З Lakeside Casino Buffet Dining Experience
Savor a variety of fresh dishes at the lakeside casino buffet, where scenic views meet flavorful meals. Enjoy seafood, grilled specialties, and desserts in a relaxed, inviting setting near the water.

Lakeside Casino Buffet Offers Diverse Culinary Choices by the Waterfront

I walked in play slots at Malina 6:45, saw the line near the seafood station, and almost turned back. But then I caught the smell – butter, garlic, charred shellfish – and knew it wasn’t a trap. The lobster roll? $24. Not cheap. But the meat was dense, sweet, and actually came in a toasted bun that didn’t fall apart. I’d take that over a free shrimp tower any day.

They don’t advertise the sushi bar, but it’s real. Not the pre-packaged kind you get at chain spots. The tuna? Sashimi-grade. I watched the chef slice it with a knife that looked like it’d seen combat. I grabbed two pieces, paid $18, and ate them standing at the counter. No table service. No nonsense. Just fish and focus.

Side note: the steak station’s ribeye? 14 oz, dry-aged, $29. I took it medium-rare, and the crust cracked like a desert. The seasoning was minimal – salt, pepper, maybe a whisper of rosemary. I don’t need a marinade. I need meat that speaks for itself. This one did.

Went back for dessert at 9:15. The chocolate fountain? Overkill. But the dark chocolate torte? That was the real win. Dense, almost bitter. I took a bite and felt my blood sugar spike. Not a bad thing. I’ve had worse moments after a 100x spin streak on a low-volatility slot.

Don’t come here if you’re on a budget. But if you’re willing to spend $70 for a meal that feels like a win, go. Just don’t expect a 20% RTP on your plate. The real payout’s in the taste.

How to Navigate the Layout for the Best Food Selection

Start at the hot station – the one with the sizzling grill and the guy flipping steaks like he’s in a fight. That’s where the real action is. I’ve seen people miss it because they went straight for the cold pasta bar, but the meat here? It’s seared to order, juicy, and the salt level? Perfect. Not too much. Not too little. Just right.

Walk past the seafood display. Skip the shrimp cocktail. The oysters are fresh, but the mussels? Overcooked. I’ve had worse, but not by much. Go left after the salad bar – past the sushi counter with the guy who barely looks up from his knife. The teriyaki glazed chicken? That’s the one. I’ve seen it go fast. It’s not a slow mover.

Head to the dessert corner last. Not because it’s weak – it’s not. But because the best stuff gets picked off. The chocolate lava cake? Still warm. The caramel flan? Smooth. But if you’re not there by 7:45 PM, it’s gone. I’ve been burned before. (You learn.)

Watch the flow. The staff moves like clockwork. If the chef at the pasta station is dumping a fresh pot, that’s your cue. That’s the best mac and cheese – creamy, cheesy, not dry. Not the one with the weird cheese blend. That’s the fake stuff. The real one? It’s the one with the golden crust.

Don’t trust the labels. The sign says “House Salad.” It’s actually the only one with real croutons. The others? Just lettuce and dressing. (I checked.)

Grab the plate with the red rim. It’s the only one that holds up under the weight. The others? They tip. I’ve lost a whole rack of ribs that way. (Not cool.)

Go early. Go hungry. And if you see a line forming at the steak station? That’s not a queue. That’s a signal. The chef’s on a roll. The meat’s hot. The sauce’s fresh. (I’ve seen the same guy work three shifts straight – he knows what he’s doing.)

Hit the line at 5:15 PM sharp – that’s when the lobster tails hit the steam table hot and the prime rib’s still got crust on it.

I clocked in at 5:17 PM last Tuesday. The line for the seafood station was already moving, but the guy behind the counter tossed me a fresh tail with a nod – not the rubbery, freezer-dried kind they serve after 7. The oysters? Still on ice, briny and tight. I grabbed two. (You don’t wait. You take.)

By 5:30, the risotto station’s got a real smell – not the fake “cheesy” bomb they douse it with later. Real Parmesan, real butter. The guy stirring it? He’s been doing it since 4:45. You can tell. The texture’s right. Not gluey. Not dry. Just… cooked.

Don’t come after 6:30. The tuna tartare’s gone cold. The truffle fries? They’re just fries with a dusting of powder. The crab cakes? They’re on the edge of drying out. I saw a guy try to grab one at 7:10. It cracked in half. (You know it was overcooked.)

Stick to 5:15 to 5:45. That’s the window. The kitchen’s fresh, the staff’s not tired yet, and the food’s not been sitting under heat lamps for two hours. You want the good stuff? You don’t wait. You show up early, grab what’s hot, and move on. That’s how you win.

Questions and Answers:

What types of food are available at the Lakeside Casino buffet?

The Lakeside Casino buffet offers a wide variety of dishes from different cuisines. There are stations for fresh seafood, including shrimp, crab, and grilled fish. A hot food section features roasted meats, pasta, and daily specials like beef stew or chicken curry. Vegetarian options include stuffed peppers, vegetable stir-fry, and a range of salads. There’s also a dessert area with cakes, fruit tarts, and ice cream. The menu changes slightly each week, Visit Malina so guests often find new items to try. All food is prepared on-site and served fresh throughout the day.

Is the buffet open all day, and what are the hours?

The buffet operates from 11:30 AM until 9:00 PM every day. It’s busiest during lunch and dinner hours, especially on weekends. Early arrivals are recommended if you want to avoid crowds. The kitchen continues preparing meals until closing, so the selection remains full and warm. Latecomers can still enjoy a good range of dishes, though some items may be limited by the end of service. The restaurant does not close early on holidays, but hours may vary slightly during special events.

How much does the buffet cost, and are there any discounts?

Regular admission to the Lakeside Casino buffet is $32 for adults and $16 for children aged 6 to 12. Seniors over 65 pay $26. Guests staying at the Lakeside Casino hotel receive a 15% discount on the buffet price. There are also occasional promotions, such as a free dessert for anyone who visits on a Tuesday. The price includes access to all food stations, drinks like water, tea, and coffee, and a choice of seating. Alcohol is not included and must be purchased separately.

Are there seating options for families or large groups?

Yes, the dining area includes tables that seat 4, 6, and 8 people. Families with children often choose the larger tables, and the staff is happy to accommodate requests for nearby seating. There are high chairs available upon request, and the layout allows easy access for strollers. The restaurant has a quiet section near the back, which is ideal for groups wanting a more relaxed atmosphere. Staff members check in regularly to ensure guests are comfortable and to refill drinks.

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