5 Wisconsin Buffets That Disappoint & 5 That Locals Say Are Totally Worth It
As a Wisconsin native who’s never met a buffet I didn’t want to try, I’ve had my fair share of all-you-can-eat adventures across the Badger State.
Nothing beats the thrill of grabbing that warm plate and surveying a sea of food options stretching before you like a caloric promised land.
But let’s be honest – not all buffets are created equal, and I’ve learned this lesson the hard way through both empty wallets and disappointed taste buds.
1. Ho-Chunk Casino Buffet (Wisconsin Dells): A Gamble Not Worth Taking
My hopes were sky-high when I visited this casino buffet last summer. The grand entrance promised culinary delights, but reality hit harder than my losing streak at the slots.
The food sat under heat lamps for what felt like eternity, with dried-out prime rib that could double as shoe leather. Mashed potatoes had that tell-tale skin that forms when they’ve been sitting too long, and the dessert selection looked impressive until I tasted the stale, refrigerator-flavored cake.
For the steep $32 weekend price tag, you’d expect better quality. Even the salad bar ingredients weren’t fresh! Save your chips for the gaming floor and grab dinner elsewhere – your taste buds and wallet will thank you.
2. Amber Grill (Stevens Point): Pretty Exterior, Bland Interior
Whoever designed Amber Grill’s gorgeous building forgot to put the same care into their buffet food. I’ve given this place three chances over the years, hoping things would improve, but consistency seems to be their strong suit – consistently mediocre.
The selection looks impressive at first glance, but every dish somehow manages to taste the same: under-seasoned and lukewarm. Their infamous fried chicken sits in pools of oil, while the pasta dishes congeal into unidentifiable masses as the hours tick by.
The staff rarely refreshes items, even during busy weekend rushes. At $22 per person for dinner, you’re paying for quantity over quality. My last visit featured green beans so overcooked they practically disintegrated on contact.
3. World Buffet (Marshfield): Around The World In 80 Disappointments
“International cuisine” takes on a whole new meaning at World Buffet – internationally recognized as forgettable. During my visit last month, I counted dishes supposedly representing twelve countries, yet somehow they all tasted like they came from the same sad microwave.
The “Italian” section featured pasta drowning in watery sauce while the “Mexican” corner offered chips staler than my grandfather’s jokes. Even the ice cream machine – usually a buffet’s saving grace – dispensed something closer to flavored slush than actual dessert.
For a small-town buffet charging $18.99, I wasn’t expecting culinary perfection, but basic food safety would’ve been nice! The lukewarm temperatures of most hot dishes left me wondering if I should have brought my food thermometer along with my appetite.
4. Crabby’s Seafood Buffet (Wisconsin Dells): Fishy Business
The smell hit me before the taste did – never a good sign at a seafood place. Located in the heart of tourist-trap territory, Crabby’s charges ocean-front prices for what I can only describe as the most inland-tasting seafood I’ve ever encountered.
The crab legs – their supposed specialty – arrived in such small batches that guests hovered around the buffet like seagulls, pouncing the moment fresh trays appeared. What little I managed to snag required the strength of Thor to crack open, revealing meager, stringy meat inside.
Their non-seafood options weren’t much better, with rubbery chicken and suspiciously gray beef. At $42.99 per adult (yes, really), this place should be renamed “Highway Robbery with a Side of Cocktail Sauce.” The only fresh thing was the lemon wedges!
5. Generic Chinese Buffets (Wisconsin Dells): Tourist Trap Trifecta
The Wisconsin Dells area hosts at least three nearly identical Chinese buffets, all seemingly competing for the title of “Most Mediocre Food at Premium Prices.” I won’t name names to protect the guilty (and avoid potential lawsuits), but locals know exactly which spots I’m talking about.
These places survive solely on one-time tourist visits, serving lukewarm orange chicken that’s more breading than meat and crab rangoon with barely detectable filling. The sushi options sit untouched for good reason – the rice is often crunchy while the fish is suspiciously soft.
My family made the mistake of trying one last summer, spending nearly $100 for four people to eat food that tasted like it came straight from the freezer section. Skip these tourist traps and ask locals for authentic recommendations instead!
