The Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet in Every State
Updated: Jul. 22, 2021Pile up your plate with everything from fried chicken and mashed potatoes to sushi and stir fry at the best buffets across the country. Come hungry!
Alabama: Martha’s Place, Montgomery
Everything tastes just like Mama used to make it at Martha’s in Montgomery. Even celebs like Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Bassett, and Sissy Spacek have dug into helpings of fried chicken, cornbread and collards cooked by Miss Martha herself. Don’t leave without a slice of her sinfully delicious sweet potato pie either!
Alaska: Gold Creek Salmon Bake, Juneau
When in Alaska, do as the Alaskans do, aka eat plenty of salmon. And there are few better places to do that than at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, which runs from May to September. The open-air buffet, held in the Southeast Alaska rainforest, features Alderwood-grilled salmon, Gold Rush potatoes, wild rice pilaf, and baked beans. For dessert, enjoy homemade blueberry cake or roast marshmallows over the campfire. Thinking about an Alaskan move? You should, because they’ll pay you to move there.
Arizona: Wandering Horse Buffet, Scottsdale
Even if you don’t book a room at the Talking Stick Resort, you can still enjoy a meal at Arizona’s top buffet. Offering Italian, Asian, Mexican, Mediterranean, and American dishes, there’s something for everyone at the Wandering Horse, whether you want sushi or prime rib. Afterward, head to the adjoining casino where you can play one of these seven games with the best odds.
Arkansas: Brown’s Country Restaurant, Benton
You’ll find 100 feet of down-home cooking at Brown’s, where the star of the show is the golden-brown fried green tomatoes. Although according to diners, you also can’t go wrong with the fluffy cornbread, crispy catfish or homemade “chicken n’ dumplins.” The connecting country store even makes its own creamy fudge and chocolate for anyone with a sweet tooth. Don’t miss these 25 old-fashioned general stores across the country.
California: Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, San Diego
Two words: unlimited champagne. That’s reason enough to head to the Sunday seafood buffet at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse in southern California. You can enjoy the deluxe $48 brunch spread (which includes features like a raw bar and both a made-to-order omelet and pasta station) while soaking in a stunning view of the bay below. Before you go, learn the strategies to navigating a buffet like a boss.
Colorado: Cinzzetti’s, Northglenn
You don’t need a passport to get an authentic Italian meal, thanks to this themed buffet located just north of Denver. If the bottomless plates of fresh handmade pasta and pizzas aren’t calling your name, “Mama’s Meatballs” or the calamari fritti just might. And of course, no one can turn down one of the 16 different flavors of gelato. Here are some of the dishes chefs always get at Italian restaurants.
Connecticut: iD Brazil Churrascaria, West Haven
Meat-lovers rejoice! At this Brazilian steakhouse, you’ll be treated to 12 different types of meat, including brisket, ribs, sausage, and even bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. Pair your proteins with a piled-high plate (or two) from the salad bar and side dish buffet—we recommend trying the farofa, which is Brazilian stuffing, or the fried plantains. This is what you should avoid ordering at a steakhouse.
Delaware: King Buffet, Dover
Come for the food, stay for the service at King Buffet in Dover. Because while the Asian eats are everything your Chinese takeout dreams are made of (plus, there’s a Mongolian stir fry bar!), the friendly servers and hosts combined with the quick and attentive service is what will really make your meal great. Here’s what to order from the “secret” menu at Chinese restaurants.
Florida: Boston Lobster Feast, Orlando
Disney World isn’t the only magical place that Orlando has to offer. The Florida city is also home to the Boston Lobster Feast, a super-sized seafood buffet featuring over 60 items. While its namesake lobster is a must, there are also plenty of other under-the-sea options, like fish cooked any way you’d like it, oysters and clams on the half shell, and giant snow crab legs. Don’t forget to check out the coolest secret location in each state.
Georgia: Nori Nori, Atlanta
You’ll get both quantity and quality at this all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant. Everything on the menu, including what appears to be an endless sushi spread, is made with the freshest ingredients. You’ll want to make a pass by the Ramen bar, too, and finish off your meal with some green tea ice cream. Also, did you know the wasabi you get in restaurants isn’t real wasabi?
Hawaii: 100 Sails, Honolulu
Idaho: Madhuban Indian Cuisine, Boise
You’ll likely have to wait for a table during lunchtime at this popular Indian joint—but the food is well worth it. The buffet features a variety of both traditional and modern eastern eats, from spicy fish curry spooned over fluffy basmati rice to freshly baked naan stuffed with minced lamb. If you’re looking to spice up you’re own food, here are some Indian spices to try for everyday cooking.
Illinois: Red Apple Buffet, Chicago
A buffet, but make it Polish. That’s the idea behind this Chicago eatery, which brings “old country” cooking to the Windy City. Besides the wildly popular pierogis (stuffed with everything from spinach and cheese to fresh berries), other tasty items include Polish kielbasa with sauerkraut, schnitzel, and cabbage rolls. Have you ever wondered why Chicago is called the “Windy City”?
