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    Buffet Palace

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

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    BUFFET PALACE ATMOSPHERE

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

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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
    Heather A.

    This is a solid choice for a Chinese Food buffet given that few buffets are ever outstanding by the very nature of being food cooked for groups of varying tastes for long periods of time. They have a wide variety including your Chinese buffet standards along with a noodle bowl option, sushi, cold sides, and of course an array of desserts. The food was plentiful and they did a good job of refreshing the food during our visit. The sauces on the sesame chicken, orange shrimp, and green beans were very good. The fried foods were very crisp but some of the food did seem a bit overcooked. Our servers were nice and attentive and did a good job coming by to get drink orders when new people joined our party and kept your glasses filled and plates cleared. The restaurant itself is a bit rundown. There are scuff marks or worn off finish on the wood floors and it seems there may have been some issues with flooding at some recent point in time as there were some large fans pointed at the floor when we were there.

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    exactly what I wanted from an Asian buffet. Delivered! Will be going back when the mood strikes, no question.

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    3 years ago

    Mid, over crowded and the worst genre of people. Don't see myself going back unless out of total desperation.

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    2 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good food everything was super delicious wish they had more variety and kid friendly options

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Huge variety of food!! They had some amazing salads like the bean sprout one. Will definitely go to this location again!

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Just not real good food got to be a Chinese place in Austin that's better. Food was lukewarm at best

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    2 years ago

    Place has a bad stench to it, they can use some remodeling work. And the restrooms are always bad needing attention constantly

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Awesome food and ambiance! The food was hot and fresh, will return! A little out of the way but worth the drive.

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    3 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    I understand that restaurants have their challenges these days, but this place was just too dirty. Three star food if they clean it up

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Best Chinese buffet in Austin, in my opinion. I like the sushi, Korean bbq and crab in the weekend.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    Page 3 of 16

    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

    4.4(887 reviews)
    4.0 miMarket District, Downtown
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Outdoor seating

    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.

    Photos
    Qi Austin
    Qi Austin - View from the Patio

    View from the Patio

    Qi Austin

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    Clay Pit

    Clay Pit

    3.9(2.2k reviews)
    4.9 miDowntown
    $$

    This is a fun upscale Indian restaurant!…read more I wanted my party to be seated in the cellar but they said it was closed (didn't disclose a reason) so they seated us in what I believe was the parlor instead - which was also pretty. Got the Khuroos E Tursh - would recommend! The cream sauce was sweet and delicious. I LOVED the rice that came with the dishes - it already had some flavor and the texture was similar to Thai broken rice. Naan is a great value - 4 pieces for $5. Ordered the Jalapeño cream cheese naan and it had a generous portion of cream cheese inside. However it wasn't spicy which I was expecting - the jalapeño pieces just tasted like bell peppers but it needed a kick of spice. I would try the palak paneer naan next time instead. We were too full for dessert but the options sounded quite tasty. Something was cracked us up a bit was that their straws don't sit in the glasses well - they kept rising to the top of our waters Service was great but it just took a little time for them to set up our table after our reservation time.

    I was check 44 at the bar table t1 I am regular at Clay…read morePit. I get the vegetarian dishes today I got my normal dishes I get. Vegetable korma excellent. Dal Makhani no spices and watered down. And the Puri the wheat cups with chic peas inside all potatoe. I visited at 3:28p and it was way different than normal. I just only liked the Korma today .& spoke to manager who surely would recognize me I am always there and never complained. Ways of money today I don't eat the makhani or puri Server at bar was great and I've had him twice this week. Manager saying he will talk to Cook doesn't help. Manager said see you next time was rude and he's seen me in there a lot

    Photos
    Clay Pit
    Clay Pit
    Clay Pit

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    Ciclo - Crab claws Sunday buffet at Ciclo

    Ciclo

    4.1(110 reviews)
    4.2 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Ciclo - Dessert bar

    Dessert bar

    Ciclo - Tuna tostadas were tasty

    Tuna tostadas were tasty

    Ciclo - 16 oz. Prime Bone-In Ribeye was delicious

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    16 oz. Prime Bone-In Ribeye was delicious

    Franklin Barbecue - Bbq platter

    Franklin Barbecue

    4.5(6.4k reviews)
    5.0 miEast Austin
    $$

    I *thought* I'd had good BBQ brisket before, but apparently I thought wrong, haha! This Austin…read moreinstitution absolutely blew. my. mind. with its incredibly simple yet perfectly executed 50/50 salt and pepper rub and low-and-slow smoke over cured post oak before resting and slicing. Ribs and sausage were excellent as well, and complimentary sauces, pickles, and white bread much appreciated. The meats sell out fast so get here early! The line is looong but 100% worth it. There's both indoor and outdoor seating in this small but mighty shop, and thankfully the tables turn over quickly so you shouldn't have trouble settling down once you get your food!

