America’s Best Buffet Restaurants

A buffet restaurant is the ideal place to go if you’re hungry but don’t feel like cooking. You can literally get your money’s worth by eating as much as you can when you enter these restaurants, which tend to be pretty cheap.

Buffets have a set price after which you can come back as often as you like. They are therefore excellent if you are very hungry or are having trouble deciding what to eat.

Buffet restaurants are so great because they have something for everyone to eat, from appetizers to main courses to desserts.

You have a wide variety of excellent selections because America is home to some of the top buffet restaurants in the entire world.

We’ll be looking at the top buffet restaurants in the country in this list of the absolute best.

So, What Makes A Great Buffet?

Let’s look at some of the things that make these places so outstanding before we look at the best buffet restaurants in the country.

How can a successful buffet restaurant ensure that there is something for everyone when that is the main goal of a buffet restaurant?

Variety is among the most crucial elements that a buffet restaurant must master. As we’ve previously stated, buffet restaurants are designed to provide options for everyone, so bringing the whole family should mean that everyone will be content.

A top-notch buffet restaurant will have a large selection of dishes and excellent-looking cuisine.

The reason why some buffet restaurants in this country are less successful is typically because they simply produce meals like machines and the food doesn’t taste or look good.

Aside from the food itself, it’s critical for restaurants to provide their patrons with limitless access to the buffet bar and unlimited soft drinks.

Aside from that, any buffet restaurant ought to be successful as long as the cost of admittance to the buffet itself is reasonable.

1. Chuck-A-Rama

Chuck-A-Rama has been providing family-friendly buffet options in Idaho and Utah since 1966.

The name, which combines the founder’s two main inspirations, is as intriguing as its origin tale.

The eatery was influenced by the culture of the Midwest’s covered wagons, particularly Charles or Chuck Goodnight, a Texas ranger who popularized the concept of chuckwagon cuisine with his mobile kitchen in a covered wagon.

The creators of Chuck-A-Rama, who were also Boy Scouts, adapted the word “A-Rama” from the annual Scout-O-Rama Boy Scout celebration.

Handcrafted classics, including their well-known fried chicken, kettle-roasted turkey, dressing, cornbread, soups, and homemade Midwest sweet and savory salads, are all featured on the buffet menu.

A vast variety of baked products, including scones, handmade cakes, cobblers, and bread puddings, are also available. 

Additionally, it has changing specials inspired by many cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, BBQ, and even chuckwagon food.

It is well-known that Chuck-A-Rama is a nostalgic all-you-can-eat buffet with excellent cut meats, the greatest apple butter in the area, and a wonderful assortment of meals for all dietary requirements.

2. Cici’s

Some foods are just perfect for a buffet.  For instance, meat-based buffets are very successful, but an Italian buffet is by far the best.

Numerous buffet restaurants focus primarily on pizza, but Cici’s goes one step further by including pasta as part of their Italian buffet.

So, if you enjoy Italian cuisine, you should go to this restaurant.

There are Cici’s restaurants all around the United States, and they are quite affordable. 

There is something for everyone at Cici’s, including a salad bar, huge pizzas, and wonderful pizzas. They also serve chicken wings.

It is the ideal buffet restaurant to visit if you are having one of those days where you just want to stuff your face with Italian food (see also ‘Top 13 Italian Restaurant Chains In The US‘).

3. Golden Corral

Given that Golden Corral is one of the largest buffet businesses in America, it should come as no surprise that they are also among the best.

Since it initially opened its doors in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 1973, this restaurant has only grown in popularity. It was one of the first buffet restaurants to truly prosper in America.

But the fact that there are now more than 500 Golden Corral locations nationwide illustrates just how popular this chain is.

Due to its extensive menu, which spans many different cuisines, Golden Corral is a great buffet restaurant to visit.

Because it meets all of the requirements for a leading buffet restaurant that we stated above, Golden Corral will always rank among the best in America.

People keep returning because the prices are reasonable and the food is delicious.

4. Huhot Mongolian Grill

Huhot Mongolian Grill is a little different due to the fact that it serves a completely different cuisine than the buffet restaurants we have already explored.

Huhot differs from other companies’ restaurants in more ways than one. You won’t be able to repeatedly approach a buffet table while you’re at Huhot because it’s not a regular buffet.

But it is a buffet in the sense that each time you eat here, you take on the role of the chef.

