12 Colorado Buffets That Still Serve Food Like The 1980s Never Ended
One buffet in Colorado displays its fruit and desserts on a big ship. Not a picture of a ship, but a ship-shaped display holding your sweets like pirate treasure.
I love that detail so much. It feels like a time capsule from the days of plastic trays, shiny sneeze guards, and soft-serve machines that never seemed to rest.
Colorado has a few places that still know how to make a buffet feel like an event.
Elsewhere in the state, a casino buffet includes lobster tails and crab legs with the meal. A Mongolian grill lets you build a bowl and watch it sizzle on a giant flat-top.
One spot even serves dessert pizza a few steps from the fried chicken.
These places still believe in second plates, third plates, and a little jiggly jello on the side, no apologies needed. Honestly, my stretchy pants are already nervous.
So be honest with me. Which one would you hit first?
1. Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
A chocolate fountain is still flowing on the east side of Colorado Springs, and that alone feels like a win for 1987. Golden Corral keeps the classic buffet formula alive with a long line of steam tables and a dessert bar that refuses to play small.
The spread leans hard into comfort food. You’ll spot ribs, fried chicken, grilled fish, shrimp, pizza, and pasta sharing the same stretch of real estate.
Mac and cheese shows up too, because of course it does. No proper retro buffet would dare skip it.
Early birds get a treat on weekends. Friday through Sunday, the doors open at 7:30 in the morning for breakfast.
That means biscuits and gravy, toast, and a classic breakfast combo before most folks find their car keys. Weekdays start a bit later, at 10:30.
Save room, and yes, that’s an order. Carrot cake, cheesecake, apple pie, and ice cream wait near that famous chocolate fountain.
A full salad bar helps if you want to pretend you’re being sensible. Vegetarian options are part of the lineup too, so mixed groups won’t argue over where to eat.
Planning a family gathering or team lunch? A private dining room is available, though the restaurant doesn’t take reservations.
Sundays stay busy from morning to evening, so expect company. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you’d rather have the mashed potatoes to yourself.
Address: 1970 Waynoka Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80915
2. Pizza Ranch
Howdy, partner, your pizza has arrived. At this Old West-themed buffet in Pueblo, fresh, hot pies can show up right at your table.
The concept feels like a Saturday afternoon from decades ago. Think pizza, fried chicken, and classic American sides all lined up for round after round.
Fried chicken might be the sneaky star here. Pairing it with pizza sounds wild until you try it, and then it just makes sense.
A salad bar keeps things a little lighter. Chicken fries and other menu highlights add extra crunch to the lineup.
Now for the part kids talk about all week. Dessert pizzas, ice cream, and chocolate chip cookies fill out the sweet side of the buffet.
Then there’s Cherry Cactus Bread, which sounds like something a cowboy would trade a horse for. It’s a fun, fruity finish with a name you won’t forget.
Birthday parties fit right in at this spot. A private dining room and reservations make bigger celebrations easier to plan.
Free wi-fi is on hand too, in case someone needs to post a picture of their third slice. Catering is also available for parties away from the restaurant.
Sunday hours start at 10:30 in the morning, a little earlier than the rest of the week. Monday through Saturday, the buffet opens at 11.
Weekend afternoons and Friday nights draw the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings tend to run calmer.
Address: 1761 S Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81005
3. Cinzzetti’s
Who knew a trip to a Tuscan-style village could start in a Northglenn parking lot? Cinzzetti’s wraps its Italian buffet in a rustic setting built around multiple cooking stations.
The energy here is pure organized chaos in the best way. Pastas, proteins, and pastries keep coming from station after station.
Pizza and pasta are the obvious headliners. Seafood steps up too, with mussels diavolo bringing a little kick to the party.
Comfort classics sneak onto the plates as well. Fried fish and meatloaf prove this place isn’t afraid of a hearty detour.
Want something lighter first? The antipasto and salad station gives you a fresh start before the carbs take over.
Then comes the dessert lineup, which deserves its own fan club. Made-to-order crepes, fresh cannoli, and gelato make leaving early nearly impossible.
Families get a nice bonus here. Kids and seniors receive discounted pricing, so Grandma can treat the crew without blinking.
Timing matters at this spot. Monday through Thursday, the doors open at 5 in the evening for dinner.
Weekends stretch longer, with Saturday starting at 11 and Sunday at 10. Live music adds extra charm to the room.
Reservations are recommended for dinner and brunch, since there’s usually a wait. Weekend afternoons and evenings fill up fastest.
Address: 281 W 104th Ave, Northglenn, CO 80234
4. Grand International Buffet
Ahoy, dessert lovers. A big ship sits inside this Grand Junction buffet, and it’s loaded with fruit and sweets instead of sailors.
That ship alone could earn a spot on this list. Luckily, the rest of the room backs it up with plenty of options.
The layout feels like a buffet theme park. There’s a sushi bar, a salad bar, an appetizer bar, an entree bar, and a separate American food bar.
