Enjoy a festive Thanksgiving buffet at Ameristar Casino featuring classic holiday dishes, savory turkey, seasonal sides, and a variety of desserts. Located in a welcoming setting, the event offers a relaxed atmosphere for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Ameristar Casino Thanksgiving Buffet Experience

I walked in at 11:15 a.m. and the line was already snaking past the slot floor. No joke. They weren’t taking reservations. Just a clipboard, a clipboard, and a guy in a red apron yelling “Next!” like it was Black Friday. I had a 30-minute window before my bankroll got eaten by the 300% wagering on the new 3-reel retro slot upstairs. So I cut through the chaos. No small talk. No “how’s your day?” – just eyes on the food.

There were 17 stations. Not 15. Not 18. Seventeen. Turkey – dark meat only, no white – carved at the table. I grabbed a drumstick, cracked the bone, pulled out the meat. It was dry. But the gravy? Thick, brown, and spiked with sage. Not the fake “canned” kind. Real. The kind your grandma would’ve used if she wasn’t allergic to dairy. I took a spoonful. (Okay, two.) It wasn’t perfect. But it was there.

They had a whole station for desserts. Not just pumpkin pie. A whole damn pie wall. Key lime, pecan, apple – all baked that morning. I grabbed a slice of the apple. The crust? Flaky. The filling? Tart. Not sweet enough to make your teeth hurt. (I mean, it’s Thanksgiving. You don’t need sugar shock.) I saw someone take two slices. I didn’t judge. I was already on my third helping of stuffing.

They didn’t have a single “buffet” sign. No flashing lights. No music. Just people moving. No kids screaming. No loudspeaker announcements. It felt like a family dinner that never ended. The staff? Efficient. Not friendly. Not cold. Just… doing their job. One guy refilled water glasses without being asked. Another wiped the table after I left. No “thank you” needed. Just action.

Price? $59.99. That’s for the full spread. I paid with cash. No card. No digital. I wanted to feel the weight of it. And I did. I didn’t regret it. Not even after the third slice of pie. The RTP on this meal? High. The volatility? Medium. But the max win? A full belly. And that’s rare.

What to Expect: Menu Highlights and Serving Times

I hit the doors at 12:30 PM sharp. No line. That’s the first win. The turkey’s already carved–thick slices, dark meat with crisp skin, not one dry drumstick in sight. I grabbed two plates. One for the bird, one for the mashed potatoes–creamy, with real butter, not that powdered sludge they serve at half the places. I swear, the gravy’s made from scratch. You can taste the drippings.

Side dishes? The green bean casserole’s got real mushrooms, not canned. The stuffing’s got sage, not just salt and bread. And the sweet potatoes? Smoked maple glaze. Not too sweet. Just enough to make you pause mid-bite. (I took a second plate. No shame.)

Vegetables are roasted, not boiled. Carrots with a hint of thyme. Brussels sprouts with bacon. I didn’t expect that. But I’m not complaining. The cranberry sauce? Homemade. No jellied horror. It’s chunky. Real fruit. I grabbed a spoon. No shame there either.

Then the pies. Apple, pumpkin, pecan. All fresh. No frozen, Coins Game (coinsgame777.com) no microwave. I took one slice of each. (Don’t judge. I was already on the third plate.) The pecan’s got a bourbon kick. Not too much. Just enough to make you lean back and mutter, “Damn.”

Serving starts at 11:30 AM. Last call at 3:30 PM. I was there at 2:45. Still had a full table. The line? Nothing. No rush. No panic. Just people eating. Real food. Real portions. No “mini” anything. You can eat here and leave full. Not stuffed. Just satisfied.

Wager? $45. Not bad. For that kind of food? I’d do it again. (Maybe not for Thanksgiving. But for a Sunday? Yeah. I’d come back.)

How to Secure Your Spot: Reservation Tips and Guest Guidelines for the Buffet

Book early–like, *yesterday* early. I tried last-minute and got ghosted. No spots. Not even a waitlist. (Seriously, why do people think they’re special?)

Reservations open exactly at 10 a.m. sharp on the 15th. Not 10:01. Not 9:59. 10:00. I sat there with my phone on 5G, refresh rate at max, heart in my throat. Missed it by 17 seconds. My bankroll didn’t even cover the regret.

Use the official site. No third-party links. I clicked a “discount” deal on a shady forum. Got scammed. Fake confirmation. No seat. (Spoiler: the “deal” was a phishing trap.)

Only two people per reservation. No exceptions. I tried with my sister and her boyfriend. “Sorry, only two.” (Like I didn’t plan for this? I did. I’m not a fool.)

Check-in is 11:30 a.m. sharp. Show up late? You’re out. No “we’ll hold it.” I watched a guy arrive at 12:15. Door slammed in his face. No mercy.

Bring ID. Not a fake one. I saw someone try with a driver’s license from 2012. “We don’t accept expired documents.” (Why even bother? Just don’t show up.)

Food starts serving at 12:00 p.m. No early access. No “VIP line.” I waited in the regular queue. 45 minutes. My stomach growled like a slot on a 100x volatility spike.

