10 Ohio All-You-Can-Eat Buffets People Drive Hours To Try
Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of epic food adventures, but trust me, the Buckeye State is hiding some seriously impressive all-you-can-eat buffets.
From Amish comfort food that’ll make your grandma jealous to sizzling Mongolian stir-fry stations where you’re the chef, Ohio’s buffet scene is way more exciting than you’d expect.
I’ll never forget the first time I rolled into an Ohio buffet thinking it’d be just another salad bar situation—boy, was I wrong!
Whether you’re craving endless crab legs, authentic Indian curries, or good old-fashioned American classics, these ten spots prove that unlimited food can actually be worth the stretchy pants you’ll need afterward.
1. Der Dutchman Restaurant – Plain City
Picture this: I’m driving through Plain City on a random Tuesday, stomach growling, when I spot this charming Amish-style restaurant that looks like it time-traveled from the 1800s.
Der Dutchman isn’t just a buffet—it’s basically a warm hug from your favorite aunt who insists you eat more.
The moment you walk in, the smell of fresh-baked bread and roasted chicken practically tackles you to the ground in the best way possible.
Their buffet is legendary among locals, and for good reason.
We’re talking real mashed potatoes (none of that instant nonsense), tender roast beef that falls apart when you look at it, and fried chicken so crispy it could win awards.
The homemade noodles are thick, buttery, and absolutely addictive—I may have gone back for thirds, but who’s counting?
But here’s where Der Dutchman really shines: the dessert section.
Their pies are baked fresh daily, and the peanut butter cream pie is so good it should probably be illegal.
You’ll also find fruit cobblers, cookies, and cakes that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
The atmosphere is cozy and family-friendly, with wooden tables and servers who actually seem happy to be there.
Prices are super reasonable considering the quality and quantity of food you’re getting.
Pro tip: arrive hungry and wear elastic waistbands—you’ll thank me later.
The buffet changes slightly depending on the day, but it’s always packed with hearty, comforting dishes that remind you why Amish cooking has such a stellar reputation.
2. Cherry Street Pub – Lancaster
Who says pub food can’t be buffet-worthy? Cherry Street Pub, located at 202 N Cherry St, Lancaster, Ohio, totally flips that script with their surprisingly awesome all-you-can-eat setup.
I stumbled upon this place after a disappointing museum visit (long story), and it completely turned my day around.
The vibe is super casual—think sports on TV, friendly bartenders, and the kind of atmosphere where nobody judges you for wearing sweatpants.
Their buffet might not be fancy, but it hits all the right notes.
The pizza selection rotates throughout service, so you’re always getting fresh pies straight from the oven.
They do classic pepperoni, supreme, and usually throw in some creative options like BBQ chicken or Hawaiian for the pineapple-on-pizza rebels out there.
Beyond pizza, you’ll find pasta dishes, a decent salad bar (for those trying to pretend they’re being healthy), breadsticks that disappear faster than free samples at Costco, and rotating hot dishes like chicken wings and mac and cheese.
Nothing here is trying to be gourmet, and that’s exactly why it works.
The staff keeps everything well-stocked and fresh, which is sometimes a gamble at smaller buffets.
Prices are wallet-friendly, making it perfect for families or college students who need to fuel up without breaking the bank.
It’s the kind of place where you can relax, watch the game, and eat way more pizza than you planned.
The lunch buffet is especially popular with the local crowd, so get there early if you want prime seating and the freshest selections.
3. Empress Chili Buffet – Cincinnati
Cincinnati chili is one of those polarizing foods that people either worship or completely don’t understand—there’s basically no middle ground.
Empress Chili takes this regional treasure and turns it into an all-you-can-eat experience that’ll either convert you or confirm your suspicions.
I was skeptical at first because chili over spaghetti seemed like someone’s fever dream, but after one visit, I became a believer.
Located at 3670 Werk Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45248, this retro-style spot leans classic diner—with counter seating, booths, and a cozy layout that makes regulars feel like family.
The buffet features all the Cincinnati staples: three-way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), four-way (add onions or beans), five-way (add both), and coneys piled high with their signature chili.
The chili itself is thinner than Texas-style, with a unique blend of spices including cinnamon and chocolate that sounds weird but tastes incredible.
You can customize your plate however you want, which is dangerous because suddenly you’ve built a mountain of carbs and cheese.
They also offer sides like coleslaw, fries, and salads to balance out the chili overload.
Service is quick and friendly, with staff who know their regulars by name.
This isn’t a place for fancy dining—it’s comfort food at its finest, served in generous portions that’ll leave you pleasantly stuffed.
The buffet is especially popular during lunch hours when downtown workers flood in for their chili fix.
If you’re new to Cincinnati chili, start with a three-way and work your way up.
Fair warning: you might get addicted and find yourself craving this stuff at random times.
4. Taj Mahal Indian Cuisine – Columbus
Columbus has a surprisingly vibrant Indian food scene, and New Taj Mahal, located at 2361 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202, sits right at the top of the buffet game.
