3 Minnesota Buffets That Disappoint & 3 That Truly Capture The North Star State’s Flavor
Minnesota’s buffet scene offers a smorgasbord of dining experiences that can either leave you questioning your life choices or celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the North Star State.
I’ve eaten my way through countless buffet lines across Minnesota, from the Twin Cities to the smallest towns.
Some spots promise the moon but deliver processed cheese, while others genuinely showcase what makes Minnesota cuisine special – from fresh walleye to Scandinavian delights and farm-to-table goodness.
1. Super Moon Buffet: A Celestial Letdown
Super Moon Buffet promised me the stars but delivered stardust. My family’s weekend dinner there became a cautionary tale we still reference at holiday gatherings. “Remember the Super Moon incident?” my sister jokes, referring to the lukewarm soup and mysteriously gray-tinged seafood.
The place boasts an impressive array of options spanning Chinese, American, and sushi selections. Unfortunately, quantity trumps quality at every turn. The crab rangoon contained barely a molecule of crab, and the sushi rice had the consistency of kindergarten paste-eating projects.
Their dessert section—featuring stale cookies and synthetic-tasting pudding—was the final insult. For the price ($18.99 per adult when I visited), you’d expect at least one memorable dish, but Super Moon’s offerings are as forgettable as they are abundant.
2. Dragon Star Buffet (Burnsville): Flying Too Close To The Sun
Dragon Star Buffet in Burnsville broke my heart. The massive restaurant, with its ornate decorations and seemingly endless food stations, dazzled me at first. I filled my first plate with excitement, only to discover that appearances can be painfully deceiving.
The hot food section featured lukewarm offerings with muddled flavor profiles. Their “signature” orange chicken had clearly been sitting out for hours, sporting a chewy texture that would challenge even the most determined jaw. Vegetables at the stir-fry station looked tired and lifeless, swimming in pools of unidentifiable oil.
What truly baffled me was their clumsy attempt at American classics. The mashed potatoes had the consistency of wet cement, while the macaroni and cheese resembled a failed science experiment. Even my normally food-enthusiastic nephew refused seconds — perhaps the most damning review a teenager could give.
3. Golden Corral (Maplewood): Corporate Cuisine At Its Blandest
Golden Corral embodies everything that’s wrong with corporate buffet chains. During my last visit to their Maplewood location, I watched a child dip his fingers directly into the chocolate fountain — twice — while a staff member stood nearby scrolling through their phone. That pretty much sums up the experience.
The food itself is aggressively mediocre. Their so-called famous pot roast looked like mystery meat swimming in thin brown liquid rather than proper gravy. The vegetables tasted as though they’d never been introduced to seasoning, and the bread rolls could double as hockey pucks in a pinch.
What really grinds my gears is how they market themselves as serving “home-style” cooking. Whose home serves mac and cheese that glows an unnatural shade of orange or mashed potatoes that taste like they came from a box with a shelf life longer than most marriages? Minnesota deserves better than this uninspired food factory.
4. Marhaba Mediterranean Buffet (Minneapolis): A Middle Eastern Marvel
Marhaba in Minneapolis’s Cedar-Riverside neighborhood changed my understanding of what a buffet could be. The first time I walked in, the aroma of freshly baked pita and simmering lamb nearly brought tears to my eyes—especially after a day of sampling disappointing buffets for this article.
Their hummus is made fresh throughout the day, with a silky texture that puts grocery store versions to shame. The shawarma station features tender, perfectly spiced meat sliced directly onto your plate. Even their rice isn’t an afterthought but a beautifully prepared foundation with subtle notes of cinnamon and cardamom.
What makes Marhaba special isn’t just the food quality but the care behind it. The owner often circulates through the dining room, sharing stories about family recipes and checking that everything meets his exacting standards. This place truly captures Minnesota’s immigrant culinary contributions with respect and deliciousness.
5. Grand Buffet (Montevideo): Small-Town Surprise
Hidden in the heart of Montevideo, Grand Buffet delivers an experience that defies all small-town stereotypes. My car broke down near this western Minnesota gem last fall, and what started as a travel mishap turned into a delightful culinary discovery.
The unassuming exterior belies the treasure within—a carefully curated selection of both Chinese and surprisingly authentic Hmong dishes. Their pork belly with pickled mustard greens transported me straight to Southeast Asia, while the handmade egg rolls contain a complex blend of flavors that puts chain restaurants to shame.
The owner, Mrs. Yang, escaped Laos during the Vietnam War era and settled in Minnesota, bringing family recipes that have evolved to incorporate local ingredients. This cultural fusion appears in dishes like their wild rice egg rolls and locally-sourced vegetable stir-fries. Grand Buffet represents the beautiful intersection of immigrant traditions and Minnesota’s agricultural bounty.
6. Fogo De Chão (Minneapolis): Brazilian Bounty Worth Every Penny
Fogo de Chão isn’t just a meal—it’s a carnivorous adventure that changed my definition of “buffet.” Yes, it’s pricey ($60+ per person during my last visit), but this Brazilian steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis delivers an experience that justifies every dollar.
The salad bar alone—which they elegantly call the “Market Table”—would satisfy most diners with its imported cheeses, cured meats, and roasted vegetables. But the real magic happens when the parade of gauchos begins, offering endless tableside carving of perfectly cooked meats. Their picanha (prime sirloin) literally melts in your mouth, seasoned simply with sea salt to highlight the quality.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere captures Minnesota’s appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. The open kitchen, skilled carvers, and attentive service create a communal dining experience that feels both celebratory and comforting—perfect for our long winter evenings when gathering around good food becomes essential.