Indiana: Gasthof Amish Village, Indiana
For an authentic Amish meal, stop at this Indiana institution nestled among rolling farmlands. Inside the rustic building (which was also built by the Amish!), you’ll sit down to a table full of stick-to-your-ribs foods, like baked ham and creamy mashed potatoes and mile-high meringue pies for dessert. After eating, browse the gift shop stocked with handcrafted souvenirs and decor. Make sure you also know to try the most delicious food found in every state.
Iowa: Farmer’s Pick, Waterloo
Don’t let the fact that this buffet is located inside a casino fool you. True to its name, Farmer’s Pick features farm-to-table dishes made using locally-sourced produce, meat, eggs, and herbs from nearby farmers. Psst: Don’t leave without indulging in one of their renowned chocolate eclairs, oozing with sweet cream. Take a look at what the 50 states designed out of food looks like.
Kansas: Doo-Dah Diner, Wichita
To take advantage of this laid-back eatery’s buffet, you’ll have to show up in time for brunch on Sunday. There, you’ll get to taste a little bit of everything off Doo-Dah Diner‘s made-from-scratch breakfast menu, like the crispy corned beef hash or crab cake benedict with a side of maple pepper bacon.
Kentucky: Good Foods Co-Op, Lexington
Good Foods has an amazing hot lunch buffet and salad bar. The best part is that they source many local ingredients. In their online reviews, people rave about the way they cook their kale. That’s when you know it must be really good!
Louisiana: House of Seafood Buffet, Bush
Spicy seafood gumbo and friendly customer service make House of Seafood the best buffet in Louisiana. From a raw bar stocked with fresh oysters and mussels to fried gator and everything in between, it’s every seafood lover’s dream. Be sure to try the crawfish, which the locals swear by, while you’re there. But, make sure you know these seafood facts that’ll change how you eat.
Maine: Southern Maine Community College, South Portland
Open to the public, this college dining hall is more gourmet dining than school cafeteria. Browse the daily rotating menu online before heading to the campus, where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner for less than $7 while enjoying a stunning view of the Maine coastline. And a few times throughout the year, the college hosts special luncheons cooked by the culinary arts students. Find out the real difference between a college and a university.
Maryland: Nepal House, Baltimore
With a motto like “the real taste of the Himalayas,” this Baltimore buffet is a destination for anyone who loves Indian food. The daily lunch spread includes every spicy, savory, and sweet specialty you could want, from biryani to kabab. But the ultimate Nepalese must-order is the Thakali Thali, which is rice, curry, mixed lentils, spinach, and wild black pepper pickle. Adventurous eaters will also love these healthy lunch ideas from around the globe.
Massachusetts: Henrietta’s Table, Boston
Michigan: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island
As if the name itself isn’t proof enough of how over-the-top this meal is, the Grand Luncheon Buffet has also won the coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence multiple years in a row. Served daily in the historic Grand Hotel’s dining room, the bar just seems to go on and on…and on. Two highlights are the fresh seafood and the homemade pastries. As the most historic hotel in Michigan, the Grand Hotel has been delighting diners for more than 100 years.
Minnesota: Q. Cumbers, Edina
A healthy buffet sounds like an oxymoron but that’s exactly what Q. Cumbers in Edina is. The salad bar, which is over 50 feet long, is full of fresh veggies and fruits and pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s homemade soups if you’re looking for a light lunch. And if you want something heartier, the hot bar offers classics (like lasagna and pot roast) with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Here are some of the foods nutritionists always eat at buffets.
Mississippi: Palace Buffet, Biloxi
The whole family can enjoy the extravagance that is the Palace Buffet in Biloxi thanks to the fact that it’s entirely smoke-free and kid-friendly. There are four different themed bars (Flames, Coastal, Comfort, and Wok) plus a dessert station run by the restaurant’s award-winning pastry chef. And here’s the best news: Gorging yourself from time to time can actually help you lose weight!
Missouri: Charley’s Buffet, Lincoln
Good old country cooking, including fried chicken and mashed potatoes? Check. Fluffy dinner rolls with whipped butter? Check. A wide variety of desserts? Double check—there are 49 sweet treats to choose from! Keep in mind, however, that Charley’s is only open Friday and Saturday nights so plan your trip accordingly. Pro tip: Avoid these 10 high-risk foods at any buffet to stay healthy.
Montana: Soup and Such, Billings
At this Montana mainstay, you’ll get the best of both worlds. First, there’s the soup, homemade by owner Antonia Craighill: baked potato chowder, New England clam chowder, tomato basil, chili, and chicken noodle, plus two that change daily. And then there’s the “such,” which is a salad bar with veggies, meats, and cheeses, along with potato and pasta salads. Find out what every state is best and worst at.