You are in charge when you enter Huhot. The chef will prepare the ingredients according to your preferences after giving you a list from which to choose.

Given that Mongolian food is less popular than Italian or American food, Huhot Mongolian Grill won’t appeal to everyone.

Having said that, you should absolutely try this place at least once in your life. Even if it’s only to sample the distinctive buffet that Huhot Mongolian Grill serves.

5. Old Country Buffet

Old Country Buffet is where you need to go if you want to eat traditional American food.

Given the size of this restaurant chain, it is easy to understand how they have managed to become so well-known.

They have a breakfast buffet, a lunch buffet, and a supper buffet, so the food you can eat will vary depending on what time of day you attend.

The food is excellent and wonderful at Old Country Buffet. However, this restaurant’s low price is its best feature.

Old Country Buffet has age-specific pricing, in contrast to some buffet eateries.  Therefore, you won’t have to worry about paying the same amount for your child as you do for yourself (because they will only eat a small amount).

Old Country Buffet is an excellent choice if budget is one of your top objectives because the rates vary based on what time of day you come.

6. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is another establishment that excels in providing a wonderful buffet.

Pizza Hut’s buffet is a little different from other buffet restaurants in that it’s not open all the time, but when it is, it’s one of the best options available.

When you go to Pizza Hut (see also ‘14 Pizza Hut Crusts For You To Try‘), which serves some of the best pizza in the country, there is nothing better than paying a little bit of money to eat as much as you can.

Pizza Hut has a fantastic lunch buffet available Monday through Friday, as well as an unlimited salad bar.

The majority of Pizza Hut locations include an all-you-can-eat salad bar, not just during the lunch buffet. So, you should definitely check out their midday buffet if you want endless Pizza Hut pizza (see also ‘14 Delicious Pizza Hut Pizzas For Your Next Order‘).

7. Pizza Ranch

Visit Pizza Ranch if you feel more at ease sticking with what you are familiar with.

Pizza, fresh salads, and a lot of fried chicken are all on the menu at Pizza Ranch, which is relatively typical of the pizza-style buffets we have seen so far.

They also serve pasta and breadsticks, and that’s not even mentioning their desserts, which are just incredible.

The best part of Pizza Ranch’s buffet, though, is that you don’t have to eat there.

You can just fill up a take-away tray and leave with your food if you are just stopping by for lunch and don’t have time to sit down and enjoy it.

Pizza Ranch is another excellent buffet worth visiting because it is uncommon for a buffet restaurant to be so accommodating, especially when their prices are so affordable.

8. Shady Maple Smorgasbord

You should check out Shady Maple Smorgasbord if you want something a little different from pizza and chicken.

Shady Maple Smorgasbord offers a different type of cuisine, similar to Huhot Mongolian Grill, and this is what makes the experience they provide so exceptional.

Pennsylvania-Dutch cuisine, the epitome of comfort food, is what Shady Maple Smorgasbord excels in serving. As a result, you must visit if you want some comforting food that tastes like home.

Food is available at this buffet every day from noon until eight o’clock. Since the menu varies every day, they are able to keep things interesting and new.

You will therefore have a large selection of meals to choose from, such as a New York strip, cut honey ham, fried shrimp, and much more.

It’s even better because they have varied prices based on what time of day you go, plus they give kids and seniors percentage discounts.

Shady Maple Smorgasbord is one of the top buffet restaurants in America because of this.

9. Shakey’s Pizza

The buffets at Pizza Hut and Shakey’s Pizza are somewhat similar.

That is to say, Shakey’s Pizza’s buffet is not open all day, every day. Instead, it is a lunchtime promotion, so if you want to eat as much Shakey’s pizza as you can, go to Shakey’s Pizza between 11:30 and 2:00.

Shakey’s Pizza has a wide variety of items on their buffet menu. These include a selection of hot, freshly made pizzas, Mojo potatoes, salad, a variety of sides, pasta, and even fried chicken.

Therefore, if you go to Shakey’s Pizza for lunch expecting to only see pizza on the menu, you are mistaken.

If you are that one friend who doesn’t like pizza, you don’t have to abandon this group lunch excursion because Shakey’s Pizza’s buffet offers something for everyone. 

As an alternative, you can gladly savor all the other delectable dishes Shakey’s Pizza has to offer, all at a very reasonable price.

10. Shaw’s Crab House

If you like seafood, especially oysters, go here right now! More than 40 seafood-based specialties are offered at the upscale eatery Shaw’s Crab House.

