6 Oklahoma Buffets That Disappoint & 6 That Bring True Sooner Flavor
Buffets in Oklahoma range from spectacular to downright disappointing. I’ve spent years traversing the Sooner State, fork in hand, ready to sample endless food options.
Some spots left me hungry despite multiple trips to the serving line, while others showcased authentic Oklahoma flavors that kept me coming back for thirds.
12. Golden Corral: Quantity Over Quality
My last visit to Golden Corral left me wondering if I’d made a terrible mistake. The steam tables held lukewarm food that seemed to have been sitting for hours.
The dessert section offered the only salvation, though even the chocolate fountain couldn’t mask the disappointment of rubbery steaks and mushy vegetables that dominated my plate.
11. Old Country Buffet: A Blast From The Bland Past
Remember when your grandma overcooked everything? Old Country Buffet perfectly captures that nostalgic disappointment.
Gravy covers most items, presumably to hide their true identity. The salad bar wilts under fluorescent lights while mashed potatoes form cement-like crusts around their edges.
10. Shady’s BBQ Buffet: Smoke And Mirrors
The name “Shady’s” should have been my first clue. Their brisket resembled shoe leather more than Texas-style barbecue, and the ribs required Olympic-level jaw strength.
Even their signature sauce couldn’t rescue the meat cemetery that lay before me. The cornbread offered temporary relief until I discovered it was somehow both dry and soggy.
9. Western Sizzlin’: Where Flavor Goes To Die
Western Sizzlin’ sounds promising – until you taste the food. Their steak selection, supposedly their specialty, arrived gray and flavorless on my recent visit.
The rolls were the highlight, which speaks volumes about everything else. Even the ice cream machine was broken, crushing my one hope for redemption after a parade of culinary disappointments.
8. Country Buffet: Highway Robbery By The Pound
Located off I-40, Country Buffet charges premium prices for food that tastes suspiciously like it came from the freezer section. The fried chicken had more breading than actual meat.
Vegetables swam in butter yet somehow remained flavorless. My wallet felt significantly lighter while my taste buds remained completely underwhelmed by this roadside disappointment.
7. Chen’s Buffet: The Great Wall Of Mediocrity
Chen’s Buffet attempts to serve every Chinese dish imaginable, yet succeeds at none. The orange chicken had more in common with orange-colored rubber than actual poultry.
Egg rolls contained mysterious fillings that defied identification. The fortune cookies delivered more satisfaction than the main courses, though my fortune ironically read “Good food brings happiness.”
6. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse: Cowboy Paradise
Cattlemen’s Sunday brunch buffet transported me straight to cattle country heaven! Their prime rib melts like butter, carved right before your eyes by a chef who knows exactly how you want it.
The breakfast section features fluffy biscuits swimming in authentic sawmill gravy. Every bite celebrates Oklahoma’s ranching heritage with locally-sourced ingredients that tell the state’s story.
5. The Pink House: Grandma’s Kitchen On Steroids
Walking into The Pink House feels like being wrapped in a warm quilt. Their buffet showcases authentic Oklahoma comfort food that would make any grandmother proud.
Fried okra maintains perfect crispness despite the steam table. Their chicken and dumplings transported me back to childhood Sunday dinners, complete with that impossible-to-replicate homemade flavor that defines true Sooner cooking.
4. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile: Ree’s Real-Deal Spread
Ree Drummond’s vision comes alive in this Pawhuska gem. I nearly wept at the sight of their breakfast buffet’s cinnamon rolls – bigger than my fist and dripping with vanilla icing.
The lunch spread features ranch-inspired dishes with sophisticated twists. Each recipe feels personal, as if Ree herself might pop out from the kitchen to ask how you’re enjoying her family favorites.
3. Yucatan Taco Stand: Border-Crossing Flavors
Forget Taco Tuesday – Yucatan’s weekend brunch buffet deserves its own holiday! Their build-your-own taco bar features handmade tortillas that put store-bought versions to shame.
Slow-roasted cochinita pibil falls apart at the mere suggestion of a fork. The salsa bar offers eight different heat levels, from mild-mannered to call-the-fire-department spicy, all made fresh daily.
2. Red Oak Steakhouse: Casino Royalty
Located inside Downstream Casino, Red Oak’s Friday seafood buffet transformed my understanding of Oklahoma dining. Fresh oysters arrived continuously from the kitchen to the ice display.
The crab legs actually contained meat – a buffet miracle! Native American influences appear throughout the menu, incorporating tribal recipes alongside classic steakhouse fare for a truly unique Oklahoma dining experience.
1. S&B’s Burger Joint: Build-A-Burger Bonanza
S&B’s weekend burger bar blew my mind with its creative approach to buffet dining. The DIY concept lets you build monstrous creations from locally-raised beef and toppings you’d never imagine.
Fried egg with peanut butter? Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! Their hand-cut sweet potato fries maintain impossible crispness despite buffet-style service, making this spot a true Oklahoma original.