Barona has temporarily turned its buffet dining room into a smoking room during its phased reopening. Now, the buffet restaurant is being operated as a sit-down cafe with a la carte ordering.Īll the other local casinos have yet to announce reopening dates for the buffets. But on Monday, a reservations clerk said by phone that the all-you-can-eat buffet concept closed on Friday, June 5. When Viejas reopened in May, it was offering all-you-can-eat service in its 550-seat buffet on Fridays-Sundays only. (Pam Kragen / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

The exceptions, at least so far, are casinos in Jamul, Alpine and Valley Center, that are offering an all-you-can-eat menu in their reduced-capacity buffet dining rooms, but with seated table service. Most of the region’s tribal-run casinos have reopened for business in the past two weeks, but virtually all of their buffets remain closed. Some will never return, like San Diego’s 42-year-old Souplantation restaurant chain, which announced the permanent closure of its 97 restaurants in May. Roadside billboards from El Cajon to Rainbow regularly promoted endless portions of lobster tails, crab legs and prime rib at absurdly low prices.īut because buffets have been linked worldwide to coronavirus transmissions, all self-service restaurants have been closed nationwide since pandemic shutdowns began in mid-March. Went back to the RV and drove on.As competition for visitor dollars has heated up between local casinos in recent years, one of the most-popular ways the Indian-run gaming venues have built customer loyalty is their all-you-can-eat buffets. Hit a 'feature', won 10 free games and won 0.96 cents (did not cover the bet). Played slots- VERY VERY tight- saw very few winners. Had a drink ( $6.00 for a well drink including discount)) in the Lobby Bar while we played Video Poker- had appetizers which were DELICIOUS- service was excellent. The RV lot is just above the employee parking area. Did notice that the shuttles drove through the lot every 15 or so minutes. I notice that the employees did not tip the driver so I am reminded that to do so is a personal choice. Uncomfortable with 'names' being used to describe shuttle drivers- they are just doing a job like the waitress. Yes, we did 'tip' him which is our choice. Shuttle driver came immediately and we asked he come back at a certain time (which he did). Trucks (2) and buses (which left by evening) were parked on other side of street. Lot on east side of new hotel and casino is slightly sloped but our jacks got us level. Sign entering RV/Truck parking area reads '24 hour stay'.

Viejas casino buffet phone number