5 Minnesota Buffets People Skip & 5 They Keep Going Back To
Minnesota’s buffet scene is as diverse as its landscape, offering everything from upscale spreads to humble all-you-can-eat joints.
I’ve spent years exploring these food havens, filling my plate with both disappointments and delightful surprises.
Let’s dig into which buffets Minnesotans are abandoning and which ones keep drawing crowds back for seconds (or thirds).
1. China King Buffet (Rochester): A Fading Dynasty
My stomach still remembers the regrettable lunch at China King Buffet last winter. Located in a strip mall with fading signage, this Rochester establishment has seen better days – much better days.
The food sits under heat lamps that seem to be fighting a losing battle against time. Egg rolls crunch like they’ve been waiting for customers since breakfast, and the sweet and sour chicken’s sauce has that peculiar gelatinous quality that comes from hours of exposure. During my visit, I watched as staff slowly replenished trays, often waiting until they were completely empty before bringing out fresh options.
The dining area features worn carpet that’s seen thousands of shuffling feet making their way to and from the buffet line. Booth seats show cracks patched with duct tape, and the lighting casts an unflattering yellowish tint that doesn’t do the food any favors. Even the most forgiving diners notice the layer of dust on the artificial plants decorating the corners.
What’s most telling is the clientele – or lack thereof. On a Saturday afternoon, when buffets should be bustling, only a handful of tables had occupants. The price point ($12.99 for lunch) might seem reasonable until you consider the quality. Most dishes taste remarkably similar, sharing that unmistakable note of food that’s been sitting out too long.
Locals have gradually shifted their loyalties elsewhere, leaving China King as a reminder of the buffet boom of decades past. The restaurant seems caught in a downward spiral: fewer customers mean less frequent food turnover, which leads to poorer quality, which drives away more customers.
2. Super Buffet (Bloomington): Super Disappointment
Venturing into Super Buffet last month felt like stepping into a time capsule from 1995. The Bloomington location boasts a massive space that only emphasizes how few diners choose to eat here nowadays.
The buffet’s grand size works against it – too many options spread across too much space means nothing stays fresh. During my visit, the crab rangoon filling had cooled to a paste-like consistency, while the beef with broccoli featured meat so tough I questioned if it might be jerky in disguise. The sushi section sits forlornly at the end of one row, its rolls dried at the edges and fish suspiciously dull in color.
Cleanliness issues plague the establishment. Sticky spots on the serving spoons made me wonder when they were last properly washed, and I spotted at least three tables with dishes left uncleared for my entire 45-minute stay. The ice cream machine – often a saving grace at mediocre buffets – dispensed something closer to flavored slush than actual ice cream.
The price point ($16.99 for dinner) feels particularly egregious given the quality. Most concerning was watching a family with young children abandon plates of barely-touched food, the parents exchanging knowing glances that said, “We’re never coming back here.”
Staff members seem resigned to the restaurant’s fate, moving with the slow, unmotivated pace of people who know they’re rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. The once-white ceiling tiles have yellowed over years of steam rising from the buffet trays, creating an atmosphere of gentle decay that matches the food quality all too well.
3. Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet (St. Paul): Supreme Letdown
My cousin insisted we try Teppanyaki Grill & Supreme Buffet for her birthday last spring. The moment we stepped through the doors of this St. Paul establishment, I knew we’d made a mistake. The overwhelmingly sweet smell of artificial air freshener battling food odors should have been our first clue.
The buffet area stretches impressively long but lacks proper maintenance. Sneeze guards bore smudges from previous diners, and several serving utensils had fallen completely into their dishes. I watched in horror as a young child reached directly into the chocolate fountain with his hand while his parents chatted nearby, oblivious. No staff intervened.
Food quality ranges from mediocre to concerning. The hibachi grill station – supposedly the restaurant’s namesake feature – had a single disinterested cook who barely acknowledged customers. My stir-fry vegetables emerged swimming in oil, while the meat portions were cut so thin they practically disintegrated during cooking.
