Introduction
After battling mythical creatures in the Tournament of Kings or testing your luck at the casino, a grumbling stomach is an unwelcome distraction at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Thankfully, a readily available solution exists: the Excalibur Las Vegas food court. More than just a quick pit stop, it’s a diverse culinary landscape offering something for every taste and budget. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Excalibur Las Vegas food court, highlighting its offerings, atmosphere, pricing, and overall value, ensuring you’re well-fed and ready for whatever medieval (or modern) adventure awaits.
Location and Ambiance: Finding Your Feast
Navigating the sprawling Excalibur can feel like its own quest. Luckily, the Excalibur Las Vegas food court is conveniently located to provide easy access. Generally, you’ll find it near the main thoroughfares connecting the casino floor, the Tournament of Kings Arena, hotel elevators, and sometimes near the pool entrance. Exact location can change, so be sure to consult a map. This strategic placement ensures that whether you’re heading to a show, returning from a day of sunbathing, or simply looking for a quick refuel, the food court is easily accessible.
The ambiance of the Excalibur Las Vegas food court is typically a bustling and lively one. Expect a moderate to high level of activity, especially during peak hours like lunch and dinner. While not heavily themed like other parts of the Excalibur, it does possess a casual and approachable vibe. Seating arrangements vary, usually offering a mix of tables and chairs suitable for individuals, couples, and small groups. Finding a seat during peak hours might require a bit of patience, but the constant turnover usually ensures a spot opens up relatively quickly.
The hours of operation for the Excalibur Las Vegas food court can fluctuate based on the season and overall hotel occupancy. Generally, most vendors are open from late morning through late evening, with some potentially offering extended hours, especially on weekends. It’s always a good idea to check the Excalibur’s official website or individual restaurant listings for the most up-to-date hours before planning your visit.
A Culinary Kingdom: Restaurant Options at the Excalibur Las Vegas Food Court
The heart of any food court is its diverse selection of restaurants. The Excalibur Las Vegas food court is no exception, offering a range of options to satisfy a variety of cravings. Here’s a more detailed look at some of the vendors you might encounter:
Pizza Perfection: Pizza Hut Express
For a classic comfort food fix, Pizza Hut Express is a reliable choice. Specializing in pizza, pasta, and sides, it offers a familiar taste that appeals to a wide audience.
- Type of Cuisine: American (Pizza)
- Brief Description: Serving up personal pan pizzas, slices, pasta dishes, and classic sides like breadsticks and wings.
- Menu Highlights: Personal pan pizzas are a quick and affordable option, while the breadsticks are always a crowd-pleaser. Family-size pizzas are also available.
- Price Range: Budget-friendly. Expect to pay around ten to fifteen dollars for a personal pizza combo.
- Target Audience: Families, budget travelers, and anyone craving a quick and familiar pizza fix.
Sweet Surrender: Krispy Kreme
Indulge your sweet tooth at Krispy Kreme, home to the iconic Original Glazed doughnut.
- Type of Cuisine: Dessert
- Brief Description: Renowned for their freshly made doughnuts, especially the Original Glazed. They also offer a variety of other doughnut flavors and coffee beverages.
- Menu Highlights: The Original Glazed is a must-try, but don’t overlook seasonal and specialty doughnuts. Coffee and other beverages provide the perfect complement.
- Price Range: Affordable. Individual doughnuts are relatively inexpensive, while a dozen offers a better value.
- Target Audience: Anyone with a sweet tooth, coffee lovers, and those looking for a quick and satisfying treat.
Golden Arches: McDonald’s
A global fast-food staple, McDonald’s provides a familiar and affordable option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Type of Cuisine: American (Fast Food)
- Brief Description: Serving up classic burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, breakfast items, and a variety of other fast-food favorites.
- Menu Highlights: The Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and Chicken McNuggets are perennial favorites. Breakfast options like the Egg McMuffin are also popular.
- Price Range: Extremely budget-friendly. Expect to pay around five to ten dollars for a meal.
- Target Audience: Families, budget travelers, and those seeking a quick and familiar meal.
Retro Delights: Johnny Rockets
Step back in time at Johnny Rockets, a diner-style restaurant serving up classic American fare with a touch of retro flair.
- Type of Cuisine: American (Diner)
- Brief Description: Offering burgers, fries, shakes, and other diner classics in a fun and nostalgic atmosphere.
