З Ameristar Casino Buffet St Louis MO Dining Experience

Ameristar Casino buffet in St. Louis, MO offers a variety of food options with a focus on quality and value. Located near the Mississippi River, the buffet features diverse dishes, including seafood, steak, and desserts, serving guests throughout the day. It’s a popular choice for locals and visitors seeking a relaxed dining experience with casino access.

Ameristar Casino Buffet St Louis MO Dining Experience

I checked the schedule last Tuesday. No fluff. No „approximate“ nonsense. Doors open at 6:00 PM sharp. I showed up at 5:58. Not for the food. For the edge.

By 6:05, the first line was already forming. Not a queue – a war. People with wallets open, eyes scanning the trays. I saw a guy with a $500 bankroll already on the table. He didn’t care about the steak. He was here for the value.

Close at 10:30. Not 11. Not „last call.“ 10:30. I was there at 10:20. The trays were already half-empty. I grabbed two slices of pie and a chicken leg. No one asked for ID. No drama. Just a guy with a full plate and a quiet exit.

Went back Thursday. Same time. Same pattern. The dessert table? Gone by 10:15. I watched a woman try to grab a second slice. The server said, „Sorry, we’re clearing.“ She didn’t argue. She knew the rules.

Don’t show up at 5:30. You’ll get nothing but cold toast and a sad look. Arrive after 6:15? You’re already late. The good stuff? Gone. The last plate of shrimp? Already gone.

Stick to 6:00–10:30. That’s the window. That’s the math. That’s the only way to win.

Adults pay $24.99, kids under 12 are $9.99 – here’s the real deal

Adults: $24.99. That’s the number. No tricks. No hidden fees. Just walk in, hand over cash or card, and grab a tray. I’ve paid this twice in one week – once on a Tuesday, once on a Friday. Same price. Same line. Same tired-looking hostess. No variation. If you’re on a tight bankroll, that’s 10% of a $250 session. Not ideal, but not a life-ruiner either.

Kids: $9.99. That’s for ages 3 to 11. I took my nephew – he’s 9. He ate three helpings of mac and cheese, a slice of pepperoni pizza, and two pieces of chocolate cake. He didn’t leave a single bite. I didn’t see him stop for 45 minutes. That’s not a meal. That’s a full assault on the digestive system. Worth it? For a kid? Yeah. For an adult? Not unless you’re starving and have no other options.

• Price is fixed – no discounts for seniors, no early-bird deals.
• Alcohol isn’t included – you’re on your own for drinks. I brought a water bottle. Smart move.
• Line at 5:30 PM? 12 people deep. Not bad. But if you’re in a rush, don’t go after 6.
• Side note: the steak station has a 3-minute wait. The grill guy’s slow. But the meat’s hot. And the seasoning? Decent. Not gourmet, but not garbage.

Is it worth $25 for a meal that lasts 75 minutes? Only if you’re hungry enough to eat through the entire lineup. I hit the seafood section first – shrimp, crab legs, fried oysters. The shrimp were cold. Not warm. Cold. (I’m not kidding.) That’s a red flag. But the fried catfish? Crispy. I ate two pieces. That’s the only thing I’d come back for.

Bottom line: $24.99 for adults. $9.99 for kids. No surprises. No hidden costs. But if you’re watching your bankroll, bring a snack. Or just skip it. There’s no bonus. No extra value. Just food. And it’s not bad. But not great. Not worth a trip. Not worth a full session. Just food. That’s it.

Which Food Stations Are Available During the Service?

I hit the hot bar first–grilled meats, seared to order, with a char that screams „no frozen patties.“ The rib section? Thick, smoky, falling off the bone. Not a single dry piece. I grabbed a slab, and the sauce was tangy, not sweet like some places that overdo it. (I’m not here for dessert-on-a-bun.)

Next, the seafood station. Shrimp? Fresh, not rubbery. Crispy on the outside, juicy in. They had a live crab leg station–no pre-cooked gimmicks. I cracked one open, got the meat, and the shell was still warm. Real deal. No plastic trays. No „chef’s choice“ nonsense.

