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  5. Albuquerque

Crowne Plaza Ballroom Buffet - Albuquerque

3.5
3.5
61 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Top tags:
Pricing for the Buffet is as follows $35 regular $30 Senior $19 For children under 12 Prices do not include taxes ane gratuity, these will be added at time of payment

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.

Additional information

What 61 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.5
3.5 based on all time ratings
  • 3.5Food
  • 3.7Service
  • 3.7Ambience
  • 3.4Value

Noise • Moderate

61 Reviews

  1. NancyG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The Champaign Christmas dinner was what I expected as a past customer. It felt like a Christmas Holiday. The live music gave it a classical touch. It took away the process of fighting abandonment depression and replaced it with a warm, elegant, dinner. The atmosphere very attractive with each table having it's own holiday centerpiece surrounded by place setting of holiday red napkins forming a flower creating a festive table. The staff treated us like royalty. It made a very lovely Christmas for us.

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  2. JenniferY

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2019

    overall3food3service1ambience4
    We quite enjoyed Thanksgiving but didn't think the food or service was of the same quality on Christmas. Our waitress had to be tracked down for everything we needed and acted like we were an inconvenience the entire time but we had a lovely lady on Thanksgiving. The food was disappointing compared to what was served on Thanksgiving. I hope this was just a bad day and they do better next time!

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  3. StephanieW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2019

    overall3food3service1ambience5
    Our family of 8 to 10 go every year. It is a tradition. This year we had no table service. One new guy we had to call over (his first day). Took our glasses and brought them back with champagne, gross didn’t even know if they were ours. Missed the lobster legs and waffles. Very disappointed 😒. Cold coffee and no table servers in site

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  4. WayneC

    New Mexico

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Great Value! The food was nice and hot as well as the background music being I nice touch. Great for kids and if you don't want to cook a Thanksgiving meal.

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  5. MandJ

    New Mexico

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2019

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The buffet was certainly more than adequate. Some items, the shrimp and yams, for example, were excellent. Open Table's listing, on the other hand, was lacking! It was not at all clear that the 2:00 PM seating was also the closing time of the buffet. Among other things now evident that the event was winding down, the live music packed up and left leaving just the ambient background noise as company. Had that timing been evident, an earlier reservation would have been booked. Perhaps, including the opening & closing times, the hours of operation, would be beneficial for Open Table's listings!

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  6. FrederickP

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food was great although a little on the cool side. Champagne was not good. The atmosphere could have added some low volume music. The number of people there was great, not too crowded. The service was great. We enjoyed ourselves but there wasn't much time for socializing and it all ended too soon. We will have to plan better next time.

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  7. BrendaU

    New Mexico

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2019

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    Table and service ok. Food selection average-poor salad bar-no cheese tray-fruit tray empty. Red and green chili available which was good. No festive Christmas decorations but good musicians. Deserts reminded me of those found at grocery stores-lacked elegance. Plenty to eat but just not at level expected for Holiday buffet. Price stated was $35.00 but they stated an 18% tip gratuity was required. With tax & tip closer to $50.00-not worth the price.

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  8. ReginaG

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2019

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    The menu was different from the advertisement !! It stated that there was a seafood area also was with shrimp not much of a salad selection at all!!

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  9. DianaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    So happy Mashed potatoes were back! We love this buffet for a quiet relaxing dining experience. The iced tea was perfect too! The ham was perfect. just wish the ice sculpuer were back too. We will be back next year too.

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  10. EnjolyG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I've been going to the Crown for 18 years, the process is easy. The staff is absolutely amazing and the food is tasty. I don't have to cook and clean, leaving the rest of my day free to do as I PLEASE.

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  11. AprilM

    New Mexico

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The buffet has definitely improved. The staff was professional. We were relaxed and enjoyed our meal.

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  12. Brenda

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    As a family we usually go out for Mother's Day Brunch. We have found this place to be really wonderful. When we come the entire room is beautiful and the tables are set very lovely. The food was also good. Thanks.

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  13. BrittneyC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2019

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    Way to over priced for what’s offered. The mimosas are gross and tiny, the food was not as elevated as they made it out to be. Service was just waiters on their phones in the corner. Not going again! Way way way too much money for what you get!

