This used to be one of best restaurants in Decatur. However, the food we received on our last visit was not homemade. Boxed mashed potatoes, store bought cookies, chicken was dry, noodles salty. For the price of the buffet, I expected much better food. We will not be returning. read more

I was visiting family nearby for Thanksgiving and they chose this restaurant for our Thanksgiving meal. I was not very excited about it because I don't like some of the traditional thanksgiving food, and I'm a vegetarian and feared that everything would have meat in it. I was pleasantly surprised by the whole experience though! Walking in, it's like an explosion of tschotskes and old photos/posters. Every inch is covered in... stuff. Junk? There was an explanation of some of their things and their significance on the placemat and it didn't look cobwebby or dirty but I'm sure there was more dust around than I saw because there was so much stuff. Our waitress was great the whole time. Friendly, quick to refill things. Since it's a buffet, she didn't serve us food but we did appreciate her working on that day for us to eat. We were a group of 12 so that was a lot of drinks! The buffet was HUGE. There were 4 different large areas of food: one salad bar with greens and tons of toppings (as well as other assorted salads like ambrosia, cole slaw, and potato salad); one hot bar with all the Thanksgiving staples and more.. sweet potatoes, creamed corn, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetables, prime rib, turkey..; one bar with assorted cold and hot appetizer items like cheese cubes, pickles, soups, tarts, stuffed mushrooms, and rolls; and one massive dessert bar with cookies, cakes, pies and ice cream. I took the approach that I prefer at a place like this and took a little of several things at a time to see what I liked in case I wanted to go back. The lines were a bit long, and slow only on the meat carving station (I don't eat meat but the hot bar was the same bar, so I had to wait for my mashed potatoes there). It wasn't too bad though. I had a salad, tried a few appetizers, and a few things from the hot bar. One thing that really turned me off was that there were some items on the hot bar that were dripped/spilled all over - for example, I couldn't even get au gratin potatoes because they were covered in the drippings of some meat. The mashed potatoes had a few dots of gravy but I managed to avoid it. From the dessert bar, I tried peppermint ice cream (my favorite), bread pudding with rum caramel sauce, and cherry delight. My favorites were the cheeses (Indiana cheese rocks), the rolls (fresh baked, with what tasted like honey butter brushed on top), the bread pudding with sauce, and the mashed potatoes, which were flavored well but potato buds or something rather than all fresh. Understood, as it was high volume that day. I really waver between 3 and 4 stars. For a buffet in small town Indiana and an enjoyable experience, I bump it to 4. I would return and try it again. read more

See all

Interesting place! So much yo see. Food was great! Plenty to eat and reasonable price.

Back 40 is the spot, hit that prime rib and mash potato all you can eat big blow out! Be hitting that prime up much.. Maybe throw a few pies down me and out the door I went. Right? It has went up in price over the years, it's still decent though right? I like the prime rib and mash taters and them pies and such! It could be worth it to go again and sock it to them on the prime rib. read more

Buffet is super small for the price. Food was, dry, cold and under seasoned. Never had a dry prime rib like this one! My friend and I were disappointed to say the least! Will not be back unless they make serious changes. read more

Food has changed from the years before. Quality and price so much different. So miss all you can eat crab legs we have enjoyed three the years read more

I'm not a huge buffet lover, but I love this buffet. The salad bar is so fresh with lots of choices. The hot bar has everything from veggies to potatoes to five different choice of meats but my very favorite thing is the house cheese spread! I know, right? It is like whipped cream cheese with a combo of jalapeño and sweet pickle. The best cheese spread ever! Whenever we go to Ft Wayne we stop to eat at Back 40...you won't be disappointed. read more

Back 40 Junction Restaurant - American Near Me - Decatur, Indiana

See all

The food is good the first time we ate there under the new owners. We wanted to try again and luckily they didn't seem very busy, lot of empty tables. However when we walked in we waited for 10 minutes while the host was on the phone. Finally another waitress seated us only for us to sit another 10 minutes before we decided to leave. As we were walking out the hosts gave us a very rude, mocking "see ya." Sorry lady, no ya wont. read more

Stopped because it looked like a fun place when we drove past. It is buffet only and we'll worth the price. Really good food and a large selection. My husband had a salad and there was a large selection of veggies. We had ham, fried chicken, potatoes, soup and desert. There was also turkey and roast beef. Also homemade pies and ice cream. The waitress was very attentive and the hostess was friendly. read more

The all you can eat crab legs are amazing!!! So good! Staff was great. Will defi come back!