    So I finally decided to go try Franklins and brave the line. I arrived on a weekday at 1130am and…read morethe line was not bad. Maybe an hour. I love how people are giving this place a 1 star because they are popular and the line is long sometimes, I mean come one so stupid. This place is small and it's amazing how they can crank out as much bbq as they do. It's impressive. I got almost to the front of the line around 1230pm and they were already almost out of ribs, so go early. I got a 1/2lb of Brisket, 1/4lb of turkey, 3 bones of ribs, and one link of the jalapeño cheddar sausage, my side I did was potato salad. I'll give my honest review down below on each item. Brisket- 1000/10, best I have ever had. It was well seasoned, juicy, smoky, fatty in the right way and just so tender and delicious. Spectacular. Turkey- another 1000/10, it's so juicy and and tender. They season it but not heavily which is great since Turkey is a mild tasting meat. I would definitely get this again! Ribs- 6/10, and I love ribs. To me the seasoning on these was so thick it just overpowered the taste of the pork. All I could taste was pepper on it. It was good but I would personally pass on this item next time. Sausage- 1000/10, again so good. It was spicy due to the jalapeños but not overly, the cheese was nice and there was a good snap to the casing. The smoke added a nice touch to the fattiness of the sausage. Potato salad- 3/10, to me this was not a good take on potato salad. Not much texture in it like celery or something like that and all I could taste was vinegar. I like acid in my food but this is all I could taste. So it wasn't for me. Overall when I go next time I will be loading up on brisket, turkey and sausage! These items are amazing, maybe try another side, their beans looked really good. GO OUT AND EAT SOME BBQ!!

    Photos
    Franklin Barbecue - Front dining room

    Front dining room

    Franklin Barbecue - Pulled pork, cheddar jalapeño sausage, ribs, brisket

    Pulled pork, cheddar jalapeño sausage, ribs, brisket

    Franklin Barbecue - Ribs!

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    Ribs!

    Wu Chow - Vegetable Fried Rice

    Wu Chow

    3.9(1.2k reviews)
    4.1 miWarehouse District, Market District, Downtown
    $$

    What's. It to love? Amazing food. Outstanding playlist (think 90s hip hop but not played at an…read moreinsane decibel level!), amazing service, and tasty cocktails. Wu Chow hits the spot on manny levels. The patio is inviting and the interior is decorated nicely as well. The food reminds me of home cooking meets a new hotspot in atx! The staff does a great job of checking in on tables and making great recommendations for coursing plates for a group (including portions bc in Texas you never know!). I really liked their dumpling and the rest of the meal was tasty as well.

    I sure didn't enjoy my last visit here. We arrived there at 5:30 with a reservation for a group of…read more11. We let them know we all had tickets to the opera at 7:30 so it was our goal to be wrapping up by 6:45. By 6:35, my plate was still bare. By the time my food arrived, I had to just shovel it in and go to the opera with indigestion. My friend sitting beside me fared even worse. His food didn't arrive until we were all paying our bills and getting ready to depart so he just had to get his to go. There were nice aspects of the meal too. My food was hot and tasty, my Welcome To The Jungle drink was epic, and our server was pretty attentive. However, the timing of food coming out just made the experience a catastrophe for my friend and me and I hope to not return.

    Photos
    Wu Chow - Texas Tiki Week 2014 "Bull Mug"

    Texas Tiki Week 2014 "Bull Mug"

    Wu Chow - Crispy Sesame Beef

    Crispy Sesame Beef

    Wu Chow - Special Fried Rice - lots of meat, but lacking flavor

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    Special Fried Rice - lots of meat, but lacking flavor

    Buffet Palace - chinese - Updated May 2026

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