Best of 2001: Best Buffet

Paipa's Oasis, Sycuan Casino
5469 Dehesa Road, El Cajon
619-445-6002

Paipa's is definitely an Oasis from the ka-chinging that rings 24/7 through the Purple Palace out here at Sycuan. Plus, even though it costs around 12 bucks (9 at lunch), this all-you-can-eat buffet delivers a deal. The ever-changing menu includes peel 'n' eat shrimp, pancit with crabmeat, sushi, clams, roast lamb, prime rib, turkey, herb-baked chicken, beef stew, pork loin with cognac, Aegean pasta, Waldorf salad, peach-and-cranberry cobbler, and strawberry cheesecake. Free buses out there and home again increase your value. You pay $10 for the ride but get it back in gambling tokens. (Of course, you need willpower to redeem them.) Evenings they have free entertainment as you eat, too. And think of it: Spend the whole night eatin' and Paipa's actually saves you hundreds of dollars by keeping you away from those infernal machines.