- Menu Highlights: The Original Hamburger, Route 66 burger, and hand-dipped milkshakes are popular choices. Don’t forget the jukebox!
- Price Range: Moderately priced. Expect to pay around fifteen to twenty-five dollars for a meal.
- Target Audience: Families, those seeking a nostalgic dining experience, and burger and shake enthusiasts.
Cinnamon Sensation: Cinnabon
Indulge in the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls at Cinnabon.
- Type of Cuisine: Dessert
- Brief Description: Specializing in warm and gooey cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting.
- Menu Highlights: The Classic Roll is a must-try, but the Caramel Pecanbon offers an even richer indulgence. Coffee and other beverages are also available.
- Price Range: Affordable. Individual rolls are relatively inexpensive.
- Target Audience: Dessert lovers, cinnamon roll aficionados, and those seeking a sweet treat.
Mexican Fiesta: Baja Fresh (or Similar)
Spice things up with a taste of Mexico at Baja Fresh, or a similar Mexican food vendor.
- Type of Cuisine: Mexican
- Brief Description: Serving up tacos, burritos, bowls, and other Mexican favorites with fresh ingredients.
- Menu Highlights: The Baja Burrito, carne asada tacos, and grilled veggies are popular choices. Salsa bar allows for customization.
- Price Range: Moderately priced. Expect to pay around ten to twenty dollars for a meal.
- Target Audience: Those craving authentic Mexican flavors and customizable dishes.
Value and Pricing: A Feast for Every Budget
The Excalibur Las Vegas food court offers a compelling value proposition for visitors. Compared to the sit-down restaurants within the Excalibur, the food court provides a significantly more affordable dining option. This makes it an ideal choice for families, budget-conscious travelers, or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
While prices can vary slightly depending on the restaurant and menu item, you can generally expect to pay less at the food court than at a full-service restaurant. This allows you to save money on food and allocate your budget to other entertainment options, such as shows, gambling, or exploring the Las Vegas Strip.
Keep an eye out for potential deals or discounts. Hotel guests may sometimes receive coupons or special offers for the food court. Additionally, members of the MyLife Rewards program (the MGM Resorts loyalty program) may be eligible for discounts or points on their food court purchases.
When compared to other food courts on the Las Vegas Strip, the Excalibur Las Vegas food court offers competitive pricing. While some higher-end hotels may have more gourmet options, the Excalibur food court provides a good balance of affordability and variety, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
The Good and the Not-So-Good: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Like any dining experience, the Excalibur Las Vegas food court has both its advantages and disadvantages.
The Pluses:
- Convenience and Speed: The food court offers a quick and convenient way to grab a bite, especially when you’re short on time or want to avoid a lengthy restaurant wait.
- Variety of Options: With a range of restaurants to choose from, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
- Affordability: The food court provides a budget-friendly dining option compared to sit-down restaurants.
- Kid-Friendly Choices: Many of the restaurants offer kid-friendly menu items, making it a great option for families.
The Minuses:
- Crowded Conditions: The food court can get crowded, especially during peak hours, which can lead to longer lines and difficulty finding a seat.
- Limited Seating: Seating can be scarce during busy times.
- Ambiance limitations: It may lack the ambiance of a traditional restaurant.
- Health conscious concerns: Finding healthy options may be challenging.
Tips for Conquering the Food Court
To make the most of your Excalibur Las Vegas food court experience, consider these tips:
- Beat the Rush: Try to visit during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon or late evening, to avoid the crowds.
- Online Ordering (If Available): Check if any of the restaurants offer online ordering for pickup. This can save you time and allow you to skip the line.
- Menu Preview: Before heading to the food court, check the menus and pricing online to get an idea of what you want and budget accordingly.
- Stay Aware: As with any public space in Las Vegas, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
Final Thoughts: Refuel and Recharge for Your Next Adventure
The Excalibur Las Vegas food court is an essential part of the hotel experience. It provides a convenient, affordable, and diverse dining option for guests of all ages and budgets. Whether you’re fueling up before a show, grabbing a quick lunch after a swim, or simply satisfying a late-night craving, the Excalibur Las Vegas food court has something to offer. So, next time you’re at the Excalibur, whether you’re conquering quests or relaxing by the pool, the food court offers a quick and satisfying way to refuel for your next Las Vegas adventure.