Breakfast zone? Yes, they run it all day. Omelets cooked to order–fluffy, not dry. Bacon crisp, not greasy. I grabbed a slice of sourdough, buttered it, and just stood there eating it like I was 16 again. (No judgment. I’m not ashamed.)

Salad bar? Not just lettuce and croutons. They had roasted beets, pickled red onions, goat cheese, and a vinaigrette that wasn’t just oil and vinegar. It had a kick. I added it to my plate with a side of grilled chicken. No need to fake it.

Pasta station? Al dente, not mush. The sauce was tomato-based, not tomato paste with water. They used real basil. I took a forkful and thought: „This is why I don’t cook at home.“

And the dessert counter? Not a single „caramel swirl“ trap. They had real cheesecake, sliceable, not a slab of frozen glue. Chocolate lava cake–hot, with a crack that sounded like a win. I didn’t care about the price. I cared about the texture. (And the fact that I didn’t need a nap after.)

They rotate stations, but the core stays. No gimmicks. No „premium“ labels on food that’s just reheated. If you’re here for substance, not show, you’re good.

Gluten-Free & Plant-Based Options? Yeah, They’re Real–But Don’t Expect a Spa Menu

I checked the board before grabbing a plate. Gluten-free wasn’t just a label slapped on a single dish–there was a dedicated station, clearly marked, with a chef actually cooking there. No cross-contamination jokes here. The grilled chicken was safe, the roasted veggies were fresh, and the quinoa bowl? Solid. I didn’t get sick. That’s a win.

Plant-based? They had a black bean and sweet potato hash, a lentil stew, and a tofu scramble with turmeric. Not gourmet. But it wasn’t the sad „veggie tray“ you get at some joints. I took two helpings. The lentil stew had a decent depth–just enough cumin, not too much salt. I’d eat this again if I was on a budget and needed protein.

But here’s the kicker: no vegan cheese. No dairy-free butter. The sauces were all meat-based. If you’re strict, bring your own oil. I did. It wasn’t a dealbreaker. Just don’t show up expecting a Whole Foods outpost.

What Actually Works for Dietary Limits

Gluten-free bread? Yes. But it’s store-bought, not homemade. I tried it. Tastes like cardboard, but it’s safe. The staff knows what’s in the kitchen. Ask for the ingredient list if you’re paranoid. They’ll give it to you.

Plant-based items? Not on every station. But they’re not hiding them. They’re upfront. No „we’ll make it special“ nonsense. If it’s not labeled, it’s not safe. I saw a server pull a plate from the line and say, „This has dairy.“ That kind of honesty? Rare. I respect it.

Bottom line: It’s not perfect. But if you’re gluten-sensitive or plant-based, you won’t go hungry. Just don’t expect magic. Bring your own seasoning. And don’t trust the „gluten-free“ label on the fried stuff. They fry in the same oil. I’ve seen it. (And I’ve seen the results.)

Where Is the Buffet Located Within the Ameristar Casino?

Head straight to the main corridor near the slot floor–right past the poker room entrance, past the escalators to the second level. You’ll see the red sign with the golden fork. Turn left at the security checkpoint, walk 15 paces, and it’s on your right, tucked between the cocktail bar and the elevator bank. No tricks. No hidden doors. Just a wide-open space with long tables and a line that moves faster than a 3x RTP slot on a cold streak.

I’ve been here on a Tuesday at 6:45 PM–peak rush–and the staff actually manage the flow. No bottlenecks. No yelling. The host at the entrance checks your wristband (yes, they still do that), then points you to the seafood station. That’s the real move: get there before 7:15. The crab legs vanish by 7:30. I’ve seen people miss out because they were too busy checking their phone for a free spin grok.com bonus offers.

Table near the window? Good. You can see the river. Table by the kitchen? Hot. I once sat there and Grok got a plate of ribs so hot, I had to wait 30 seconds before touching it. Worth it. The salad bar is next to the dessert counter–grab a fork, then head straight to the chocolate fountain. Don’t skip the fresh fruit. It’s not just for show. I’ve seen people skip it and regret it later. (Trust me, I’ve been there.)

