Las Vegas is known for its extravagant hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment. With so many dining options, the costs can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are many ways to get free or discounted food during your Vegas vacation without breaking the bank.
Take Advantage of Free Casino Buffets
One of the best ways to get free food in Vegas is by signing up for a player‘s card at casino hotels. Many casinos offer free or discounted buffets when you earn a certain number of points on your player‘s card. Here are some of the best casino buffet deals in Vegas:
Caesars Palace – Get a free buffet after earning 750 tier credits within a 365-day period. Credits are earned by playing slots, table games, and more at Caesars properties.
The Cosmopolitan – New Identity cardholders get a free buffet after earning just 50 tier credits. Credits can be earned by playing slots, video poker, and table games.
The Palms – Earn 1 buffet credit for every 5 hours of play at slots or table games. Just earn 1 buffet credit to redeem a free buffet.
Golden Nugget – Get a free buffet after you earn 200 slot points in a 24 hour period. You‘ll earn 1 point for every $1 wagered.
South Point Hotel & Casino – Earn a free dinner buffet after accruing 300 slot points in a day. You‘ll earn 0.2 points for every $1 played.
When signing up for players cards, be sure to provide your valid contact information so you can receive promotional offers by mail or email. Also, don‘t forget to insert your players card every time you gamble to start earning rewards and comps.
Take Advantage of Daily Food Specials
Many restaurants and bars on the Vegas strip offer daily food and drink specials to lure in customers. Taking advantage of these deals is a great way to save money on meals. Here are some of the best food and drink specials in Vegas:
- Margaritaville (Flamingo) – Get half priced appetizers from 3:30-5:30 pm daily
- Gordon Ramsay BurGR (Planet Hollywood) – burgers are $5 from 2-5 pm daily
- Beer Park (Paris) – $5 draft beers from 5-7 pm daily
- Hexx Kitchen + Bar (Paris) – late night happy hour with half priced bar bites from 11 pm – 1 am
- Treasures (Mirage) – $5 beers and $7 cocktails from 5-7 pm daily
- Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill (MGM Grand) – small plates and pizzas half price 3:30-5:30 pm daily
Be sure to ask your server or bartender what the happy hour specials are before ordering. Also check restaurant apps and social media for specials that may not be advertised inside.
Sign Up for Casino Players Clubs
In addition to the free buffet rewards mentioned above, players clubs offer a variety of other food and drink comps to members. Here are some examples of what you can get:
- Complimentary or discounted meals at casino restaurants
- Free slot play that can be used to score comps
- Free drinks and snacks while gambling
- Discounted show tickets with food credit vouchers
- Coupons for specials at on-site restaurants
Some of the best players clubs on the strip include Caesars Rewards, MGM Rewards, and Wynn Red Card. Even if you only gamble casually, signing up is worth it for the perks. When gambling, make sure to insert your players card so your play gets tracked.
Get Free Slot Play
Many casinos in Vegas offer free slot play when you sign up for their players club. You can use this free play to win money which can then be used on food, drinks, shows, and more.
Here are some of the best places to score free slot play:
- The LINQ – $20 free slot play when you sign up for the Caesars Rewards Card
- Park MGM – $15 in free slot play when you join the M life Rewards program
- The Venetian – Get $10 free slot play when you join Grazie Rewards
- Golden Nugget – Up to $20 free slot play for new Golden Nugget 24k Select Club members
Even if you lose the free slot play, you can still earn points that redeem food and drink comps. Just remember to sign up for the players club first before playing slots.
Check for Casino Happy Hours
Most casinos have daily happy hours with discounted drinks and bar bites. This is a great way to score cheap eats and drinks before heading out for a pricey dinner. Here are some of the best casino happy hours:
- The Cosmopolitan: Bond Bar has $5 beers and half-priced shareables from 3-6 pm daily
- Caesars Palace: Vanderpump Cocktail Garden offers half-priced bites and drinks from 2-5 pm daily
- The LINQ: Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar has $6 cocktails and $3 beers from 3-6 pm
- Paris: Beer Park has $5 drafts from 5-7 pm
- Planet Hollywood: Cabo Wabo Cantina offers half-priced beers and well drinks plus discounted tacos and quesadillas from 4-7 pm
Swing by your casino during happy hour to take advantage of these wallet-friendly deals. You can easily get drinks and appetizers for under $10 if you play it right.
Go Out for Lunch Instead of Dinner
Many restaurants on the strip have affordable lunch specials that can save you money compared to eating dinner. Popular places like Gordon Ramsay BurGR, Hexx Kitchen + Bar, and Mr. Chow have lunch dishes under $20.
You can also find great lunch buffets for around $25 or less at The Cosmopolitan, Caesars Palace, and other hotels. Lunches at these spots are easily half the price of their decadent dinner buffets.