The dessert section proved particularly disappointing. Cookies hard enough to use as hockey pucks sat beside fruit that looked like it had been cut days earlier. The ice cream freezer contained mostly empty containers with just traces of melted remains around the edges.
At $18.99 per adult for dinner, this place represents terrible value. The restrooms told the saddest story – out of soap, paper towels hanging limply from broken dispensers, and a persistent puddle of unknown origin near the sinks. Most telling was overhearing another group on their way out: “Well, that’s two hours of our lives and twenty bucks we’ll never get back.” My cousin still hasn’t forgiven me for not vetoing her choice.
4. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet (Minneapolis): Supremely Skippable
The Minneapolis location of Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet makes bold promises with its name but delivers disappointment on a platter. My office held a team lunch here last quarter – an experiment unlikely to be repeated.
The interior decor attempts grandeur with red and gold accents, but cannot hide the neglect. Booths show significant wear, with tears in the vinyl seating hastily covered with duct tape. The carpet feels sticky underfoot in certain areas, particularly near the drink station where spills apparently go unaddressed for extended periods.
Food offerings span Chinese, American, and Japanese cuisines – none executed with particular skill. The sushi rice has a peculiar firmness suggesting it’s been sitting out for hours, while the nigiri fish appears unnaturally bright in color. Several hot dishes featured a film on top that indicated they’d been sitting well past their prime.
My colleagues and I noticed a troubling pattern with temperature control. Cold dishes weren’t quite cold, hot dishes weren’t quite hot – everything existed in a lukewarm middle ground that raised food safety concerns. The crab legs (an additional $3 charge) arrived with a distinctly ammonia-like smell that sent them straight back to the kitchen.
Service matched the food quality – minimal and unenthusiastic. Our water glasses remained empty for most of the meal despite multiple requests for refills. At $15.99 per person for lunch, we expected at least basics like clean plates and attentive service. The final insult came when we discovered the bathroom was out of both soap and paper towels – not exactly confidence-inspiring for a food establishment. As one colleague whispered while we left, “I think I’ll be skipping dinner tonight.”
5. Royal Cliff Banquet & Conference Center (Eagan): Royal Disappointment
Royal Cliff in Eagan sounds like it should offer a majestic dining experience. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. I attended a weekend brunch buffet here last month that left me both hungry and annoyed – a particularly unfortunate combination.
The venue itself feels trapped in the early 1990s, with dated chandeliers and burgundy carpeting that’s seen better decades. The buffet setup occupies a corner of their banquet space, creating an awkward flow that forces diners to double back and navigate through seated guests. During my visit, the line frequently bottlenecked at the omelet station, where a single overwhelmed cook struggled to keep up with requests.
Food quality falls dramatically short of the “royal” promise. Scrambled eggs sat in congealed pools of water, while the bacon had that peculiar half-chewy, half-crisp texture that comes from hours under heat lamps. The fruit display featured melon and pineapple so underripe they required serious jaw strength to consume. Even the pastries – typically a safe bet at breakfast buffets – tasted like they’d been purchased from a discount grocery store days earlier.
Service added another layer of frustration. Coffee arrived lukewarm in stained mugs, and requests for water refills went consistently ignored. The staff seemed perpetually surprised by the presence of customers, despite the fact that we had reservations. Several tables around us remained uncleared throughout our entire meal, creating an unappetizing backdrop.
At $24.95 per person, Royal Cliff’s brunch ranks among the worst values in the Twin Cities area. The final disappointment came with the bill – an automatic 18% gratuity added for our party of four, despite the minimal service we’d received. As we left, my friend summarized it perfectly: “That wasn’t a cliff – it was a steep drop in expectations.”
6. Pizza Ranch (Various Locations): The Wild West Of Buffets
Pizza Ranch has lassoed my heart and won’t let go! This Midwest chain with multiple Minnesota locations turns the pizza buffet concept into a rootin’ tootin’ good time. My family’s standing Sunday tradition involves post-church feasting at our local Ranch, where the staff now greets us by name.
