Sara H.
Yelp
We decided to try the Thanksgiving buffet at The Retreat at Mount Charleston's Canyon Restaurant this year, and overall it was a mixed experience with a lot of potential.
We arrived around 11 am and the atmosphere was pretty lackluster. The buffet was advertised to open at 11, but it didn't actually open until 11:30, which was when our reservation was scheduled. Unfortunately the bar was closed at that time, and the small lobby shop didn't offer anything like wine, beer, or a simple cocktail to enjoy while waiting, so that wasn't great. The lobby itself was in the early stages of being decorated for the holidays. The tree wasn't lit, the large fireplace wasn't lit, staff just were starting to hoist the large sleigh onto the top of the reception area, and there was no music.
When the buffet finally opened, we waited in line for about five to ten minutes while the guests with 11 am reservations went in first. No big deal. We were then seated in the main dining room, while some other guests were being seated directly in the buffet room, which was a completely separate large event space connected to it. The main dining room had no decorations whatsoever and was playing classic hard rock music. I asked to be seated by a window but was told a hard no, even though I saw open window tables and watched guests who arrived after us being seated there. Meanwhile, the buffet room had a pretty Christmas tree and soft holiday music playing. There were plenty of empty tables in that room, and honestly it would have made more sense to seat all of the earliest guests in there since the buffet was there, the views were gorgeous, and the ambiance was actually festive.
The buffet itself was very good. The variety and taste were true to a classic Thanksgiving spread--turkey, turkey legs, ham, salmon, stuffing, green beans, rolls, fresh fruit, cranberry sauce, gravy, yams, salad, soup, stuffed mushrooms, and more. The desserts included pumpkin and apple pie with whipped cream canisters nearby, which was a cute touch. Our server was excellent: friendly, timely, and really on top of everything. At one point I asked the bartender for a Sprite for my 5-year-old because our server was busy, but the bartender wouldn't give it to me since she said it needed to be entered on our tab. I reminded her that beverages were included in the buffet price, but she still said no. Thankfully our server came over quickly and took care of it herself.
Later, the music in our dining room stopped, so I asked a staff member if music could be turned on. When it came back, it was more hard classic rock, which didn't match the holiday meal vibe at all.
The pricing was $65 per adult and I believe $30 for my 5-year-old. Even though she only ate fruit, I completely understand still being charged. I do think the price was a bit high for what the overall experience offered, but I didn't mind paying it because the snow and mountain views really are beautiful and part of the draw.
We've visited the Retreat at Mount Charleston many times, but this was our first time trying the buffet. The mountain setting is beautiful, and the place has so much potential--especially during the holidays. With a little more intention--holiday décor fully set up, the fireplace lit, a drink option while waiting, warm lighting, consistent holiday music, maybe even live music--it would be truly magical. It just feels like whoever manages it doesn't really care to bring it to that level, which is disappointing because the potential is right there.
All that said, the food was very good and our server was great. I genuinely hope they give more attention to the ambiance next year, because this location could easily become a holiday tradition for a lot of families if they embraced the atmosphere as much as they do the menu.