13 Illinois Buffets That Turn Dessert Into The Main Event
Illinois knows how to do buffets right, especially when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth. Forget saving room for dessert because at these incredible spots, the dessert station practically steals the spotlight from everything else on the line.
From towering soft-serve machines to bakery-fresh pastries and decadent cakes, these buffets understand that life’s too short to skip the good stuff. Get ready to discover where Illinoisans go when they want their meal to end on the sweetest note possible.
1. Red Apple Buffet – Chicago
Polish cuisine meets American comfort food at this beloved Chicago gem, but regulars know the real treasure lies at the dessert counter. Red Apple Buffet serves up an impressive array of European-style pastries that’ll transport you straight to a Warsaw bakery.
Their paczki, those beloved Polish donuts, are a frequent highlight, with fillings that rotate based on availability rather than a fixed daily lineup.
The cheesecake selection alone deserves its own fan club, with creamy New York-style slices sitting alongside lighter Polish sernik versions. Fresh fruit tarts glisten under the lights, while chocolate tortes beckon from their pedestals.
The apple strudel, flaky and warm, practically melts on your tongue with its cinnamon-sugar filling.
Located at 6474 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60631, this spot proves dessert doesn’t have to be an afterthought. Kids go bonkers for the soft-serve station, while adults appreciate the sophisticated European treats.
Sunday brunch here often features an expanded dessert spread, making multiple dessert plates feel like a neighborhood tradition.
2. Yoder’s Kitchen – Arthur
Amish country cooking reaches its pinnacle at this Arthur institution, where homemade pies stack three deep on the dessert counter. Yoder’s Kitchen doesn’t mess around when it comes to traditional sweets—their shoofly pie alone is worth the drive from anywhere in Illinois.
Dessert selections rotate based on the day and season, but the pies are always homemade and deeply rooted in Amish baking traditions.
Seasonal fruit pies rotate based on what’s fresh, meaning summer brings cherry and strawberry-rhubarb, while fall ushers in pumpkin and apple varieties. Each pie is baked fresh daily using recipes passed down through generations.
The cream pies—coconut, chocolate, and banana—tower impossibly high with fluffy meringue that’s been torched to golden perfection.
You’ll find this dessert paradise at 108 N Vine St, Arthur, IL 61911, right in the heart of Amish country. The homemade puddings and oversized cinnamon rolls are favorites among regulars.
While the buffet format and dessert offerings vary by service time, saving room for dessert is always strongly advised.
3. Royal Buffet – Hoffman Estates
Asian fusion meets dessert wonderland at this suburban favorite, where the sweet endings span multiple continents. Royal Buffet’s dessert section features everything from mochi ice cream to American-style brownies, creating a global sugar rush.
The soft-serve machine offers swirl combinations that kids dream about, complete with a toppings bar that includes classic buffet favorites.
Traditional Asian desserts such as egg tarts and sesame balls appear regularly but rotate alongside Western staples like cheesecake and pudding.
The fruit selection stays fresh and vibrant, with melon, pineapple, and strawberries for those pretending to be health-conscious.
Find this sweet spot at 31 E Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169, where weekends tend to bring the widest dessert selection.
4. Asia Buffet & Grill – Chicago
Southside Chicago knows this place serves desserts that rival any standalone bakery in the city. Asia Buffet & Grill takes its sweets seriously, offering an extensive selection that changes daily to keep regulars guessing.
Their coconut pudding achieves that perfect balance between creamy and light, while the red bean desserts introduce newcomers to Asian sweet traditions.
Dessert offerings focus on classic buffet sweets like puddings, cakes, cookies, and fruit rather than specialty bakery-style items.
Located at 4800 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, this spot never skimps on variety or quality. The banana pudding disappears fast, so smart diners grab some early in their visit.
Cheesecake squares come in multiple flavors—classic, strawberry, and chocolate chip—each one dense and satisfying. Birthday celebrations here mean free access to the dessert bar, which basically guarantees a sugar coma worth celebrating.
5. Grand Buffet – McHenry
Northern Illinois families flock to this McHenry favorite for meals that reliably end on a sweet note. Grand Buffet lives up to its name with a long dessert station that provides plenty of options for guests who like to sample a little of everything.