I flew in from Utah today and the one thing I wanted for dinner was Back 40 Junction. We drove the 20 miles from my parents home to dine at Back 40. Our waitress Anita was great but the rest of the visit was less than stellar. The food was running low and when we asked if more was coming out the woman behind the carving table got snippy and mentioned how she was counting the days until she "could get out of here"... we felt like recommending that today was as good as any. The food was not up to our normal expectations. The food was luke warm. The staff was talking loudly and inappropriate. If this were our first trip here I don't know that we would come back. As it is we likely won't make the drive to return. Again Anita was pleasant and conscientious and a rare bright spot in an otherwise lack luster visit. read more

I went with a friend who had a positive experience there many years ago. Apparently they weren't always a buffet: I should have left as soon as I realized it had turned into a buffet from previously being a normal restaurant. The entire place is cluttered with old, dusty, unaesthetic wooden antiques. The server took 5 minutes telling us about crabs, and then forgot to bring us our drinks (pretty much her only job) while the employees hung out chatting and looking at their phones. There were no instructions anywhere and we had to hunt down our plates. The foods were mostly unlabeled; there were 3 bowls next to the rolls, one was butter, one was something dark brown like chocolate, and the other was a tan substance. When I asked what it was, an employee said "butter". I asked again and she said "butter" again with a condescending attitude as if I was stupid. I said, "other than the butter" and then she finally told me what it was. The pies fell apart and flipped over trying to get them onto my plate. The meats were lukewarm, dry, and hard as a rock. I asked for a to-go box and was told it wasn't allowed and that the server could lose her job if she gave me one. She said she asked her boss and was told it wasn't allowed. They don't tell you this upfront though, so I'm sure quite a lot of food goes to waste, not a good way to make a profit. I saw multiple flying insects both in the entrance and flying around the food. We paid 30 dollars for two people, for bad food that we couldn't even take home despite paying for. I left a negative review with all of these details on their Google review page, and the owner replied telling me, "don't bother trying us again because you're impossible to please", which is extremely unprofessional, childish, and petty, definitely not the sign of an owner who cares about their customers or their business. The weird decorations are probably the only good thing about this place, if you're into that sort of thing. read more

Unfortunately not as great as was remembered. The first few times the food was great. Now everything was a bit bland. The ambiance and service was great, but the food was just a little lacking. read more

First time here. We are passing thru town and saw this on Yelp. Haven't had buffet for quite awhile. Food is good and does have that homemade flavor. Love the ambience and I could spend a long time just checking out the decor. Very good service. The only negative is that we found the meat to be a bit dry. Loved the peppermint ice cream! read more

Talk about fun! Don't be fooled by the rustic, railway car exterior - Back 40 Junction is a true delight. From the moment you're greeted by the bubbly hostess to the time you're ready for dessert, this restaurant delivers A+ service. Back 40 reminds me of Old Country Buffet with its rural theme and country store, but that's where the similarities end. Back 40 has one of the best buffets in the area. Friday night's All-You-Can-Eat Seafood buffet provided enough variety for the pickiest of eaters. There were king crab legs, peel & eat shrimp, fried shrimp, calamari, and clams along with two types of fish. Meats included: prime rib, ham, beef brisket, and fried chicken. Steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and chicken & dumplings rounded out the hot table. There's also a cheese bar and salad bar complete with enough toppings to make a meal. The dessert selections were awesome! There was bread pudding with rum sauce, Blondies, rhubarb cobbler, and seven flavors of hand-dipped ice cream. I could tell that the staff at Back 40 took pride in their jobs. We were greeted promptly and seated within 20 minutes (not bad for a Friday night.) Upon arriving at our table, our server (after learning it was our first time) took us on a tour. She never let our drink fall below half way and whisked away our plates just as soon as we were finished. The woman serving the prime rib was engaging and converational and the woman serving the hand-dipped ice cream was just as friendly. I'm giving Back 40 five stars because the food was impeccable and service top-notch. It's a great place for couples out on a first date, couples who need time away for themselves, or a group celebrating a birthday. read more

Phenomenal uniqueness to this place. It's a miracle how they got the posters and signs way up in the rafters of this place! Buffett-style but don't judge because of that. It's homestyle and it's freakin goooooooood. It's set up to look like it's next to the train rails...you'll be smiling when you walk up to this place! GREAT for groups, by the way. read more

This has been a favorite of mine for years. When I drove for a living, I would manage to run out of hours just to eat here. Good food and plenty of it. Come hungry. read more

