This place has really gone down hill. The food has been getting worse, we never got a refill the entire time we were there. Our waitress never showed back up so after waiting for a while we decided to go to the front desk so we could leave. People around us had the same issue. The entire staff was in the other half eating. You would think they would take turns. The waitress probably did the best she could, but the food is inexcusable. Everything tasted awful and freezer burnt. It was a rush hour so I'm surprised it was awful. The staff I did see was very rude. Used to go there a lot and now it is just a waste of money for poor quality and service. read more

cockroach in the sweet and sour soup, wait staff were polite and concerned, front desk host was directly rude. Would NOT go back or suggest.

So called "Chinese Food" should be called "What am I Eating Food". My Wife and I went there for the first time on 9/25/23, it will be our last time. If you like greasy fried over breaded so called "Chinese Food" this is your place to go. If you don't want diarrhea STAY AWAY. read more

We had not been to a Chinese buffet restaurant in many, many years. We were invited by family to join them there so we kept an open mind. The building looks relatively new and large, yet they are expanding the foundation. This seems to be a sign that business is good. Maybe they are adding an enclosed patio? Upon entering you view the boat-shaped buffet counter directly in front of you. A quick glance around and you see there are plenty (maybe four or five) of other buffet sections also. First impression is that everywhere looks clean and the food choices are quite numerous. There were no duplicates anywhere on the buffet. Our arrival time was near the end of lunch on a Saturday, but all of the serving trays were filled, or almost filled, with food. Staff were actively checking these trays and refilling them as needed. Staff were also prompt in clearing dirty plates from tables as customers returned to the buffet stations for more helpings. Overall, the food was very average. There was nothing among the twenty or so different items I tasted that stood out as being special. Everything was OK, but most items simply lacked a unique flavor to encourage me to want to have more of it. Three stars seems fair since I can't honestly say "Meh. I've experienced better" at any other buffet. read more

With a college student discount, this place is absolutely worth it. So much food reminds me of India and festivities. Having said that there's nothing Indian about the place. From Korean to Japanese to Chinese,the cuisine is full of options and exquisite. Its so delicious that you'll probably end up eating more. But I assure you,you won't regret it. My new favorite in Binghamton read more

Buffet Star - Buffet - Buffets Near Me - Vestal, New York

Buffet Star? More like no stars. The reviews for this buffet are incredibly misleading. The sushi was not fresh at all and the chicken tasted off. I wouldn't go back for seconds for anything I tried. We ended up eating mostly deserts just to justify even going. I will say that the waitress was very friendly though. Definitely will not be going back nor would I recommend. read more

I've been twice in 4 years when travelling in the area. The good: Price is reasonable Parking lot is large Seems to be the best buffet in the area The bad; I did not feel that the variety was big enough and the food quality itself was not great. The (men's) bathroom was probably a 4 out of 10. That being said, do the hibachi- it's the best deal in the place. The ingredients are higher quality and it's cooked quickly right in front of you. I did not like the chocolate fountain (the chocolate tasted weird). The sushi was medium quality. To me, it's a 2-star place, but for the area, it's probably 3 to 4; not a lot of choices for a Chinese buffet. read more

Positives...lots of variety, clean areas, guests were given gloves to use at the counters and efficient staff. Negatives...hibachi grill was not running, food was only OK, only a few toppings for salads and nothing had any defined flavor or heat. We would not go back if we lived in the area. read more

Dead mouse next to table and undercooked food. do not recommend unless you can handle that while your eating.

Been going here for years. Honestly the quality has dipped a bit post pandemic Cleanliness used to be perfect and now maybe 6/10. Food quality similar depreciation For the price it's still fine but no longer my go to fat man meal spot read more

To say that I was disappointed with my meal after an entire year of missing it, would be an understatement. It appears as though they are cleaning and disinfecting the tables and chairs in between customers, but the plates are another matter. I went through about 7 plates before arriving at a clean one! Their sushi used to be some of the best in the area. Today it was dry and flavorless. I am really bummed that they are now the only buffet in town. :-( I probably won't be returning any time soon. read more

The food is very old and hard, the garlic bread was very hard, also the noodles were very dry. Disappointed. We're never coming back.

