The 5 Most Awful All-You-Can-Eat Chain Buffets In The US & The 5 Best
Ever walked into a buffet expecting magic and left wondering if you just paid to suffer? Same.
As someone who proudly claims the title of buffet enthusiast (and occasional buffet survivor), I’ve eaten my way across the U.S.—sometimes with joy, sometimes with regret.
From questionable egg rolls to unforgettable prime rib, I’ve seen it all.
In this list, I’m calling out the five buffets that made me want to write a strongly worded Yelp review—and celebrating the five that had me dreaming about my next plate.
1. China Star Buffet
Remember that college roommate challenge? We dared each other to eat as much as we could at China Star. We both lost—and not because one of us gave up, but because we couldn’t stomach food for the next two days.
At first glance, China Star looks like a dream—low prices, endless trays of Chinese-American classics. But dig in and you’ll find limp dumplings with a soggy, paper-like texture, chicken so drenched in sauce it slides apart like wet bread, and MSG overloads that leave you more thirsty than full. Even if one or two locations still deliver decently, the brand’s reputation has taken enough hits to land it firmly on our skip list.
2. Golden Corral (Certain Locations)
Golden Corral has fans, but some locations are a cautionary tale. Case in point: I once watched a kid dip his fingers into the chocolate fountain. Meanwhile, lukewarm meat sat untouched at the carving station.
Not all GC outlets are disasters—but the chain suffers from uneven standards. Limp veggies, shoe-leather steak, and questionable hygiene can easily turn your dining experience into a stomachache waiting to happen. In buffet dining, quantity should never trump quality.
3. Western Sizzlin’
Western Sizzlin’ used to be the highlight of family road trips. But today? It’s like stepping into a time capsule—and not the good kind.
The rolls are dry, the steak bland, and the salad bar? A sea of wilted lettuce and diced tomatoes that look suspiciously week-old. For a place with “sizzlin’” in its name, it’s shocking how little heat or flavor anything carries now. Nostalgia only carries it so far.
4. Cici’s Pizza (inconsistent)
Kids love it. Parents tolerate it. Cici’s is a pizza buffet chain where potential meets disappointing execution. Think gummy crusts, sauces with all the complexity of ketchup, and cheese that’s more plasticky than gooey.
Some locations try harder, but many are under-staffed, under-stocked, and underwhelming. Budget-friendly? Yes. Satisfying? Not so much—unless you’re a teen with zero standards and an iron stomach.
5. Lin’s Grand Buffet
Lin’s wins points for variety and flair, but execution often misses the mark. One visit might wow you with sizzling stir-fries, while the next serves up dried-out fried rice and lukewarm chicken.
Families appreciate the festive vibe and massive selection, but uneven quality and overcrowded lines leave some diners disappointed. If you’re hungry for consistency, Lin’s might not deliver every time.
6. Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars Palace)
One bite of their lobster claws and I knew my Vegas food budget was toast—and I didn’t even care. Bacchanal is where buffets go to become five-star experiences.
This glitzy spread features over 100 gourmet items: king crab legs, dim sum made from scratch, prime rib that melts in your mouth. Even their fried chicken is perfectly crisped and seasoned like it’s from a chef’s secret recipe book. At $65–$90 a visit, it’s no bargain—but it is unforgettable.
7. The Buffet At Wynn Las Vegas
Want to impress someone? Take them to The Wynn Buffet. It’s where buffet meets bougie brunch. My anniversary dinner here beat out every fancy prix-fixe meal we’ve ever had.
From fresh seafood to top-tier desserts, it’s fine dining with unlimited portions. Think prime rib that glistens, pastries worthy of Paris, and decor that makes you feel like royalty. Expensive? Sure. Worth every cent? Absolutely.
8. Fogo De Chão
Technically a Brazilian steakhouse, but you pay once and eat until you physically can’t. Gauchos serve skewered meats right at your table, and everything from their market table to their signature picanha is stellar.
It’s theatrical, flavorful, and filling. Perfect for carnivores and curious foodies alike. At $60–$85 per person, it’s a splurge—but one that feels like an event.
9. The Buffet At Bellagio
I once skipped a Cirque du Soleil show just to get seconds at Bellagio’s buffet. Worth it.
With a seafood station that rivals luxury restaurants and handmade pasta so good it could bring an Italian to tears, Bellagio does it right. The rotating seasonal decor adds charm, and the freshness of every bite keeps regulars coming back. A Las Vegas staple for good reason.
10. Shady Maple Smorgasbord
It may not be flashy like Vegas, but Shady Maple is legendary in Pennsylvania. Think Amish comfort food cooked with love—and butter. Lots of butter.
Cloud-like pancakes, fried chicken like grandma makes, and apple fritters you’ll dream about. At $25 per person, it’s an unbeatable combo of price, quality, and heart. This one’s not just a meal—it’s a hug on a plate.