Nebraska: Valentino’s Grand Italian Buffet, Nebraska City
Pizza, pasta, parmesan, oh my! If it’s cheesy, doughy or smothered in sauce, you can likely find it on one of the eight different spreads at Valentino’s Grand Italian Buffet. Build your own bowl of pasta, snag a slice of pizza made with a from-scratch crust and sauce, or dig into a hearty portion of baked lasagna. Buon appetito! Don’t forget to check out these bucket list ideas for each state.
Nevada: Bacchanal Buffet, Las Vegas
Trying to choose the best buffet in Las Vegas is like trying to choose a favorite child: it’s nearly impossible. But the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace stands out for both its size (it’s the largest buffet in Sin City) and its selection (over 500 different dishes to choose from!). And among the smoked wagyu and chocolate lava cakes, there are 15 chef’s specials which change daily. Check out these Las Vegas attractions that have nothing to do with gambling.
New Hampshire: Country Life Restaurant, Keene
Dining out as a vegan can be tricky, but not at Country Life Restaurant in Keene. Not only is everything on the menu 100 percent vegetarian and organic, but they have an entire bar dedicated just to vegan food. The line-up rotates daily so depending on the day, you could have your pick of anything from vegetable pot pie to tofu cacciatore. P.S. If you’ve been thinking of going vegan, here are 12 expert tips to doing it successfully.
New Jersey: Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet, East Rutherford
With over 250 items on the menu, even the pickiest of eaters should be able to find something they love at this New Jersey restaurant. While you’ll find the usual Chinese buffet suspects (including sushi, of course), the crowd favorite is the Teppanyaki-style grill, where you can watch your meal being prepared by a professional chef right in front of you. Find out the most popular dishes around the country.
New Mexico: Buffet 66 Fresh Market, Rio Puerco
Seafood steals the spotlight at this newly renovated restaurant, nestled inside the Route 66 Casino. The incredible selection includes an all-you-can-eat clam bar and crabs on crabs on crabs. Insider tip: Visit on a holiday to score a two-for-one deal. Don’t miss these other ways to get great deals on everything.
New York: The Door, New York City
NYC is probably one of the only places outside of the Caribbean that can say it has an “elegant Jamaican buffet.” But one trip to The Door and you’ll definitely be wishing your hometown had one, too. Spend a couple of hours noshing on exotic island fare like jerk chicken, curried goat, and fried plantains. Wash it all down with sorrel, a sour raspberry drink made from hibiscus flowers. Learn the surprising foods you didn’t know were actually American.
North Carolina: Casey’s Buffet, Wilmington
Leave it to North Carolina to have a barbecue-themed buffet like Casey’s, a family-owned institution known for its Southern soul food. Make sure you come hungry so you can gorge yourself on the all-you-can-eat ribs, chitlins, chicken gizzards, catfish, collard greens, and hush puppies. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you might even go for the pigs’ feet, which are popular with the locals. Then, try these unique foods that really do taste like chicken.
North Dakota: HuHot Mongolian Grill, Bismarck
Build, eat, repeat. That’s how it works at HuHot Mongolian Grill, a chain of all-you-can-eat stir-fry restaurants where you can create endless combinations of noodles, toppings, and sauces. Regardless of what you choose, your last course should definitely be the popular Cookie Dough Conquest: balls of cookie dough wrapped in a wonton and deep-fried. Here’s what your favorite foods say about your personality.
Ohio: The Farm, Cincinnati
Wedding venue and party hall by day, dangerously delicious buffet by night (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, that is). Sit down for a belly-busting meal of roast beef, baked ham, homestyle meatloaf, and more at one of the long tables inside The Farm’s eccentric dining room. Bonus: An endless stream of soft drinks and desserts are included as well. Here are the things restaurant owners wish they could tell you.
Oklahoma: Cajun King, Oklahoma City
Are you in the deep South or central Oklahoma? You won’t be able to tell when you step inside Cajun King. Underneath vibrant strands of Mardi Gras beads hanging from the ceiling, you’ll feast like a New Orleans roi (that’s French for king) on traditional Cajun and Creole specialties like red beans and rice, jambalaya, and sweet beignets. Consider it one of the places to celebrate Mardi Gras outside of New Orleans.
Oregon: K-Town Korean BBQ, Portland
There’s a reason Korean BBQ has such a cult following: it’s a little bit spicy, a little bit smoky, and 100 percent flavorful. And at K-Town, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat meat and veggies, which you’ll cook on a stovetop right in front of you at your table. The catch? You only have two hours to eat as much bulgogi and bok choy as you can. Ready, set, go! Tired of Portland? Try visiting this underrated Oregon city instead.
