This All-You-Can-Eat Buffet In Maryland Is So Good, It’s Become A Local Tradition
I’ll admit it: when I first heard about an all-you-can-eat buffet tucked into rural Thurmont, Maryland, I wasn’t exactly rushing to book a table. But after my neighbor wouldn’t stop raving about their fried chicken, I caved and made the drive.
That Sunday afternoon turned into a monthly pilgrimage, and now I understand why locals treat Mountain Gate Family Restaurant like a treasured family heirloom passed down through generations.
After reading this article, you too will understand.
Meet the Spot: Mountain Gate Family Restaurant (Thurmont) – A Decades-Old Country Buffet
Nestled at 133 Frederick Road in Thurmont, Mountain Gate Family Restaurant has served Frederick County’s comfort-food cravings since the early 1980s.
The McCleaf family built this place from the ground up, and you can still feel that family touch in every corner.
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the restaurant operates with a straightforward philosophy: cook everything from scratch, pile plates high, and treat every guest like a regular.
Wooden booths and checkered tablecloths create a cozy vibe that feels more Sunday supper than corporate chain.
Locals joke that Mountain Gate is where you go when you want grandma’s cooking but don’t want to do the dishes.
What “All-You-Can-Eat” Means Here
Mountain Gate doesn’t play games with their buffet hours, and I appreciate that level of transparency. Lunch service runs Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., then dinner takes over from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on those same days.
Sunday operates on a single, glorious all-day dinner buffet from 11:00 a.m. straight through to 8:00 p.m., which makes it perfect for post-church crowds or lazy afternoon gatherings.
Weekend mornings bring a separate breakfast buffet from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Plan accordingly, though: Mondays skip the buffet entirely and offer only their regular menu, so double-check before you make the trip.
Plates Locals Come Back For
Home-fried chicken reigns supreme here, and I’d bet my last dinner roll it’s the dish that keeps people coming back week after week.
Golden, crispy, and seasoned with just the right blend of herbs, it vanishes from the buffet faster than you can say “seconds.”
Beyond the poultry star, expect a rotating cast of comfort classics: Salisbury steak smothered in gravy, stuffed peppers bursting with seasoned beef and rice, liver and onions for the brave souls, and tender ham paired with cabbage.
The salad bar offers crisp greens and fixings, while hot sides like mashed potatoes and green beans round out every plate.
Nothing fancy, just honest food done right.
Breakfast, Country-Style
Saturday and Sunday mornings at Mountain Gate turn into a carb-lover’s paradise, and I say that with deep affection.
The breakfast buffet runs from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. and features everything you’d want after sleeping in: fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon strips, plump sausage links, and home fries cooked until the edges get delightfully crunchy.
Belgian waffles sit ready for syrup drowning, while fresh fruit offers a token nod to healthier choices. Juices and coffee keep the caffeine flowing.
Honestly, this spread has saved more than one family gathering where nobody wanted to cook but everyone wanted to eat. It’s the perfect lazy-morning solution that still feels special.
Why It’s a Tradition
More than 40 years in business means Mountain Gate has fed multiple generations of the same families, and that kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident.
The McCleaf family started this restaurant with a simple mission: provide hearty, reasonably priced meals in a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
Over the decades, it became the default gathering spot for birthday celebrations, post-funeral meals, Sunday family dinners, and random Tuesday nights when nobody felt like cooking. Grandparents brought their kids, who now bring their own children.
That continuity creates a sense of community you can’t manufacture. Mountain Gate isn’t just a restaurant anymore; it’s woven into the fabric of Thurmont itself.
Beyond the Buffet: Bakeshop & Gifts
Right when you think you’ve eaten your fill, the bakeshop display near the exit tempts you with one more indulgence.
Mountain Gate bakes everything in-house daily: crusty loaves of bread, cream pies with sky-high meringue, and pastries that make excellent next-morning breakfast options.
I’ve never left without grabbing at least a loaf of their homemade bread, which toasts beautifully and makes the best sandwiches.
The small gift shop adjacent to the bakery lets you browse local crafts, candles, and trinkets while your food settles.
It’s a clever setup that extends your visit just a little longer and gives you a reason to remember the place beyond the meal.
Planning Tips
Before you load the family into the car, remember that Mondays operate menu-only with no buffet service, so plan your visit accordingly if the all-you-can-eat experience is your goal.
The restaurant does serve a full menu all day alongside the buffet windows during operating hours, which gives picky eaters or lighter appetites an alternative option.
Weekend breakfast and Sunday dinner tend to draw the biggest crowds, so arriving early or slightly off-peak can save you from a wait. Prices remain reasonable, especially considering the unlimited portions and scratch-made quality.
Check their website or call ahead to confirm buffet times, especially around holidays when schedules might shift slightly.