12 Classic Ohio Buffets That Still Serve Up That ’80s Flavor
Step into an Ohio buffet from the 1980s, and you’ll find more than just comfort food; you’ll find a time capsule of flavor.
From endless salad bars piled high with iceberg lettuce to trays of golden fried chicken and cheesy casseroles, these spots never stopped serving nostalgia.
Each one feels like a flashback to simpler times, when family dinners meant second helpings, and dessert was always an extra scoop of soft-serve with sprinkles.
1. The Olde Dutch Restaurant & Banquet Haus — Logan
Tucked away in Logan, this family-style gem serves up heaping platters of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and homemade noodles that’ll transport you straight back to Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house.
The wooden booths and cozy atmosphere make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule.
Servers bring endless bowls of comfort food right to your table, so you never have to leave your seat. It’s the kind of place where calories don’t count and second helpings are basically mandatory.
2. The Barn Restaurant — Smithville
Housed in an actual converted barn, this Smithville favorite has been dishing out country cooking since the disco era.
Think fluffy biscuits, creamy gravy, and pie selections that could make a grown adult weep with joy.
The rustic charm hits you the moment you walk through the door, with exposed beams and farmhouse vibes everywhere.
Families have been piling into booths here for decades, creating memories one chicken leg at a time. Pro tip: save room for the peanut butter pie.
3. Dutch Kitchen — Dalton
Located in the heart of Amish Country, Dutch Kitchen has perfected the art of the all-you-can-eat experience with a menu that reads like a greatest hits album of comfort food.
Their fried chicken is legendary, and the homemade bread comes out warm enough to melt butter instantly.
Generations of families have squeezed into these booths, loosening their belts after round three at the buffet.
The vibe is pure 1980s Midwest hospitality, where strangers become friends over shared love of mashed potatoes.
4. Berlin Farmstead Restaurant — Berlin
Right in the tourist heart of Amish Country sits this bustling buffet palace, where tour buses unload hungry travelers by the dozen.
The spread includes classic Amish fare like chicken and noodles, ham, and enough dessert options to send you into a sugar coma. Despite the crowds, the service stays friendly and the food stays hot.
The building itself screams retro roadside dining, complete with that distinctive country decor your aunt probably has in her kitchen. Elastic waistbands strongly recommended.
5. Barn Restaurant at Sauder Village — Archbold
Part of a living history museum, this spot serves traditional Amish and Mennonite dishes in portions that would make Paul Bunyan jealous.
The buffet spreads feature everything from roast beef to noodles made from scratch daily. What sets this place apart is the authentic atmosphere, complete with period-appropriate decor that actually means something.
You can stuff your face with broasted chicken, then waddle over to explore 19th-century Ohio village life. History never tasted so good.
6. Dutch Valley Restaurant — Sugarcreek
Sugarcreek’s answer to buffet heaven delivers family-style meals that keep coming until you physically beg them to stop.
The menu rotates daily, but you can always count on tender roast beef, buttery corn, and rolls so soft they practically dissolve on your tongue.
This place has mastered the delicate balance between tourist attraction and genuine local hangout.
The kitschy Dutch-themed decor might be a bit much, but nobody’s complaining when their plate is piled high with comfort.
7. Amma’s Kitchen — Cincinnati
Now for something completely different: Cincinnati’s South Asian buffet scene has been thriving since the ’80s, and Amma’s Kitchen keeps that tradition alive with fragrant curries, tandoori specialties, and fresh naan bread.
The steam trays practically glow with turmeric-yellow goodness. Buffet veterans know to pace themselves here because the variety is absolutely bananas.
From spicy vindaloo to mild korma, there’s something for every heat tolerance level. Weekend lunch crowds prove this spot’s staying power in the Queen City.
8. Baba India — Cincinnati
Another Cincinnati gem, Baba India has been slinging samosas and butter chicken since before most people knew what tikka masala was.
The lunch buffet draws everyone from business folks to college students looking to maximize their dollar-to-food ratio.
What makes this place special is the consistency after all these years. The same recipes, the same warm service, and the same reliable spread of vegetarian and meat options.
Old-school buffet culture meets traditional Indian hospitality in the best possible way.
9. Godavari Cincinnati — Mason
Mason’s strip mall surprise delivers authentic South Indian and North Indian cuisine on a buffet that somehow never runs out of fresh pakoras.
Named after a sacred river in India, this spot takes its food seriously while keeping the atmosphere casual and welcoming.
The dosa bar alone is worth the trip, with crispy crepes made to order and stuffed with spiced potatoes.
Regulars have been coming here for years, introducing their kids to the joys of unlimited sambar and chutneys. Pure suburban buffet bliss.
10. Amul India — Dublin
Dublin’s Amul India keeps the ’80s buffet spirit alive with a lunch spread that changes daily but always delivers on flavor and value.
The vegetable biryani alone could convert a carnivore, and the garlic naan gets snatched up faster than free concert tickets.
Located in a suburban plaza, it’s the kind of place where tech workers and families collide over shared love of chicken tikka.
The decor won’t win design awards, but the food speaks volumes. Sometimes simple is perfect.
11. Aab India — Grandview/Columbus
Grandview’s favorite lunch destination serves up a buffet that locals guard like a secret recipe.
The chicken korma is silky smooth, the saag paneer is perfectly spiced, and the rice pudding at the dessert station has a cult following.
What started as a small operation has grown into a Columbus institution without losing that neighborhood feel.
The lunch rush gets intense, but the staff keeps everything running smoothly. Cash in your PTO and make this your Tuesday tradition.
12. Haveli Bistro — Columbus
Rounding out our list is Columbus’s Haveli Bistro, where the lunch buffet has been feeding the downtown crowd for longer than most food trends last.
The tandoori chicken comes off the grill with that perfect char, and the lentil dal tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love.
The modern decor might be updated, but the buffet concept stays beautifully retro. It’s proof that some dining experiences never go out of style, especially when you can go back for thirds without judgment.