7 Colorado Buffets That Miss The Mark (And 7 That Totally Impress)

Colorado’s buffet landscape is full of surprises. Some spots leave you wishing you’d eaten elsewhere, while others deliver way more than you’d expect for the price.

If you’re chasing variety or simply looking to get the most bang for your buck, knowing where to go makes all the difference.

I’ve done the legwork to bring you the hits and misses of the state’s all-you-can-eat dining scene, so your appetite (and your wallet) stay satisfied.

1. Garden of the Gods Resort Buffet (Colorado Springs)

Garden of the Gods Resort Buffet (Colorado Springs)
© Garden of the Gods Resort & Club

Stunning views can’t mask the chaos happening inside. Orders regularly vanish into thin air while guests awkwardly wait, wondering if their food will ever arrive.

The mediocre offerings hardly justify the premium pricing, with lukewarm stations and picked-over selections becoming the norm during peak hours.

Even the dessert section, which should be a highlight, falls flat with stale pastries.

2. Flying Horse Lodge Buffet (Colorado Springs)

Flying Horse Lodge Buffet (Colorado Springs)
© Tripadvisor

Wallet-draining prices lead to sky-high expectations that crash back to earth upon first bite. The elegant surroundings promise luxury, but the food delivers mediocrity.

Last summer, I splurged on their Sunday brunch expecting a memorable meal, but found myself picking at bland eggs and tepid pancakes.

For $50+ per person, you deserve more than cafeteria-quality fare dressed up on fancy platters.

3. King Buffet (Colorado Springs / Arvada)

King Buffet (Colorado Springs / Arvada)
© kingbuffetcolorado.com

Mystery meat Monday might as well be every day at this neighborhood staple. The sushi section sits under harsh lighting, revealing colors not found in nature.

Smart diners head straight for the Mongolian grill, where you can at least witness your food being cooked.

The hot food stations offer a game of temperature roulette – some items practically volcanic, others suspiciously cold in the center.

4. Ultimate Buffet (Colorado Springs)

Ultimate Buffet (Colorado Springs)
© Tripadvisor

Aptly named if your ultimate goal is quantity over quality. The sprawling food stations create an impressive first impression until you actually sample the offerings.

I’ve visited three times over the past year, experiencing everything from surprisingly decent stir-fry to mystery meat swimming in congealed sauce.

The dessert station consistently disappoints with artificially flavored puddings and stale cookies that could double as hockey pucks.

5. Monarch Casino “The Buffet” (Black Hawk)

Monarch Casino
© OpenTable

Casino buffets should hit the jackpot on flavor, but this one gambles away its potential. The glitzy surroundings create expectations the food simply can’t cash out on.

At nearly $60 per person, you’ll find yourself mentally calculating cost versus satisfaction with each bite. The prime rib station occasionally delivers a winning hand, but most offerings fall into the category of forgettable casino fare.

6. Cinzetti’s Buffet (Northglenn) – The Disappointment

Cinzetti's Buffet (Northglenn) - The Disappointment
© Tripadvisor

National recognition doesn’t always translate to exceptional dining. While the Italian-themed marketplace atmosphere charms first-timers, repeat visitors notice the corners being cut.

The pasta station, once a highlight, now serves noodles that would make an Italian grandmother weep. Their pizza, while abundant, features doughy crusts that never quite achieve that perfect crispness.

For the price point, it’s adequate but falls short of the culinary adventure promised.

7. Casa Bonita (Lakewood)

Casa Bonita (Lakewood)
© NPR

South Park fans flock here for nostalgia, not nutrition. The infamous cliff divers and Black Bart’s Cave create memories that thankfully overshadow the food quality.

Recently reopened under new ownership, the menu has improved, but still remains secondary to the entertainment value. The all-you-can-eat format delivers predictable Tex-Mex fare that’s serviceable at best.

Come for the spectacle, adjust your culinary expectations accordingly.