To find the best lunch specials on the strip, check restaurant apps, social media, or simply ask your server when you sit down. Getting your big meal midday instead of evening is a smart way to cut costs.
Attend Restaurant Grand Openings & Events
When new restaurants open on the strip, they frequently hand out free food during launch events to drum up hype. Similarly, places also give out samples and dishes during special events and holidays like Cinco de Mayo or Restaurant Week.
Follow Vegas food blogs and restaurant social media pages to stay on top of grand opening dates and events with free food. Some upcoming openings to look out for include new restaurants at Resorts World and the revamped Sahara.
Showing up early is key, as the free food often runs out quickly. But you can easily score some nice freebies if you plan ahead.
Get Free Hotel Buffet Vouchers
Many Vegas hotels give out voucher codes for free buffets or discounted meals when you book a room directly through their website. Offers vary by property, but can include:
- Free buffet or meal voucher when you stay 2+ nights
- BOGO buffet when you book a room + show package
- Buffet voucher included with promotional room rates
Some hotels that frequently offer these buffet vouchers include The Palms, South Point, Golden Nugget, and others located off the strip. Be sure to check for deals that include food when booking your hotel.
Join a Players Dining Club
Casinos like Caesars Palace and MGM Grand have players dining clubs that offer discounts or exclusive promotions at their restaurants. Membership is free when you join their players club.
You‘ll typically get offers like these:
- 2-for-1 entrees
- Buffet discounts up to 50% off
- $10-$25 food credit vouchers
- Free dessert or appetizer
- Discounted show tickets + dining voucher
Present your players club card when dining at these restaurants to take advantage. It‘s an easy way to save $5-$20 per meal.
Get Cash Back from Casino Apps
Popular casino apps like William Hill and Caesars Slots give cash rewards and comps for playing. After earning some cash, you can use it to purchase discounted buffet passes, meal vouchers, and more.
Instead of bankrolling real slots, play the app versions to build your rewards balance. In addition to discounted dining certificates, you can also earn free slot play and room discounts.
Search Social Media for Free Food Offers
Vegas restaurants will sometimes post deals for free food on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to attract business. Search social media sites for "free food Las Vegas" and scroll local restaurant accounts to find giveaways.
You‘ll see offers like:
- Free pizza or wings for liking and sharing a post
- BOGO free meal for first 50 customers
- Free appetizer when you show a social media post
Turn on notifications so you never miss a deal being posted. With some luck, you can score several free meals this way.
Use Credit Card Rewards for Dining Discounts
Check your credit card rewards programs for special dining discounts in Las Vegas. Issuers like Chase and American Express offer bonus rewards or statement credits at certain restaurants when you use their card.
For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can get $60 back when spending $300+ at Tao Group restaurants in Vegas like Tao, Lavo, and Beauty & Essex. Check your card benefits guide to see what Vegas dining perks may be available.
Join Rewards Programs
Many chain restaurants on the strip like Earl of Sandwich and Shake Shack have loyalty programs that offer free food after making a certain number of purchases.
Joining rewards programs at places you plan to dine at anyway can score you rewards like:
- Free sandwich after buying 5 at Earl of Sandwich
- Free burger or fries after earning 200 points at Shake Shack
- $10 reward for every $100 spent at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
Just make sure to download their app or join online before dining.
Split Entrees with Friends
Portion sizes at Vegas restaurants are massive, so splitting meals is a smart money-saving trick. Appetizers, salads, and even entrees can often feed two people or more.
Aim to split something like a large pizza or family-style tapas to take advantage. You‘ll sample more items while cutting your bill almost in half.
Sign Up for Restaurant Newsletters
Vegas restaurants often send promo codes and special invites to customers subscribed to their mailing list. You can unlock deals like:
- Free dessert, appetizer, or drink just for signing up
- Discount codes for joining the newsletter
- Invites to special tasting events or prix fixe dinners
Search "restaurant name + Las Vegas newsletter" and input your email to start receiving exclusive savings directly in your inbox.
Use Cash Back & Coupon Apps
Apps like Rakuten, Coupons.com, Groupon, and Restaurant.com offer cash back, promo codes, and discounted gift cards for Vegas dining. You can save on your bill at various restaurants on and off the strip.
For example, Rakuten gives up to 10% cash back at select Vegas restaurants, while Restaurant.com sells discounted gift certificates for savings up to 40%.
Link these apps to your credit card for automatic rewards. The savings add up, especially if dining out multiple times.
Stick to Cheaper Restaurants & Menus
If you‘re dining out beyond happy hours and specials, stick to cheaper restaurants with budget menus to save. Affordable options like Shake Shack, Blondies Sports Bar & Grill, and Nacho Daddy have filling meals under $15.