The country-western theme creates an atmosphere that’s both kitschy and comforting. Wooden accents and western decor might not scream “authentic Italian pizzeria,” but that’s precisely the charm. Kids love the casual vibe where nobody minds if they get a little rowdy, while parents appreciate the spacious seating and attentive service.
Pizza options rotate throughout the meal, ensuring something for everyone. The signature Cactus Bread – a sweet, cinnamon-sugar dessert pizza – has caused more than one family argument as we vie for the last piece. Their fried chicken rivals the pizza in popularity, with a crispy coating that somehow stays crunchy even under the heat lamps.
What sets Pizza Ranch apart is their commitment to customer requests. Don’t see your favorite pizza variety? Just ask, and they’ll make it fresh for you. My daughter once requested a mac and cheese pizza as a joke – twenty minutes later, the manager proudly brought one to our table, earning a customer for life.
The buffet costs around $12-14 per adult depending on location, with discounts for kids and seniors. While not gourmet dining, the value proposition is undeniable. Clean restaurants, friendly service, and consistent quality keep Minnesotans coming back. The community focus extends beyond food – many locations host fundraisers and donate leftover food to local shelters. As their slogan promises, it’s definitely “The Country’s Best Chicken and Pizza” – at least in this cowboy’s humble opinion.
7. Q. Cumbers (Edina): Fresh Finds That Keep Folks Coming Back
Healthy buffet sounds like an oxymoron, but Q. Cumbers in Edina has mastered this seemingly impossible concept. The restaurant’s bright, airy atmosphere sets it apart from typical buffet environments. Natural light floods the dining area through large windows, illuminating a spread that looks more like a farmer’s market than a buffet line. Seasonal decorations change throughout the year, creating a space that feels thoughtfully maintained rather than stuck in time.
Food quality reigns supreme here. The salad bar stretches impressively long with over 50 fresh ingredients – not just your basic lettuce and cucumber setup. Homemade soups (always eight varieties daily) steam in large pots, while hot entrees feature options that go well beyond standard buffet fare. Their roasted vegetables maintain actual texture instead of turning to mush, and protein options taste like they were prepared by someone who cares about cooking.
What impressed me most was watching the continuous refresh cycle. Staff members replace items in small batches, ensuring nothing sits too long. The bread section features loaves still warm from the oven, with real butter (not those frustrating little packets) available for spreading. Even the fruit display gets regular attention, with employees removing anything past its prime.
At $15.99 for lunch and $17.99 for dinner, Q. Cumbers costs slightly more than some competitors, but the quality justifies every penny. The clientele reflects the restaurant’s reputation – a mix of business professionals, health-conscious diners, and families teaching kids that vegetables can actually taste good. I’ve overheard multiple first-timers exclaim, “Why haven’t we been coming here for years?” I wonder the same thing myself.
8. Keys Café & Bakery (White Bear Lake): Homestyle Heaven
Grandma’s kitchen reincarnated as a restaurant – that’s the vibe at Keys Café & Bakery in White Bear Lake. Their weekend breakfast buffet has become my monthly treat, worth every minute of the 40-minute drive from my apartment.
The restaurant exudes cozy charm with its vintage decor and mismatched coffee mugs. Unlike sterile chain establishments, Keys feels lived-in and loved, with local artwork adorning walls and servers who remember regular customers’ preferences. The buffet setup occupies a central location, allowing for easy access without creating the cafeteria feeling that plagues many all-you-can-eat establishments.
Food quality reaches heights rarely seen in buffet settings. Eggs remain fluffy rather than turning to rubber, and the hash browns maintain their crispy exterior even under heat lamps. Their famous caramel rolls – the size of a salad plate and dripping with buttery caramel – justify the trip alone. I’ve watched grown adults strategically time their visits to coincide with fresh batches emerging from the kitchen.
What separates Keys from ordinary breakfast spots is their commitment to scratch cooking. Hollandaise sauce for the eggs Benedict contains actual lemon and butter, not powder from a package. Biscuits have visible layers that pull apart with gentle pressure. Even the oatmeal – often an afterthought elsewhere – receives careful attention with a selection of mix-ins from fresh berries to brown sugar.
