Buffets can be divisive — while some would-be customers love the variety, others hate the crowds and would rather sit and relax during their meal. Whichever camp you’re in, there’s no denying they can be a cheap way to satisfy even the most ravenous appetites. But what separates a ho-hum buffet from a great one? We scoured review sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp, examined menus, and consulted local press to identify some of the best all-you-can-eat options in every state. Hungry? Belly up to some of the best buffets across the country.
Related: 12 Best Chain Restaurants for Family-Friendly Dining
Alabama: Martha’s Place
Montgomery If you want your fill of Southern home cooking, look no further than Martha’s Place. The menu of rotating favorites includes main dishes like fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, turkey and dressing, and liver and onions; sides run the gamut from fried okra and candied yams to sweet potato soufflé and creamed corn. Seniors, military members, and college students are all eligible for discounts off the already-modest prices.
Alaska: Gold Creek Salmon Bake
Juneau What could be more Alaskan than an all-you-can-eat feast in the wilderness? That’s what you get at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, the star of the buffet (the salmon, of course) is cooked on an open wood grill. The menu also includes baked chicken, potatoes, rice pilaf, baked beans, salads, cornbread and more. Roast some marshmallows around the fire to complete your feast.
Arizona: Wandering Horse
Scottsdale Located at Talking Stick Resort, the sleek, contemporary Wandering Horse Buffet has a little bit of everything: Italian, Asian, Mexican, and American favorites. Sushi? You got it. Wood-fired pizza? Check. Visit on Sunday mornings for a champagne brunch, Wednesday nights for prime rib, and Friday and Saturday nights for king crab legs.
Arkansas: Brown’s Catfish
Russellville Brown’s Catfish has been stuffing happy patrons with its Cajun-inspired buffet of seafood favorites for three decades. Main courses include catfish filets, seafood gumbo, and fried shrimp; sides include hushpuppies, corn on the cob, and homemade yeast rolls. Oh, and make sure you leave room for some of the delectable fresh cinnamon rolls, TripAdvisor reviewers say.
California: Cafe Sierra
Los AngelesLocated in the Hilton Universal Hotel and renowned as the best buffet in Los Angeles, Cafe Sierra offers a boatload of seafood with a menu bursting with lobster, king crab legs, snow crab, mussels, seafood paella, and assorted desserts such as cake pops, a crepes station, a chocolate fountain and more.
Open evenings Thursday through Sunday, there’s a Sunday brunch starting at 11 a.m. with a menu featuring endless lobster thermidor, sushi, roasted duck, and more. Cafe Sierra will also host a Christmas buffet with king crab legs, whole lobsters, and live entertainment. Revelers can ring in the new year with lobster, crab legs, and endless champagne toasts.
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Colorado: Cinzzetti’s
Northglenn This Tuscan-themed buffet restaurant in suburban Denver offers a menu of more than 60 mouth-watering Italian favorites, from several kinds of pizzas and pastas to rice balls, crepes and cannoli. Seniors 65 and over get a price break; you can also save by visiting at lunch with a more streamlined selection.
Connecticut: Pacific Buffet and Grill
WallingfordPacific Buffet and Grill mixes Asian fare like sushi and broccoli beef with traditional American favorites like steak, roast pork, mac and cheese, and corn on the cob. There’s also a weekend brunch buffet featuring French toast, Belgian waffles, and sausage, along with dinner items. Seniors 65 and up get a $1 discount, too.
Delaware: Old Mill Crab House
Delmar This casual spot on the Delaware-Maryland border, a local staple since the ’80s, offers four gut-busting, all-you-can-eat specials every day: steamed shrimp, snow crab, fried chicken, or blue crab. All are served up with sides including fried shrimp, clam strips, hush puppies, and corn on the cob. If you aren’t up for stuffing yourself silly, there are plenty of other menu options, and devotees say portions are more than fair.
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Florida: Miyako Japanese Buffet
Pompano Beach Many buffets get ho-hum reviews, but diners are almost uniformly happy with their meals at Miyako, midway between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton. They rave about the massive selection of hibachi favorites and seafood, but the 100-plus varieties of sushi and sashimi are clearly the star of the show. “I am one of those people who has a hard time appreciating sushi buffets. … This place, however, is wonderful,” raves one TripAdvisor reviewer.
Georgia: Fried Tomato Buffet
Kennesaw, McDonough, NewnanThis small local chain of buffets gets a lot of love from loyal patrons who love its fresh Southern fare. The menu features fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, sweet potatoes, collard greens, mac and cheese and more; there’s also banana pudding and buttermilk pies to tempt your taste buds at dessert. “If you want Southern food and want quality for a fair price, you are in the right place,” notes one Yelper.