Check menus online before you go so you can anticipate costs. Order cheaper sharing plates instead of pricey steaks. And avoid extras like adding avocado or premium proteins that ramp up costs.
Dine at Off-Peak Times
The slowest dining times in Vegas are typically between 3-5pm and after 9pm. Eating early or late can mean faster service since fewer people are there.
Popular restaurants are also more likely to offer discounts like taking 10% off your bill to fill seats during slower periods. Take advantage of the deals and thinner crowds by dining at off-peak hours.
Use Restaurant Computers to Find Deals
When dining at casinos, check the free concierge computer kiosks to find additional discounts. These are usually provided to help you dine on a budget.
You‘ll see deals like:
- 2-for-1 buffet passes
- Free dessert or appetizer vouchers
- Discounted meal coupons at casino restaurants
- Printable coupons for dining at casino food courts
Verify the offers are valid during your trip dates before printing. But it‘s an easy way to uncover dining bargains you won‘t find advertised elsewhere.
Avoid the Priciest Restaurants
As tempting as it may be to dine at acclaimed restaurants from celebrity chefs, these will demolish your budget faster than a cheap buffet.
Avoid extra pricey spots like Guy Savoy, Restaurant Guy Savoy (about $500+ per person) and Cut by Wolfgang Puck ($150+ per person) if watching your budget. There are plenty of more casual phenomenal restaurants in Vegas so you don‘t have to break the bank to eat well.
Grab Free Samples
Many restaurants and shops on the strip give out small bites and sips to attract business. You‘ll find free samples at spots like:
- Buddy V‘s Ristorante – Meatball samples
- Lindt Chocolate Shop – Free truffle samples
- Godiva – Free chocolate samples
- Billy‘s Bakery – Free mini cupcakes
- Starbucks – Free coffee samples
Keep an eye out for employees passing out samples and snag a few here and there. Every bite counts when you‘re trying to stick to a budget!
Use Buffet Strategies
If visiting Vegas buffets, employ these simple tricks to maximize value:
- Visit for lunch instead of dinner to take advantage of lower prices
- Skip steak and seafood since they‘re priced by weight and cost more
- Start with lighter salads and veggies to make room for heartier dishes
- Switch to water after 1-2 drinks since booze adds to the tab
- Show your players club card for potential discounts
- Ask about buying discounted passes from slot attendants and promoters
Buffets can seem tempting for gluttonous meals, but smart strategies will prevent overspending.
Grab Free Welcome Drinks
Many bars and casinos offer free welcome drinks when you first sit down to gamble. Take advantage of these complimentary cocktails but avoid getting carried away ordering more rounds.
Stick to lower alcohol drinks like beer or wine rather than sugary mixed drinks. And alternate alcohol with glasses of water to avoid costly drunken mishaps.
BYO Snacks & Water
With steep markups on the strip, Vegas makes a killing on bottled water and snacks. Bring your own to save.
Pack protein bars, trail mix, and other filling snacks in your bag for quick energy on the go. And carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated instead of buying $5 bottles.
Research All-You-Can-Eat Deals
To indulge your appetite without overspending, research all-you-can-eat specials where you can go back for more food at a fixed price.
For example, Studio B at MGM Grand has an all-you-can-eat family style Italian dinner for $45/person. And Bacchanal Buffet lets you upgrade to all-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages for $45 added to your meal price.
Knowing your options for unlimited food and drinks will prevent paying a la carte when your appetite takes over.
Use Rewards Points to Pay
If you have a stash of credit card rewards points, consider using them to cover the cost of dining, shows, hotels, and more for your Vegas trip. Points from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred can be redeemed for travel purchases at an increased value over cash-back.
And co-branded hotel credit cards like the MGM Rewards Mastercard or Caesars Rewards Visa let you rack up rewards to redeem on your Vegas expenses. Using points instead of cash will stretch your budget much further.
Visit a Food Pantry
If you fall upon hard times and need emergency food assistance during your Vegas trip, local food pantries can help. Search online for food pantries and soup kitchens nearby that offer free groceries and meals to those in need.
Some options include:
- Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
- Salvation Army Food Pantry
- Las Vegas Rescue Mission Food Delivery
Don‘t be afraid to seek help if you need it – we all struggle sometimes. Local organizations are there to help get free food on the table when money is tight.
Final Tips
While scoring free meals in Vegas might seem like a long shot, with the right tips it‘s possible to eat for free or cheap during your vacation. Avoid overpriced dining traps aimed at tourists and instead focus your time on happy hours, players clubs rewards, social media freebies, restaurant special events, and other deals. Try new slots or casino games to earn comps for dining and shows. Split dishes with friends, go out at off-peak times, and take advantage of loyalty programs and credit card perks. Following these simple tricks for free food can stretch your dollar much further in Vegas!