The best thing about this place is their fresh oysters, but you should also try their famous Alaskan king crab legs.

Since most of the food in this restaurant is easy to prepare, the restaurant emphasizes the value of good ingredients.

To assure the freshest and best flavors, farmers and fishermen collect seafood, vegetables, and other products every day.

These restaurants have a comfortable, retro interior design. Many customers adore coming back to enjoy the meal since it is so good and the service is superb.

At their bar, you can also place a few cocktail orders. You could have the ultimate dining experience here with a large variety of American-style cocktails.

11. Shoney’s

Shoney’s is a terrific place to go if you want to go to a buffet restaurant and eat a little bit of everything while you are there, as you generally do at a buffet.

Shoney’s serves traditional meals, but they also have a fresh food bar with a wide selection of mouth watering options created by a team of culinary specialists.

You can choose from a variety of dishes all day long at this fresh food bar. 

Since it opens early in the morning, there are several breakfast options available right away.

These breakfast dishes will be replaced throughout the course of the day with a variety of seafood, entrées, vegetables, fresh salads, and much more.

So, if you don’t feel like cooking and are unsure of what you’d like to eat, go to Shoney’s and treat yourself to a variety of delectable, fresh foods.

12. Sirloin Stockade

Since Sirloin Stockade is no longer as successful as it once was, many of their eateries have closed in recent years. However, this does not change the fact that Sirloin Stockade’s food is extraordinary.

This is the place to go if you want to fill up on some delicious protein because the buffet menu places a strong emphasis on meat (there are items like steak, ribs, pulled pork, and beef brisket on the menu).

However, the main courses at Sirloin Stockade aren’t what keep most people going back for more. Instead, it is the superb side dishes that they provide.

There is something for everyone at Sirloin Stockade, from corn on the cob to sweet potato casserole, to the best item on the menu, mac & cheese.

The next time you are hungry, you should think about going to Sirloin Stockade because it is even better that you can order this food to go.

13. Sizzler

One of the chains that suffered the most from events over recent years was Sizzler restaurants.

However, despite this and the fact that some stores had to close, the company managed to survive the terrible times, and Sizzler buffets are still available today.

Because Sizzler has one of the best buffet meals in the USA, this is wonderful news.

The price of a Sizzler buffet varies depending on the time of day you go, with lunchtime being less expensive than dinnertime, but the food is always excellent.

The menu at this restaurant, which originally offered all-you-can-eat shrimp, has expanded to include a wide variety of tasty dishes. Sizzler is a fantastic buffet restaurant because of the excellent food they serve.

So, this is one of the best places to go if you want to have access to a variety of foods.

14. Souper Salad

Fried chicken, pizza, and steak are typically the first foods that come to mind when you think of a buffet.

Soup and salad are typically the last things that come to mind, but Souper Salad offers precisely that.

Providing endless soup and salad to their patrons has helped this buffet restaurant establish a solid reputation in the industry.

But there’s no need to worry just because they have these healthy selections because Souper Salad also serves unlimited dessert.

Because it changes frequently, Souper Salad’s menu is excellent. As the menu at Souper Salad changes every day, you won’t have to worry about getting tired of the food they serve.

If you visit the chain during the holiday season, you will be in for a festive treat because they also offer seasonal buffets. Souper Salad understands what makes a great buffet restaurant and does a fantastic job at doing it.

Souper Salad is the place to go if you want unlimited soup and salad at a low cost.

15. Western Sizzlin’

As an alternative, if you enjoy meat, you must visit Western Sizzlin’ for their buffet.

Since there are over 100 distinct menu items at this buffet, there is essentially something for everyone, which is, as you are aware, what constitutes a good buffet.

With so many options for salads, sides, poultry, steaks, and more, it is easy to understand why this restaurant has established such a stellar reputation in the buffet business.

The fact that Western Sizzlin’s food is reasonably priced is its best feature. They provide a wide variety of meals, but the price you pay for it is in no way comparable.

You receive an incredible value for the money you pay to access the buffet at Western Sizzlin’. That is why if you enjoy a nice buffet, you must go to Western Sizzlin’.

16. Red Apple Buffet

Polish favorites like Polish sausages, stuffed cabbage, pierogi, potato pancakes, and other eastern European specialties are available at the Red Apple buffet.

There is no need to worry about the freshness of the food because this is a made-from-scratch buffet.

