Golden Corral has long been the go-to for endless plates of comfort food, but it’s not the only game in town. Across the country, other buffets are stepping up with unique menus, creative service, and regional favorites you won’t find anywhere else. From sizzling Brazilian steakhouses to family-friendly pizza feasts, these spots make a serious case for being your next buffet stop. Here are a dozen worth checking out the next time you’re craving variety without limits.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord — America’s Largest Buffet
At 200 feet long, Pennsylvania’s Shady Maple Smorgasbord offers a rotating menu of Dutch country classics. Nightly specials range from shrimp and ribs to seafood feasts, with breakfast and lunch at lower prices. Carving stations, fried seafood, and omelet bars make it easy to overfill your plate. Variety here is an understatement.
LA’s King Buffet Delivers Variety on a Budget
King Buffet in Los Angeles serves Chinese classics, sushi, seafood, and more at wallet-friendly prices. Lunch is $10.99, and dinner tops out at $16.99 on weekends. Spacious seating makes it ideal for groups, celebrations, or casual get-togethers. Some call the food standard fare, others praise the sheer variety.
Chicago’s Red Apple Buffet Revival
Since 1989, Red Apple Buffet has been a go-to for Polish and European comfort food. Think pierogies, herb-baked chicken, tilapia, roast beef, and chicken noodle soup. After pandemic closures, the remaining Norwood Park location reopened to loyal customers’ delight. At $30 per person, it’s a hearty, homestyle deal with consistently warm service.
The Buffet at Wynn Keeps It Grand
With over 90 dishes and 16 live cooking stations, The Buffet at Wynn is a feast for the senses. Watch chefs prepare omelets, seafood, and Latin specialties right in front of you. Breakfast and brunch are just as popular as dinner, with made-to-order eggs Benedict and pancakes. While some miss the pre-pandemic polish, others still call it a Strip favorite.
Harlem’s Soulful Jacob Restaurant
Jacob Restaurant blends Southern, Caribbean, and Continental flavors in its pay-by-the-pound buffet. Favorites include fried chicken, collard greens, oxtail, and smothered turkey wings. A cold salad bar adds fresh, vegan-friendly options like avocado salad and chickpea salad. Expect a crowd — locals and visitors line up early for this Harlem staple.
Affordable Indulgence at North Country Steak Buffet
In La Crosse, Wisconsin, North Country Steak Buffet dishes up grilled sirloin, burgers, pork chops, and hearty sides. A taco bar, homemade soups, and a dessert station round out the offerings. Prices start at $12.99 for lunch and $14.99 for dinner or brunch, making it a family-friendly bargain. It’s not fancy, but it’s filling and satisfying.
Weekend Brunch Heaven at Farmers Fishers Bakers
On weekends, this Georgetown spot transforms into a buffet packed with made-from-scratch dishes. From farmhouse sushi and buttermilk biscuits to a French toast table and pizza trays, the selection is both indulgent and fresh. A taco station, carving table, and house-made desserts seal the deal. Reservations are smart — the line builds fast.
Las Vegas’ Massive Bacchanal Buffet
Inside Caesars Palace, Bacchanal Buffet runs nine kitchens serving everything from prime rib to duck carnitas quesadillas. You’ll also find sushi, seafood, Mediterranean plates, and 15 daily chef specials. The quality stays high despite the scale, with rave reviews for dishes like mussels in fennel sauce and lamb T-bone. Dinner runs over $60 a head, but fans say it’s worth every bite.
Seafood Central at Captain George’s
With locations along the East Coast, Captain George’s is a crab leg lover’s dream. Expect shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, and stuffed crab, plus steak, brisket, and mac and cheese. The Myrtle Beach location seats over 1,000 guests, so crowds aren’t a problem. At $47.99 per adult, it’s a splurge for serious seafood fans.
Korean BBQ Feast at Honey Pig
Honey Pig Korean BBQ in Rockville offers all-you-can-eat brisket, bulgogi, spicy chicken, pork neck, and squid. Sides like steamed eggs and soybean paste stew are extra, but the mains are unlimited. Lunch runs $18.99, dinner up to $29.99, with a two-hour dining limit. Korean BBQ lovers say it’s worth pacing yourself.
Wicked Spoon’s Creative Spread in Las Vegas
The Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon takes buffet dining up a notch with inventive plates like tuna crudo, Cajun shrimp with cheddar grits, and green chile tamales. Classic crab legs and decadent desserts also make the lineup. Only open for breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch, it’s a pricier option — but many say the flavors justify it.
Borgata Buffet Feeds Atlantic City Crowds
Inside the Borgata Hotel and Casino, this buffet serves fresh seafood, pasta, carving stations, and comfort food. Open Friday through Tuesday, it draws both gamblers and food lovers. Post-pandemic, it’s kept up its reputation for quality and variety. Diners often note the freshness and range of the spread.
Southern Comfort at Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store
In Jackson, Tennessee, Brooks Shaw’s serves homestyle staples like chicken pot pie, baked cinnamon apples, and sweet potatoes. Seasonal changes keep the menu fresh, and the attached gift shop adds to the charm. Open since 1965, it’s a nostalgic stop for locals and travelers between Memphis and Nashville.