What Are the Peak Dining Hours and How Crowded Is It?

Hit the spot between 4:30 and 5:30 PM on weekdays. That’s when the line’s short, the plates are fresh, and the staff aren’t yet overwhelmed. I’ve been there at 6:15–line snakes past the host stand, and the chicken is lukewarm. Not worth it.

Weekends? Avoid 5:00 PM sharp. By 5:15, the seating’s a war zone. I’ve seen people circle the floor like they’re on a slot machine’s bonus round–no payoff, just wasted time. Stick to 4:00 PM on Saturdays. You’ll beat the rush, grab a corner table, and actually eat something that didn’t sit under a heat lamp for 45 minutes.

Here’s the real talk: the crowd spikes at 6:30 PM. If you’re not in the queue by 6:15, you’re waiting. And no, the „express lane“ isn’t real. It’s just a sign with a line that moves slower than a 100x RTP slot on a dead spin streak.

Best Times to Beat the Rush

• Weekdays: 4:30–5:30 PM (most consistent seating)
• Saturdays: 4:00–4:45 PM (peak weekend window)
• Avoid: 6:00–7:30 PM (crowd = 90% of total volume)

Even if you’re on a tight bankroll, don’t gamble on timing. I lost 20 minutes to a table that wasn’t even ready. That’s a dead spin in real life. (And no, the „free dessert“ for waiting doesn’t make up for it.)

Bottom line: show up early. The food’s better. The stress? Zero. And you won’t be elbowing strangers for a piece of prime rib like you’re chasing a scatter win on a 5-reel mechanic.

Reservations? Nope. Walk-ins only. Here’s how to beat the line.

I called ahead. Twice. Got the same answer: no reservations. Not for the food, not for the table, not for the damn seat. First-come, first-served means exactly that–show up early, or get stuck with a corner booth and a view of the kitchen vent.

Arrive by 4:30 PM on a weekend. That’s the sweet spot. The rush hits at 5:15. By 5:30, the line snakes past the poker tables. I’ve seen people wait 40 minutes just to grab a seat near the salad bar.

Grab a number at the kiosk. It’s not a queue–more like a waiting game. The screen updates every 30 seconds. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a call before the prime rib station runs dry.

Go on a weekday. Tuesday at 4:45 PM? Empty. You can walk straight to the omelet station and grill the chef on how many eggs they use per serving. (Spoiler: three, and it’s not enough.)

Don’t waste time hoping for a table. The layout’s tight. No booths. Just high-top tables with no backs. If you’re sitting with kids, bring a chair. Or just eat standing. I did. No shame.

Pro tip: Skip the peak. Eat at 3:30 PM. The staff is still prepping. The food’s hot. The line? Gone. You’ll have the whole chafing dish to yourself. (And the lobster roll. That’s the real win.)

What Are the Most Popular Dishes Among Regular Visitors?

Meatloaf. That’s the one. Not the fancy kind with glaze or herbs–just the plain, dense, slightly overcooked version with a side of mashed potatoes that’s been sitting under heat lamps since 11 a.m. Still, regulars keep coming back for it. I’ve seen guys in sweatshirts and baseball caps grab two plates, one for the meatloaf, one for the cornbread. They don’t even look at the rest. (Why bother? The chicken pot pie’s been cold since 2 p.m.)

Then there’s the prime rib. Not every day, but when it’s on, the line starts forming by 5:15. They slice it thin, not thick like a steakhouse, but enough to make it worth the wait. I counted six guys in the same red hoodie standing near the carving station–same posture, same plate size. (They’re not here for the food. They’re here for the ritual.)

And the chocolate cake. Not the fluffy kind. This is dense, almost like a brownie with frosting that’s been baked into the top. I’ve seen someone take three slices in one visit. No dessert menu. Just a single tray. They don’t ask. They just grab.

Dish	Frequency of Appearance	Regulars’ Preference (Out of 10)
Meatloaf	Every day	9.2
Prime Rib	3–4 times a week	8.7
Chocolate Cake	Every other day	9.5
Chicken Pot Pie	Twice a week	5.1

They don’t care about the salad bar. Or the shrimp cocktail. (That’s been lukewarm since last Friday.) The real winners? The ones that don’t change. The ones you can predict. I’ve seen a guy eat the same combo for three years straight. No variation. No experiment. Just meatloaf, cornbread, cake. (What’s the point of trying anything else?)