8. Cinzetti’s Italian Buffet (Northglenn) – The Winner

Cinzetti's Italian Buffet (Northglenn) - The Winner
© 9News

Reader’s Digest crowned this spot “Colorado’s best all-you-can-eat buffet” for good reason. The sprawling marketplace concept transports you straight to Italy without the airfare.

Fresh pasta prepared before your eyes creates theater and flavor in equal measure. The pizza station pulls perfectly crisp pies from wood-fired ovens continuously.

After sampling from 14 distinct food stations, save room for their legendary gelato bar featuring 16 handcrafted flavors.

9. Broadmoor Brunch Buffet (Colorado Springs)

Broadmoor Brunch Buffet (Colorado Springs)
© Denv.Her.

The granddaddy of Colorado buffets delivers a champagne experience worth every penny of its $105 price tag. Ice sculptures frame towers of fresh seafood while white-gloved carvers stand ready at prime rib stations.

My anniversary celebration here last spring became a three-hour affair as we sampled our way through dozens of impeccable offerings.

The pastry section alone features over 20 handcrafted delights from the hotel’s dedicated pastry kitchen. Pure indulgence.

10. Safta Brunch Buffet (Denver, RiNo)

Safta Brunch Buffet (Denver, RiNo)
© The Denver Post

Middle Eastern flavors get the all-you-can-eat treatment at this RiNo gem. Chef Alon Shaya’s Israeli-inspired spread transforms the typical brunch buffet into a culinary journey.

Crispy latkes, tender roasted lamb, and the fluffiest pita bread this side of Tel Aviv create a feast worth scheduling your weekend around.

The hummus station alone, with its variety of toppings and perfectly smooth texture, would justify the price.

11. Seasons Buffet at Lodge Casino (Black Hawk)

Seasons Buffet at Lodge Casino (Black Hawk)
© Tripadvisor

Casino buffets often disappoint, but Seasons breaks the mold with surprisingly excellent fare at reasonable prices. Their daily brunch spread features comfort food done right – no sad, rubbery eggs here.

The made-to-order waffle station steals the show with perfectly crisp exteriors giving way to fluffy centers. Generous biscuits smothered in peppery gravy could satisfy even the hungriest gambler.

Best of all, champagne flows freely without breaking the bank.

12. Simm’s Steakhouse Brunch Buffet (Lakewood)

Simm's Steakhouse Brunch Buffet (Lakewood)
© Simms Steakhouse

Sunday mornings call for celebration at this carnivore’s paradise. The $45 price point delivers exceptional value considering the premium offerings anchored by a prime rib carving station.

The seafood selection shines with plump shrimp and smoked salmon that would satisfy at twice the price. My father-in-law, a notorious buffet critic, actually went back for thirds on their made-to-order eggs Benedict.

Their pastry chef deserves special recognition for croissants that rival any French bakery.

13. ViewHouse Centennial Brunch (Centennial)

ViewHouse Centennial Brunch (Centennial)
© theviewhouse

Brunch with a view takes on new meaning at this suburban standout. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame mountain vistas while you load your plate with unexpected luxury items.

Baby back ribs rarely make brunch appearances, but they’re a smoky highlight here alongside traditional morning fare. The mimosa towers, literally towers of champagne and juice mixers brought to your table, turn Sunday brunch into a proper celebration.

Reservations are essential as locals pack this place weekly.

14. Yak & Yeti Lunch Buffet (Multiple Denver locations)

Yak & Yeti Lunch Buffet (Multiple Denver locations)
© yakandyeti

Size isn’t everything at this beloved local chain, where quality decisively trumps quantity. The modest-looking buffet stations hide culinary treasures that have Denver foodies singing praises.

The butter chicken achieves that perfect balance of rich creaminess and subtle spice that keeps you coming back for more. Freshly baked naan arrives at your table in steady succession, perfect for scooping up exceptional curries.

Even the vegetable dishes receive the same careful attention as meat options.