12 Illinois All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Where The Dessert Tables Are The Main Attraction
Alright, buffet pros, listen up. We all have our game plan, right? Start light, scope out the prime rib, maybe a little mac and cheese to get things rolling.
But what if I told you that in certain hallowed halls of Illinois, that strategy is completely, gloriously, deliciously wrong? What if the main event isn’t the carving station or the sushi rolls, but the grand finale that actually starts the show? Yes, we’re talking about those rare, magical buffets where the dessert table isn’t just an afterthought.
Forget the traditional buffet hierarchy. We’re about to unveil 12 Illinois All-You-Can-Eat establishments where your sweet tooth isn’t just satisfied; it’s practically worshipped.
1. Red Apple Buffet
Family-owned since 1989, this North Side gem serves up authentic Polish and Central European cuisine that transports diners straight to Warsaw. While the savory dishes impress, the dessert section steals the spotlight with traditional pastries that grandmother would approve of.
The paczki (Polish donuts) filled with rose hip jam rival any you’ll find outside Poland. Their fruit compotes change seasonally, offering bright flavors that perfectly balance the richness of their cheesecakes and poppy seed rolls.
For those unfamiliar with Eastern European sweets, the friendly staff gladly explains each delicacy, making this cultural dessert experience accessible to everyone.
2. Yoder’s Kitchen
Nestled in the heart of Illinois Amish country, Yoder’s Kitchen transforms simple ingredients into dessert magic. The buffet’s main courses might be hearty and wholesome, but regulars know to pace themselves for what comes after.
Handcrafted pies dominate the dessert table – flaky crusts cradling seasonal fruit fillings that burst with flavor. Their signature shoofly pie, with its molasses-based filling, offers a taste of authentic Amish tradition.
The cobblers emerge warm from the oven throughout service, ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy them at their peak. Nothing here comes from a box or factory – each dessert reflects generations of passed-down recipes.
3. Golden Corral
Ask any kid in Illinois where they want to celebrate their birthday, and Golden Corral often tops the list – not for the pizza or chicken, but for the legendary Chocolate Wonderfall. I still remember bringing my nephew here for his tenth birthday; his eyes grew wider than the dinner plates when he spotted the flowing chocolate fountain.
Beyond the cascading chocolate, their rotating selection of cakes, pies, and cookies satisfies even the pickiest sweet tooth. The soft-serve ice cream station with its rainbow of toppings lets guests create custom sundaes.
With multiple locations throughout Illinois, this chain has perfected the art of accessible dessert indulgence for families on any budget.
4. Bally’s Quad Cities Casino
The stakes aren’t just high at the gaming tables in this Rock Island destination – the dessert buffet raises the ante on indulgence. The casino’s culinary team crafts show-stopping confections that rival anything you’d find on the Las Vegas Strip.
Their sundae bar features house-made ice cream with toppings ranging from classic hot fudge to unexpected options like candied bacon and bourbon caramel. Miniature versions of classic desserts allow guests to sample multiple treats without committing to full portions.
The weekend chocolate display becomes particularly elaborate, featuring hand-dipped strawberries, truffles, and sculptural chocolate creations that demonstrate the pastry chef’s artistic talents alongside their culinary skills.
5. Cicis Pizza
While most people visit Cicis for their unlimited pizza options, insiders know the real treasure awaits at the dessert counter. Their famous cinnamon rolls emerge from the oven in regular intervals, filling the restaurant with an irresistible aroma that makes waiting for a fresh batch worthwhile.
My family has a standing Sunday tradition here – we time our visit precisely so we finish our pizza just as a new tray of those gooey, frosting-topped rolls appears. The dessert pizzas offer creative combinations like apple pie and bavarian cream that transform the pizza concept into sweet territory.
With multiple Illinois locations and budget-friendly pricing, Cicis makes dessert indulgence accessible for everyday treats. Not just special occasions.
6. Shaw’s Crab House – Sophisticated Sweet Finales
This upscale Schaumburg seafood destination might seem an unlikely place for dessert excellence, but Shaw’s proves that seafood and sweets can coexist beautifully. Their Sunday brunch buffet features a dessert selection that rivals standalone pastry shops.
The key lime pie strikes that perfect balance between tart and sweet, providing a refreshing counterpoint to their seafood offerings. Seasonal fruit tarts showcase whatever’s freshest at the market, nestled in buttery crusts that shatter delicately with each bite.