Portions are generous. But don’t overdo it. I ate three helpings of mashed potatoes. By the third, my pants felt like they were trying to escape. (No one wins that fight.)

Alcohol? Limited. One drink per person. No refills. I wanted a second bourbon. “Sorry, only one.” (I didn’t even ask. Just wanted to feel the burn.)

Leave room for dessert. The pecan pie? Real. Not the fake, sugary crap. I took a slice. It was worth every calorie. (And I still had room for the pumpkin tart.)

Leave by 3:30 p.m. No extensions. I stayed until 3:42. Security escorted me out. (I didn’t even know they had security. Thought it was just staff with trays.)

Questions and Answers:

Is the Thanksgiving buffet at Ameristar Casino suitable for families with young children?

The buffet at Ameristar Casino during Thanksgiving is designed to accommodate guests of all ages, including families with children. There is a dedicated section with kid-friendly options such as mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, and small desserts that appeal to younger eaters. Staff members are attentive and helpful, often offering extra plates or assistance when needed. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with ample seating and space for strollers. Parents have noted that the setup allows for easy supervision and that children enjoy the variety of food available, especially the carved turkey and pumpkin pie station. Overall, it’s a comfortable environment for families looking to celebrate the holiday together.

How long does the Thanksgiving buffet last at Ameristar Casino?

The Thanksgiving buffet at Ameristar Casino runs for approximately four hours, typically starting around 12:30 PM and ending at 4:30 PM. This schedule allows guests to arrive early and enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling rushed. Many visitors come in the early afternoon to secure a good seat and take advantage of the full spread before the peak hours. The service remains consistent throughout the duration, with staff continuously replenishing food and maintaining cleanliness. Some guests have mentioned that the meal feels well-paced, giving time to try multiple dishes without feeling pressured to finish quickly.

What are the main dishes featured on the Thanksgiving buffet?

The Thanksgiving buffet at Ameristar Casino centers around traditional holiday fare. The highlight is the freshly carved turkey, served with all the classic sides: mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. There’s also a variety of other meats, including ham, roast beef, and glazed pork loin. Seafood options include shrimp cocktail and baked salmon. For dessert, guests can choose from pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple crisp, and chocolate cake. The menu is consistent with standard Thanksgiving meals, focusing on comfort and familiar flavors. Many guests appreciate that the dishes are prepared in-house and served warm, contributing to a satisfying experience.

Are there vegetarian or dietary-specific options available at the buffet?

Yes, the buffet includes several vegetarian and dietary-conscious choices. There are multiple vegetable-based dishes such as roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed mushrooms, and a seasonal vegetable medley. A dedicated station offers a variety of salads, including a quinoa salad and a mixed greens option with vinaigrette. For those avoiding meat, there is a vegetarian shepherd’s pie and a stuffed acorn squash. Gluten-free items are clearly labeled, and the kitchen provides a few gluten-free rolls and desserts. While the selection isn’t extensive, it is thoughtfully arranged to give guests with dietary needs a range of safe and enjoyable options. Staff are willing to provide information about ingredients upon request.

How much does the Thanksgiving buffet cost, and is there a price difference for children?

The cost for the Thanksgiving buffet at Ameristar Casino is $44.99 for adults and $22.99 for children aged 5 to 12. Children under 5 usually eat free when accompanied by an adult. The price includes unlimited access to all food stations, as well as non-alcoholic beverages like iced tea, lemonade, and water. Some guests have mentioned that the value is reasonable considering the variety and portion sizes. The pricing is clearly posted on the casino’s website and at the entrance, so there are no surprises. A few visitors have noted that the cost is slightly higher than other local events but feel the quality and presentation justify the fee.

How long does the Thanksgiving buffet typically last at Ameristar Casino?

The Thanksgiving buffet at Ameristar Casino runs from early afternoon until late evening, usually starting around 12:30 PM and ending at 8:00 PM. Guests are welcome to come at any time during this window, and there’s no strict time limit on how long you can stay. The food is continuously replenished, so even if you arrive toward the end of the service hours, you’ll still find a full selection of dishes. Some visitors choose to come earlier to avoid the busiest times, while others prefer the quieter atmosphere later in the day. The exact schedule can vary slightly depending on the year and special events, so it’s a good idea to check the official website or call the restaurant directly before visiting.

Are there any special dishes or traditions served during the Ameristar Casino Thanksgiving buffet?

The buffet features a selection of traditional Thanksgiving dishes that reflect the holiday’s roots in American cuisine. There’s a large roasted turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy, along with classic sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and cornbread dressing. Vegetarian options include a baked squash dish, a roasted vegetable medley, and a plant-based stuffing. A separate carving station allows guests to get their turkey fresh, and there’s also a hot pasta station with a creamy mushroom option. Desserts include pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie, and a variety of cookies and pastries. The setup is designed to mimic a family-style meal, with dishes arranged in a way that feels familiar and comforting. While the menu doesn’t include unique or experimental items, the focus is on consistency and quality of standard holiday favorites.