As usual the food at buffet star is great tasting with out any complaints EXCEPT the hibachi station PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get someone there who knows how to cook the food correctly. While to food is cooked thoroughly, it is just not right,, like its missing something , flavored incorrectly as far as what flavor you ask for,, I feel the cook may be better suited for other work in the kitchen but NOT the hibachi. Besides that ,, the restaurant is always clean , the food trays are constantly being refreshed and the salad and peel and eat shrimp/ seafood and dessert bars are well stocked. the servers are very pleasant and pick up your empty plates in a timely manner and are always attentive for refill your drink. Will i go eat there again,, OF COURSE !!! i have been going for years and will continue to go read more

I honestly don't understand the negative reviews below -- when you're paying so little for so much food, there are of course going to be certain dishes worse than others. But even so, this place tastes great and has several authentic Chinese options, like clams and eggplant. It's so cheap, the wait staff are great, and the food is actually so tasty that I'm pretty shocked that this place doesn't have stellar reviews...and I also have pretty exacting standards for Chinese food. I came in with my family of five and service was super quick - we were led to a nicely decorated dining room that I was pleasantly surprised by. Btw, this place is huge. Point is, though, the quality of food is objectively great. So much variety, and a great amount of healthy options that are super tasty. I recommend the sweet potatoes, corn, eggplant, clams, and dumplings. You pay the cost of one entree in a normal restaurant and get a plethora of delicious and healthy food! 5/5 for me, buffet doesn't get better than this. Oh, by the way...for the people complaining that the wait staff aren't fluent in English...have you immigrated to another country recently and are working 60 hrs or more to support your family? You're in a Chinese restaurant...have a bit of empathy for others' circumstances. read more

By far the WORST experience I have ever had at a restaurant, EVER. When we first walked in it, the place looked great!! Huge, looked like a HUGE selection of many different kinds of food. We had quite a while to gander the many options as we waited next to the "please wait here to be seated sign" for about 10 minutes before we were even greeted. Well, I can't even go that far. We "technically" weren't greeted. The college students behind us who came in after us, were seated before us. Once we were finally seated the woman who sat us really didn't speak any English at all. She asked us what we wanted to drink??? I think...... my friend asked if the lemonade was in a can or like from a soda/pop fountain. She didn't understand so we gave in an he asked for a lemonade. I ordered a beer, but she started walking away without asking what kind of beer I wanted? I asked for a Molson Canadian, but she brought a Miller Lite?? We sat closest to the Sushi area so I started out there. I found many different rolls but had no idea what they were. I saw two signs advertising what was in the case. There were approximately 10 different selections though. So.........willing to take a chance I grabbed some tongs and started picking out some rolls. It was then I noticed there were only two tongs to use for the selection of 10 different rolls?? Isn't that a NYS Health Code Violation? I didn't see any of the kitchen staff refilling the stations wearing any gloves at all and I can personally guarantee most of the food here was cross contaminated and/or not up to the proper temperature to be served according to food regulations. My friend was risky enough to take a gander at the hibatchi station. So let me get this straight. The customer walks up to the hibatchi area and makes a selection of the raw items there are to offer. They take those raw items and put them on a plate. The plate is then taken by the Hibatchi chef to be cooked. Sounds great right? well why does the chef serve the cooked food back to you on the same plate you previously gave him that had raw food on it?????? maybe this doesn't happen all of the time? Maybe he was just distracted because he was more concerned with whatever he was doing on his phone rather than worrying about food safety?? Will I ever eat here again? NEVER. In fact, I have to cut this review short simply because I feel like I am going to puke now----Literally. read more

Great selection of food for everyone's taste. Gives a 10% discount for seniors. Service cleans table promptly and refills drink as needed.

