14 Ohio Buffets Where The Food Still Tastes Like The ’80s
Ohio has a way of holding onto the classics, and nowhere is that more delicious than at these 14 buffets.
Step inside, and it feels like you’ve traveled back to the ’80s, with hearty roast meats, creamy casseroles, and desserts that evoke memories of simpler times.
Locals know these spots for generous portions, comforting flavors, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit feel like coming home.
In Ohio, buffet dining isn’t just about filling your plate; it’s about savoring nostalgia one bite at a time.
These spots prove that some flavors never go out of style.
1. ER GE Buffet
Stepping inside feels like walking through a time portal where egg rolls reign supreme and the aroma of sweet and sour sauce fills every corner.
ERGE Buffet is commonly listed in Dublin, Ohio, rather than at the Mayfield Heights address shown above, so readers should confirm the correct location before going.
The crab rangoon here is legendary, with a crispy shell that shatters on first bite and a creamy center that’s practically addictive.
The dining room features classic red and gold accents, lantern-style lighting, and booths upholstered in that unmistakable burgundy vinyl that screams decade of decadence.
Regulars swear by the General Tso’s chicken, which arrives sticky, spicy, and piled high on warming trays that never seem to empty.
It’s the kind of place where three generations can agree on dinner without a single complaint.
2. The City Buffet
Tucked away at 4141 Erie St, Willoughby, OH 44094, this unassuming treasure trove offers more variety than a mall food court and twice the nostalgia.
The salad bar alone is a marvel, complete with cottage cheese, three-bean salad, and those little corn muffins that taste like childhood birthday parties.
Wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, and the carpet pattern looks like it hasn’t changed since parachute pants were cool.
Families flock here for the seafood section on weekends, where boiled shrimp and crab legs disappear faster than arcade tokens.
The soft-serve machine churns out vanilla swirls that pair perfectly with the self-serve hot fudge dispenser nearby.
3. Szechuan House
Fiery flavors meet retro vibes at 1671 State Route 303, Streetsboro, OH 44241, where the spice level hasn’t been toned down for modern palates.
The Kung Pao chicken is the star attraction, loaded with peanuts, dried chilies, and enough heat to transport you straight back to the decade of neon windbreakers.
Dark wood paneling lines the walls, and paper lanterns dangle from the ceiling like decorations at a school dance.
Regulars know to grab the mapo tofu early before it vanishes, and the fried rice here is fluffier than a perm from a suburban salon.
Families appreciate the ample seating and the fact that kids can load up on lo mein while adults tackle the spicier offerings without judgment.
4. Fuji Buffet & Grill
Mongolian grills weren’t just a fad; they were a lifestyle choice, and this spot at 3750 Medina Rd, Medina, OH 44256 keeps that flame burning bright.
Guests pile raw ingredients onto plates, hand them to the grill master, and watch as stir-fry magic happens right before their eyes.
The hibachi section sizzles with the kind of theatrical flair that made dinner feel like entertainment back when VHS tapes were cutting-edge technology.
Bamboo accents and Asian-inspired artwork adorn the walls, while the seating area features those comfortable booth dividers that give each table a sense of privacy.
Sushi rolls sit on ice in the refrigerated section, offering California rolls and spicy tuna that taste surprisingly fresh for a buffet setting.
The dessert bar includes fortune cookies, almond cookies, and a chocolate fountain that’s perpetually surrounded by kids wielding strawberries on toothpicks.
5. Dragon Buffet
Perched at 8005 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45239, this neighborhood favorite has been serving heaping portions of comfort since cassette tapes ruled car stereos.
The exterior might look modest, but inside, the buffet stretches longer than a grocery store aisle.
Sesame chicken is the dish everyone gravitates toward, with its glossy glaze and sesame seed topping that crunches with every bite.
The dining room features mirrored panels that make the space feel twice as large, plus ceiling tiles with that classic acoustic texture that absorbed countless dinner conversations.
Friday nights bring out the crab legs, and locals line up early to claim their spot at tables draped in burgundy tablecloths.
The egg drop soup stays piping hot in a giant tureen, and the spring rolls emerge from the kitchen crispy enough to hear from across the room.
6. New China Buffet
Located at 2642 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, OH 44709, this spot refuses to let go of the golden age of all-you-can-eat dining.
Neon signs glow in the windows, beckoning passersby with promises of unlimited plates and zero judgment for going back for fourths.
The orange chicken here achieves that perfect balance of tangy and sweet, with breading that stays crispy even under the heat lamps.
Inside, the decor leans heavily into red and gold color schemes, with dragon murals stretching across accent walls and pendant lights shaped like paper lanterns.
Weekday lunch crowds pack the place, drawn by affordable pricing and the kind of dependable quality that keeps regulars coming back for decades.
