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    Buffet Palace

    3.3 (624 reviews)
    ModerateChinese, Buffets, Korean
    Open 11:00 am - 9:30 pm

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    Business Info

    BUFFET PALACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Reviews With Photos

    Grace L.

    I am tempted to give it 1 star but I feel bad because this place is nostalgic to us. We've been coming here since the original owners began this restaurant over 30yrs ago. We've had big events here bdays, grad events, family gatherings because it's nostalgic and yes mostly at nights. Even after the Shins sold the place we'd come back mostly evenings and the food was the same. Consistent. Good. The crab and raw crab a favorite along with the sushi and spicy soup and fried chicken wings. The last time we came was in December for dinner and already it was just ok. Passable. Some stale old food. But we thought it was an off day. Today. It was a big day. I should have trusted my gut. I called for the entire month to try and book the place because my son's HS graduation is today on a Tuesday morning and coming here with 30 guests seemed like a good nostalgic choice for lunch right after. BUT every time I called to reserve that room that back room where we have had many parties the front person or host would brush me off saying don't worry it's a weekday we just opened no one here just come. I emphasized it's for a party of 30 and we need that room to decorate and seat us all together. He was adamant it's ok just come. I called a week later and the phone line kept saying busy. I called the day after during store hours no answers I thought this place was closed. I already sent invites out and guests were to arrive. I almost changed venues. I should have. We called again this past weekend on a Friday night then Saturday morning then Sunday morning um NO ONE answers the phone! It was busy all day???. I even texted. I asked a question here. No answer. I needed to know this place will be open and ready for 30 guests. Finally my daughter called yesterday during lunch lol and surprisingly someone answered. What a relief. He yawned while talking to her but he assured yes just come no need to reserve and you can have the room. We asked will you be ready for 30 people and fresh food? He said yes no one here noon on a Tuesday. Um ok. Well we got there the back room is closed. No AC. They quickly prepared tables for 30 outside. It was done. Fine. BUT the food was such a disappointment. 75% of the food is not fresh. It's like they reheated old food. Why would you do that? The sushi rice was crunchy. Hard. On some. The fried stuff was stale. Old. The chicken stuff was old and dry. The fried rice was stale. The soups were ok. Beef was gone in many beef dishes and they didn't replenish the food fast enough for the whole place. The place looked dirty and the tables are sticky. The floors were greasy and slippery. The whole place looked dark and dank and broken. Only the fried fish 2nd batch was good. That's all I ate! I can go on and on but it was just not good. And I think the Asian owner and manager knew it too. I overheard and even talked to them saying we've been coming here for over 30yrs and no one answered my calls when I wanted to reserve to make sure fresh food is available for 30. I emphasized it was important because I knew my guests are foodies and restaurant owners. I called too many times to warn them and have things ready. That's all they have to do. Is be prepared. There are reasons why I ask for this. 2 restaurant owners were in my group. Half the people I invited know the previous owners and knew how good this place used to be. Now all 30 will think twice before they come back. So it was not a smart business move to not be ready for a huge party no matter what time of day we come. It doesn't have to be a weekend. Lunch buffet still has to be fresh and available. Do not bring our stale old food to get rid of first. Where is the logic on this? Food has to be fresh. Host and people working in the front has to be attentive and cordial and working. The waitstaff was but not the host or hostess esp not the ones answering phones. They looked tired and checked out. And yes dropping calls for a week was a big warning. I thought they were closed due to health inspections or something. Anyways you get my drift. Sorry to say this was our last straw and attempt especially because we brought so many people and we hoped for a good meal and gathering but the food and atmosphere was pretty disappointing. Has ownership changed? Chefs changed? What happened? Sad and disappointed..

    Extra protein in the fruit salad
    Jorge V.

    Fly palace today. Killed 2 at my table b4 I made the mistake of hitting the buffet. Place is run down, all the walls, floors, chairs,tables l, ect are sticky, worn, dirty. Flys everywhere. 20 per person on a Friday, same offerings as a Monday at lunch. Staff was OK I guess, not attentive but what do u want from them at a buffet. Surprisingly tho no mud butt afterwards.

    Dead roach on/in the food.

    Dead Roach ON THE BUFFET COUNTER Staff didn't seem surprised. Lost my appetite. Cleanliness concerns--definitely won't be back.

    Various sushi, lo mein, orange chicken, beef short rib
    Alex G H.

    Really good value for the price! One of the best buffet spots in Austin, and the Korean dishes are amazing!

    White and fried rice
    Alan F.