A nice place to eat. There is alot to choose from and lots of deserts. Waitresses are friendly. read more

Buffet Star - people sitting at a table in a restaurant - Buffets Near Me - Vestal, New York

Very upset. We spent over $70 for 2 children and 2 adults a Pepsi a MTN dew and 2 apple juices. The food wasn't great and there wasn't a very big selection. All in all we will not be returning. read more

Pleasantly surprised. The options were many . The place was crowded which is a good gauge that the locals like what they have to offer. Our family decided to take a road trip on thanksgiving and wound up in Binhampton. We thought Asian would be what we would be eating. The sushi was very good. They have a hibachi station, and also had the traditional thanksgiving food. The price was very good. read more

I think this place is great if you want to kill a few hours and save money. It's about $13 a person. The food is pretty mediocre since it's a buffet but the crab legs are awesome to eat endlessly. This is one of the biggest buffets I went to and enjoyed my time. I suggest sticking to the seafood (except the sushi, that was bad) and desserts. (btw they have a chocolate fountain) read more

Buffet Star - Buffets Near Me - Vestal, New York

See all

This place is really good for a Chinese buffet. If you are looking for no frills American Chinese food this is the place to go. They have every typical American Chinese food item out on the buffet tables including a hibatchi station and sushi station. The price is about $10-15 per person with drinks and tip included you cannot beat it. read more

Buffet Star - She'll fish - Buffets Near Me - Vestal, New York

They added 15% to our total and then they were mad we did not tip them. Do not add a % percentage to my bill and you will get a tip. Not going back !!!! read more

I really believe this buffet is still in business only because the one near Walmart closed down and customers have no other options. The majority of the food here is mushy and not fresh at all. It could be I'm coming in at the wrong time, but I've been here 3-4 times and always had the same results. The atmosphere and layout is traditional, similar to any other Chinese buffets you've been to. The variety here is pretty big, I have to give them that. They have entrees, sushi, fruits/desserts, the stuff you expect, but they also have a chocolate fountain and a hibachi grill, stuff you don't typically find. Although they have a large selection, they don't excel or even meet average standards in most of them. They should focus on making the staples better, rather than trying to have everything. Typically for Chinese buffets, I look forward to the sushi station, but the variety here is awful and the fish never tastes fresh. One of the few cool things about Buffet Star, however, is their hibachi station, you get to load up your plate with meats, veggies, noodles and you tell them what sauce you want. This always seems to be what I end up eating because everything else isn't worth getting. The price is pretty much unbeatable for AYCE. But can't really charge any more for serving the quality of food they're putting out. read more

First impressions, it's whole view inside is blocked, took me and my friend 8-10 minutes to be seated and there was nobody ahead of us, we got our drinks late. There's very limited food options it's mainly Chinese food (poor quality), sushi (poor quality) is first come first served and limited whatever they provide. On our second plate we're already given the bill and nobody was really taking our plates like that. Nothing was really replenish fast. Not the best place unless you just wanna eat to your money's worth. read more

Just moved to the area and was starving and craving some Chinese food, I'm a sucker for buffets because I love to have a little of everything. Place is fairly nice inside, staff are friendly, to me anyway but I always smile and friendly myself. Tons of choices on the buffet. Soups, ribs, seafood and noodle dishes. Always some " American" choices as well.( really good roast beef!) price is decent as well. Overall, as buffets go, way above average and worth a try. read more

I've been here a few times since beginning my undergraduate journey at Binghamton... the first was with my mom and the last being today. Honestly they have a large selection of food options but it is definitely American-Chinese food. They have options including sushi, a hibachi bar, cold food section, two dessert stations and almost all the hot food you normally get at a Chinese buffet. After today though, you will not find me at Buffet Star. On my plate I had some sushi, chicken broccoli, a flaky beef patty, and creamed spinach. Everything was find until I took a closer look at my broccoli and found a little friend. I was with 2 friends and we all immediately stopped eating. We called over a waitress to show her and she did not seem surprised at all and called over the manager. The manager comes over, looks at the piece of broccoli and tells us that they probably did not use enough chemicals... excuse me? She also tried telling us that only my check would be comped but best believe the 3 of us left without paying. She was not apologetic at all and that makes me guess what type of food they're serving their customers. read more