Hawaii: 100 Sails
Honolulu For a classier-than-usual buffet experience, head to the swanky Prince Waikiki Hotel and check out 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar, and its lovely ocean views. Lunches include favorites like shrimp tempura and made-to-order temaki; dinners feature calamari salad, crab legs and panko-crusted oysters, plus a menu of rotating entrees. Seniors get a discount Monday through Thursday.
Idaho: Chuck-A-Rama
Boise This well-regarded Western-themed buffet chain is among the best the Gem State has to offer when it comes to all-you-can eat feasts, and it’s been going for 50 years strong. Daily favorites include baked and fried chicken as well as carved ham, turkey, and roast beef. On certain nights, there are also international staples (on Wednesdays, there are Asian favorites like orange chicken; Thursdays include enchiladas and other Mexican dishes). Seniors always wrangle a discount.
Illinois: Red Apple Buffet
Chicago This Chicago mainstay features traditional Polish foods done mouth-wateringly well, and in massive quantities. You’ll find schnitzel, kielbasa, tons of pierogi, potato pancakes, cheese blintzes, sauerkraut, potato dumplings, traditional salads and so much more. You can make reservations — rare at a buffet — and they even do carryout and catering.
Indiana: Gasthof Amish Restaurant
Montgomery Anyone who’s spent much time in the Midwest knows it’s hard to beat an Amish buffet for homestyle cooking. At Gasthof, your hearty appetite will be rewarded with classics like fried chicken, roast beef, baked ham, homemade noodles, creamy mashed potatoes and buttered corn. Of course, you can top off your meal with classic pies, cobblers and bread pudding. Seafood lovers should go Friday night for fish favorites; Saturdays include ribs and barbecue.
Iowa: Bluff Lake Catfish Farm
Maquoketa All-you-can-eat seafood in Iowa? Yes indeed, and devotees say it’s finger-licking good. Head to Bluff Lake Catfish Farm Friday through Sunday for different all-you-can-eat specials: Friday nights feature catfish; Saturday nights feature haddock; and Sunday nights feature shrimp and chicken. All meals are served family style with coleslaw and fries.
Kansas: The Breadbasket
Newton The type of feast you can expect at The Breadbasket depends on when you visit. There’s a daily breakfast buffet with biscuits and gravy, pancakes and French toast, bacon and sausage, breakfast burritos, cinnamon rolls, and more. On Friday or Saturday nights, a German buffet is loaded with favorites including borscht, sausages, and sauerkraut; Sundays go all-American with turkey, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and other crowd-pleasers.
Kentucky: Bubby’s BBQ
Corbin For carnivores, a meal at Bubby’s makes a trip to southern Kentucky a must. Though you can order sandwiches and platters of barbecue a la carte, the much-loved buffet is definitely the star of the show. It includes mouth-watering dishes including ribs, wings, pulled pork, fried catfish, baked beans, and mac and cheese. Save room for peach cobbler and other sweet treats, too.
Louisiana: House of Seafood
Bush If you’ve got a taste for seafood and Cajun fare, the House of Seafood might be worth the drive to Bush, about 60 miles north of New Orleans. This modest blink-and-you’ll-miss-it building is packed with oysters, boiled crabs, alligator sausage, fried crawfish, jambalaya, gumbo, lobster casserole and much, much more. Get a 360-degree view of the gut-busting spread here.
Maine: Taj Indian Cuisine
South Portland
New England isn’t known for its all-you-can-eat options, but a welcome exception is Taj, which offers a daily lunch buffet from 11 a.m to 2:15 p.m. Dishes like saag paneer, butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, samosas, naan and more can found among the popular all-you-can-eat dishes. The Taj takes pride in their food’s authenticity and racks up an overall rating of 4½ stars on Yelp in the process.
Maryland: The Bonfire
Ocean City Nothing goes better than a family-friendly beach and a hearty buffet dinner, and you get just that from Ocean City and The Bonfire, open since 1973. Patrons find more than 150 feet of options, including a ton of seafood, a carving station, and endless salad, fruit and dessert. There are discounts for early birds from 4 to 5 p.m., and seniors get a price break every Friday. Not into crab legs? You may be able to wrangle a discount by abstaining.
Massachusetts: Mesa Buffet
Springfield The relatively new but already-well-reviewed Mesa Buffet offers New England something different: the chance to sample all sorts of Latin cuisine, “cooked with love,” of course, by the owners’ mother. You’ll find favorites like rice and beans, tender pork shoulder, stew ribs and chicken, beef and pork tripe, seafood soup, plantains, and empanadas.
