6 Oregon Buffets That Miss The Mark & 6 That Totally Satisfy
Oregon’s buffet scene is a mixed bag, as some spots serve up real gems, while others are better left untouched. When you’re in the mood for all-you-can-eat, it helps to know which places are actually worth the trip.
After sampling buffets all over the Beaver State, I’ve put together this honest guide: from seafood feasts with riverfront views to Chinese buffets that might just make you question your decisions.
1. King Buffet (Bend) – A Stomach-Turning Experience
Reddit users consistently sound the alarm about this Bend establishment. Food sits at dangerous temperatures, surfaces feel sticky, and dishes lack both flavor and freshness.
My cousin visited last summer and spent the next day hugging the toilet. “I should have noticed the empty parking lot was a warning sign,” he lamented.
Health inspection reports haven’t been kind either.
2. Super King Buffet (Portland) – The Royal Disappointment
Nothing super or kingly about this Portland buffet except perhaps the magnitude of its failings. Yelp reviewers consistently describe finding hair in food, lukewarm serving temperatures, and stale options that sit for hours.
The dining area’s grimy atmosphere matches the food quality. Even budget-conscious diners feel cheated by the $15 price tag when considering what lands on their plates.
3. Buffet Palace (Beaverton) – Where Food Faded Away
Despite its regal name, this Beaverton spot serves food that’s anything but majestic. The oily dishes swim in pools of grease while vegetables wilt under heat lamps.
I once watched a child spit out the chicken nuggets – a universal red flag. The staff seems perpetually overwhelmed, leaving empty trays unattended for uncomfortably long periods.
Even the ice cream machine was broken during three separate visits.
4. Siletz Bay Seafood Buffet (Lincoln City) – Beachside Blunder
Overlooking beautiful Siletz Bay should be this buffet’s saving grace, but the scenery can’t compensate for what lands on your plate. Seafood arrives suspiciously rubbery, often undercooked, or swimming in watery sauce.
The crab legs – when available – require Olympic-level strength to crack open, only to reveal meager meat. For $40 per person, coastal visitors expect fresh catches, not frozen disappointments that taste like they’ve traveled from distant waters.
5. Timberline Lodge Sunday Buffet – Fallen Mountain Legend
Once the crown jewel of Oregon mountain dining, this historic lodge’s buffet has tumbled downhill faster than a novice skier. Reddit comments lament the shrinking selection and quality decline while prices continue climbing skyward.
The magnificent mountain views remain, but they’re harder to enjoy when you’re contemplating whether your $50 plate of mediocre breakfast foods was worth it.
What was once a special-occasion destination now feels like a tourist trap trading on past glory.
6. Coastal Resort Buffets – Overpriced Ocean Views
Oregon’s coast resorts charge premium prices for mediocre buffets, banking on ocean views to distract from culinary shortcomings. These establishments typically offer bland, uninspired food that’s been sitting too long under heat lamps.
The seafood rarely tastes fresh despite being yards from the ocean. Many coastal buffets have shuttered in recent years, and those remaining serve up forgettable fare at unforgettable prices.
Save your money and hit a local seafood shack instead.
7. Salty’s on the Columbia River – Brunch Heaven
Perched along the Columbia River, Salty’s weekend brunch transforms ordinary morning dining into a spectacular feast. Fresh oysters glisten on ice beside made-to-order omelets while servers carve prime rib to your specifications.
The panoramic river views complement the seafood-focused spread. Though pricey at $60+ per person, the bottomless champagne and Bloody Mary bar help justify the splurge.
Reservations are essential – locals book weeks ahead for special occasions.
8. FJ Buffet – Chinese Comfort Done Right
Unlike its disappointing competitors, FJ Buffet maintains strict quality standards that keep Portlanders coming back. The Mongolian grill station lets you customize stir-fry creations while traditional Chinese favorites remain consistently fresh.
The seafood selection surprises with actual flavor rather than just frozen bulk offerings. Cleanliness stands out immediately – staff constantly monitor and refresh stations.
For under $30, you’ll find the extensive selection satisfies both picky eaters and adventurous diners alike.
9. Mizumi Buffet – Sushi Bonanza
Tigard’s unexpected sushi paradise offers surprisingly fresh fish that defies buffet stereotypes. The constantly replenished sushi bar features both traditional nigiri and creative specialty rolls that would cost triple at à la carte establishments.
Beyond raw fish, the hot food section delivers with crispy tempura and savory teriyaki dishes. My teenage son, normally suspicious of buffets, now requests Mizumi for his birthday every year.
The clean, modern atmosphere and attentive service elevate the experience beyond typical buffet expectations.
10. Hug Grill Buffet – Pan-Asian Excellence
This Hillsboro hidden gem embraces diverse Asian culinary traditions with impressive attention to detail. Chinese classics share space with Korean barbecue options and Japanese favorites without sacrificing quality in any category.
The made-to-order stir-fry station allows complete customization with fresh ingredients. Dessert options go beyond typical buffet fare with green tea ice cream and fresh fruit.
The restaurant’s cleanliness immediately stands out – a crucial factor for buffet confidence.
11. The Hill Buffet & Grill – Coastal Comfort Food
Newport’s premier buffet serves hearty portions that satisfy after a day exploring Oregon’s beaches. Unlike pretentious coastal eateries, The Hill delivers unpretentious comfort food that changes throughout the day.
Breakfast features fluffy pancakes and custom omelets, while dinner brings out seafood pasta and hand-carved meats. My family stumbled upon this place during a rainy beach vacation, and it became our twice-daily refuge.
The friendly staff remembers regulars, creating a welcoming atmosphere for tourists and locals alike.
12. Great Wall Buffet – Salem’s Culinary Fortress
Don’t let the generic name fool you – this Salem standout rises above typical Chinese buffet mediocrity. The owners source ingredients locally when possible, resulting in noticeably fresher flavors.
Hot items remain properly heated while cold dishes stay appropriately chilled – a basic but often overlooked buffet requirement. Their signature honey walnut shrimp arrives consistently crisp rather than soggy.
The dining room’s recent renovation added comfortable booths and improved lighting, making the $17 lunch price feel like a genuine bargain.