For chocolate lovers, their signature mousse delivers deep flavor without overwhelming sweetness. Each dessert appears in elegant, individual portions maintaining the restaurant’s sophisticated atmosphere throughout the entire dining experience.
7. Asian Yummy Buffet
Carbondale’s popular Asian fusion spot surprises guests with a dessert section that bridges Eastern and Western palates beautifully. Traditional Asian sweets like mochi and red bean pastries share space with American classics, creating a unique cross-cultural dessert experience.
Their fresh fruit selection stands out from typical buffet offerings, with dragon fruit, lychee, and other exotic options alongside seasonal local produce. The mango pudding, silky and refreshing, provides the perfect light ending after enjoying their extensive savory options.
Students from nearby Southern Illinois University flock here during finals week, fueling late-night study sessions with multiple trips to both the hibachi grill and the dessert station. Brain food comes in both savory and sweet varieties.
8. Himmel’s
Walking into this Chicago neighborhood favorite feels like stepping into a European café, complete with a dessert display that would make any Austrian pastry chef proud. Their weekend brunch buffet features a rotating selection of traditional European sweets that transport diners across the Atlantic.
I once brought my Austrian grandmother here, and she nearly wept when she tasted their authentic linzer torte – the first she’d had since leaving Europe decades ago. Their strudel achieves that perfect balance of flaky exterior and tender fruit filling that’s so difficult to master.
The Black Forest cake delivers rich chocolate layers interspersed with cherry filling and fresh whipped cream, never too sweet and always moist. Each dessert reflects meticulous attention to traditional techniques and authentic recipes.
9. Super China Buffet
This unassuming Chicago establishment might not look like a dessert destination from the outside, but regulars know to save room for their surprisingly extensive sweet offerings. Unlike many Chinese buffets that offer just a few token Western desserts, Super China Buffet dedicates significant space to ending your meal on a sweet note.
Their house-made almond cookies provide a perfect light finish with just the right amount of sweetness. The fresh fruit selection rotates seasonally, always impeccably ripe and refreshing after the savory dishes.
For those seeking more indulgent options, their cream-filled pastries and puddings satisfy without being overly heavy. The mango pudding, silky and bright, offers a perfect palate cleanser after enjoying their extensive savory offerings.
10. Twisted Q BBQ
Homewood’s beloved barbecue joint proves that Southern hospitality extends all the way to dessert. After filling up on smoky brisket and ribs, patrons discover a dessert table that honors traditional Southern sweet traditions with modern touches.
Their banana pudding achieves cult status locally – creamy vanilla custard layered with fresh bananas and vanilla wafers that somehow remain perfectly crisp. The homemade peach cobbler arrives warm from the oven, its buttery crust giving way to juicy fruit that tastes like summer regardless of the season.
Chocolate lovers gravitate toward the Mississippi mud cake, a rich concoction that pairs perfectly with their house-made bourbon caramel sauce. They complement the smokehouse flavors while providing a sweet counterpoint to the savory mains.
11. Sushi Nova
Chicago’s premier all-you-can-eat sushi destination recognizes that a proper Japanese meal includes a thoughtful sweet finale. Their dessert offerings might be more curated than some massive buffets, but each item demonstrates the same precision and attention to detail found in their sushi.
The mochi ice cream comes in flavors rarely seen elsewhere – black sesame, yuzu, and green tea alongside more familiar options. Their taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) arrive warm with sweet red bean filling that provides a perfect ending to a Japanese feast.
Seasonal fruit preparations show Japanese influence, like the winter persimmons poached in sake or summer watermelon with a sprinkle of sea salt that intensifies the sweetness. Desserts honors Japanese culinary traditions while remaining accessible to American palates.
12. Wind Creek Chicago Southland
Serious gamblers know that a winning strategy at Wind Creek includes saving room for their spectacular dessert spread. This East Chicago casino understands that memorable experiences extend beyond the gaming floor to the dining room, where their dessert station rivals anything found on the Las Vegas Strip.
The chocolate fountain becomes a social hub where guests gather to dip strawberries, marshmallows, and rice crispy treats. Their signature bread pudding, made from a closely-guarded recipe, changes seasonally but always features a decadent bourbon sauce that adults adore.
The house-made gelato station offers unique flavors alongside classics, with toppings that range from traditional sprinkles to unexpected options like candied bacon and spiced nuts. Each sweet creation aims to make winners of everyone, regardless of luck at the tables.