BEST BUFFET IN BINGHAMTON HANDS DOWN Best value buffet I have ever been to. With lunch under $10 and dinner at about $12, I have always had a good experience at this restaurant. I usually start off with the hot food and get their Singapore Mei Fun which is a curried rice noodle and their General Tso Chicken. Their pan fried dumplings are also on point, my apartment used to order trays to go because they were so good. I would then move on to their sushi which wasn't always the best looking but always fresh. From there, I would either have a freshly made plate of hibachi or more hot food. I average about 5-6 plates but the food is always fresh and hot. Their dessert section started expanding into 2 rooms and now includes a chocolate fountain, mousse cakes, and an array of cakes and cookies. Definitely a must go for visiting college students read more

Hands down the best buffet in the area. Not only is the food consistently fresh, but the ambiance is what stands out to me. Buffets to me are generally subpar in terms of presentation and environment, but the layout of Buffet Star is beautifully decorated and the buffets itself present the food in a very positive way. Unlike many buffets, the food looks like dishes that are served in top-of-the-end restaurants. The quality is excellent. In addition, they don't wait until the food is completely out to replace it like many buffets. Once it reaches to a certain point, they proactively change the dish to keep the freshness consistent. Big plus in my books. If you find yourself in town visiting the nearby university, or need to take a break from a long road trip, give this place a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

For a long time, Binghamton had no really good buffets. I've been to many, but I've been terrified of going to the ones at school, mostly because all my friends got food poisoning at the one close by. I definitely didn't want that to happen! So I avoided. But then Buffet Star came along. And I avoided no more. First of all, there's a discount if you have a student ID. Um, what?!?! Buffet is already cheap, and now you're giving me a discount? What's not to love about that! Also, they make their sushi to order, and a lot of places do this now, but not THIS GOOD. I really like the ambiance too-great lighting, clean, and friendly. I would seriously go back to Binghamton just to eat here. Ok, that's probably an exaggeration, but still! Amazing! read more

Buffet Star is the Binghamton area's most recent Chinese buffet as of Jan. 2010. Its selection of food is pretty much the same as in other Chinese buffets, but offers a tiny bit more variety. Being the latest one, however, it blows away the others in terms of presentation. Salad and desserts are served inside a replica of a wooden ship illuminated in a cool blue light. The other courses are served immediately in front of the kitchen area, so you can see how your food is prepared. Seeing the chefs prepare the courses adds a new dimension to food enjoyment, but that's just me. The actual food was satisfying. For example, crispy foods just seemed a bit more crispy and less mushy than at the other buffets. There is even a station where you can compile ingredients and see the dish being prepared right in front of you. The price is very reasonable for the amount of food that you stuff yourself with. If you go during lunch, you can expect to spend $10 or less. You can also save at any time if you have a student ID. Buffet Star is an excellent place to eat. I just hope that its quality does not diminish with time. read more

Your typical Chinese buffet with the usual food you can eat. The quality is decent but many items are off the buffet like, crab legs, mussels and other seafood goodies. For $10 it's worth going for dinner. Just don't expect too notch Chinese. read more

Definitely the top Chinese buffet in the area. It's a very beautiful place, with a kind of tropical/watery theme. The service was good, though limited (it is a buffet after all.) The drinks were very tasty, and reasonably priced! Most importantly though, the food was excellent, from start to finish. There were a lot of choices - this was one very expansive buffet! From the seafood spread to the custom noodle bowl, to the sushi bar and the obligatory pizza (I never understood why there always seems to be pizza). My favorite was the chocolate fountain though. Talk about a nice touch! read more

I don't want to be dramatic or anything but this is by far the best restaurant I have ever been in my entire life. I will never taste anything more beautiful than the white rice at Buffet Star. When I die, plaster the Buffet Star letters over my grave, don't write my name or date or birth or death, just slap the big blue letters over the slab of stone that marks my eternal place of rest. People will understand, they will. I truly believe this is a buffet from God himself. I truly believe that the food here is made by a real live angel. There is no other explanation, I am blessed, so blessed. read more

