9 Massachusetts Buffets That Still Feel Like The ’90s (And Locals Love Them For It)
Do you remember when buffets were the ultimate family outing — when endless trays of comfort food, neon lights, and dessert stations made every visit feel like a mini celebration?
In Massachusetts, a handful of these retro spots still exist, quietly keeping the spirit of the ’90s alive. Step inside and you’ll find patterned carpets, mirrored walls, and the kind of chocolate fountains that once left us wide-eyed as kids.
More than just restaurants, these buffets are time capsules where the décor may be dated, but the flavors and memories are timeless.
Here are Massachusetts buffets that will transport you straight back to the Clinton era — and remind you why locals keep coming back for seconds.
1. Flaming Grill & Buffet (Roslindale)
The first time I walked into Flaming Grill in Roslindale, I swear the clock turned back 25 years! Those mirrored walls and burgundy booths haven’t changed since the Spice Girls topped the charts.
Families crowd around on weekends, loading plates with everything from lo mein to pizza—a combination that screams ’90s fusion confusion in the best possible way. The hibachi station, with its theatrical chefs flipping shrimp into their hats, remains the star attraction.
What keeps regulars coming back isn’t cutting-edge cuisine but comfort and consistency. Where else can you find crab legs, cotton candy, and chicken fingers all on one gloriously mismatched plate? The staff knows many customers by name, creating that neighborhood feeling that chain restaurants just can’t duplicate.
2. Flaming Grill & Buffet (Malden)
Stepping into the Malden location feels like walking through a portal to 1997! My cousin celebrated her sweet sixteen here, and remarkably, the place looks identical today—right down to the golden dragons and those distinct teal accents.
Unlike its modern competitors, this spot proudly displays its sushi alongside mac and cheese without a hint of irony. The dessert station, with its soft-serve machine and sprinkle selection, has delighted multiple generations of Massachusetts families.
Weekday lunch brings in workers from nearby offices who appreciate the lightning-fast service and all-you-can-eat value. The slightly worn carpet and faded wall murals aren’t bugs—they’re features that regular patrons would riot if anyone dared to update. This place embodies the era when quantity and variety reigned supreme in American dining.
3. China Buffet (Lowell)
Holy flashback! The moment you spot that glowing neon sign outside China Buffet in Lowell, you know you’ve hit nostalgic gold. My college buddies and I would pool our last dollars here for unlimited crab rangoon back in ’99—and surprisingly, the prices haven’t skyrocketed since then.
The owner, Mr. Chen, still works the floor, greeting regulars with the same enthusiasm as he did decades ago. His legendary General Tso’s chicken maintains its perfect balance of crispy and saucy, drawing devoted fans from across Middlesex County.
Kids still marvel at the chocolate fountain (operational on weekends only), while parents appreciate the forgiving atmosphere when little ones inevitably drop noodles everywhere. The faded photographs of Beijing on wood-paneled walls and the distinctive clinking sound of stainless steel serving spoons create an ambiance that no modern restaurant could authentically replicate.
4. Mesa Buffet (Westfield)
Tucked away in a strip mall that time forgot, Mesa Buffet rocks that southwestern décor that dominated the ’90s restaurant scene. Terracotta tiles and turquoise accents transport you straight back to watching “Friends” on Thursday nights!
Last summer, I brought my teenagers here, and they couldn’t stop giggling at the cactus-shaped napkin holders. But their laughter turned to appreciation once they discovered the make-your-own taco station and endless sopapillas drizzled with honey.
Mesa’s salad bar deserves special mention—it’s the last place in Massachusetts where you’ll find those bacon bits and ranch dressing dispensers that defined Clinton-era dining. Weekend brunch brings out three generations of local families, with grandparents pointing out how little has changed since they first visited. The staff’s warm hospitality matches the restaurant’s sun-baked color scheme, making every visit feel like a homecoming.
5. Yutaka Buffet (Quincy)
Remember those massive fish tanks that every ’90s restaurant seemed required to install? Yutaka’s 200-gallon aquarium still greets customers at the entrance, housing the same orange fish I swear have been swimming there since the Macarena was popular.
During my last visit, I watched three different families take photos by the koi pond in the waiting area—a tradition spanning generations. The sushi chefs, some working here since opening day, craft California rolls with practiced precision while cracking the same jokes they’ve told for decades.
Their iconic ice cream station—complete with those little crunchy toppings in metal containers—remains unchanged, down to the metal scoops that always freeze to your fingers. The worn red carpet, brass railings, and paper lanterns create an atmosphere that feels comfortingly familiar, like finding your favorite childhood toy in the attic. Locals fiercely defend this place against newer, sleeker competitors.
6. China King Super Buffet (Brockton)
The giant golden Buddha that welcomes you to China King hasn’t moved an inch since 1994! I celebrated my 10th birthday here, and returning as an adult feels like a time-travel experiment gone perfectly right.
The legendary lazy Susan still spins at the center of their large round tables, facilitating family-style dining even at a buffet. Their honey chicken—a recipe unchanged for decades—creates lines during the lunch rush, with patient customers waiting for fresh batches to emerge from the kitchen.
Weekends feature a chocolate fountain that’s been operational since the ’90s, somehow defying the laws of mechanical longevity. The faded zodiac placemats and paper lanterns hanging from popcorn ceilings complete the nostalgic atmosphere. Most charming are the veteran servers who remember regular customers’ preferred tables and drink orders, creating a Cheers-like vibe where everybody knows your name—and your favorite dish.
7. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill (Worcester)
Confession time: I smuggled dinner rolls in my purse from this place back in middle school! Worcester’s Golden Corral stands as a monument to ’90s excess, with its wagon wheel décor and country-western aesthetic that hasn’t seen an update since Bill Clinton played saxophone on Arsenio.
The carving station—where the same jovial chef has been slicing roast beef for two decades—remains the centerpiece of this all-American experience. Their mashed potato bar with its rainbow of toppings continues to delight carb enthusiasts young and old.
What truly captures the ’90s essence is the dessert section, featuring that iconic chocolate waterfall and those pastel-colored cakes under plastic domes. The worn booth upholstery tells stories of countless family celebrations, first dates, and post-game team dinners. Local seniors arrive promptly at 4:30 for early dinner specials, creating a community gathering spot that defies changing culinary trends.
8. New King Buffet (Springfield)
The moment you spot those faded red paper lanterns and hear the unmistakable clink of stainless steel serving spoons, you know you’ve entered a ’90s time capsule! My grandmother first brought me to New King when I was seven, and remarkably, the same family still runs this Springfield institution.
Their iconic wall of fortune cookies—where you can grab handfuls without judgment—remains a beloved tradition for exiting diners. The staff still wears those distinctive burgundy vests with gold buttons that were the height of restaurant fashion when Seinfeld was still airing new episodes.
What truly makes this place special is how three generations of the Wang family work side by side, from Grandpa Wang who still hand-carves watermelon baskets for special occasions to his grandchildren helping on weekends. The slightly faded dragon mural and the collection of lucky cats by the register complete the authentic experience that chain restaurants try but fail to replicate.