Michigan: Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island One of Michigan’s can’t-miss buffets is in the elegant Grand Hotel, a landmark on charming, touristy Mackinac Island. This lunchtime-only feast is served in the eye-popping Main Dining Room, and while it doesn’t come cheap, it will elevate your perception of what a buffet can be. Expect a beautifully presented array of fruits, cheeses, salads, meats, seafood and pastries. TripAdvisor reviewers are partial to the oysters, smoked trout, prime rib, and cheesecake.
Minnesota: Q. Cumbers
Edina The name should be your first tipoff that Q. Cumbers isn’t your typical buffet slinging a slew of fried food. Veggies take center stage at this bright and airy buffet, and you’ll get to choose from several greens, two dozen toppings, several original recipe salads, and eight dressings. A hot bar has rotating selections like pot roast, baked chicken and vegetarian items; there are also soups, fruit, and desserts.
Mississippi: Palace Buffet
Biloxi The impressive spread at this centerpiece of the Palace Casino Resort is a crowd-pleaser, for sure. You’ll find steak and prime rib; fresh-baked pizza; catfish, meatloaf and other Southern favorites; plenty of seafood; and even a Mongolian grill where you can watch your own creation come to life in a wok. On Friday and Saturday nights, all-you-can-eat crab legs take center stage.
Missouri: Himalayan Yeti
St. LouisIt could be said that any mention of Himalayan Yeti’s daily lunch buffet might seem as scarce on its website as the mythical creature in the restaurant’s name. But believe us: The buffet does exist. And it does draw happy diners who leave well-fed and satisfied, giving the eatery a solid rating of 4½ stars on Yelp. How many buffets can boast Indian fare and Nepali dishes like momo dumplings? Expect classic Indian dishes like butter chicken, curries, and several kinds of biryani. Their cheese naan comes in for special praise, too.
Montana: Grand Garden
Billings Sometimes you just can’t beat a quick fill-up at your neighborhood Chinese buffet. In Billings, Grand Garden is the pick of the litter and has swept the local paper’s “Best Chinese” category for a decade. Drop in for a lunch buffet every day or the dinner buffet on Friday and Saturday nights; there’s also a traditional menu with favorites including money-saving family dinners served with soup, egg rolls, fried shrimp, barbecue pork, rice, and your choice of entrees.
Nebraska: Flavors
Omaha In the mood for Indian food? In Nebraska, Flavors restaurant on the edge of downtown Omaha offers a lunch buffet Monday through Saturday that devotees say is hard to beat. Dishes rotate, but you’re likely to find classics like Tandoori chicken, fresh naan, samosas and biryani. “This place is stellar. … The buffet items are constantly replenished, I have yet to see the staff let anything run out,” raves one TripAdvisor reviewer.
Nevada: Bacchanal Buffet
Las Vegas You haven’t really “done Vegas” until you’ve overindulged at at least one massive casino buffet. By all accounts, Bacchanal at Caesars Palace is one of the best spots to do that; Thrillist even calls it “the standard against which all Las Vegas buffets are judged.” At any given time, you’ll have about 500 items to choose from, plus about 15 daily chef’s specials. If you really want to splash out, you can reserve a VIP experience for $98 with a dedicated reservation time, seafood tower, and all-you-can-drink privileges.
New Hampshire: Old Salt
Hampton The buffet-style Sunday brunch spread at Old Salt, the restaurant at historic Lamie’s Inn, will inspire even the sleepiest souls to get out of bed. They’ll find eye-popping fruit arrangements, cheese platters, muffins, pastries, sausage, bacon, eggs benedict, made-to-order omelets, and Belgian waffles. If brunch is closer to lunch, there’s also poached salmon, pastas, hand-carved turkey, roast beef, and other heartier fare. A chocolate fountain and dessert table offer a sweet ending. Reservations are recommended.
New Jersey: Borgata Buffet
Atlantic City The name of the game at the spacious Borgata Buffet is “casual indulgence,” and the cuisine is “you name it.” Dinners include plenty of sushi, Asian soups, prime rib, and seafood; an impressive brunch spread features made-to-order omelets, eggs benedict, sirloin and cocktail shrimp. TripAdvisor reviewers rave about the selection and quality for the price.
New Mexico: Buffet 66 Fresh Market
Albuquerque This well-regarded buffet at Route 66 Casino and Hotel has been recently revamped, so if you’re cruising in on the Mother Road, you’re in for an all-you-can-eat treat. Dishes include American classics like barbecue; pasta and other Italian fare; sushi; a Mongolian grill; Latin eats and more. On Friday nights, look for Asian seafood; Saturday nights feature surf and turf, including crab legs.
