You’ve finally made it to Las Vegas, with all its glitz and glam!  You may have spent a pretty penny for your flight, hotel and even your pass to ASW can add up.  Now you are looking to stay on a budget for the rest of your trip – meals included!

While buffets can be appealing at times because of their quantity of food, often times the quality is lacking.  If you are like me, buffets always seem a little daunting.  So, I’m going to give you a couple options for staying on a budget and eating food that has both quantity and quality.

Serendipity 3

Location:  Just outside of Ceasar’s Palace
Price: $$
Food Type:  Known for its huge portions, Serendipity 3 is a perfect place to split a meal with someone.  Plus, they have frozen hot chocolate (wrap your head around that!)

Mon Ami Gabi

Location: At the base of the Paris Hotel
Price:  $$
Food Type:  Classic French Bistro with a beautiful view of the Bellagio fountains.  Dinner tends to be a little more pricey, but breakfast and lunch are very reasonably priced!

The Cheesecake Factory

Location:  Caesars Palace Forum Shops
Price:  $$
Food Type:  American food, something for everyone on the menu.  Yes, these restaurants are all over the US, BUT they are affordable, tasty and you could even split your entree and get a cheesecake for dessert.  Sounds like a plan to me!

In-N-Out Burger

Location: 4888 Dean Martin Dr, Las Vegas, NV (closest to the strip)
Price:  $
Food Type:  Fast food burgers, but the best burgers around!  It has been a company favorite whenever we head to Las Vegas. 

Earl of Sandwich

Location:  Planet Hollywood
Price:  $
Food Type:  The World’s Greatest Hot Sandwich – healthier than an in-n-out burger and within walking distance. 

Other Budget-friendly Tips:

• Bring your own snacks – even buying snacks can eat away at your budget.  So, bring some small snacks from home to carry with you.
• Bring a water bottle!  Water can be expensive, but bring a water bottle that you can refill and it will save you from spending too much to just stay hydrated.
• Buy groceries – there aren’t any grocery stores on the strip, but you can take a cab or bus to one and it will save you big time if you make your own food a couple nights.
• There are plenty of fast food joints around – not the healthiest choice, but definitely cheaper than most restaurants on the strip!
• Take leftovers home and store in your mini fridge for later.  Don’t waste good food!
• Don’t gamble away your food money!  Make sure if you want to gamble, that you factor that into your budget!
• Look out for coupons…I’m partially dutch, so even when going on vacation or to conferences, I’m always on the lookout for coupons that could save me lots of money.
• Finally, think about eating your dinners during “happy hour.”  You’ll get the discounted price and not have to fight the crowds that usually appear during prime dinner hours.