Soup fans, take note. Five different soups are part of the spread, so you can sample your way down the line.
Sushi gets serious attention here. Mongolian BBQ is also on offer, adding some sizzle to the classic steam table setup.
The American side keeps things familiar. Pizza, ribs, and hot wings share space with crab legs and other seafood.
Drinks come with free refills, which feels very 1980s in the best way. Nobody likes rationing iced tea during a buffet marathon.
The roomy dining area handles groups with ease. Families will appreciate high chairs and changing tables.
Hours run long for the Western Slope of Colorado. Friday and Saturday, the buffet stays open until 10 at night.
Weekend afternoons and evenings bring the biggest crowds. Weekdays tend to be much calmer if you want first dibs on the crab legs.
Address: 2504 US-6 Unit 500, Grand Junction, CO 81505
5. The Buffet
Lobster tails come included with your meal at this mountain casino buffet. That sentence alone sounds like a high roller’s dream from 1985.
The Buffet sits inside Monarch Casino Resort Spa on Main Street in Black Hawk. It’s built around extensive international food stations and a fresh salad bar.
Seafood is the main event for many guests. Garlic ginger crab legs and lobster tails help this spot feel like a true splurge.
Meat lovers aren’t left out. Prime rib and steaks hold their own right alongside the shellfish.
The variety keeps going from there. Mexican and Chinese dishes add more flavor to an already packed lineup.
And yes, a chocolate fountain is waiting at the end. Some traditions simply should never retire.
Hours follow a classic lunch and dinner split. On weekdays, lunch runs from 11 to 2:30, then dinner starts at 4.
Weekends open earlier, at 9:30 in the morning, which is great for a brunch-style feast. Friday and Saturday dinners stretch until 11 at night.
Plan to eat on site, since takeout isn’t offered. Reservations aren’t accepted either, so timing helps.
Saturday evening is the busiest stretch by far. Parking is easy, with a free garage and valet available.
Address: 488 Main St, Black Hawk, CO 80422
6. Family Buffet
Small but mighty might be the best way to describe this Greeley favorite. Family Buffet packs the Chinese buffet classics into a casual, quiet setup.
Think of it as the neighborhood buffet you grew up with. It has the dishes people crave without trying to be a mega food court.
Egg rolls and cold wontons are signature picks here. They’re the kind of starters that disappear fast from any plate.
Then the fun really starts. A hibachi grill and Mongolian grill let you mix things up beyond the steam tables.
Sushi joins the party as well. It’s a nice bonus for anyone who likes a little variety between bites of fried rice.
The hot food stays fresh and plentiful. Food coma is a real risk, so pace yourself like a pro.
Tea drinkers get a little extra love. The tea selection is one of the highlights here.
The quiet atmosphere makes this a relaxed spot for solo lunches or easy family dinners. High chairs are on hand for the youngest diners.
One scheduling note matters a lot. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, so don’t show up hungry that day.
Other days, the buffet runs from 10:30 in the morning to 9:30 at night. Sunday afternoons and evenings are the busiest stretch.
Address: 2410 W 10th St, Greeley, CO 80634
7. China Buffet
Soup might be the secret weapon at this Longmont strip-center buffet. The hot and sour soup, loaded with flavorful mushrooms, earns serious attention.
Egg drop soup is right there too. Starting with a bowl of each feels like the proper old-school move.
China Buffet keeps the setting simple. The focus stays on the food, which ranges from fish to desserts.
Vegetables get a surprising amount of love here. They’re cooked well enough to make even picky eaters reconsider broccoli.
Veggie egg rolls also stand out. They’re crispy, satisfying, and a smart pick for vegetarians in the group.
The large dining area gives you room to breathe. Groups can spread out without feeling squeezed between tables.
Service has a friendly, attentive feel. Fresh, hot dishes keep the buffet line inviting through lunch and dinner.
Reservations are accepted, which is handy for birthdays or family meetups. High chairs are available for little ones.
Keep the schedule in mind before you go. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
Other days, doors open at 11 in the morning and close at 8:30 at night. Sunday afternoons get busy, while Thursday mornings run quiet.
Takeout is available if you’d rather enjoy that soup at home. Delivery isn’t offered, so plan to stop by in person.
Address: 800 S Hover St #20, Longmont, CO 80501
8. Mongolian Grill
Picking your own ingredients and handing them to a grill master never gets old. At this bright, casual Durango spot, that ritual is the whole show.
The Mongolian BBQ buffet starts with roughly 15 vegetable options. Tofu and several meats join the lineup, so you can build almost any combo.
Next comes the sauce decision, which is harder than it sounds. Once you’ve chosen, the cook sautés your bowl quickly right in front of you.
Watching noodles hit the grill is half the fun. With so many combinations, you could eat here often and still try something new.
The buffet goes beyond the grill too. Chinese dishes and a raw bar round out the experience.
Classic favorites appear on the menu as well. Mongolian beef, General Tso’s chicken, orange chicken, lemon chicken, and cashew beef all make appearances.
