6 Texas Buffets Worth A Stop & 6 That Are Absolutely Worth The Drive
Nothing satisfies a Texas-sized appetite quite like the indulgence of an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Throughout my travels across the Lone Star State, I’ve sampled endless spreads that celebrate both variety and abundance—steaming trays of Southern comfort foods, fragrant platters of international cuisine, and homestyle favorites that taste like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
Some buffets are quick roadside stops, perfect for filling your belly without emptying your wallet, while others are true destination dining experiences, worth every mile of the drive. Each one captures the bold, generous spirit of Texas. So loosen your belt and get ready for some serious plate-loading adventures!
1. Texas Buffet (Houston)
My first visit to Texas Buffet happened during a rainstorm that had me ducking into the nearest restaurant. Lucky accident! The steam tables sparkled with Texan classics and international favorites that made me forget all about the weather.
Their fried chicken maintains that perfect crispy-to-juicy ratio that’s nearly impossible to achieve at home. The made-to-order mongolian grill station lets you customize stir-fry creations with fresh veggies and proteins.
Weekday lunch prices won’t break the bank, making this spot popular with local office workers. Pro tip: save room for their surprisingly good bread pudding with warm caramel sauce!
2. King Buffet (San Antonio)
Stumbled upon King Buffet during a family reunion weekend and immediately knew we’d found our group dining solution. The sprawling food stations cater to picky eaters and adventurous palates alike, making mealtime arguments disappear faster than their crab legs on Friday nights!
Fresh sushi rolls appear throughout the day, prepared by chefs who clearly take pride in their craft. The hibachi station sizzles with entertainment value as much as flavor, with cooks performing mini spatula tricks while grilling your selections.
Clean, spacious seating areas accommodate large groups without feeling cramped. The dessert bar features both American classics and Asian sweets that my nieces couldn’t stop sampling.
3. Pancho’s Mexican Buffet (Various Locations)
Raise the little flag! Anyone who grew up in Texas knows this iconic signal for more sopapillas at Pancho’s. My childhood memories are seasoned with family dinners here, where the combination of unlimited Mexican comfort food and that magical flag system seemed like the height of dining excitement.
Their cheese enchiladas swim in that distinctive red sauce that somehow tastes exactly the same at every location—a comforting consistency in an ever-changing world. The taco bar lets you build your own crunchy creations with all the fixings.
While not fancy by any stretch, Pancho’s delivers that nostalgic Tex-Mex experience that satisfies cravings for both food and simpler times.
4. Golden Corral (Multiple Locations)
Golden Corral saved my sanity during a cross-state road trip with three hangry teenagers! The endless options meant peace at the table instead of arguments about where to eat.
Their carved-to-order roast beef remains impressively tender even under heat lamps, a rare achievement in buffet-land. Seasonal vegetables change throughout the year, offering more freshness than you might expect from a national chain.
Breakfast might actually be their strongest offering, with made-to-order omelets and those addictive breakfast potatoes that somehow taste better than they have any right to. The chocolate fountain provides both entertainment and dessert—though watching kids approach it always fills me with equal parts amusement and horror!
5. Ponderosa Steakhouse (Various Texas Locations)
Grandpa’s favorite still delivers! Ponderosa combines the choose-your-steak ordering system with an all-you-can-eat buffet, creating the perfect compromise for families divided between meat-lovers and variety-seekers.
Their signature sirloin comes reliably medium-rare when requested, a skill not every buffet-adjacent establishment masters. The salad bar features crisp, regularly refreshed ingredients that don’t suffer from that wilted, been-sitting-too-long appearance common at other places.
Hot rolls arrive at your table with honey butter that I’ve seriously considered smuggling home in my purse. While some locations show their age in decor, the consistent quality and value keep generations of Texans returning for special occasion family meals.
6. Mr. Gatti’s Pizza (Multiple Texas Locations)
Saturday afternoons at Mr. Gatti’s defined my childhood! This pizza buffet-arcade combo created the perfect storm of kid happiness that now brings a wave of nostalgia whenever I take my own children.
The thin crust pizza emerges from the oven with that perfect balance of crispy edge and chewy center. Their signature ranch dressing has inspired countless copycat recipes online, none quite capturing the magic of the original.
Beyond pizza, the pasta bar and salad options satisfy adults while kids focus exclusively on pizza and dessert pizza. The game room’s cacophony of beeps and bells might overwhelm some, but for Texas families seeking affordable entertainment with unlimited pizza, Mr. Gatti’s remains the champion of weekend family outings.