Dessert highlights typically include brownies, pudding cups, soft-serve ice cream, cookies, and rotating baked goods rather than a fixed daily lineup. The soft-serve station is a consistent favorite, allowing diners to create classic sundaes topped with chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or crushed candies.
Seasonal desserts make regular appearances throughout the year. Pumpkin-flavored treats tend to show up in the fall, while lighter, fruit-based desserts are more common during warmer months.
Lemon bars and pie squares are especially popular for those who prefer a balance of tart and sweet.
Located at 2308 N Richmond Rd, McHenry, IL 60051, Grand Buffet maintains a steady reputation for keeping its dessert area stocked and refreshed. Kids gravitate toward the ice cream, while adults quietly make repeat trips for brownies and bars that disappear quickly during busy weekend service.
6. Golden Corral – Springfield
Springfield locals know exactly what they’re getting at this Golden Corral location: a familiar, crowd-pleasing buffet with desserts that appeal to all ages. The dessert section is designed for comfort and nostalgia rather than novelty, and that reliability is part of its appeal.
While chocolate fountains were once a signature feature, current dessert offerings focus on soft-serve ice cream, baked goods, puddings, cookies, and warm cobblers. The soft-serve station anchors the experience, offering multiple flavors and plenty of toppings for fully customized sundaes.
The bakery area turns out fresh cookies throughout the day, filling the dining room with a warm, inviting aroma. Banana pudding remains a standout favorite, layered with vanilla wafers and creamy filling.
Cakes and brownies rotate regularly, giving repeat visitors something slightly different each time.
You’ll find this dessert destination at 1600 Lejune Dr, Springfield, IL 62703. Unlimited dessert is always included, making it easy to end your meal on a sweet, satisfying note without overthinking the choices.
7. Hibachi Grill Asian Buffet – Elk Grove Village
This Elk Grove Village staple offers a broad buffet experience where dessert provides a solid finishing touch rather than stealing the entire spotlight. Hibachi Grill Asian Buffet balances its savory-heavy lineup with a dessert section that mixes familiar favorites and Asian-inspired sweets.
Mango pudding, sesame balls, almond cookies, and gelatin desserts form the backbone of the dessert offerings. Soft-serve ice cream is consistently available and remains one of the most popular choices, especially for families dining with children.
Some specialty items, such as green tea–flavored desserts or additional pastries, may appear depending on the day rather than being permanent fixtures. Because of this rotation, regular diners often check the dessert area early to see what’s available.
Located at 401 E Devon Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, this buffet keeps desserts simple, approachable, and well-stocked. While it may not offer elaborate pastries, it provides enough variety to satisfy different tastes and encourages guests to finish their meal with something sweet and familiar.
8. Osaka Grill & Supreme Buffet – Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook residents rely on Osaka Grill & Supreme Buffet for a classic buffet experience that covers all the expected bases, including dessert. Rather than leaning into upscale or specialty sweets, the dessert section here focuses on familiar, dependable options.
Desserts typically include soft-serve ice cream, cake slices, pudding cups, cookies, and fresh fruit rather than patisserie-style items or plated desserts. The soft-serve machine is the centerpiece, offering a simple way to cool down after a hearty meal of savory favorites.
Cake varieties rotate periodically and usually include crowd-pleasers like chocolate or vanilla. Pudding cups and gelatin desserts round out the selection, making it easy to build a dessert plate without overindulging.
Fruit is always available for diners looking for something lighter to finish their meal.
You’ll find Osaka Grill & Supreme Buffet at 508 N Bolingbrook Dr, Bolingbrook, IL 60440. The dessert experience may be straightforward, but it delivers exactly what buffet fans expect—unlimited sweets that provide a satisfying and familiar end to the meal.
9. Okini Buffet – Chicago
West side Chicago gets its sweet fix at this all-you-can-eat dining destination best known for sushi, grilled meats, and Japanese-inspired comfort dishes. While Okini Buffet isn’t a traditional walk-the-line buffet, dessert still plays an important supporting role in rounding out the experience.
Unlike classic buffet halls with sprawling dessert stations, Okini offers a more limited but satisfying dessert selection that typically includes ice cream and small rotating sweets rather than an expansive dessert bar. The simplicity works in its favor, providing just enough sweetness to balance out the savory-heavy meal that precedes it.