New York: The View Restaurant & Lounge
New York Buffets aren’t often mistaken for special-occasion restaurants, but The View Restaurant & Lounge at the Marriott Marquis might be the exception to the rule. Forty-eight stories up, it’s New York City’s only revolving rooftop restaurant. To accompany the dazzling views of Manhattan, you can either eat from a traditional menu or opt for the lounge’s dinner buffet. Sample selections include beef bourguignon, chicken cacciatore, roasted beet salad, lo mein with ginger garlic dressing, assorted cheeses, and a well-stocked dessert table with a chocolate fountain.
North Carolina: Casey’s Buffet Barbecue & Homecooking
Wilmington Every day at Casey’s is another chance to loosen that belt a notch or two thanks to endless barbecue pork, fried chicken, chitlins, pan-fried okra, pig feet, peach cobbler and too many other homestyle Southern favorites to list. “I don’t even like sweet potato casserole and I could eat my weight in theirs,” raves one TripAdvisor reviewer. “Eat a small lunch if you plan to come for dinner! You’ll need the room for all the yumminess.”
North Dakota: Granite City Brewery
Fargo If you’re a bloody mary fan, head to Fargo’s Granite City Brewery for the Sunday brunch of a lifetime. There are more than 300 possible combos once you pick a vodka, heat level, chaser, and garnish. If mimosas are more your speed, don’t worry — they’re endless. As for food, that’s not too shabby, either. There’s a carving table with prime rib; made-to-order omelets, eggs benedict and breakfast sandwiches; brunch classics like bacon, pancakes and fruit; and rotating chef’s specials. Top it all off with a stop at the donut creation station.
Ohio: Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
Columbus Schmidt’s, a landmark in Columbus’ historic German Village, has been filling rumbling stomachs with traditional German cuisine for decades. Though you can order off a regular menu here, the restaurant also features the German Autobahn Buffet, which regularly features sausages like the infamous spiced, hickory-smoked Bahama Mama and other staples like schnitzel, spaetzle, sauerkraut, soups and salads. Oh, and when you get the buffet, you get a nice discount on the legendary Jumbo Cream Puffs.
Oklahoma: Cajun King
Oklahoma City You’re nowhere near the bayou, but it sure may feel like it at Cajun King. The buffet is packed with Low Country favorites like fried catfish, gumbo, and red beans and rice; weekends also frequently feature frog legs, shrimp, crab cakes, and boudin balls. The highlight, however, might be the hot, sugary beignets, TripAdvisor reviewers report; they’re delivered right to your table just as you’re unsure you can eat another bite.
Oregon: Ganesh Indian Cuisine
The large and varied buffet at Ganesh is available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the restaurant can boast an impressive 4½ stars on Yelp. Indian classics like saag paneer, Tandoori chicken, samosas, dal, and dosas fill out the buffet that garners huge praise from diners.
Pennsylvania: Miller’s Smorgasbord
Ronks A Lancaster County landmark, Miller’s is a must for hungry visitors to Pennsylvania Dutch country. Peruse the smorgasbord and you’ll find baked ham, chicken pot pie, baked cabbage, buttered noodles, Swedish meatballs, and plenty of homemade breads, pies, pudding, and other desserts. Don’t want to wait? You can even reserve a table online (psst … there are also coupons).
Rhode Island: The Nordic
Charlestown If you can get past the sticker shock of The Nordic‘s pricing (at press time, a cool $103 for adults), you’ll gain access to one of the most tantalizing displays of all-you-can-eat seafood you’ll ever lay eyes on. Lobster? Check. Bacon-wrapped scallops? Yep. Alaskan crab? Sure. Oysters? Oh yes. The list goes on, and also includes grill items like prime rib and filet mignon, plus a ton of sides, fruits, salads and desserts. And don’t worry about quality, TripAdvisor reviewers say — the food is fresh and befitting of the price tag.
South Carolina: Captain George’s
Myrtle Beach You don’t have to search long to find a buffet in Myrtle Beach, but that doesn’t mean it will be a good one. Captain George’s, however, is definitely in the top tier, as evidenced by the line out the door most summer nights. The eye-popping buffets, designed to look like old tall ships, are packed with seafood favorites like crab legs, oysters, clams, and fried scallops. TripAdvisor reviewers also recommend the stuffed mushrooms.