This is a favorite spot for my family. We live a good distance from here, but Decatur is a good half way spot to meet for lunch or dinner. The meats are always tasty and I'm a big fan of the cheese selection. If you get a chance take a look at the signs hanging near the ceiling. The decor here is pretty entertaining. My only complaint is the price. On my last trip I brought my wife and 2 year old daughter. Our bill was $48. That's $16 a person for a lunch buffet including the 2 year old. Pretty outrageous if you ask me. I can't believe they charged my 2 year old $16 for a handful of peas, some noodles, and a small slice of turkey. read more

My family and I were on a road trip from Ohio to Michigan and were coming through Decatur around lunchtime. As I normally do when I'm on the road, I went to Yelp for suggestions. We decided to stop here because of the good reviews and because it sounded like such a unique place. My first reaction when we arrived was delight at how cute the placed looked from the outside. The delight continued when we entered and saw the amazing decor on the inside. We were seated immediately and I started to think about how it seems that usually, when a restaurant goes to such lengths to achieve good decor and ambience, they forget they are in the business to make good food. I was prepared to be disappointed. I was distracted from that thought as I read a very interesting menu. Without delay, our waitress stopped by and took our drink orders. She asked if we had been there before, and when we said no, she led us to the buffet area and gave us a little tour. She seemed very proud of her place of employment. Our party had five people in it and we all enjoyed our meals very much. The food was excellent. I think I tried a little bit of just about everything and the only thing I didn't like was the pub cheese. To be honest, I don't think that's the restaurant's fault. I think there was just an ingredient in it that I don't like. If you like pub cheese elsewhere, I'm going to guess you would like this. The woman at the carving station was very friendly, helpful, and interesting. I commented about the vintage stove in the area and found out it used to be in her house. The lady dishing up the ice cream was also very friendly. Overall, from my experience and based on the comments of my family, I think it's safe to say this was one of the best dining experiences any of us have ever had. read more

The food is very tasty and buffet style and the owner is very nice as well as the staff.

Super cool interior--like an antique store and Americana museum in one! It's an all buffet restaurant so be sure you go hungry as the prices reflect expectations of a hearty appetite. We stopped here for lunch on a Sunday when the buffet is unfortunately more expensive so lunch for 2 was around $40 which felt exorbitant considering that I only got the soup & salad bar and my husband got the full buffet (+ 2 soft drinks). This is not the right place to get soup & salad--for one thing, the options are somewhat limited (only 1 soup and no protein/meat options on the salad bar) and for $12.95, it's kind of a rip-off. That said, my husband really enjoyed his full buffet meal for $16.95 including fried chicken, brisket, and mashed potatoes. Still a steep price for lunch, but the hot buffet is apparently pretty tasty. I really enjoyed looking around the place and would recommend it for a weekday lunch ($10.95 for full buffet), but I don't think the Sunday prices are worth it. read more

The service was good as well as the food! The staff and management were very accommodating.

I'm not a buffet lover at all. But I've continued to go to this one because someone is always behind the serving area keeping an eye on it. They've had issues with food being cold in the past but seem to have that under control. For the most part. We went for crab leg Friday. Around $30 per person including drink. Had just one serving of crab legs. They were very cold. Didn't go back for more. I did, however, go back for the beef brisket. Incredible flavor and it melted in my mouth. So tender. Everything else was hot and fresh as well. I'll go back for regular buffet, but don't have plans to go for the crab legs again. All in all, good meals and service. I recommend it. read more

Pretty nice Buffet. Definitely the best food in Decatur. However, it is a little pricey. Approx. $18.50 per person. But, I would eat here again on our next trip to Decatur. 330sqft. read more

Kinda dirty inside, dark and the food was bland. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. Tables are packed in like sardines and the outside was junky looking. We won't visit again. read more

Always a feast when we go. All You can Eat Crab Legs on Friday's. Very good and a must try

A good variety of food and above average taste. Not your average buffet. Very unique interior and exterior read more

Back 40 Junction Restaurant - rustic, with lots to look at - American Near Me - Decatur, Indiana

Spent my childhood summers in Indiana on the family farm. The food at the Back 40 brings back all those family meals. Wonderful food and lots of fun things to look at in the resturaunt! Try the pickled eggs at the salad bar! Amazing! read more

Back 40 Junction Restaurant - Unique decor but doesn't feel like a junk store. - American Near Me - Decatur, Indiana

Very good food. Waitress was very friendly and came around often. The crab legs are the bomb. The pub style cheese spread was very good to.