My first visit happened because my friend dragged me there claiming it would “change my life” — dramatic much? But honestly, she wasn’t wrong.
The lunch buffet is where this place really shows off, with a spread so colorful and aromatic that you’ll want to take a picture before you dig in.
The buffet rotates daily but always includes crowd-pleasers like butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and vegetarian curries that even meat-lovers devour.
The tandoori chicken arrives with that perfect charred exterior and juicy interior that’s impossible to recreate at home.
Biryani comes fragrant and flavorful, while the dal brings pure comfort in a bowl.
Don’t skip the naan — they bring it out hot and fresh throughout service, and it’s essential for scooping up all those rich sauces.
The salad section includes Indian-style dishes with chutneys and pickles that pack a punch.
Dessert usually features gulab jamun and kheer, giving you a sweet, warm finish.
The restaurant itself is decorated with traditional touches that make it feel special without being stuffy.
Prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality and variety offered.
The lunch buffet draws students, professionals, and families, making the vibe lively but relaxed.
If you’re new to Indian food, this buffet is the perfect low-pressure, flavor-packed introduction.
5. Tokyo House Buffet – Columbus
Asian buffets can be hit-or-miss, but Tokyo Grill Sushi & Hibachi Buffet, located at 8491 Sancus Blvd, Columbus, OH 43240, consistently delivers the hits.
I’ve been here more times than I’d like to admit (my wallet definitely judges me), and the quality remains solid visit after visit.
The space is huge, which means the buffet spreads across multiple stations featuring Japanese, Chinese, and American-Asian fusion dishes that cover basically every craving imaginable.
The sushi section deserves special mention because it’s way better than you’d expect from a buffet.
Fresh rolls are made throughout service — from California rolls to spicy tuna and creative specialty rolls.
The hibachi-grill station lets you pile a bowl with raw meats, vegetables, and noodles, then watch as the chef stir-fries everything to order — basically interactive dinner theater with delicious results.
Beyond that, you’ll find classic Chinese-style dishes like General Tso’s chicken, lo mein, fried rice, egg rolls, and crab rangoons that are dangerously addictive.
The seafood selection often includes steamed mussels, and some days even crab legs or various fish preparations.
There’s a dessert corner too — with fruit, cakes, or soft-serve ice cream for when you somehow find room again.
The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, though it can get pretty crowded on weekends or dinner rush. Prices vary — lunch buffets tend to be cheaper than dinner, which offers a wider selection.
Staff works hard to keep everything stocked and clean, which is crucial for buffet success.
Pro tip: pace yourself and take multiple small trips, rather than piling everything on one plate — you’ll enjoy the variety more and won’t feel like you need a forklift afterward
6. Oregano Indian Restaurant – Dayton
Dayton’s food scene doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, but Oregano Indian Restaurant, located at 3014 Salem Ave, Dayton, OH 45406, is proof that culinary gems exist outside the big cities.
I discovered this place during a work trip when I was desperately craving something other than chain restaurants — it quickly became my go-to spot whenever I’m in the area.
What sets Oregano apart is the attention to detail in their spice blends and cooking techniques.
Curries have depth and complexity instead of just being generically “spicy.”
You’ll find classics like palak paneer (spinach and cheese), chana masala (chickpea curry), and various chicken dishes showcasing different regional styles.
Their tandoori items come out with that distinctive smoky flavor only a proper clay oven can achieve.
Their naan game is strong — seriously, the garlic naan alone is worth the trip.
The buffet also includes samosas, pakoras (vegetable fritters), multiple rice dishes, and raita (yogurt sauce) to cool off when it gets spicy.
Dessert options are modest but thoughtfully chosen, usually featuring a couple of traditional sweets.
The restaurant has a modern, clean aesthetic that feels upscale without being pretentious.
Service stays attentive, with staff ready to explain dishes or tweak spice levels on request.
Lunch crowds bring a mix of Indian families (always a good sign) and adventurous locals.
It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever settled for mediocre buffet food elsewhere.
7. Captain George’s Seafood Buffet – Toledo Area
Seafood buffets in landlocked Ohio sound like they’d be sketchy, right?
Captain George’s near Toledo completely destroys that assumption with a seafood spread that rivals coastal restaurants.
My family dragged me here for my birthday last year, and I spent the entire evening wondering why we don’t celebrate every month.
The nautical theme is laid on thick with ship wheels and fishing nets, but somehow it works without feeling cheesy.
The star attraction is obviously the crab legs—piles of snow crab and king crab legs that you can demolish without guilt or judgment.
They’re steamed perfectly and kept hot, with clarified butter flowing like a delicious river. Shrimp appears in multiple forms: steamed, fried, scampi-style, and in cocktails.
The oyster bar features both raw and baked oysters for those feeling fancy.
Beyond the obvious seafood highlights, you’ll find fish prepared multiple ways (grilled, fried, blackened), clam chowder that’s thick and creamy, seafood pasta dishes, and even landlubber options like prime rib and chicken for anyone who got dragged along against their will.