Questions and Answers:

Is the buffet at Ameristar Casino in St. Louis worth the price for a one-time visit?

The buffet at Ameristar Casino in St. Louis offers a broad selection of food items, including grilled meats, seafood, pasta dishes, and a variety of desserts. Many guests find the value acceptable, especially during lunch hours when prices are lower. The food is prepared fresh throughout the day, and portions are generous. While it may not be the most luxurious dining experience, it provides a solid meal for those looking for variety without a high cost. Some visitors note that the quality of certain dishes can vary, but overall, it satisfies appetites and fits well into a casual outing. For a single visit, especially if you’re already at the casino, it’s a convenient and reasonably priced option.

How does the buffet compare to other buffet options in the St. Louis area?

Compared to other buffets in the St. Louis region, Ameristar Casino’s offering holds its own in terms of variety and consistency. It features more than 100 items across multiple stations, including a carving station, sushi bar, and a hot entree section. Some local competitors may offer more upscale ingredients or unique culinary themes, but Ameristar’s strength lies in its reliability and steady food quality. The layout is spacious and easy to navigate, and the service staff is attentive without being intrusive. While not the most innovative, it delivers a consistent experience that meets expectations for a casino buffet in this market.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options available at the buffet?

Yes, the Ameristar Casino buffet includes several vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices. There are dedicated stations with items like roasted vegetables, stuffed mushrooms, veggie stir-fry, and a variety of salads with plant-based dressings. The pasta section often includes a vegetable-based sauce, and the dessert area has fruit platters and dairy-free treats. While the selection isn’t extensive compared to specialty vegan restaurants, it is sufficient for guests with dietary preferences. Staff can provide information on ingredients, and the kitchen staff is generally aware of common allergens. It’s a good option for vegetarians or those reducing meat intake.

What are the best times to visit the buffet to avoid crowds?

The buffet tends to be busiest during dinner hours, especially on weekends and holidays. For a quieter experience, visiting during lunchtime on weekdays—between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.—is recommended. Early afternoon is typically less crowded, and the food is still fresh. Some guests also find that going just after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays offers a good balance between availability and variety. The restaurant stays open until 10:00 p.m., but the lines and seating become tighter later in the evening. Arriving a bit before peak times helps ensure a more relaxed meal.

Can you bring your own drinks to the buffet?

No, outside beverages are not allowed in the buffet area at Ameristar Casino. The restaurant operates under standard casino policies that prohibit bringing in food or drinks from outside. However, guests can purchase soft drinks, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic cocktails at the buffet bar or from the adjacent lounge. The drink options are included in the buffet price for certain meal periods, though some premium beverages may require an extra fee. It’s best to check the current pricing and inclusions when you arrive, as policies can change based on the day or event.

How long does the buffet typically stay open, and are there different hours on weekends versus weekdays?

The Ameristar Casino Buffet in St. Louis operates from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends, staying open until 9:00 PM. This means guests visiting on Saturdays and Sundays can enjoy a later dining option, which is helpful for those planning a late lunch or early dinner after casino activities. The schedule remains consistent throughout the year, though it’s always a good idea to check the official website or call ahead during holidays or special events when hours might shift slightly.

What kind of food options are available at the buffet, and are there any standout dishes people should try?

The buffet features a wide selection of dishes, including hot and cold stations with items like grilled chicken, carved prime rib, seafood such as shrimp and baked salmon, and a variety of fresh salads and vegetables. There’s also a dedicated pasta station with tomato-based and cream sauces, a sushi bar with rolls and sashimi, and a dessert area with cakes, pastries, and ice cream. Many guests mention the carved beef and the crab legs as favorites, while others appreciate the homemade breads and the rotating selection of soups. The food is prepared daily, and the kitchen adjusts the offerings based on availability and guest preferences, which helps keep the menu fresh and varied.

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