Not much a selection the crab legs on Friday night not as good as everyone makes them out to be

Spent $81 for two adults and a 4 yr old to eat below average fried chicken and the worst mashed potatoes I've ever had! I've wanted to like this place and I've tried three times to see what everyone is talking about but I'm done trying and I'll never be back. I'm very sensitive to smells, and this place has smelled like urine every time I walk in! Today was no exception. Prime Rib portions were razor thin and you got one slice per visit. The aforementioned mashed potatoes were the only carb side other than corn - unless you count noodles as a side. Crab legs were super fishy... my hands smell like fish as I write this. Gross. For the money, we could have gone twice to a non buffet restaurant that we DO like. Or to KFC four times.... and we would have enjoyed the food more. read more

This is the place to eat awesome crab legs and seafood on Friday. Service is wonderful and friendly. If u love crab legs u can eat until your hearts desire, but save room for their clam chowder and don't forget about deserts. For those sticking to their diet every night there is a great salad bar. There is also great prime rib how u like it, chicken pasta, almost any vegetable, potatoes, breads, cheeses etc. u name it they probably have it. All at a reasonable price for the awesome food and service read more

I was very disappointed tonight!! My husband and I took my aunt here, for the first time, to celebrate her birthday. She was here visiting, from out of state. We were really talking your restaurant up, prior to our arrival. (I have had several great meals here in the past) We arrived around 6pm...so prime time dinner time, right? I had to ask if we could have some more mashed potatoes; there was only a couple small, dried spoonfuls left. My aunt said the gravy was really salty. The prime rib was very dry, and the ham was the same. I went to the salad bar, and almost everything was empty. I just couldn't believe I was paying $18.95 a plate for that. I was embarrassed. Needless to say, I won't be back anytime soon. read more

The hostess is rude and slow. She was on the phone 10 minutes before acknowledging us. When finally seated, the waitress never paid attention. Walked out after 20 mins of no service. I've been there before and the food was good. read more

This is one of the most wonderful restaurants in Indiana! Simple as that. It's worth the trip to Decatur to eat the most delicious "comfort" type food; from breads to meats, to pies..... you will love it. read more

Very impressive buffet in a cool small town. Fine quality meat and potatoes. A wide variety of desserts. The restaurant decor is unique to the Midwest. The price is very reasonable for the quality of food. The waitress was very attentive and welcoming. We will definitely come back again. read more

We had heard good things about this restaurant and happened to be in the area. Not worth the price. We were seated near the restrooms and the smell.... not good. Service was nice, but the food was lackluster at best. read more

My husband and I had a great experience here. Staff was very friendly and pleasant. It looks like a train station on the inside... I have never been to a place like this before. The food was amazing. We went on crab night and I highly suggest you do the same, as it is all you can eat! DELICIOUS! All different kinds of food.. and they have a variety of desserts. Their chocolate chip cookies are the best cookies I've ever had. If your passing through or even have a 30 minute drive.. go here. It is worth it. I recommend calling ahead and making reservations we did have to wait a little bit for a seat. But like I said, well worth it! read more

My favorite buffet of all time! BBQ to rival most BBQ restaurants. The bread pudding is almost as good as Mom's. Don't go without getting the orange bread! Excellent service, waitresses are more than willing to give a quick tour. read more

It had been over two years since I had been here. It was well worth the 18 mile trip this time! Starting off at the salad bar, the Cole slaw, potato salad and some other salad , not quite sure what it was very tasty and fresh! I went up to the food bar, bypassing the cheese and pickles grabbed some mashed potatoes, ham ( man that ham was oh so tender and so juicy!) and a chicken breast. Then a dilemma hits me should those mashed taters be adorned with that sauerkraut staring me in the face, or turn around ad grab me some of that sausage gravy from tHe breakfast bar? I decided gravy wins this time, I'll come back a little later for the kraut and taters. But I also grabbed me a couple pieces of that HEAVENLY orange pound cake/ bread whatever it was, and headed back to the table. I'm telling you there wasn't anything on my plate I did not like and everything was fresh moist and. OH SO GOOOOOD! Ok so I sit back for a breather look up at the taters.... and think..... just then a party of 26 walked up to the bar, oh well I really didn't need any more taters, but I'm betting they would of been awesome with that sauerkraut! So I head over to the desert bar, grab a couple cookies, piece of apple pie , some kind of apple something that looked like banana pudding, and a piece of bread pudding slathered in warm caramel sauce! Well folks I probably should of passed over those cookies because I had to turn back that last bite of the chocolate chip cookie! I just about told management to call 911 to gurney me out of there. The only flaw I saw in this whole dinner was the price. Luckily for me I did get a senior discount, or my bill would of been around $44 and we only had water as a beverage! read more