Food at Clubs - Buffets and Added Costs

[ross_sally]

Originally Posted by PB&J

The first time we went to a club, walking through that door was probably the hardest thing I'd ever done. Seriously. And the countless stories of people sitting in the parking lot, trying to get enough courage to get in there... you're not alone. But believe me... it's worth the butterflies.

That's where we are at now. Made the reservation and initial calls, freed the night up, have driven half way to the Club, then .... we talk our selves into different plans, then have a few good laughs about the whole thing.

Someday, maybe.

I will say one thing, we were surprised with the first time cost. The host kept saying how good the buffet of food is to validate the high cost. Maybe it is great for the regulars, but we plan to go out for dinner, THEN go to the Club. Eating an expensive "buffet" at 11:00PM is not our first priority, dancing, "playing", and checking the place out are! Without knowing the people, the food part actually sounds disgusting!! Why is this mandatory?! God bless them for doing it, I know it's work, and I'm sure some people may look forward to it, but ... we'll take care of our dining ourselves.

$50-60 to go to the Club ...fine, adding $35 on top of that for 'their' food', come on?!

Do you like having elaborate buffets at the Clubs?

[warrencouple]

One nice thing about the off-premise we're going to, is they don't have a buffet. The place is normally the bar / nightclub for the hotel it's attached to, so they have a kitchen. So, it's only around $15/couple. Food / booze not included, but it's also not a BYOB. Seeing as the Mrs doesn't drink, and I may as well not drink (last drink was 11 years or so ago, I think), it's not an issue with us.

As long as they've got Coke / Pepsi / coffee, we're set.

[warrencouple]

Originally Posted by ross_sally

That's where we are at now. Made the reservation and initial calls, freed the night up, have driven half way to the Club, then .... we talk our selves into different plans, then have a few good laughs about the whole thing.

Someday, maybe.

I will say one thing, we were surprised with the first time cost. The host kept saying how good the buffet of food is to validate the high cost. Maybe it is great for the regulars, but we plan to go out for dinner, THEN go to the Club. Eating an expensive "buffet" at 11:00PM is not our first priority, dancing, "playing", and checking the place out are! Without knowing the people, the food part actually sounds disgusting!! Why is this mandatory?! God bless them for doing it, I know it's work, and I'm sure some people may look forward to it, but ... we'll take care of our dining ourselves.

$50-60 to go to the Club ...fine, adding $35 on top of that for 'their' food', come on?!

Do you like having elaborate buffets at the Clubs?

I wouldn't like being told I had to eat their food, especially if it's an additional charge I have to pay to even get in the door! IMO, charge the entrance fee and then, if people want to eat, charge them when they get their food. That way, if there's nothing on the menu I like/want, I haven't wasted my money. And especially at the price they're charging! Heck, for $35 Mr and I can both eat at almost any restaurant we like. I'm certainly not wanting to spend that kind of money just for one of us!

[dodgechevy]

From the couple of clubs we have been too, the food seems to be a waste of time. Most people don't like eating in front of other people that they are trying to impress. We don't feel comfortable doing it either, and because of that we made it a rule not to have dinner when we first meet another couple (only had to make that mistake once). All though we have recently gone to a new place where the food was really good, but it was a more laid back type of party.

But the bad dressing up reminds me. We were going to one club that only allowed a certain amount of single men, and even then they were charged A LOT more to go. But yet, this single guy comes into the club wearing a track suit. Guess who stood around all night?

[JustAskJulie]

There are a rare handful of couples that provide a very nice catered buffet (the kind where someone serves the food onto your plate), in these FEW cases yes it's worth the extra bucks. And keep in mind that's $35 for both of you, not each.

That said, MOST clubs don't offer this type of buffet. A few in our area put out some sort of "buffet" and it doesn't really add to the cost (typical off-premise cost in our area is $40-$55/couple), we don't eat it either. Something about trying to figure out what the food is to begin with (in the dark) and then not knowing whos hands have been where or touched what... gives me a bit of ick factor.

[sweet_tna]

We always eat before we go to a meet & greet, too. We might meet with a group of our friends at a restaurant before the party starts, but we never eat there. Like Julie said, we're not too keen on the idea of trying to figure out what they're serving in the dark. Not to mention, we'd rather spend our time there hanging with friends, making new ones, and hitting the dance floor.

But this is our choice. As long as the buffet cost isn't too significant a portion of the admission price, it doesn't bother us.

=)

[fun4Ds]

I like them tiny little sausages in barbe Q sauce. I like the finger food also, like some celery sticks, maybe some ranch dip. If I'm hungry.

I kind of like it at the house parties when the ladies bring home made dips. Stuff thats new, or something I like but never get at home.

Ohhhhh olives........ I really like olives.

[screaminggood]

Our current favorite club has a buffet. I think it's there for two reasons: 1) so people have food in their stomachs when they're drinking, and 2) so people can regain energy and won't leave because they have the apres-sex munchies.

I don't ever eat a lot of the buffet, but it is a nice way to warm up to other people before the clothes start coming off, and grabbing a few strawberries can be useful.

[NCfuncouple98]

Our club offers both a dinner buffer and after midnight breakfast buffet, included with admission. Friday admission - $50 per couple, Saturday - $65 per couple.

My husband and I do tend to eat there - by the time we get the kids settled with a setter and decked out and ready to go, we never have time for food at home!

Food's not bad, really. I do see more people eating the after midnight breakfast though!

If I did have to pay extra, I think we would find time to eat before going.

[tribbles]

so people can regain energy and won't leave because they have the apres-sex munchies.

A big + IMO cuz we have taken a break from play, went and munched out on chicken and veggies and then used mouthwash and went back to play maybe 30-45 minutes later....

I guess we start early and like to play really late....LOL

[duskysub]

I actually prepare the food for the buffet on Fridays at the club my SO and i attend. It is quite good and does not add to the price. We provide it as a courtesy since something to much on is essential when people are drinking. The buffet area is well lit and sanitry and i take requests for the hot dishes!

[screaminggood]

"i take requests for the hot dishes!"

It does remind me to add that our club has a sign that says "absolutely no fucking on the buffet"

[duskysub]

LOL I'll have to add that to ours too!

[Malachista]

The food at my the favorite club is soo good that it sometimes happen that late arrivels have to scratch out empty bowls....
There is even a saying with the regulars that even if there will be no play the evening will not be wasted as you had some great meal

So yeah, from this point out it would feel odd if I had to pay extra for food, and I even was a bit freaked once in a club where there was service instead of a buffet

[Tia Vampire]

The house party that we go to charges $50 for single men, $30 for couples, and single women are free. They don't have a buffets, but they do serve finger foods at no additional charge. I guess there is no extra charge for the food because they really don't get real big crowds unless it's a special occasion.