At $16.95 for the weekend breakfast buffet, Keys delivers tremendous value considering the quality. The clientele spans all demographics – families with children, elderly couples reading newspapers, and young professionals recovering from Saturday night adventures. I’ve brought various friends here over the years, and everyone leaves planning their return visit. As my brother said after his first experience, “This isn’t a buffet – it’s breakfast the way it’s supposed to be.”
9. Khan’s Mongolian Barbecue (Richfield): Stir-Fry Sensation
Khan’s Mongolian Barbecue in Richfield has turned me into a weekend warrior – battling not with swords but with tongs as I create the perfect stir-fry bowl. This interactive buffet concept has remained consistently packed for good reason.
The restaurant’s setup centers around the massive round grill that serves as both functional cooking surface and theatrical focal point. Chefs in tall hats wield oversized chopsticks with impressive dexterity, flipping and chopping ingredients with a showmanship that adds entertainment value to the dining experience. The space features simple decor with Asian influences – nothing fancy, but perfectly suited to the casual, energetic atmosphere.
Food quality starts with you – that’s the beauty of Khan’s concept. The raw ingredient buffet offers sliced meats (always fresh and properly chilled), vibrant vegetables, and noodles. I’ve developed my signature combination over multiple visits: lamb and chicken with snow peas, water chestnuts, and plenty of garlic. The sauce station features both pre-mixed options and individual ingredients for custom blending.
What keeps me returning is the consistency and value. For $16.99 (dinner price), you can make unlimited trips to the grill. My personal record stands at four bowls, though I immediately regretted that decision. The staff maintains impeccable cleanliness standards, with raw ingredient trays frequently refreshed and serving utensils regularly replaced.
The diverse clientele reflects the universal appeal – date night couples, large family gatherings, and solo diners all find something to enjoy. I particularly appreciate watching first-timers receive guidance from the staff on optimal bowl-building techniques. My vegetarian friend considers Khan’s a rare buffet where she doesn’t feel like an afterthought. As she puts it, “When you control the ingredients, you never have to ask what’s in the dish.” For interactive dining that delivers both entertainment and excellent food, Khan’s continues to rule its domain.
10. Treasure Island Resort & Casino Buffet (Welch): Jackpot Of Flavors
Hitting the Treasure Island Buffet feels like winning the culinary lottery! Located inside the casino resort in Welch, this spread has evolved from typical casino sustenance to a genuine dining destination. My wife surprised me with dinner here for our anniversary last month – she knows the way to my heart involves unlimited crab legs.
The restaurant space impresses with its contemporary design and thoughtful layout. Multiple food stations create natural flow, preventing the congestion that plagues lesser buffets. Floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall offer views of the surrounding countryside, while subtle nautical elements nod to the “island” theme without veering into tacky territory.
Food quality reaches astonishing heights for a buffet setting. The prime rib carving station features properly rested meat with actual pink centers, not the gray, overcooked slabs found elsewhere. Seafood options – particularly the aforementioned crab legs – arrive in small batches, ensuring freshness. Even seemingly simple items receive careful attention: mashed potatoes contain visible chunks and real butter, while dinner rolls emerge warm from the kitchen throughout service.
International options showcase authentic techniques rather than Americanized versions. The pasta station features a chef preparing dishes to order, complete with fresh herbs added at the last moment. During weekend brunches, the made-to-order omelet station becomes the star attraction, with lines that move surprisingly quickly thanks to efficient staff.
At $32.99 for dinner (more on seafood nights), this represents the higher end of Minnesota buffet pricing but delivers corresponding value. The clientele includes both casino visitors and dedicated food enthusiasts making the drive specifically for the buffet. What particularly impresses me is how the staff maintains quality during both peak rushes and slower periods. As my wife noted while we enjoyed our anniversary desserts, “We could have gone anywhere, but this place always delivers.” She’s right – this buffet is a sure bet.