    What can I say about buffets? All you can eat. I've been to many buffets, and honestly, this is one of the best for the price. Everything was fantastic except the egg rolls. All the other food made up for that. All the veggies were fresh, and all the food was prepared well and at perfect temperature. I had to go back for seconds of the fried rice as that was absolutely perfect. The service was fast and friendly. There's a large free parking lot. Disabled parking spaces. Entrance into the restaurant has two wide doors, easy access for wheelchairs. I looked around at other patrons to see how they were enjoying their meal. And, yes, they had big smiles on their faces. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for individuals, couples, and families. Children friendly with a HUGE variety menu.

    Sushi

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    1 year ago

    The food was really good and had many options. The environment was lively and enjoyable.

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    Buffet Palace Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Buffet Palace

    Do they have crab weekday lunch?? Not the raw but regular crab

    What's the price?

    It was 18 bucks when I went in Jan 2023. Hot tea was extra.

    Do they serve both soy sauce and spicy raw crab?

    No.

    When do they serve the Spicy raw crab?

    Only on weekends when the price is a bit more expensive.

    Do they offer senior specials or discounts?

    Yes, and military discounts, too. There's also a good coupon here on yelp.

    Will they be open Christmas Day?

    Yes @ 11:00AM

    Do they offer take-out food?

    Yes, they offer take out also

    Do they have crab legs?

    Yes. At least they have every time I've been there.

    How much for lunch?

    Right about $10.65 with a tall glass of ice water. You. Can't eat it all. Need to come back 3 times. Great food, great service.

    What's the price for kids?

    $ 9.75 for kids

    Do they serve Korean black bean noodles?

    I'm afraid not. In all of the years I've frequented this joint, I've never seen them serve jajangmyeon (짜장면). But they do make an OK spicy tofu soup and bulgogi for a buffet.

    What is the cost?

    13.95 adult dinner

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    Qi Austin

    Qi Austin

    (884 reviews)

    $$

    Market District, Downtown

    Went to Qi for dim sum brunch and overall had a really enjoyable experience. Qi is know for…read morecombining western and traditional Chinese cuisine by using local organic farming. Did not have a reservation on this occasion, but they always make me feel welcome and manage to fit us in. Sat on the outdoor covered patio that was cool and shaded. The atmosphere is modern and lively, making it a great spot for a weekend brunch. Started the meal with cocktails including Lycheetini with Deep Eddy Vodka, Giffard Lichi-li. lemon, cranberry, I cut the cranberry. Also had a Fresa Paloma with Socorro Reposado Tequila, Contratto, strawberry, lime, grapefruit, five-spice that was very sweet and garnished with a flower. You are given a card where you can mark your dim sum selections. I ordered the Shrimp Pancake, Snow Crab Ball and Chinese Sausage Sticky Rice. The standout was the shrimp pancake that had a really great texture and flavor. The snow crab ball had a strange texture with shrimp surrounding the snow crab claw. The Chinese Sticky Rice is always a favorite. Also ordered the Truffle Egg Fried rice and Birds Nest with Seasonal Vegetable. The Truffle rice is so flavorful like a flavor explosion in your mouth. The Birds Nest is made with fried potato shreds which contain the a variety of vegetables including cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms and asparagus. The nest is also edible and has a crunchy texture. The presentation of the food is amazing and everything came out hot and fresh. The flavors were on point, and you can tell there's attention to detail in the preparation. Service was attentive outdoors and the pacing of dishes felt just right for a relaxed brunch. This restaurant is truly a gem whether you come for brunch or dinner service. Will definitely be back.

    A large group of us came for dinner - the ambience is super fun, modern, and vibey!…read more Service was prompt, friendly, and accurate. As for the food - everyone loved their dishes! The flavors were spot on and delicious. The only challenge we had was that they would not allow split checks or at least partially split checks - so we spend a huge amount of time figuring out what everyone owed. I wouldn't do a large group here in the future, but I'd definitely come back for a date or small group.

