mandalay Bay to discover the ultimate hidden gem: The Garden Buffet at the South Point Hotel & Casino.

In this review, we dive into their legendary Prime Rib & Champagne Brunch to see if it truly holds the title of the best cheap buffet in Las Vegas.

The Prime Rib & Champagne Brunch: Unbeatable Value

Unlike the outrageously priced buffets on the Strip, the weekend Prime Rib & Champagne Brunch at South Point comes in at an incredibly reasonable $37.95 per person.

What makes this an absolute steal? Every adult entry includes two complimentary mimosas (they hand you two physical drink tickets right when you pay). If mimosas aren’t your style, they also offer bottomless drafts and $3 glasses of wine or sangria. You simply cannot find that kind of alcohol inclusion at this price point anywhere else in the city.

The Carving Station: Navigating the Prime Rib

Because it’s the namesake of the brunch, you have to start at the carving station.

TIP

Pro-Tip for the Prime Rib: The quality of your cut depends entirely on what the carver is currently slicing. If you get a slice from the very middle or end of a well-done roast, it can be tough and chewy. Do not be afraid to ask the carver for a fatty, juicy cut. When you get a fresh, well-marbled slice with a generous dollop of horseradish, the juices absolutely explode with flavor. At $38, getting high-quality prime rib is the main reason locals flock here.

The Hidden Stars: Made-to-Order Stations

While the massive buffet features the standard international, Mexican, and classic American stations, the true secret to maximizing your value at South Point lies in the made-to-order stations.

1. The Custom Omelet Station

Do not settle for the pre-made frittatas sitting under the heat lamps. Head straight to the omelet station. Manned by incredibly efficient chefs (sometimes manning up to six pans at once!), you can customize a massive, fluffy omelet packed with sausage, onions, and cheddar jack cheese. The “cheese pull” alone is worth the short wait.

2. The Mongolian Grill

Tucked away in the corner is a fully customizable Mongolian Grill. You load up a plate with fresh broccoli, bean sprouts, carrots, and pea pods, hand it to the chef, and choose your protein (chicken, beef, or shrimp). They grill it up fresh right in front of you and toss it in a savory Mongolian sauce. The portions are huge, the vegetables are fresh, and it’s easily one of the best plates in the entire buffet.

Standard Buffet Fare: Hits and Misses

Like any budget-friendly option in Las Vegas, you have to navigate the buffet strategically to find the best items:

  • The Hits: The breakfast sausage has a great char, the pork hash is incredibly flavorful with cabbage and onions, and the classic peel-and-eat shrimp cocktail is a quintessential Vegas buffet staple that they do very well.
  • The Misses: Skip the standard pancakes (they lack that buttermilk fluffiness) and the pre-made hash browns can be a bit greasy. Stick to the made-to-order stations for your breakfast fix!

Is the South Point Buffet Worth It?

If you are a massive eater who demands Wagyu beef and crab legs, you might prefer the premium Strip buffets. However, if you are looking for the absolute best price-to-food ratio in Las Vegas, the Garden Buffet is a 10/10 recommendation.

The South Point Hotel is known for catering to locals, which means the prices have to be fair and the quality has to be consistent.

Garden Buffet Pricing & Hours (2026):

TIP

Note: Joining the free Player’s Club saves you $3-$5 per person, and one card covers two adults!

  • Monday - Friday Breakfast (7am-10am): $19.95 Regular | $16.95 Club Member (Includes Two Bloody Marys)
  • Monday - Friday Lunch (Mon-Thu 11am-3pm, Fri 11am-2pm): $26.95 Regular | $22.95 Club Member
  • Saturday - Thursday Prime Rib Dinner (4pm-9pm): $37.95 Regular | $32.95 Club Member (Featuring Peel & Eat Shrimp)
  • Friday Seafood Night (3pm-9pm): $57.95 Regular | $52.95 Club Member (Includes Prime Rib, Two Glasses of Wine, Red Sangria or Draft Beer)
  • Weekend Prime Rib & Champagne Brunch (Sat & Sun 8am-3pm): $37.95 Regular | $32.95 Club Member (Includes Two Mimosas)

Kids Pricing: Children 3 years and under eat for FREE. Children between 4 to 8 years eat for half price.

If you have a rental car or don’t mind a quick Uber ride south of the Strip, the South Point Garden Buffet is an absolute must-visit for budget-conscious foodies.