Egg rolls and fried wontons handle the crunchy side of things. House special fried rice is another solid pick.
Vegetarians and vegans have plenty to work with here. That makes this a smart pick for mixed groups in southwest Colorado.
Hours run from 11 in the morning to 8 at night, Monday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Thursday through Saturday afternoons and evenings draw the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to grab a bowl.
Address: 1135 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81303
9. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet
Jello on the dessert bar is a sure sign the 1980s are alive and well. This roomy Aurora buffet keeps that wobbly classic right where it belongs.
The menu mixes Asian dishes with American comfort food. Mac and cheese, chicken wings, and fried shrimp sit not far from the noodles.
Seafood fans get plenty of reasons to stay. Crawfish and crab legs make regular appearances on the buffet.
A separate sushi bar handles the cold side of things. The rolls keep things simple and tasty.
The hibachi grill adds a made-for-you twist. Pick your veggies and proteins, then let the cook take it from there.
Salads and fresh vegetables help balance out the fried favorites. Fresh fruit is another lighter option.
Of course, dessert deserves its own lap. Fortune cookies and that famous jello wrap up the meal in true buffet style.
Hours stay consistent seven days a week. The doors open at 11 in the morning and close at 10 at night.
That late closing time is great for after-work cravings. Reservations are accepted, and a private dining room works for bigger groups.
Sunday afternoons and evenings are the busiest. Weeknights tend to quiet down, especially later on.
Address: 1026 S Sable Blvd, Aurora, CO 80012
10. City Buffet
Three full bars of mixed Asian dishes would be plenty for most buffets. City Buffet in Littleton keeps going well past that.
The layout reads like a classic buffet checklist. There’s a sushi bar, a salad bar, a fruit bar, and a dessert bar.
Then there’s the build-your-own Mongolian grill. Load up your favorite ingredients and watch your custom creation come together.
Chinese food holds down much of the spread. American comfort dishes join in for anyone craving something more familiar.
That mix gives this spot a slightly different twist on the usual buffet. You can hop from sushi to stir-fry to classic comfort food in one trip.
The clean dining room makes those multiple trips easy. Families will appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables.
Free wi-fi is available too. Catering is offered if you want buffet favorites at your next party.
Hours start at 11 in the morning daily. Friday and Saturday stretch until 9:30 at night, a little later than other days.
Weekend afternoons and Friday evenings bring the biggest crowds. Tuesday mornings tend to be the quietest time to visit.
Reservations are accepted, which helps with group plans. Parking options include a free garage and a free lot.
Address: 5066 S Wadsworth Blvd Unit 123, Littleton, CO 80123
11. King Buffet
Crab legs and chicken tenders under one roof? That’s the kind of peace treaty only a buffet can pull off.
King Buffet in Arvada covers a lot of ground. Sushi, soups, a salad bar, and desserts are just the starting point.
Seafood is where this place flexes. Crab legs, salmon, shrimp, and crawfish all show up on the line.
Shell-on shrimp are a fun hands-on bonus. Grab some extra napkins before you dig in.
A Mongolian BBQ station lets you customize your plate. It’s a nice break from the steam tables when you want something cooked fresh.
The Chinese classics are well represented too. Orange chicken, Mongolian beef, and hot and sour soup are among the highlights.
Sesame balls make a sweet little detour on the way to dessert. They’re chewy, nutty, and easy to overdo.
Kids aren’t forgotten here. Chicken tenders, fries, and pizza give picky eaters something familiar.
A kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables help families even more. Reservations aren’t accepted, so just show up.
Weekend afternoons and evenings get busy. Monday and Tuesday nights are usually calmer, with the buffet open until 9:30.
Address: 5220 Wadsworth Bypass Unit s, Arvada, CO 80002
12. Dragon Treasure Orchard Mesa
Booths, combination plates, and a lunch buffet make this Orchard Mesa restaurant feel wonderfully old school. Dragon Treasure keeps things unfussy in the best way.
The roomy dining space is built for lingering. Grab a booth, settle into lunch, and let the buffet do its thing.
The menu sticks with standard Chinese-American favorites. Crab rangoon, kung bao chicken, sesame chicken, and beef with broccoli are classic picks.
The buffet runs during lunch hours. It’s refreshed often, so you can sample several menu favorites in one sitting.
That’s the beauty of a lunch buffet. You don’t have to choose between sesame chicken and crab rangoon.
Prefer to order off the menu? Combination plates and a customizable menu cover that route nicely.
Portions are generous, and the dining room stays clean and peaceful. Service has a hospitable, attentive feel.
Tea drinkers will be happy here too. The tea selection is one of the highlights.
Hours are simple to remember for Grand Junction locals and Colorado road trippers. The restaurant opens at 11 in the morning and closes at 8:30 at night, seven days a week.
Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs. Reservations are accepted, which helps when the whole crew wants in.
Address: 2740 US-50, Grand Junction, CO 81503