7. Feast Buffet (Katy/Houston Suburb)
Feast Buffet represents the evolution of Asian-American buffets, elevating the concept beyond the standard fare. My three-hour drive from Austin feels completely justified when I take that first bite of their salt and pepper crab legs!
Sushi chefs prepare rolls to order, customizing spice levels and ingredients based on your preferences. The dim sum selection rotates throughout the day, featuring delicate dumplings that would make my Chinese grandmother nod in approval.
Weekend seafood offerings justify the higher price point, with fresh oysters, crawfish (in season), and those legendary crab legs appearing in generous quantities. The elegant modern decor and attentive service further distinguish this gem from ordinary buffets, making it a destination rather than just a meal.
8. Terrace 54 Bar + Table (Galveston / Moody Gardens)
Sunday brunch with a view! Terrace 54’s buffet experience stands apart because of its stunning backdrop of Moody Gardens’ pyramids and Galveston Bay. The coastal breeze carrying the scent of Belgian waffles creates a sensory experience worth every mile of the drive.
Gulf shrimp appear in multiple preparations, from cocktail to grilled to étouffée, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to local seafood. Their made-to-order omelets incorporate seasonal ingredients like Gulf crab when available.
Live jazz sets the perfect soundtrack for leisurely dining, encouraging you to linger over another mimosa or coffee. While pricier than everyday buffets, the combination of premium ingredients, gorgeous setting, and resort atmosphere transforms a meal into a mini-vacation worthy of the journey.
9. Café East (Houston)
Hidden in a nondescript strip mall, Café East reveals itself as Houston’s best-kept secret for authentic Chinese dim sum and hot pot buffet. My Chinese-American friends insist this place serves the most legitimate Cantonese flavors in Texas!
The weekend dim sum carts roll through constantly, bearing steamer baskets of har gow, siu mai, and lotus leaf-wrapped sticky rice. Servers announce their offerings in rapid Cantonese, creating that authentic Hong Kong tea house atmosphere that transports you across the world.
Hot pot stations allow you to simmer your chosen ingredients in richly flavored broths. The drive from anywhere in Texas becomes worthwhile when you taste their egg tarts—delicate pastry crusts holding silky, barely-sweet custard that would make any grandmother proud.
10. Ranchero King Buffet (Houston)
Cowboys meet carne asada at this Tex-Mex paradise! Ranchero King Buffet blends Texas steakhouse traditions with Mexican flavors in a way that had me planning my next visit before I’d even paid the bill.
Mesquite-grilled meats dominate the buffet, with brisket, fajitas, and ribs all bearing that distinctive smoky flavor. The handmade tortilla station features a skilled tortillera patting out perfect circles of masa that puff dramatically on the comal.
Aguas frescas in rainbow colors provide the perfect refreshment between plates. The tres leches cake achieves that magical balance of moist without sogginess that few restaurants master. Located in Houston’s vibrant northside, this buffet justifies the journey with its unique fusion of Texas traditions and Mexican hospitality.
11. Schobel’s Restaurant (Columbus)
Family recipes passed down through generations make Schobel’s worth every mile of the drive to tiny Columbus, Texas. This German-Czech influenced buffet celebrates the cultural heritage that shaped Central Texas cuisine long before barbecue became famous!
Their schnitzel remains crispy even under buffet conditions, a culinary miracle I’ve questioned the physics of many times. Handmade sausages showcase distinctive family recipes, with the garlic-forward varieties earning particular devotion from regulars.
Sweet and tangy red cabbage provides the perfect counterpoint to rich meats. The kolaches alone—pillowy dough surrounding sweet or savory fillings—would justify the drive from anywhere in Texas. Housed in a historic building with waitstaff who remember regular customers by name, Schobel’s offers that increasingly rare experience of dining as community.
12. King Buffet (Austin Highway, San Antonio)
Not to be confused with other similarly named establishments, this King Buffet reigns supreme among San Antonio’s Asian fusion offerings! My first visit happened by chance during a rainstorm, but I’ve since made the two-hour drive specifically to enjoy their seafood weekends.
Mongolian BBQ stations feature unusually fresh ingredients and chefs who aren’t stingy with the proteins. The sushi selection surpasses typical buffet quality, with specialty rolls appearing throughout the day rather than languishing for hours.
Unexpectedly excellent desserts include fresh fruit, cream puffs, and an impressive selection of Asian sweets like mochi and egg custard tarts. The restaurant’s immaculate cleanliness and attentive staff who actually remember repeat customers make this King worthy of its crown—and your mileage.