Two of the World’s Most Unusual Restaurants Are in Nevada

Some restaurants go beyond the usual to offer unique experiences. From cat cafés to roller coaster food delivery, the culinary scene is filled with odd and extraordinary places to eat. Some restaurants remind us that dining out can be about more than just the food.  LoveFood, a platform for food, recipes, and reviews, has compiled a list of the most unusual restaurants from around the world.

Their list covers places from all around the world including Norway, Germany, Australia, South Africa, you name it. But it's not just about far-off spots. They also feature U.S. restaurants on there, even a couple in Nevada.

One of those is the Little A'Le'Inn out in Rachel, Nevada. This spot is in the middle of the Nevada desert, off the 'Extraterrestrial Highway' that takes you to Area 51. The website put a spotlight on the restaurant for its Alien Burgers, accounts of alien sightings, and suggestions about prime spots to personally witness extraterrestrial activity.

"Guests might experience a close encounter of the third kind when visiting this alien-themed restaurant, shop and small inn, but everything else is far, far away," they wrote.

Another Nevada joint snagged a spot on their list of the most unusual restaurants in the world. It’s actually located in Las Vegas. You might've already hit it up or caught those crazy videos making the rounds on social media. It’s the Heart Attack Grill. A hospital-themed eatery where waitstaff dons nurse outfits and beverages are delivered through IV drips. According to the restaurant’s website, customers weighing 350lbs are invited to unlimited free food provided they weigh themselves on an electronic cattle scale in front of a cheering restaurant crowd. LoveFood featured the restaurant’s Octuple Bypass Burger with 40 slices of bacon and over 19,500 calories.

Curious about the other restaurants that made it to their list of the most unusual? You can find the complete lineup here.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.