In light of the caliber of the cuisine and service, the price is very fair. To make sure everything is in order, the staff frequently replenishes the supplies and cleans the table.

There are no fancy foods available at this buffet, which serves traditional Polish and European cuisine. Additionally, they are accessible on weekends from 12 to 8 PM.

They only accept appointments during the week, so you must contact them ahead to make sure they are open.

17. Bacchanal Buffet

In search of a fancy buffet? Try the Bacchanal Buffet, one of Vegas’s top buffets.

The restaurant, which is housed in the upscale Caesars Palace Las Vegas hotel, appears opulent and serves excellent food.

Bacchanal is a true treasure in the buffet restaurant business, with a wide variety of culinary options including American foods, sushi, seafood, and other dishes from many cuisines.

As a result, it costs more than other places on this list.

However, eating here is an incredible experience. You can watch the food being prepared in the open kitchens and in front of the hotel in the recently remodeled dining room with a glass design.

With a wide variety of sweets presented in individual cups, their dessert section is equally amazing. But be aware that advanced reservations are required.

And the Bacchanal website’s sophisticated reservations system makes it easy to do so.

18. The Buffet At Wynn

It is impossible to resist trying the food at The Buffet at Wynn because it is so beautiful upon first glance. Flowers, chairs, tables, and ceiling lights are used to decorate the inside in a stunning and original way.

Additionally, each item is artfully presented to pique your hunger. The 15 entertaining cooking stations at The Buffet At Wynn are a huge plus if you want to see how the chefs create and assemble your meal.

Here, over 90 unique dishes from different cultures are presented, including pizza, pasta, sushi, prime rib, and more. Some can be specially built for you if you’d like something unique, depending on your preferences.

Customers can come in on the spot. However, reserving a seat in advance is strongly advised if at all possible. In general, the Buffet At Wynn is without a doubt a favorite buffet location for all hungry guests.

19. Borgata Buffet

The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, which is home to numerous casinos and interesting attractions, houses the Borgata Buffet. In actuality, the Borgata Hotel is the largest in New Jersey and has a solid reputation with tourists.

Therefore, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Borgata Buffet is a fantastic place to satiate your appetite. 

Despite the restaurant’s opulent appearance, Borgata Buffet is reasonably priced. Actually, it is priceless and merits every cent.

Every meal includes a wide variety of foods, including fresh seafood, spaghetti, dessert, and Asian-inspired dishes.

They also have some delicious meat-based dishes, including grilled chicken, sirloin steak, and barbecued pork ribs.

Note that Wednesday and Thursday are the days the buffet is closed. If you enjoy brunch, you should know that the Borgata Buffet only serves it on Sundays from 8 AM to 2 PM.

20. Captain George’s

Seafood enthusiasts will also find bliss at Captain George’s. Make sure you sample some local cuisine if you visit the East Coast of the country.

If you like to sample seafood at Captain George’s around lunchtime, come here on Sunday as they open at 12 PM. The regular business hours are from 4 PM to 8:30 PM on weekdays.

The restaurant is roomy and usually situated near popular tourist destinations. It wouldn’t take long for everyone to be seated because Captain George’s can accommodate 500–1000 guests, depending on the location.

With more than 70 high-quality food options, you won’t go hungry and will feel completely satisfied. The Alaskan snow crab legs, shrimp entree, crab soup, and oyster-based meals are some of Captain George’s specialties.

You can choose from a variety of seafood options in addition to other delightful dishes like soups, salads, brisket, or mac & cheese.

Tips For Visiting A Buffet Restaurant

Here are a few simple suggestions to make sure you enjoy yourself at your favorite buffet restaurant.

• Look at the buffet briefly before you start. You can use this to check what foods are offered at the stands. Start by looking for the vegetables, salad, or soup.
• Don’t starve yourself before eating. You should leave plenty of stomach room before visiting a buffet restaurant, but this does not mean you should not eat all day. It might make your stomach cramp up, and you will feel fuller quicker.
• Take small portions of food. You don’t want to get too full too quickly, so try to eat smaller portions so you can sample everything the buffet has to offer.
• Eat slowly. For digestion, chewing and eating the food slowly is better.

Final Thoughts

This has been the definitive list of the top buffet restaurants in America right now. We’ve looked at what makes a great buffet restaurant as well as some of the best options available to you.

So, if you’re interested in dining at a buffet restaurant, review the information above to decide which buffet restaurant you’d like to visit the next time you decide to go out to eat.