The salad bar is extensive, and the dessert section includes cakes, pies, and a chocolate fountain because why not?
This place isn’t cheap—expect to pay significantly more than your average buffet—but the quality and quantity justify the price tag.
The atmosphere is surprisingly upscale for a buffet, making it work for dates or special occasions. Weekends get absolutely packed, so reservations are smart.
Wear your stretchy pants and bring your appetite because you’ll want to get your money’s worth from those crab legs.
8. The Barn Restaurant at Dutch Valley – Sugarcreek
Sugarcreek sits right in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, and The Barn Restaurant at Dutch Valley (1343 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek, OH 44681) embraces that heritage with a buffet that feels like Sunday dinner at your favorite relative’s house.
The building itself is an actual converted barn, which gives the entire experience an instant charm and authenticity you simply can’t fake.
I visited during the fall when the surrounding countryside was exploding with color, and the whole scene felt like stepping straight into a postcard.
The buffet focuses on traditional Amish and Mennonite cooking—everything hearty, home-style, and built to stick to your ribs.
Expect dishes like roast turkey, ham, fried chicken, beef and noodles, mashed potatoes with gravy that could win awards, green beans cooked with bacon, and fresh-baked rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
Everything tastes like someone’s grandmother made it with love, probably because many recipes actually come from local family traditions.
The salad bar features crisp vegetables and classic Midwestern favorites like macaroni salad and coleslaw. But let’s be honest—everyone is here for the dessert section.
The pies are legendary, with homemade crusts filled with everything from apple to classic shoofly pie.
Cakes, cookies, and seasonal treats rotate daily depending on what’s come fresh from the bakery.
Service is warm in that genuine small-town way where people really mean it when they ask how you’re doing.
Prices are very reasonable considering the quality and the tourist-heavy location.
The restaurant gets especially busy during peak Amish Country season, so visiting during off-hours means shorter waits and the freshest selections.
9. BD’s Mongolian Grill – Cleveland
BD’s Mongolian Grill takes the buffet concept and flips it on its head by making you the chef—or at least the meal architect.
My first time here, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and created a bowl of chaos that somehow tasted amazing.
The concept is simple but genius: you grab a bowl, load it with raw ingredients from an extensive buffet, then hand it over to the grill masters who cook everything on a massive circular griddle right in front of you.
If you’re heading to the Cleveland location, you’ll find it at 18524 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107, just minutes from the lakefront.
The ingredient selection is wild. You’ve got multiple protein options including beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, and tofu.
Then comes the vegetable lineup with everything from everyday broccoli and peppers to more adventurous choices like water chestnuts and baby corn.
Noodles or rice form your base, and the real magic happens at the sauce station—dozens of oils, spices, and house-made sauces you can mix and match to create your masterpiece.
Here’s where strategy comes in: too many sauces and your creation becomes soup; too few and it’s bland.
The grill cooks are basically culinary magicians who somehow remember which bowl belongs to whom despite juggling dozens at once.
Ask for tips—they’ll steer you in the right direction.
And the best part? You can go back as many times as you want, making it the perfect place for flavor experimenting.
The atmosphere is lively and casual with an open kitchen design that turns dinner into a show.
It’s ideal for picky eaters, adventurous cooks, or groups who can’t agree on what to eat because everyone customizes their own dish.
The Cleveland location gets especially busy during dinner and weekends, but the line moves fast enough to keep your appetite in check.
10. Golden Corral – Multiple Ohio Locations
Look, I know Golden Corral gets roasted online as the punchline of buffet jokes, but hear me out—the Ohio locations are actually pretty solid.
I was skeptical too until a friend convinced me to give it a fair shot, and I left pleasantly surprised and uncomfortably full.
Yes, it’s a chain, but sometimes you want reliable, affordable, all-American buffet food without surprises, and Golden Corral delivers exactly that.
If you’re near Columbus, one of the most popular spots sits at 3350 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202, and it stays busy for a reason.
The sheer variety here is honestly impressive.
We’re talking carved meats (pot roast, ham, turkey) sliced fresh, fried chicken that’s crispy and juicy, meatloaf, multiple potato preparations, vegetables (healthy and butter-drenched), pasta dishes, pizza, tacos, and a salad bar that’s actually respectable.
The fried fish and popcorn shrimp are better than they have any right to be at a budget buffet.
But the real MVP is the dessert counter.
Soft-serve ice cream with toppings, cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, and that famous chocolate fountain that makes everything taste fancier.
You can build the most unhinged dessert combinations and no one bats an eye—everyone else is doing the same thing.
The bread pudding? Shockingly great.
The atmosphere is family-friendly chaos, especially on weekends when big groups roll in to celebrate birthdays or just feed a hungry crowd affordably.
Service quality varies from location to location, but most Ohio spots keep things well-stocked and clean enough to pass the vibe check.
Prices are among the cheapest for an all-you-can-eat lineup, with senior and military discounts that sweeten the deal.
It’s not fancy, but it’s honest food in comically large quantities—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.