This Maryland Buffet Locals Flock To For A Legendary Dessert Station
Just west of Nashville at 8400 Highway 100, Loveless Cafe has been serving Southern comfort since the 1950s. The neon sign still glows out front, while rocking chairs on the porch invite you to pause before stepping inside.
Plates land heavy with scratch-made biscuits, fried chicken with crisp skin, and hickory-smoked barbecue that perfumes the air. The café feels both roadside stop and community gathering place, where longtime locals and first-time visitors share tables.
I left with biscuit crumbs on my shirt and the sense that Loveless holds onto a tradition that still feels alive today.
The 150-Foot Buffet Line
The first impression is sheer scale. The buffet stretches 150 feet, a glowing corridor of trays, stations, and carving boards that almost overwhelms you with possibility.
Prime rib sits beside seafood towers, vegetable platters lead into bread baskets, and you realize the line isn’t about quantity alone; it’s curated excess.
I walked it twice before picking up a plate, partly to enjoy the spectacle. It felt like Ocean City condensed into one long table where every craving had its answer.
House-Made Desserts By Ginny
Trays of sweets carry a quiet signature: Ginny, the in-house pastry hand, makes them fresh each day. That detail turns the dessert bar from generic to personal.
Her cookies, pies, and bars reflect old-school recipes, the sort that look slightly imperfect but taste richer for it. You know someone cared enough to stir and bake, not just unload from a box.
My suggestion is to keep an eye out for her brownies. They vanish quickly, and for good reason, they hit that balance of chewy edges and soft center.
Cakes, Pies, And Cookies Display
Glass cases gleam with slices of layer cake, lattice pies, and trays of cookies stacked high. The visual hit is instant, bright frosting, glossy fruit glazes, powdered sugar dusted just right.
The display has been part of the buffet’s reputation for decades, anchoring its appeal beyond seafood or prime rib. Locals point to it as a reason they return, generation after generation.
I couldn’t resist trying a lemon meringue slice. The tangy filling with fluffy topping felt like the perfect finish, and I’d come back just for another.
Ice Cream With Rich Fudge Topping
Cold tubs of ice cream sit under bright lights, each flavor waiting for that drizzle of thick, glossy fudge. The shine of chocolate against vanilla is enough to stop you mid-stride.
The odd contrast of frozen cream and molten topping creates a vibe of celebration, kids grinning, adults leaning in for seconds, everyone adding sprinkles as if it’s still summer.
I made mine simple: just vanilla with fudge. The warmth against the chill gave me that childhood thrill, and I went back for more.
Prime Rib Carving Board
The carving board gleams with juices, a server slicing into the roast with steady precision. You hear the blade scrape the board as thick slices are handed over.
This has been a buffet tradition since the early years, anchoring the spread with something bold and savory. Guests line up knowing they’ll get both quality and abundance.
Time your approach early in the evening service. The slices cut at that point are the most tender, with a perfect balance of pink center and crisp edge.
Raw Bar And Chilled Seafood
A bed of crushed ice holds oysters, clams, and shrimp, shells glistening under cool light. The sensory shock is immediate: salt, cold, brine, all in one display.
That vibe gives the buffet a coastal legitimacy. You’re not just in Ocean City eating buffet fare; you’re standing at a raw bar that signals freshness and pride.
I scooped up shrimp with cocktail sauce and cracked a smile. It wasn’t fancy plating, but the taste was clean and bright, just what I hoped for at the shore.
Stained Glass And Garden Entry
The entryway greets you with stained-glass panels that scatter soft light across the hall, framing potted greenery that lines the approach. It feels intentional, even ceremonial.
This detail ties back to the restaurant’s roots in the 1970s, when family-owned spots often emphasized atmosphere to set themselves apart. It worked, the welcome feels distinct, memorable.
You might want to slow your pace when you enter. Taking a few extra seconds here lets you settle into the vibe before deciding how to tackle the buffet.
Early Bird Hour In The Evening
Just before the main dinner crowd gathers, the restaurant opens its early bird hour. The dining room is quieter, the buffet line freshly stocked, and the mood more relaxed.
The practice started as a way to reward off-peak diners, and it’s stayed popular with regulars who prefer calmer evenings. Discounted prices add another incentive.
I went during this window once, and it felt like having the place to myself. The desserts looked untouched, and the prime rib carving station had no line at all.
Family Owned Since 1973
Decades of family ownership give the buffet its heartbeat. You notice it in the way staff greet regulars, in the consistency of recipes that haven’t drifted from their roots.
This history dates back to 1973, when the original owners built their reputation on hearty spreads and a welcoming spirit. Generations later, that story is still alive.
Ask your server about the restaurant’s background. Many will happily share details that make your visit feel less like dining out and more like joining a tradition.
Snow Crab Legs Available As Add-On
A gleaming tray of snow crab legs tempts from the seafood section, shells stacked neatly beside drawn butter. The visual alone makes you pause mid-plate.
This option has been an extra for years, offered by the pound to elevate the buffet without overloading the main spread. It adds a touch of coastal indulgence.
Split the add-on with a friend. You’ll still enjoy the sweetness of the crab without overwhelming your appetite for the other buffet favorites waiting nearby.
Free Lot Parking By The Door
Convenience is key at The Bonfire, with free parking available right by the door. Diners appreciate the easy access, making it simple to enjoy a meal without the hassle of finding a spot.
The ample parking space is well-maintained, ensuring safety and accessibility for all visitors. This thoughtful consideration enhances the overall dining experience, allowing guests to focus on the delights inside.
It’s a small but significant detail that reflects The Bonfire’s dedication to providing a hassle-free environment, setting it apart as a favorite among locals.