Pennsylvania: Shady Maple Smorgasbord, East Earl
Juicy kielbasa, gooey mac and cheese, fluffy homemade dinner rolls… hungry yet? Hopefully, the answer is yes, because that’s exactly what you’ll need to be when you visit this legendary buffet. Authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking at its best, Shady Maple is known across the state for its hearty portions of classic comfort food. If you’re thinking of cooking yourself, try these comfort food recipes just like Grandma used to make.
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Rhode Island: Nordic Lodge, Charlestowne
Meet the restaurant that’s done the unthinkable: created an upscale gourmet buffet. There’s no other way to describe the smorgasbord at the Nordic Lodge, where guests feast on all-you-can-eat lobster, prime rib, fresh oysters and clams, and homemade cannolis for dessert. Don’t skimp on your servings, either—after all, your meal will cost you $98! Then, learn the 50 hidden gems in each state.
South Carolina: The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood, Myrtle Beach
A buffet just isn’t a buffet if you don’t leave feeling like you never want to eat again. That’s how stuffed you’ll be after a trip to this Lowcountry landmark, which serves up any and every type of seafood imaginable, straight from the intercoastal waterways (yes, there’s even “crawdaddys” on the menu). Bonus: There’s an attached aquarium for the little ones to wander through. Check out these under-the-radar places to visit around the country.
South Dakota: Jacky’s Restaurant, Sioux Falls
It’s Taco Tuesday every day of the week at Jacky’s. Hit up any of the four locations across Sioux Falls during lunchtime for the tasty taco bar, stocked with chicken, ground beef, refried beans, rice, and toppings galore. Want to make your own taco night at home? Try one of these 12 taco-inspired recipes.
Tennessee: Aunt Granny’s Restaurant, Pigeon Forge
In the spirit of true Southern hospitality, Aunt Granny’s isn’t all-you-can-eat but rather all-you-care-to-eat. Located inside of Dollywood, it’s as over-the-top (yet still down-home) as the country crooner herself. We’re talking baskets of buttery biscuits and cornbread, bowls of creamy mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, and massive platters of crispy fried chicken. Then, make sure you know these timeless cooking tips we learned from grandma.
Texas: Kalachandji’s, Dallas
Utah: Chuck-A-Rama, Salt Lake City
What you’re in the mood for will determine when you go to Chuck-A-Rama, where there’s a different theme each day. Here’s the current schedule: Monday is international, Tuesday is Chinese, Wednesday is chuckwagon (think: meat, potatoes, and beans), Thursday is Mexican, Friday is fish, Saturday is Italian, and Sunday is family dinner. Find out the best-kept secret in every state.
Vermont: Lucky Buffet, St Albans City
Kid-friendly, clean, and a great variety: What more could you ask for from an all-you-can-eat restaurant? Lucky Buffet in Vermont is known for having an incredible array of hot and fresh Chinese eats, with a heavy focus on chicken dishes—everyone swears by the peanut chicken. Want to cut back on sodium or calories? Check out our list of the healthiest Chinese foods.
Virginia: Heebeen, Alexandria
Bring on the BBQ—the Korean BBQ, that is. And while we’ll never say no to all-you-can-eat meat (and neither should you, especially when you get to cook it yourself right at your table), one of the best features of this Virginia eatery is its super fresh sushi and sashimi bar. Here are the best rolls to snag if you’re trying to be a little healthier.
Washington: Araya’s Place, Seattle
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how tasty the lunch buffet is at Araya’s Place. The vegan restaurant has an excellent selection of soups, curries, noodles, and many other Thai foods. Yes, even non-vegans will enjoy the array of stir-fries, rice, and more. The reviews on TripAdvisor sum up to this: Araya’s Place serves good food that just so happens to be vegan. If you’re vegetarian and looking for fast food, these are the best vegetarian items at fast-food restaurants.
West Virginia: Grand China Buffet and Grill, Clarksburg
The barbecue ribs are one of the best things on the extensive menu at this West Virginia buffet. Other favorites are the honey chicken, noodles, and what is essentially the entire dessert section. Plus, this restaurant has a 2017 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. These are the rude restaurant habits you need to stop now.
Wisconsin: Maharaja, Milwaukee
The next time you’re on your lunch break, head to Maharaja for their daily midday buffet. The Indian restaurant, which has been voted “Best of Milwaukee” for 19 straight years, even includes a take-home box in your meal’s price so you can load up on paneer and samosas to go. If you want to avoid an afternoon food coma at your desk, stick to one of these healthier Indian food options.
Wyoming: Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel, Cody
Experience the wild, wild west with a hearty meat and potatoes meal at the historic Irma Hotel in downtown Cody. Dig into a mouthwatering plate of their specialty prime rib (it isn’t called a “Wyoming legend” for nothing!) while you watch the gunfighters reenact an old-fashioned shootout in the street. Next, read on for the best coffee shop in every state.
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