15 Minnesota All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Where Hotdish And Comfort Classics Rule The Table
Winters in Minnesota last long enough that every resident eventually develops a personal relationship with comfort food.
Hotdish, casseroles, and anything that sticks to your ribs become survival tools rather than indulgences, and the best place to celebrate that philosophy is at an all-you-can-eat buffet where portion control is optional and second helpings are encouraged.
These buffets across the state understand that sometimes you need a little bit of everything on your plate, whether that means classic Midwestern favorites, hearty Asian comfort dishes, or a mix of both that somehow makes perfect sense when the temperature drops below zero.
I have spent years exploring Minnesota buffets, chasing steam trays and carving stations from the Twin Cities to the North Shore, and the spots on this list have earned their place by consistently delivering warmth, variety, and the kind of satisfying meal that makes you forget about the cold waiting outside.
Grab a plate, loosen your belt, and prepare to discover where Minnesota does comfort food right.
1. Mama Sheila’s House of Soul, Minneapolis
On the days when Minnesota feels more freezer than state, I walk into Mama Sheila’s House of Soul and feel my mood lift the moment I see those steam pans lined with soul food favorites.
This buffet sits at 3744 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407, tucked in a neighborhood spot that somehow always has both parking and a steady flow of regulars who clearly know the routine.
Instead of dainty portions, the all-you-can-eat setup invites me to build a serious plate with fried chicken, slow-cooked meats, greens, potatoes, rice, and other stick-to-your-ribs sides that feel perfect when the wind hits hard outside.
On my first visit, I remember promising myself I would start modestly, then promptly abandoning that plan once I saw the second row of pans appear from the kitchen.
What really wins me over is how the food tastes home-cooked rather than corporate, with seasoning that leans bold, gravies that actually have depth, and vegetables treated as stars instead of afterthoughts.
Whenever I need comfort that rivals any Minnesota hotdish potluck, I know I can settle in here, top off my plate one more time and walk back into the cold feeling oddly optimistic.
2. Q. Cumbers, Edina
When my inner salad lover and casserole fan start arguing, I head to Q. Cumbers and let the buffet negotiate a tasty peace.
This family-owned buffet lives at 7465 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435, sitting just off a busy stretch of shops that makes it an easy stop before or after errands.
The all you can eat spread is legendary for its roughly fifty foot salad bar full of greens, toppings and house made dressings, backed up by a hot bar, soups, breads, fruit and a dessert section that likes to lure me into extra trips.
One chilly afternoon stands out when I built what I swore would be a light plate, only to circle back for steaming soup, warm bread and a second helping of potatoes because self control apparently stayed in the car.
The beauty of this place is how customizable everything feels, so I can build something fresh and crunchy one visit, then lean into creamy, cheesy comfort on the next without ever leaving buffet format.
When winter keeps hanging around longer than seems reasonable, a slow lunch here gives me vegetables, carbs, and a little hope in one endlessly refillable ticket.
3. Super Moon Buffet, Saint Louis Park
When a friend tells me they are starving, not picky, and ready for variety, I point the car toward Super Moon Buffet and its impressive sea of hot trays.
You will find it at 6445 Wayzata Blvd, Saint Louis Park, MN 55426, right by the highway, which makes it suspiciously easy to justify a detour whenever I am anywhere near the west side.
Inside, the all-you-can-eat layout runs through salad, a large Chinese and pan Asian hot bar, sushi, Mongolian grill options, and a dessert table that quietly finishes the job once I think I am done.
I still remember a snow-packed evening when I promised myself just one plate of noodles and stir fry, then suddenly found myself at the grill station customizing another round while pretending it was research.
The comfort factor here comes from sheer variety, since I can load up on lo mein, fried rice, chicken, vegetables, and crispy sides until the idea of going back outside loses its bite.
When a group cannot agree on one cuisine but unanimously agrees on the phrase all you can eat, I suggest Super Moon and let the trays do the talking.
4. Sumo Grill & Buffet, Minneapolis
On evenings when I crave hibachi flavors, sushi pieces, and familiar Chinese comfort in one stop, my appetite naturally wanders toward Sumo Grill & Buffet.
This spot sits at 2216 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407, right on a busy stretch that feels like it never really slows down, even when temperatures try to convince everyone to stay home.
The all-you-can-eat buffet covers Japanese and Chinese dishes, with trays of stir fries, noodles, rice, seafood, and bite-sized comfort food favorites that make a second plate feel almost mandatory.
One evening I remember deciding to focus on lighter sushi and vegetables, only to end up with a mountain of warm dishes on top because the buffet line kept presenting new ideas at every step.
The flow here makes it easy to mix crisp salads, rich sauced dishes and simple grilled proteins on the same visit, which suits my wandering mood on long winter days.
When I want the satisfying feeling of a big restaurant feast without having to choose just one entree, Sumo quietly guarantees I will leave full and content.
5. Tokyo 23 Hibachi Buffet, West Saint Paul
Some nights I like to turn dinner into a little project, and Tokyo 23 Hibachi Buffet makes that easy with bowls to build and grills to watch.