    Ciclo - Crab claws Sunday buffet at Ciclo

    Ciclo

    (110 reviews)

    Each year, my husband and I participate in Lent by giving up something meaningful, such as meat and…read moredesserts. Lent is a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday (symbolizing the need for repentance) and ending before Easter. Its main goals are reflection, repentance, and renewal. After observing Lent, our treat was brunch at Ciclo (Four Seasons Hotel). Ciclo hosted Easter Brunch and an Easter Egg hunt including the hotel's lake-level ballroom. The celebration included live music and lawn activities for hotel and brunch guests. The brunch included a cold buffet, hot buffet, carving station, benedict station, and dessert buffet. You also could order customized omelets from your table. Ciclo's brunch features gluten-free and vegetarian choices. OMG...the Four Season's Hotel and Ciclo restaurant looked as though a lush bright flowered garden had been quietly grown there. Flowers spilled over every surface from the hotel's entrance to the Ciclo restaurant out onto the patio. The floral arrangements were stunning. They also served as a beautiful backdrop for photos. In addition, we ran into ole friends at brunch, which was a pleasant surprise. The standout for us was the lamb chops (one of my favorites) and callosal-sized shrimp. The sweet potatoes and ham were memorable as well with perfectly spiced sweet potatoes. All desserts were good today, however, the Oreo cheesecake and sugar cookies were the highlights. Our server was so attentive and pleasant. Also, Abribal, the restaurant manager, came over to inquire about dining experience. Such excellent service... Dining a Ciclo today was superb! It was fantastic end to our Lenton season.

    Had an amazing experience at Ciclo. We were in town with friends attending an event. For some it…read morewas a return visit and they could not speak highly enough. Outstanding service provided by the staff. Denis was our tables primary attendant. He is super. He provides impeccable customer service which makes your experience even better. The garden backdrop to the restaurants decor is a perfect pairing. Our meals were excellent. We shared the Tomahawk in addition to our individual dishes. My salmon entree was really good. I'm calling it premium surf and turf. Great night with friends and dinner. Ciclo did not disappoint. Well done.

    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

    (458 reviews)

    $$$

    East Austin

    Had such a great experience at Gyu-Kaku Austin, and a huge part of that was our server, Genevieve…read more From the moment we sat down, she was warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. She walked us through the cuts of meat, explained how long to grill each item, and gave honest recommendations that ended up being spot on. What really stood out was how attentive she was without hovering. Our grill was changed out promptly, drinks were refilled without us asking, and she checked in at just the right times to make sure everything was perfect. Even during a busy service, she stayed calm, friendly, and on top of everything. Dining at a place like Gyu-Kaku can feel overwhelming if it's your first time, but Genevieve made the whole experience seamless and fun. Excellent service truly elevates a meal, and she absolutely did that for us. We'll definitely be back!

    I get it, they're not guilty of anything a thousand other places aren't…read more But this place felt like more of a head game than most places that run all you-can-eat menus. It's got everything you dread, if only you'd had the misfortune of previously encountering them: - tiny portions - few staff who are MIA half the time, notably the half when you need them - poor guidance on cool times and ordering Seriously, I watched a table of grown men struggle to keep it together while their untouched pitcher of beer sweat its way to room temp. You've got to bring your A-game, and maybe a handful of very attractive women, if you hope to succeed here.

    Franklin Barbecue - Bbq platter

    Franklin Barbecue

    (6.4k reviews)

    $$

    East Austin

    This place was really good. My partner and I arrived at 1:45pm and had waited around an hour to be…read moreseated. We are in the city visiting and did not know it closed at 3pm. This is why the line was not as long as it typically is. They were out of brisket, ribs, and sausage when we were able to order. One should go about an hour earlier if they want to get those. This place is so worth it. The turkey was 12/10. It was nothing like I have ever had. It had flavor and was juicy like chicken. The pulled pork was 10/10. The slaw was not much to my liking but the beans and potato salad were good. There were cups for free water. They had vinegar, normal, espresso, and spicy barbecue sauce. I do not normally like barbecue sauce but Franklins is great. The spicy one was perfect. Overall, I thought waiting an hour was great. With the food we were able to get I understood why people wait hours. I recommend bringing a water for the wait and comfortable shoes while you wait in line.

    We arrived around 12:15 and the line was wrapped! By the time we got to the counter it was 1:35. We…read morewere the last ones to actually get pulled pork because they ran out. That is the longest weve ever waited for bbq, BUT SO WORTH IT! I do not ever order brisket because it's usually disappointing, dry and bland. However, this brisket was none of those things. It was everything a brisket should be!!! The other meats were delicious as well. The banana pie was incredible, the crust tasted almost like a cookie crumble. The potato salad is more of a mustard base, and cole slaw isn't too wet but I filled up on everything else and didn't eat much of it. After we finished eating, we even got a tour of the smokers! They are on a rotation, always smoking brisket and rotating staff to keep watch over it, and they use post oak wood. The staff were all so precious and friendly. My family thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would totally stand in line again :D

    Buffet Palace - chinese - Updated May 2026

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