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  14. MamaMooney6

    New Mexico

    7 reviews

    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    We don't go to brunch very often so we were really looking forward to this. I checked many other venues and decided that the ballroom buffet would probably be our best bet. Unfortunately for me, I made our reservation at 1:45PM not realizing the venue was closing at 2PM. We were seated at a quiet table for two in the corner which I initially thought was great but the table was so wobbly we could hardly balance our plates and if we accidentally put our elbows on the table it was treacherous. You could tell the staff was tired and the food looked tired. We had to ask for our table to be set since it had been started but not completed. We had no napkins - no knives, etc. I lost interest in the food as I had to wait for the carver to return to the carving station. I decided on dessert and there was a lot of tiramisu and brownies. The apple pie tasted very strange and mushy and the bischotti was very stale. I asked for the chocolate cake that I had seen others bring back to their table and was told there was no more. On our way out the GM asked us our brunch was and we hinted at our disappointment and that we wanted chocolate cake. He was kind enough to send us home with a beautiful piece of cake and brownies from the Rancher's Club. We were so appreciative. He really cared about our experience. Thank you.

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  15. MaryB

    New Mexico

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall3food2service2ambience2
    They didn't have our reservation - or couldn't find it. A lot of the food was cold but there was a variety. Cake was dry because it was all cut and lying on table. But it was pleasant.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Everything was very nice, except some of the food was cold and the prime rib was very rare, with sour cream sauce.

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  17. Pitto

    New Mexico

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I always enjoy coming here for holiday celebrations.

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  18. JerryD

    New Mexico

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2018

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Generally this special buffet is outstanding. We have been there in the past for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year it was not as good. They seemed to have kitchen and server issues. I was a bit disappointed.

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  19. DianaZ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2018

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    The food was cold partly due to the type of containers used in which some of the lids were not attached thus resulting in people not bothering to put them back on food.

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  20. JudyW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    While not as festively decorated as past Christmas buffets (which may slightly affect the food rating also), the food was good, and the service was friendly . The live music, which in past years has made talking a challenge, was good, but in the background. The music added atmosphere, without being intrusive. We will go back next year, and I recommend it for anyone wanting to get together with family and friends (without cooking!)

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  21. SusanT

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2018

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    We were placed at a table for three, right by the entrance and the servers drink refill table. The table could have been placed where it wasn't in the "traffic pattern". Although the salads and main courses were very good, and of a wide variety, I was very disappointed in the desserts. Only three main desserts (there was some chocolate covered fruit) were available, and they were all pies. What happened to the cakes and mousse? Not having something other than obviously "store-bought" pies, really dampened the experience. The live music was nice. Our family has been going to your brunch for over 20 years, and still miss the carved ice sculptures, lavish decorations and Hector Pimentel. ;)

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  22. MikeSAlbuquerque1

    Phoenix

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2018

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    I attended the Christmas buffet on Christmas day... I was terribly disappointed. The selection of the food was good and decent However, the food temperature was awful. 8 out of 10 food selections were cold not even lukewarm. Most of the food containers and pans were left wide open and there was no quality control to keep them closed to keep the heat in. We had to literally get up and leave and go elsewhere to have Christmas dinner. How disappointing it was for us when we were so much looking forward to having Christmas dinner at the Crowne Plaza buffet. I spoke to a manager who took my plate away and said he would bring me hot food from the kitchen . He returned with a plate of honest to God, "LUKEWARM FOOD"... It was not even hot from the kitchen. Imagine eating lukewarm mashed potatoes and room temperature gravy. Totally disgusting and disappointing. There were at least two managers in the room and not one of them thought enough to keep those food Containers closed in order to keep the heat contained. Needless to say, the Crowne Plaza is not ready for prime time when it comes to Holiday buffets. I truly hope you will give my comments some serious consideration and attempt to do something about this so it does not happen again. We also heard other people at nearby tables complaining about the same thing. As you well know, many people do not complain audibly... They vote with their feet by not returning to a restaurant the next time. Thank you for your time. Mike Santullo Albuquerque, New Mexico Email: radiomic@comcast.net Tel. #: (505) 839-0000.

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  23. Curt

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    I do not live in Albuquerque. I was in town for the Christmas Holiday to see my 88 year old mother who lives alone. Rather than attempt to prepare her a Christmas day meal at her home, I took her to the Crown Plaza for their Christmas brunch-buffet. The atmosphere was quiet, calm, and very relaxed. The food qulity and selection was very good - much better than I expected for a hotel brunch. Everything was well presented. The food was plentiful, fresh, hot, and tasty. The wait-staff were extremely friendly and attentive. The overall experience far exceeded my expectations for such a large scale buffet. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a Christmas Day dinner away from home.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The service was superb. Enjoyed our time!

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  25. EdwardC

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 25, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Crowne Plaza Christmas Buffet is superb - from the ambiance to the quality and variety of the food as well as the attentive service.

