Bay Side
Mandalay Bay
Atmosphere 4.00
Food 4.00
Service 2.00
Value 3.50 What does this mean?
If you’re going to Mandalay Bay, go through the Valet entrance through the hotel, not the garage and casino. We snuck through the drive ways with the no pedestrian signs, playing ignorant tourist while avoiding oncoming traffic, but the view was worth it! The hotel deserves mention because it was surprisingly different from other’s I’ve seen. It looks more like a mansion! Absolutely gorgeous, with fresh hydrangea and orchid arrangements. It’s a walk though. The buffet has those annoying pay yourself kiosks, but unlike the Rio, there are MORE than ONE set up in an area where multiple people can pay at once, instead of waiting in a line. I like that a little better. The service was HORRIBLE for the most part though. The buffet wasn’t set up in a straight line like some, there are more like sections to wander through with 6 inch plates. My first plate showed my carnivorous self, laden with beef riblets, shrimp, lamb chops, salmon and strip steaks. The next plate was barely large enough to fit a slab of rosemary seasoned prime rib. Prime rib was actually rare! What a find! I was impressed by the salad bar, not extensive, but tastefully composed of different greens, cheeses, dressings and toppings, even sun dried red peppers. Very tasty! The riblets seemed like they were stewed, they fell apart at the sight of my fork. I particularly enjoyed the pasta station, where I had some shrimp, tomatoes and mushrooms sautéed in a creamy alfredo over penne, one of two choices of pasta and sauces, with many different options for extras. They didn’t have steamed crab, but their cocktail sauce with shrimp was pretty good.
The desserts were a delight! Very pretty little things with fancy chocolate designs and new cake confections. An excellent finish to a great dinner. Service, oh dear. My mother got her glare on and tried to get our server’s attention by boring into his back with her eyes, after repeatedly being ignored. We weren’t the only ones, a table behind us was actually calling out to our server and the hostess, only to be completely ignored while both of them stood only feet away. I asked for two drinks, specifically, so I didn’t have to wait forever for a refill. “Okay, no problem.” Sure. Got one. Surprised? Nope. So I waited, and waited… and waited…. I learned that if I put my glass in the planter next to me it attracted more attention. So, that was the game. Slurp the last of the drink, when that didn’t work, in the planter it went! Other than pathetic service, Bay Side offered an excellent meal. Service varies not only on the server, but on the day depending and the atmosphere. Everyone has bad days, so Bay Side scored rather well, save our little blind server guy.
Bottom Line: Bay Side is worth the price, the atmosphere is pleasant, quiet, clean and very pretty. Save your stomach for this place, the food is well crafted and rich!
Other Handy info:
Hours:
Breakfast 7:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. $15.99
Lunch 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $19.99
Dinner 4:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. $26.99
Phone 702.632.7402
Please visit Mandalay Bay directly for price/time verification.
