The Absolute Best Buffet Restaurants In The U.S.

While buffet restaurants — or any overabundance of food — tend to be labeled as an American concept, the modern buffet actually has its roots in a Swedish dining trend (via VinePair). The idea of a "smorgasbord" started with the Swedes, who set aside a side table that featured pre-dinner drinks and snacks. The commercial practice of a buffet started in 1912 at the Stockholm Olympics. Smorgasbord, which translates to "butter-goose table," arrived in the U.S. in 1939 by way of New York's World Fair. By the 1940s, a Las Vegas restauranteur had adopted the idea and created America's first buffet, the Buckaroo Buffet (via VinePair). Within a few years, the idea spread, and the buffet became an American icon — that is, until the start of 2020.

In the wake of COVID-19, buffet restaurants across the country quickly closed their doors (via Today). What were once popular spots for filling up on a wide variety of foods became hotspots for germs and transmission of the coronavirus. From the shared spoons to the close contact with other diners, for nearly two years, it's been tough to imagine a world with buffets — but that may be slowly changing.

Popular buffet restaurants and chains are reopening their doors, most with new health and safety measures in place. Whether you're looking to fill up on cheap eats for an affordable price or want to nosh on all-you-can-eat delicacies, here are the absolute best buffet restaurants in the U.S.

Unlike Las Vegas, Chicago isn't known for its buffets. But amongst the famous deep dish pizza joints (via Choose Chicago) and upscale steakhouses is a historic buffet serving up a unique offering: Polish and European cuisines.

The Red Apple Buffet opened in the Chicago neighborhood of Avondale in 1989 (via Block Club Chicago). For 30 years, it was known for offering cheap, delicious Polish cuisine, among other European dishes. The family-owned restaurant opened a second location in Norwood Park a few years after the first. But, in 2019, the original location closed, citing trouble with managing two locations. Then, at the start of 2020, the second location was forced to temporarily close as well. But, after 16 long months and endless demands from loyal and hungry customers, it resumed its typical buffet operations.

If you've never tried Polish food before, you might be surprised to see so many familiar dishes in the spread. Classic pierogies are a staple. But herb-baked chicken, tilapia, roast beef, and chicken noodle soup are also popular choices. You won't find the fancy dishes of a Las Vegas buffet here. But, at $30 per person, diners find that the spread (via Yelp) offers good quality, great variety, and excellent service.

Since opening in 2009, Jacob Restaurant has become a go-to spot for soul food in Harlem, New York. The restaurant's buffet features a wide spread of soul food classics, like Southern fried chicken, collard greens, and candied yams. But that's far from all you'll find at the buffet — the restaurant blends a mix of Southern, Caribbean, and Continental dishes. This means it's packed with dozens of dishes, divided between the cold salad bar and the hot bar. Unique options like oxtail and smothered turkey wings are offered alongside comfort food like pork chops, meatloaf, spaghetti with meat sauce, and more.

But, while the hot bar might be known for decadent, classic meat dishes, Jacob Restaurant prides itself on also offering healthy, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly dishes at its cold salad bar. Avocado salad, deviled eggs, fresh sliced fruit, and chickpea salad are just a few of the dozens of options. Finish your meal with a selection of cakes and pies.

One unique feature of this buffet is how you'll pay. Rather than paying a set price, Jacob Restaurant diners pay by the pound after scooping what they'd like. Diners rave about their delicious meals and warn eager diners that lines and crowds are the norm at this popular establishment (via Yelp).

Seafood lovers visiting the East Coast will want to make plans to visit this famous buffet. Captain George's is a decadent, nautical-themed buffet known for its large selection of fresh seafood. There are four locations of this popular restaurant in various tourist hotspots along the East Coast, including Williamsburg, Virginia; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Popular menu items include the snow crab legs, steamed clams, shrimp, mussels, crawfish, deviled crab, and stuffed clams. While each buffet focuses primarily on seafood, other entrees and a wide variety of sides are available, including smoked beef brisket, sirloin steak, soup, salad, rice, mac and cheese, and more. All that fresh seafood does come at a price, though — the buffet is $47.99 per adult.

Alongside their large buffets, restaurants are also known for their massive dining rooms — the largest Captain George's location, in Myrtle Beach, can seat up to 1,050 guests at once! Even the smallest location can seat up to 500. While most reviewers rave (via Tripadvisor) about the delicious food and great selection, the occasional diner found the food overcooked or cold.

If you've ever found yourself stuck deciding between your favorite Chinese dishes, this next buffet is for you. If you're in the Los Angeles area, plan a visit to King Buffet. This large, modern buffet offers a wide spread of Chinese dishes, as well as plenty of seafood, sushi, and other dishes. King Buffet is popular for more than just its extensive spread, however, as its affordable prices are also a draw. During the week, the lunch buffet costs just $10.99, while the dinner buffet costs $15.99. On Saturdays and Sundays, the price rises to just $16.99.

The dining room also features plenty of long tables that allow for groups to dine together. From birthday parties to get-togethers with friends, opting for a buffet is one great way to ensure that everyone in your group finds something they like. While some diners have called the food standard Chinese restaurant fare, others love the variety and affordability (via Tripadvisor).

Yet another Las Vegas buffet has won over diners with its inventive and delicious spread. Wicked Spoon Buffet, located in The Cosmopolitan resort and casino in Las Vegas, this restaurant claims to put a "wicked twist" on the traditional buffet.

At the oversized buffet, guests will find creative dishes like tuna crudo, Cajun shrimp and cheddar grits, forager pizza, green chile tamales, and more (via the Wicked Spoon menu). There are also plenty of Las Vegas buffet classics, like steamed crab legs and an assortment of desserts.

Wicked Spoon is currently available for breakfast and lunch throughout the week along with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, though it comes with a hefty price tag compared to some of the other buffets on this list. Breakfast is $38 for adults, while lunch is $45 per adult. On the weekends, the cost of brunch is $49 per person. For guests looking for even more indulgence, a $21 add-on provides bottomless mimosas, Champagne, or Bud Light packages.

Located part way between Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store is home to the best — and one of the only — restaurants in tiny Jackson, Tennessee. In this country-themed store, you'll find a buffet that specializes in serving up Southern-style comfort food that brings to mind memories of "Sunday dinner at Grandmother's home" (via Casey Jones Village).

The Old Country Store buffet is open for dinner seven nights a week and for breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Fill your plate with homemade chili, chicken pot pie, baked cinnamon apples, sweet potatoes, and more. Many of the dishes change seasonally, so there's always something new.

Visitors to this popular restaurant love the delicious food and the number of options (via Tripadvisor). Open since 1965, the restaurant also offers a gift shop and an a la carte dining option for those who want something lighter or faster than the buffet (via Tennessee Vacation).

While Georgetown-Washington Harbour offers plenty of beautiful waterfront restaurants to choose from, you won't find a brunch spread like this anywhere else. Farmers Fishers Bakers is known for its urban decor and made-from-scratch dishes, with a focus on sustainability.

While diners usually order from a menu for a la carte dishes, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the restaurant becomes a delicious — and popular — buffet. It's stocked with a variety of fresh and healthy dishes, as well as plenty of indulgent options. Try their Farmhouse sushi or buttermilk biscuits. Pay a visit to the French toast table, or keep your eyes peeled for the traveling trays of Bakers pizza. There's also a Butchers' table, taco station, and carvers' table. Finish with desserts like Farmers donuts and Whirley Pop kettle corn. There's also a full bar available, along with the restaurant's own blend of coffee.

Farmers Fishers Bakers often draws a crowd for its weekend buffet, so you'll want to consider reserving a table ahead of time to avoid a long wait.