6. North Country Steak Buffet (La Crosse): Carnivore Heaven
Holy cow – literally! The first time I visited North Country, I thought I’d died and gone to meat-lovers paradise. Unlike most buffets where steak is an afterthought, here it’s the star of the show, with actual chefs cooking your chosen cut to order while you watch.
The prime rib melts in your mouth like butter on a hot summer day. They don’t hide behind sauces or fancy preparations – just quality meat cooked with respect. Even their non-steak options shine, with freshly made sides that complement rather than compete with the main attraction.
At $32.99 for dinner, it’s not cheap, but you’re getting what you pay for: quality ingredients and professional preparation. Pro tip: go on Thursdays when they feature their special bourbon-glazed ribeye that’ll make you want to kiss the chef!
7. Little Fisk Buffet (Milwaukee): Scandinavian Surprise Worth Discovering
Tucked away in Milwaukee’s old Scandinavian neighborhood sits this unassuming gem I stumbled upon by accident. Little Fisk might look like somebody’s grandma’s dining room from the outside, but inside awaits the most authentic Nordic buffet experience this side of the Atlantic.
Their smörgåsbord features house-cured salmon that would make a Swedish chef weep with joy. The traditional meatballs aren’t the frozen kind you know from a certain furniture store – these are handmade family recipes passed down through generations, served alongside lingonberry preserves that perfectly balance sweet and tart.
For just $24.99, the all-you-can-eat weekend brunch includes unlimited aquavit samples (designated drivers beware!). The herring bar alone offers six varieties that changed my mind about preserved fish forever.
8. Hmong Family Restaurant (Milwaukee): Hidden Gem With Flavor Explosion
I nearly drove past this place a dozen times before a local friend insisted we stop in. From the outside, it’s nothing special – just another storefront in a strip mall. Inside, however, awaits the most flavorful buffet experience I’ve had in Wisconsin.
Run by a Hmong family who arrived in Milwaukee in the 1980s, this place offers dishes you won’t find at typical Asian buffets. The pho broth simmers for 12 hours before service, creating a depth of flavor that’s absolutely addictive. Their papaya salad packs enough heat to make you sweat while simultaneously reaching for more.
At just $15.99 for lunch, it’s also one of the most affordable quality buffets around. Don’t miss their weekend specials when they bring out traditional dishes like stuffed chicken wings that require two days of preparation!
9. Asian Buffet Supreme (Milwaukee): Freshness That Defies Buffet Stereotypes
Forget everything you think you know about Asian buffets. This Milwaukee standout breaks every stereotype with its commitment to freshness and authentic flavors that would make my Chinese grandmother nod in approval.
What sets this place apart is their rotation schedule – nothing sits out for more than 20 minutes before being replaced with fresh batches. The sushi chefs work non-stop at an open station, creating rolls to order that rival dedicated sushi restaurants. Their dim sum selection on weekends draws crowds from as far as Chicago!
At $25.99 for dinner, you’re paying a bit more than average, but the quality justifies every penny. My personal obsession is their Peking duck station where a chef carves the crackling skin and tender meat right onto your plate, complete with handmade pancakes and hoisin sauce.
10. Sweet Diner Brunch Buffet (Milwaukee): Weekend Indulgence Worth Every Calorie
Sunday mornings were made for this place! Sweet Diner transformed my understanding of brunch buffets the first time I walked through their doors. Forget dried-out scrambled eggs and soggy bacon – everything here is prepared in small batches, often right in front of you.
Their made-to-order omelet station features local farm eggs and Wisconsin cheese that creates stretchy, Instagram-worthy cheese pulls. The Belgian waffle bar deserves its own fan club, with homemade compotes and real maple syrup (not that fake stuff) flowing freely.
For $29.99 including bottomless mimosas, it’s the perfect splurge for special occasions. Their pastry chef deserves particular praise for croissants so buttery you’ll need extra napkins and cinnamon rolls the size of your face that haunt my dreams weekly. Reservations absolutely necessary – this local favorite fills up fast!