South Dakota: Carnaval Brazilian Grill
Sioux Falls This independent Carnaval Brazilian Grill steakhouse has become a go-to spot for hungry South Dakotans since opening in 2005. Diners get to start off at the salad bar and hot bar of Brazilian favorites such as feijoada, a stew of black beans and meat. Of course, the real feast begins when servers carve all the meat you can eat at your table. Mouth-watering selections include shrimp, sirloin, spicy pork sausage, flank steak, and more. Even better, live music is on tap Thursday through Saturday.
Tennessee: Song & Hearth
Pigeon Forge This breakfast and dinner buffet restaurant at Dolly Parton’s new DreamMore resort next to Dollywood might be one of the best places to dine in Pigeon Forge, a tourist strip with no shortage of indulgent spots to eat. TripAdvisor reviewers give it consistently high marks for ambience and food quality, raving about the traditional Southern food — and the delectable donut wall. A recent weekend menu included buttermilk fried chicken, cornmeal fried catfish, Gulf shrimp and grits, candied sweet potatoes, and more.
Texas: Larry’s French Market
Groves You might think you’ve wandered into neighboring Louisiana as you enjoy a gut-busting Cajun feast at Larry’s. Close enough — you’re just miles from the border, and the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet Thursday through Saturday nights is the stuff of legends. Listen to the live music while stuffing yourself with barbecue crabs, fried fish and shrimp, fried alligator, frog legs, boudin, gumbo, and shrimp etouffee.
Utah: Deer Valley Seafood Buffet
Park City This tony ski resort’s seafood buffet has enough polish to satisfy even the biggest skier appetites as well as all-you-can-eat naysayers. One of the more unique features is an entire poke bar, and recent selections have included seared ahi, smoked Scottish salmon, king crab, white fish ceviche, oysters and prime rib. USA Today cautions diners to save room for desserts like the Snowball, a dense chocolate torte enrobed in whipped cream.
Vermont: Eastside Restaurant & Pub
Newport This well-established local favorite with a large patio overlooking Lake Memphremagog has a Sunday brunch buffet more than equal to the lovely setting. Customers report a massive range of favorites like beef brisket, potato gratin, quiche, pasta, pastries, fruit, waffles, pancakes, eggs, and more. “If I lived closer I am sure I would be here as often as possible!” raves one TripAdvisor reviewer.
Virginia: Yukai Japanese and Seafood Buffet
Virginia Beach Whether you want an endless parade of sushi, sashimi and seafood or would prefer hibachi favorites, Yukai has you covered. There are at least 40 different kinds of sushi alone, plus 100 hot items on the buffet. Devotees rave about the modern, clean interior, and say you can’t beat the price for the quality of food, especially in an often-overpriced tourist mecca.
Washington: Feast Buffet
Renton This cavernous Seattle-area buffet amazes first-timers with its massive and artful spread of seafood, sushi, sashimi, dim sum, and more. A Mongolian grill and tons of dessert options — even cotton candy — add to the variety. TripAdvisor reviewers say there’s lobster and other premium items on weekends. “I have not eaten so much in years,” one raves. “Everything I had was fresh and tasty, but it is far too much to sample even one of everything!”
West Virginia: Greenbrier Main Dining Room
White Sulphur Springs For a buffet experience that’s more high society than stuff-yourself-silly (though that’s certainly still an option), put on your best resort attire and try out the breakfast buffet in the elegantly old school Greenbrier Resort Main Dining Room. You’ll be treated to a huge variety of delectable options including made-to-order omelets; sweet potato pancakes; brook trout; cheese blintzes; quiche; and a huge array of fruit, breads, and pastries. “The buffet is displayed so beautifully in such an elegant setting with the most gorgeous crystal green chandeliers. You will not be disappointed!” raves one fan.
Wisconsin: North Country Steak Buffet
La Crosse Carnivores, here’s your happy place. True to its name, family-owned North Country Steak Buffet will feed you as many 5-ounce cooked-to-order sirloin steaks and sirloin burgers that you can stomach. Other buffet items at this casual restaurant may include family favorites like lasagna, grilled chicken, meatloaf, baked fish, shrimp, tacos, and macaroni and cheese.
Wyoming: Old Faithful Inn Dining Room
Yellowstone National Park From May through October, the lunch and dinner buffets are a great excuse to fill up while gawking at the soaring log-beam ceilings and stone fireplaces of Old Faithful Inn. At lunchtime, you’ll find a Western feast of trout, pulled pork, wild game sausage, wild rice, baked beans, cornbread, and more; the dinner buffet (reservations are required) includes prime rib, trout, huckleberry chicken and buttermilk mashed potatoes. Of course, we heard there’s some sort of geyser outside that’s worth seeing, too, so don’t dawdle.