You will find it at 1201 S Robert St, Suite 17, West St Paul, MN 55118, tucked inside the Signal Hills Center next to familiar big box neighbors that make it easy to spot.
As one of the largest Asian buffets in the Saint Paul area, it offers an all-you-can-eat lineup that includes sushi, hibachi grill, salad bar, make your own soup, seafood, and plenty of hot dishes.
On my first visit, I built a bowl nervously, then relaxed when the hibachi station turned my mix of noodles, vegetables, and protein into a steaming plate in just a few minutes.
The comfort here comes from the mix of customizable grill options and ready-to-grab favorites, so I can create something simple on one trip and more adventurous the next without any pressure.
Cold evenings feel less harsh when I can stand near the warmth of the grill for a moment, sit down with a heavy plate, and remind myself that seconds are absolutely allowed.
6. Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet, Fridley
When someone says they want a bit of everything, I immediately picture the sprawling layout at Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet.
It is located at 268 57th Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432, in a large building that hints at the size of the buffet before I even set foot inside.
Billed as one of the largest Pan Asian buffets around, it lays out an all you can eat mix of Chinese, Japanese and American items, plus a hibachi station and seafood choices that keep the trays constantly in motion.
I remember one weekend when I tried to behave by starting with vegetables and grilled meat, then casually drifted toward the section with richer dishes and realized my plate strategy had completely changed.
What makes this place a comfort classic for me is the way familiar American sides share space with noodles, dumplings, and other warm dishes that feel perfect when the weather refuses to cooperate.
By the time I have taken a lap around every station, I usually forget which plate number I am on and simply enjoy the fact that I do not have to stop yet.
7. Dragon Star Buffet, Burnsville
On days when only a classic big Chinese buffet will do, Dragon Star Buffet in Burnsville steps right into the spotlight for me.
This huge buffet sits at 14103 Irving Ave S, Burnsville, MN 55337, across from Burnsville Center, so it fits naturally into a day of errands or shopping.
The all-you-can-eat setup features rows of Asian, Chinese, sushi, and seafood dishes, which means my plate usually fills with a mix of stir fries, fried rice, noodles, and crisp appetizers before I even realize it.
One afternoon, I remember deciding to stay light and just sample sushi, then spotting a pan of perfectly golden items and quietly surrendering to another round of warm, crunchy comfort.
The variety makes it easy to build something hearty enough to rival any hotdish craving, especially when I lean into rice, noodles, vegetables, and sauced proteins on cold days.
When I want to combine a casual outing with serious comfort food, Dragon Star delivers the kind of steady buffet experience that never sends me home hungry.
8. Great Dragon Buffet, Saint Cloud
Driving around Saint Cloud, I always keep Great Dragon Buffet pinned in my mind for those times when only a straightforward all you can eat spread will fix my hunger.
You can find it at 208 6th Ave S, Saint Cloud, MN 56301, right downtown near the university, which makes it an easy meet-up point when friends are scattered across town.
The buffet is an all you can eat lineup of familiar Chinese dishes, offering a snug, cozy dining room where trays of rice, noodles, chicken, vegetables and simple desserts keep cycling out of the kitchen.
One chilly evening, I remember ducking in just to warm up and ending up staying long enough to work through two plates of comforting stir fry and a small dessert plate I definitely had not planned.
The food here hits that straightforward comfort note, with sauces that are flavorful without being overwhelming and plenty of simple dishes that are easy to enjoy when you are tired and cold.
When I have been driving icy streets around central Minnesota, knowing this buffet exists nearby gives me a little extra peace of mind.
9. HuHot Mongolian Grill, Saint Cloud
When I feel like building my own creations and still enjoying an all-you-can-eat setup, HuHot Mongolian Grill in Saint Cloud jumps to the top of my list.
This location is at 3701 W Division St, Saint Cloud, MN 56301, tucked into the busy commercial stretch where just about every chain seems to plant a sign.
Unlike a traditional Chinese buffet line, HuHot runs as an all-you-can-eat Mongolian grill experience for dine-in guests, letting me build bowl after bowl from a market-style lineup of meats, noodles, vegetables, and sauces.
I still remember nervously mixing my first bowl, then grinning when the grill crew turned it into a sizzling plate and I realized I could immediately go back and try a completely different combination.
This is comfort food on my own terms, since I can build something lighter or fully carb loaded depending on how rough the week has been and how cold the parking lot felt.
When I need warmth, noise, and the small thrill of seeing my food cooked right in front of me, HuHot delivers that reassuring all-you-can-eat rhythm without ever feeling boring.
10. Great Moon Buffet, West Saint Paul
Over time, Great Moon Buffet in West Saint Paul has shifted from backup option to dependable first pick in my personal buffet rotation.
You will find it at 1200 S Robert St, West Saint Paul, MN 55118, in a busy commercial stretch where the parking lot always seems to have a mix of regulars and new faces circling.
