13 Retro All-You-Can-Eat Spots In New Jersey Where Locals Still Line Up
New Jersey has mastered the art of all-you-can-eat, with beloved spots that have been feeding crowds for generations. Think sizzling rodízios, overflowing seafood feasts, and those classic casino buffets where the plates never stop coming.
These places aren’t just piling food high for the sake of it – they’ve nailed the balance of flavor and tradition, turning unlimited dining into a Garden State ritual that locals proudly pass down.
1. Borgata Buffet – Atlantic City
Casino-goers know the real jackpot happens at this legendary Atlantic City buffet. The carving stations feature juicy prime rib that melts in your mouth, while the seafood section boasts fresh crab legs worth cracking into.
Weekends bring the longest lines, but regulars say the wait pays off. With brunch on Friday–Sunday (plus Monday) and dinner service Thursday through Sunday, locals plan their casino visits around meal times rather than gambling schedules.
2. Fresh Harvest Buffet at Hard Rock – Atlantic City
Step back in time with old-school buffet vibes and modern rock n’ roll flair at Hard Rock’s spread. Thursdays and Fridays transform into a seafood paradise with oysters and crab drawing shellfish enthusiasts from across the state.
The buffet operates Monday and Thursday through Sunday, giving staff time to reset between feasts. Smart visitors check their themed night schedule online before making the trip to ensure they hit their favorite specialty night.
3. Brasilia Grill – Newark’s Ironbound
Since 1986, this Newark institution has been the gold standard for rodízio in New Jersey. Sword-wielding servers circle endlessly with skewers of perfectly grilled meats, slicing portions directly onto your plate until you surrender.
I still remember my first visit as a teenager – the moment I flipped my coaster from red to green, five servers appeared simultaneously!
The salad bar alone could be a meal, but saving room for the parade of meats is an essential strategy here.
4. Fernandes Steakhouse III – South Amboy
Meat lovers make pilgrimages to this Portuguese-Brazilian hybrid where tradition reigns supreme. The rodízio experience features endless tableside meat carving plus hearty sides that showcase old-world recipes.
Weekend reservations aren’t just recommended but practically required. Locals know to book tables weeks in advance for Saturday night feasts at this South Amboy landmark, where family celebrations happen around tables piled high with skewers.
5. Solar do Minho – Belleville
Crowned the #1 rodízio in New Jersey lore, this Belleville landmark serves generous portions that keep regulars hooked for decades. The dining room hasn’t changed much since opening, giving your feast that authentic throwback feel.
Their sangria recipe remains a closely guarded secret that perfectly complements the parade of meats. My uncle has been coming here every anniversary for 30 years and swears the chimichurri sauce alone is worth the drive from Princeton.
6. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet – South Plainfield
Food marathoners flock to this massive spread boasting over 300 items across multiple cuisines. The retro vibe lives on through red vinyl booths and mirrored walls that have witnessed countless family celebrations.
The hibachi station adds entertainment value as chefs flip shrimp and crack jokes. Daily lunch specials draw working crowds while dinner service packs in families who appreciate the budget-friendly pricing that hasn’t changed much despite inflation.
7. Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet – East Rutherford
Football fans discover this hidden gem near MetLife Stadium, creating pre-game traditions around plates piled high with sushi, hibachi creations, and American classics. The sprawling buffet stations stretch seemingly endlessly in all directions.
Value-conscious diners appreciate the transparent pricing posted online. On game days, arrive early or face the longest lines of the week as hungry sports enthusiasts fuel up before heading to cheer on their teams.
8. Grand Buffet – Ramsey
Bergen County residents have kept this Chinese-Japanese hybrid buffet thriving for decades. The hibachi station sizzles with fresh ingredients, while the sushi station is constantly refreshed with colorful rolls.
BYO policies make this spot extra popular with budget-conscious groups. I’ve celebrated three birthdays here, watching my grandmother strategically skip the rice to maximize her plate space for seafood delicacies – a family tradition we now all follow religiously.
9. Umi Premium Sushi & Seafood Buffet – Deptford
South Jersey diners flock to this sister location of the East Brunswick favorite, where the sushi selection stretches impressively across multiple refrigerated displays. Hot food stations complement the raw offerings with Asian classics and American comfort foods.
The dessert section deserves special mention with its ice cream bar and assorted sweets. Promotions frequently appear on their social media, with savvy locals following online for special event buffets featuring extra premium items.
10. Raku AYCE Sushi & Japanese Buffet – Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill’s sushi lovers have created a cult following around this all-you-can-eat spot where the raw bar shines alongside traditional cooked items. Unlike typical buffets, many selections are made fresh to order, maintaining quality control.
Weekend warriors should prepare for a wait, but regulars insist it’s worthwhile. The trick, according to longtime patrons, is visiting during off-peak hours like late afternoon when you can enjoy the same unlimited options without battling the crowds.
11. Sushi Palace – Multiple NJ Locations
This beloved AYCE sushi chain revolutionized all-you-can-eat with its order-to-table format, ensuring maximum freshness. Rather than food sitting under heat lamps, your selections arrive directly from the kitchen minutes after ordering.
The Edison and Somerville locations draw particularly devoted crowds. First-timers often make the rookie mistake of over-ordering initially – veterans know to pace themselves through multiple small orders, keeping the rolls coming throughout their visit for the best experience.
12. Cast Iron Pot – Fairview & Little Ferry
Korean BBQ reaches its unlimited potential at these Bergen County institutions where tabletop grills sizzle late into the night. The all-you-can-eat format lets diners cook endless marinated meats to personal perfection. The lively atmosphere makes this perfect for group outings.
I’ll never forget my first visit when our server noticed our amateur grilling techniques and kindly took over, showing us the optimal cooking times for each meat variety – a lesson that improved every subsequent visit!
13. ShabuRo – Palisades Park
Hot pot heaven awaits at this Palisades Park gem, where personal bubbling broths become the foundation for unlimited customizable feasts.
Diners select from various soup bases before loading up plates from ingredient stations featuring fresh vegetables, noodles, and thinly sliced meats.
Experienced visitors recommend arriving during peak dinner hours. While counterintuitive for avoiding crowds, the higher volume ensures faster ingredient replenishment and creates an energetic communal dining atmosphere that enhances the experience.