This Colorado Seafood Buffet Serves Crab Mountain Locals Promise Is Worth The Trip
Colorado might be landlocked, but that doesn’t stop one buffet from drawing seafood lovers with a promise of towering crab plates and unforgettable flavors.
At the Centennial Market Buffet inside Ameristar Black Hawk, the energy builds as trays pile high and diners settle in for a feast that feels almost legendary.
I went to see why locals insist the trip is worth it, and every scoop of crab made the journey feel like a delicious reward.
The Crab Leg Tower Reaches Ridiculous Heights
Forget modest seafood corners at typical buffets. Centennial Market Buffet stacks crab legs like they’re building a delicious fortress, and locals aren’t exaggerating when they call it a mountain.
The snow crab legs come out hot and fresh throughout the evening, so you’re never stuck with lukewarm leftovers.
Butter stations are conveniently placed nearby, because nobody wants to walk halfway across the restaurant with a plate full of cracked shells.
Weekend nights see the most impressive displays, when the kitchen really shows off.
Weekend-Only Hours Mean Strategic Planning Required
Planning a Tuesday dinner here? Think again. Centennial Market Buffet only opens Friday through Sunday, making it more exclusive than your average all-you-can-eat spot.
Friday service runs from 4 PM to 10 PM, Saturday stretches from 3 PM to 10 PM, while Sunday shifts earlier with hours from 11 AM to 8 PM between brunch and dinner service.
This limited schedule actually works in their favor, keeping the food quality consistently high and the kitchen staff fresh. Smart diners arrive right when doors open to beat the casino crowd.
Price Tag Reflects Premium Seafood Selection
Expect to spend roughly forty to fifty-five bucks per adult, depending on whether you visit for Sunday brunch or one of the crab-focused dinner services, which might cause sticker shock until you see what’s included. This isn’t your fifteen-dollar Chinese buffet with mystery meat.
The current dinner price includes at least one pound of crab legs along with generous access to seafood dishes like shrimp, plus prime rib, carved meats, and an impressive dessert bar that round out the offerings.
Consider it an investment in serious eating, not just a quick meal.
Mountain Location Adds Adventure to Dinner Plans
Black Hawk sits at 8,045 feet elevation, tucked into Clear Creek County’s gorgeous mountain landscape.
Getting here means navigating winding roads with spectacular views, though winter conditions can get sketchy.
The drive from Denver takes roughly an hour, making this buffet a legitimate day trip destination rather than a quick neighborhood dinner.
Many visitors combine their meal with casino gaming or exploring nearby Central City’s historic downtown. Pack layers because mountain weather changes fast.
Reviews Split Between Seafood Lovers and Critics
That 2.9-star rating from 209 reviews tells an interesting story. Some diners worship the seafood selection and leave glowing praise, while others complain about inconsistent service or crowded conditions.
Peak times on Saturday nights can mean long waits for tables and depleted food stations between refills. However, seafood enthusiasts consistently defend the crab leg quality, claiming it rivals coastal restaurants.
Your experience depends heavily on timing and expectations.
Casino Setting Provides Built-In Entertainment Package
Located on level one at 111 Richman Street, the buffet sits inside a full-service casino resort. This means you can hit the slots before dinner or catch live entertainment afterward without leaving the building.
The casino atmosphere isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it adds energy that regular restaurants lack.
Free parking and other casino amenities sweeten the deal, especially if you’re already a player rewards member. Just don’t gamble away your buffet budget first.
Locals Swear By It Despite Mixed Online Reputation
Here’s the thing about Centennial Market Buffet: people who live nearby keep coming back, which says more than any online review.
They know which nights have the best seafood, when to arrive, and what dishes to prioritize. Local recommendations carry weight because these folks have options and choose this buffet repeatedly.
They’ve figured out the system and consider the drive worthwhile, especially for special occasions or seafood cravings. Sometimes insider knowledge beats star ratings every time.