Inside, the all-you-can-eat buffet focuses on Asian, Chinese, and sushi options, with plenty of warm trays that cover noodles, rice, chicken, vegetables, and simple comfort dishes that feel very friendly on dark winter evenings.
I remember one visit when I meant to eat quickly and leave, but ended up staying through an extra plate because I wanted just one more scoop of a favorite dish I had spotted halfway through the meal.
The appeal here is not just variety but consistency, because I know I will find enough reliable options to build a plate that satisfies cravings for both salty, crispy bites and softer, saucier items.
When I want an uncomplicated, satisfying buffet night on the south side of the cities, Great Moon quietly checks every box I care about.
11. Great Moon Buffet, Maplewood
Whenever errands pull me to the east side, the Maplewood outpost of Great Moon Buffet quickly becomes the most persuasive reason to linger a little longer.
It is located at 2950 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109, near shopping that practically begs me to reward myself with a big meal after errands.
The buffet here follows the same all you can eat approach, serving Asian and Chinese dishes with plenty of rice, noodles, chicken, vegetables and appetizers that pile quickly onto a warm plate.
One winter afternoon I remember sitting near the window watching sleet hit the parking lot while I slowly worked through a second plate and decided that leaving early would be a poor life decision.
This location earns a spot on my comfort list because it offers familiar favorites that never require overthinking, which is exactly what I want when the weather has already used up my energy.
If I need a break from cooking and a guarantee of leaving full, Great Moon in Maplewood always feels like an easy, satisfying answer.
12. 98 Pounds Buffet, Bloomington
Down in Bloomington, 98 Pounds Buffet stands ready whenever I crave an all you can eat experience that leans heavily into sushi, seafood and Chinese comfort dishes.
You will find it at 824 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55420, in a spot that is close enough to major routes that it becomes a very tempting stop before or after other plans.
The buffet is known for its all-you-can-eat Chinese and Japanese selection, with trays of prawns, chicken dishes, fried items, soups, rice, fruit, and a generous sushi section that keeps rolling out new pieces.
I remember the first time I tried to be strategic and start with sushi, only to realize halfway through that I had also committed to a second plate of hot items because everything smelled too inviting.
The combination of warm comfort food and cool sushi makes this buffet a versatile choice, especially when different people at the table want very different styles of meal.
When I need a one-stop option that can handle big appetites and varied cravings, 98 Pounds quietly proves why it earns so much local attention.
13. Buffet at the Bear, Carlton
Heading north toward Carlton, I start thinking about the Buffet at the Bear and its huge lineup of hearty dishes long before I even see the casino.
It is inside Black Bear Casino Resort at 1785 Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718, just off Interstate 35, and the large sign makes it almost impossible to miss once I get near the property.
The all-you-can-eat buffet rotates themes but is especially praised for items like planked salmon, crab legs, prime rib, and plenty of Northland favorites that cover the full range from breakfast through dinner.
I still remember pacing myself carefully here, only to lose that plan completely when I walked past the carving station and realized my plate could easily handle just a little more.
The comfort factor is huge, because there is always something warm, rich, and satisfying ready, whether I am in the mood for roasted meats, potatoes, vegetables, or something sweet at the end.
When a drive north needs a built-in reward, planning it around a stop at Buffet at the Bear turns the whole day into something I look forward to.
14. Tradewinds Buffet, Welch
Out near Welch, Tradewinds Buffet at Treasure Island Resort gives me exactly the kind of themed buffet night I look forward to after a long week.
You will find it at 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN 55089, inside the casino complex, where signs make it easy to navigate from the parking area straight to the dining room.
The all-you-can-eat setup is famous for an endless selection that can include crab legs, shrimp, breakfast classics, seasonal favorites, biscuits and gravy, prime rib, and desserts, depending on which buffet is running.
One evening I remember doing the classic mistake of treating the first round as if it were the only one, then realizing the carving station and dessert table deserved equal attention and adjusting my priorities.
What I love is how this buffet can feel like a celebration night or just a break from cooking, since it works equally well for holidays, date nights or simple escapes from the kitchen.
Anytime southeastern Minnesota calls my name, adding a stop at Tradewinds Buffet turns the trip into something far more delicious.
15. Feast Buffet & Banquet, Woodbury
In Woodbury, Feast Buffet & Banquet has quickly become the newcomer everyone talks about when big appetites and a wider variety are on the agenda.
This restaurant sits at 1690 Woodlane Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125, in the former Cowboy Jack’s building, which gave it plenty of room to grow into one of the biggest buffets in the area.
Opened in 2025, it has quickly built a reputation as a massive all-you-can-eat buffet offering a wide variety of dishes, including plenty of seafood, sushi, and hot comfort options that suit long Minnesota winters.
On my first walk through the dining room I felt a little thrill at seeing just how many stations there were, then an even bigger thrill when I remembered I could circle back as many times as I wanted.
The appeal here is the sense of abundance, with enough choices to satisfy people chasing simple comfort food, those chasing seafood, and everyone in between on the same night.
Whenever I am on the east side and feel like turning dinner into a full outing, Feast lives up to its name and gives me a reason to arrive hungry and leave very content.