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  26. JohnW

    New Mexico

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2018

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    Repeatedly had to ask for iced tea. Very poor service. No mashed potatoes.

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  27. CindyL

    New Mexico

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2018

    overall3food4service1ambience4
    I have had the buffet at both restaurants in Albuquerque, and both times I along with family and friends experienced terrible service. I suggest in the future, do NOT include the gratuity. I feel that is where the issue is. Wait staff knows regardless, they are getting a tip, therefore, they seem to disappear. I had to ask where our waitress was to get tea, and later I had to remind her to get our champagne. This takes away from any great food experience. Our table was no. 15., at 12:15

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  28. TomS

    New Mexico

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2018

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    It’s not as good as in years past although the price is reasonable. I had turkey pieces and sweet potatoes from the buffet and they were a little on the cool side. The eggs from the buffet were cold. It was only later that I found out they had turkey at their carving station which looked nice and hot. I never did find mashed potatoes. They no longer have Bananas Foster and champagne and I always looked forward to both. The ambiance is very nice with a duo playing good background music. Overall the previous years were better although I had terrible service last year. I went at 11:30 and business was light although it had picked up quite a bit when I left. I think no later than 12:30 would be the best bet to avoid the crowd.

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  29. SteveS

    New Mexico

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2018

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    I've eaten the Holiday Buffets many times in the past years and the food quality and service is generally good. That's why i come back. The Thanksgiving buffet was good, but had to ask for bread(rolls) and the salad buffet was good(considering the lettuce scare), but there was no cheeses, salami, meats, etc.. We noticed that the wait staff also had been reduced which resulted in asking for refilled drinks, and empty plate removal. The wait staff that was there did a GREAT job considering this. I don't mind paying a quality price, but i do expect quality in return. I still do have faith with the Crown and will return again.

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  30. Sami

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great, wait staff was courteous and food was great. A bit pricey though.

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  31. ForknSpoon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have eaten at the Crowne Plaza for many years for Thanksgiving. The food was excellent. The only disappointment was there was not any mashed potatoes. I believe they were replaced with cauliflower. Other than that turkey was great!!! Everything tasted great!!! We will be going back.

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  32. DanielleB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Where were the mashed potatoes? Many people asked for them.

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  33. RobertaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    The food was outstanding, especially crab legs and the turkey/gravy. Breakfast offerings were also good. More vegetable dishes would have been nice. The servers are outstanding, and this year we had plenty of room at our table for four. (In the past, it has been crowded.....)

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  34. Placitas

    New Mexico

    80 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Excellent Thanksgiving Day Brunch -- live music, good traditional food, and great service!

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  35. MichaelC

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very enjoyable time with family. The music was a terrific addition.

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  36. SusanF

    New Mexico

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The ballroom was set up very nicely. The guitar/keyboard combo was an unexpected pleasure -- wish they had played longer sets or more sets. Food was very good -- nice selection; it was good to see attendants stirring things, adding more, etc. I would do it again -- My Mom loved it! First time in years we've been out for a Mother's Day Brunch.

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  37. MichaelR

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall1food1service5ambience1
    Yes we went to the buffet so very very dissapointed. The shrimp were tiny and slimy and brown ! Their was no flambe! No crab legs most of the breast breakfast stuff was cold and old our table wobble all over it was ridiculous your place used to be five stars I would call it 6 Stars before but now I can barely call A 1 star ! The only thing good was prime rib. And Carmel cheese cake rest of deserts were dry and lousy. I'm a sea food lover and wow what a let down and disappointment! Shrimp were horrible yuk ! I did not eat them ! I've come their for years and years my whole family ! We will go to the casino next mother's day and easter ! Get a new chef! A new manager and bring back the big shrimp crab legs and flambe thank goodness I was refunded half my money almost half. You get a very sketchy one star. I would not have come had I known this. So very very disappointed. Ty

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  38. EdwardC

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Wonderful food in a lovely atmosphere with attentive waitstaff.

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  39. garum

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2018

    overall1food1service4ambience4
    the employees were great, the service we received was great, the food was terrible. We used to make the Crown Plaza (Hilton) our place for Easter celebration with friends and family. I won't do it again and I would not recommend to anyone we know.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2018

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    The variety of food has continued to decrease. Despite attending 3-4 special event buffers a year for several years we are considering trying out some other options.

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FAQs

Crowne Plaza Ballroom Buffet - Albuquerque is rated 3.5 stars by 61 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Google Map for Crowne Plaza Ballroom Buffet - Albuquerque

1901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Albuquerque
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 5:30 pm–11:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    None
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar
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