The fried wonton strips on the salad bar are dangerously addictive, and the pineapple chunks in the fruit section taste like they were plucked straight from a tropical vacation commercial.
7. Hong Kong Buffet
Situated at 1585 Marion Waldo Rd, Marion, OH 43302, this establishment has mastered the art of keeping things simple and satisfying.
No fancy fusion experiments here, just straightforward Chinese-American classics executed with the kind of consistency that builds loyal followings.
The beef and broccoli is a crowd favorite, featuring tender meat and bright green florets swimming in a savory brown sauce that begs to be soaked up with white rice.
The building’s exterior sports that distinctive peaked roof design popular in the 1980s, while inside, booth seating wraps around the perimeter.
Families appreciate the spacious layout and the fact that highchairs are always available without asking.
The coconut shrimp in the seafood section disappears quickly during dinner service, and the almond cookies by the register make perfect take-home treats for anyone with a sweet tooth.
8. Twin Dragon Buffet & Grill
Anchored at 4144 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44505, this double-threat establishment combines traditional buffet service with made-to-order grill options that let diners customize their experience.
The name references the two dragon statues flanking the entrance, which have become local landmarks in their own right.
Bourbon chicken is the signature dish, glazed to perfection and served with a side of nostalgia for anyone who remembers mall food courts in their heyday.
The interior features dual dining areas separated by decorative screens, giving groups options for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations.
The grill station allows guests to pick proteins and vegetables, then watch as chefs toss everything together with sauces ranging from mild teriyaki to blazing hot pepper.
Dessert includes tapioca pudding, fruit cocktail, and those rainbow sherbet cups that taste exactly like childhood summers.
9. Dutch Valley Restaurant
Way out at 1343 Old Route 39 NW, Sugarcreek, OH 44681, this Amish Country gem serves up a completely different flavor of nostalgia.
Instead of egg rolls, expect heaping platters of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and noodles that stretch like taffy.
The building resembles a classic barn, complete with wooden siding and a pitched roof that looks like it could house hay bales instead of hungry diners.
Inside, long communal tables encourage strangers to become friends over shared bowls of coleslaw and baskets of fresh-baked dinner rolls.
The broasted chicken is legendary, with skin so crispy it crackles and meat so juicy it practically falls off the bone.
Dessert includes shoofly pie, bread pudding, and soft-serve ice cream that tastes like it came straight from a dairy farm, because it probably did.
10. Golden Corral
With multiple Ohio locations including 3240 Refugee Rd, Columbus, OH 43232, this national chain somehow manages to bottle that 1980s buffet energy and serve it up with remarkable consistency.
The chocolate fountain alone is worth the price of admission, surrounded by strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels begging to be dipped.
Carved-to-order meats rotate throughout the day, from pot roast at lunch to prime rib at dinner, all sliced by friendly staff members wearing aprons and wielding knives like pros.
The dining room sprawls across a massive footprint, with sections divided by half-walls and decorative plants that somehow survive despite minimal natural light.
Kids go wild for the macaroni and cheese, which bubbles away in a dedicated warming pan that never seems to run low.
The salad bar includes ranch dressing thick enough to stand a spoon in, and the yeast rolls emerge from the oven every few minutes.
11. Seven Chefs Buffet @ JACK Cleveland Casino
Elevated to the casino floor at 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113, this buffet adds a touch of glamour to the classic all-you-can-eat experience.
Seven distinct cooking stations represent different cuisines, from Italian to Asian to good old American comfort food.
The seafood spread on weekends rivals upscale restaurants, with oysters on the half shell, peel-and-eat shrimp, and crab legs that require bibs and determination.
Modern lighting fixtures hang from high ceilings, and the seating area offers views of the gaming floor where slot machines ding and flash like a electronic symphony.
The prime rib station draws crowds, with chefs carving thick slices that drip with juice and flavor.
Desserts include bread pudding with whiskey sauce, tiramisu, and a create-your-own sundae bar that would make any 1980s kid weep with joy.
12. Kumo Japanese Seafood Buffet
Anchored at 4561 Great Northern Blvd, North Olmsted, OH 44070, this spot elevates the buffet game with a focus on fresh seafood and Japanese specialties.
Sushi chefs work behind glass, rolling maki and nigiri while diners watch the artistry unfold in real time.
The snow crab legs pile high in the seafood section, accompanied by clarified butter that pools in little ceramic dishes.
Contemporary design elements blend with traditional Japanese touches, including shoji screen dividers and bamboo accents that create an atmosphere both modern and nostalgic.
Hibachi tables allow for tableside cooking experiences, and the tempura station fries up shrimp and vegetables to order, ensuring maximum crispiness.
The miso soup is served from a self-serve station with ladles the size of small shovels, and the green tea ice cream in the dessert area provides a refreshing finish.