Soft-serve ice cream is the most reliable staple, offering a cool, creamy finish after plates of sushi and grilled favorites. Depending on the day, diners may also find small dessert cups or bite-sized treats that rotate with availability.
Located at 5001 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60639, Okini proves that dessert doesn’t need to overwhelm to be appreciated. It’s the kind of place where one sweet scoop is all you need to end a satisfying meal on a pleasant, indulgent note.
10. Player’s Buffet at Bally’s Quad Cities – Rock Island
Rock Island’s entertainment hub delivers a buffet experience that feels like a celebration, and dessert plays a key role when Player’s Buffet at Bally’s Quad Cities is in operation. The atmosphere alone sets the stage for indulgence, making dessert feel like part of the entertainment rather than an afterthought.
The buffet operates on limited days and schedules, with dessert offerings varying by service and event, so availability is something diners should always check in advance. When open, the dessert selection leans more upscale than a standard buffet, reflecting its casino setting.
Cakes, pies, and plated-style desserts often headline the lineup, alongside rotating specialties that change depending on the chef and the occasion. Bread pudding, cheesecake varieties, and seasonal sweets frequently appear, especially during weekend or event-based services.
You’ll find this indulgent stop at 777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201. When the buffet is running, dessert feels like a grand finale—one that encourages guests to linger, savor, and maybe even celebrate a small win before heading back onto the casino floor.
11. Starved Rock Lodge – Oglesby
Set against one of Illinois’s most scenic natural backdrops, Starved Rock Lodge offers a dessert experience that feels warm, rustic, and comforting. After a day spent hiking canyons or exploring nearby trails, few things feel more satisfying than ending a meal with something sweet here.
Dessert buffets are typically part of Sunday brunches, holiday meals, or special events rather than daily service, but when they do appear, they reflect the lodge’s homestyle philosophy. Desserts tend to favor classic Midwestern comfort rather than flashy presentation.
Expect fruit-based cobblers, crisp-topped desserts, sheet cakes, bars, and pudding-style sweets that feel hearty and familiar. Seasonal ingredients often influence the lineup, especially during fall and winter when apple- and pumpkin-forward desserts shine.
Located at One Lodge Ln, Oglesby, IL 61348, the setting enhances the dessert experience as much as the food itself. Enjoying a warm dessert after a long walk through the park makes indulgence feel earned—and completely guilt-free.
12. Golden Corral – Rockford
Rockford diners know exactly what to expect at this Golden Corral location: consistency, variety, and a dessert spread that satisfies every kind of sweet tooth. While the offerings follow the brand’s familiar format, the execution keeps families returning again and again.
Desserts focus on soft-serve ice cream, cakes, cookies, pudding, and cobblers, with offerings consistent with other Golden Corral locations. The emphasis is on comfort classics rather than novelty, making it easy to build a dessert plate that feels nostalgic and indulgent.
Soft-serve ice cream anchors the experience, with toppings that let guests customize everything from simple cones to towering sundaes. Cakes and brownies rotate through the bakery section, while warm cobblers provide a cozy contrast to chilled desserts.
Located at 7045 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108, this Golden Corral delivers exactly what it promises: a dependable dessert finale that appeals to kids, parents, and grandparents alike. It’s not flashy—but it’s reliably satisfying.
13. Imperial Buffet – Normal
In this bustling college town, Imperial Buffet serves as a go-to gathering place for students, families, and anyone craving unlimited comfort food with a sweet ending. The dessert section may be simple, but it hits all the right notes for buffet fans.
Soft-serve ice cream anchors the dessert experience, giving diners a customizable way to finish their meal. Cookies, pudding cups, gelatin desserts, and rotating baked items round out the selection, offering plenty of choices without overwhelming the space.
Dessert offerings here focus on familiar, crowd-pleasing sweets rather than specialty or artisan items, which makes the experience approachable and satisfying for all ages. Portions are generous, and refills are always welcome, an important detail for hungry students watching their budgets.
You’ll find Imperial Buffet at 1950 E College Ave, Normal, IL 61761. Whether it’s a post-exam celebration, a family dinner, or just a craving for something sweet, this buffet proves that sometimes the simplest desserts are the most comforting way to end a meal.