The best way to describe this buffet is simply: decent, but nothing special. My wife and I are no strangers to buffets, especially those of the Chinese variety, although this location does have other Asian dishes as well. The parking lot is large, although a bit strange as you must drive one way around the back of the building to get through. The exterior stairway and balcony are littered with the those who refuse to accept how horrible smoking is for themselves and those passing by, as well as their charred butts. The dark interior and decor may attract some while turn others away, but that should never affect a decision to go or not. You will be seated, and will pay after you finish eating. I've been to plenty of buffets who do the opposite - pay first, then eat and leave. Whatever works... The layout works well, although some sections of food (namely desserts and sushi) are hiding at first. The staff was friendly and attentive enough. The price is OK at $10 per person (not including drink), but I don't think I eat enough for it to be worth it. The variety of food is actually really good. They are missing some staples from elsewhere, such as Peanut Butter Chicken (yes, this is a thing. An awesome one at that), but that's not a deal breaker. The quality of the food is OK - had better, bad worse. All in all, I would come back if the price were a bit lower, but I'm not really a fan of overeating (and later purging) just to get my money's worth, but such is the way of the buffet. Not bad, but once is enough for me. read more

I ate at this buffet for the second time (first time about a year ago). It was Valentine's Day. My wife and I had been shopping at the nearby Oakdale Mall, remembered that we enjoyed our first time eating there, and decided to go again. It turned out to be very disappointing. Especially compared to the first time I went when I thought it was one of the most outstanding buffets I had ever been to. We were there around 1:15, a fairly good crowd was there, but the chefs took a long time to replenish and refill certain items. My wife's string bean dish and Chicken Broccoli were cold. The dumplings were all stuck together and were hard to separate. They had some fairly disgusting fish dishes, especially lobster in shell covered by some kind of sticky sauce, I didn't take it because it was hard to imagine being able to crack the shell. The won ton soup was good as were the eggrolls, but the meat in the Pepper Beef was very rare, which is not what it should be. To be fair their wait staff was outstanding. The one thing that irked me the most was the price. I thought it was a bit pricey when we entered the restaurant, but since I hadn't been there at lunch before, I thought it was normal fee. We found out as we were leaving that it was a special Valentines Day price. We paid $14.99 each and the person at the front desk told us it is normally $8.39 for lunch. They claimed the price was because it was a holiday and because of the aforementioned slimy lobster and an awful looking breaded codfish (whole). So for that they charge $6.60 more on top of their regular luncheon price. They claim they charge $14.99 for "all" holiday lunches. Not sure which holidays they do this on. I'm not saying I will never go back, but sure as heck won't go for lunch there on a holiday. read more

Lunch costs $6.95 and dinner is $9.95. Tastes better during dinner. The only bad thing about it is that u have to line up to get food. but there is a student discount for college students if u ask. It is right across from SUNY Binghamton campus but is hard to walk to there because there are no sidewalks and it is on top of the hill. Overall the food is alright. read more

Good selection.. food was plentyful and hot. But rest rooms were filthy.. cold water..

The service here was horrible, or maybe just in my case. The waitress stared into her cell phone for most of my time here and she refused to ask us if we needed anything. She was sure to mention tip was not included with the bill as soon as we sat down though. The food was, for the most part, horrible. Even the fruit tasted funny. The only thing that was mildly good was their sponge cake. I definitely would not recommend this. read more

The one star is not because of the food quality, but because we caught our waitress trying to charge my five person party over $600. When she took our credit card away, she didn't come back with a receipt to sign. In fact, she told us we were allowed to leave. Fortunately, we requested to see the receipt and saw the outstanding charge. When we questioned her, she tried to cover herself by claiming she switched our check with another party. A $600 meal would be for 50 people; there was absolutely no party in that buffet consisting of that many people. The food was not bad, but beware of possible credit card fraud here. read more

Everything was fresh and hot... I had the seafood and it was really good... my kids really enjoyed the chocolate fountain. .. The serve staff was very efficient and courteous. The only problem we had was with the hibachi grill. .. waited forever and the chef lost our plate. .. Would recommend for families that have a lot of particular tastes... This place has something for everyone... Omgalicious... read more

Buffet Star - asian cuisine with cars parked in front - Buffets Near Me - Vestal, New York

See all