I love the variety of dishes available here. Most times the food is kept and served nice and hot and stirred frequently to maintain an appetizing appearance. Two dishes in particular, I find to be excellent here and far above most Chinese buffets: the Broccoli Beef and the Green Beans in Fermented Black Bean Paste. Both are the best I've ever had at a buffet. The beef is very tender, not mealy like most and has a nice flavor. The broccoli is not over cooked but tender crisp perfectly. There are a lot of dishes that are very similar in taste and texture so I skip them. But they have a nice variety of fried items, steamed dumplings, 5 or 6 soups of which I like several. Their chicken wings are a nice surprise item as are the breaded cream cheese filled jalapeños. For those that like a Mongolian Grill, they have that available too. The sushi is plentiful but mostly bland variety's. I usually skip it. All in all it's a great buffet and reasonably priced. read more

the food is okay but the prices is so expensive almost 50$ for just two people PLUS they don't let u take leftovers that u have (yea i get it if two people take like 5 leftover plates but at least one person per plate like tf at least one player for person) would not recommended if anything u can go out to eat somewhere else where TWICE n still get full read more

This was horrible! Everything was dried out and had been sitting for a while. No one was at the grill. There was no sushi chef replenishing the sushi. I sampled a few things and when I needed a refill a server grabbed my glass while holding dirty dishes, eewww. I got a refund and left. read more

The food here wasn't great. It wasn't bad either. I've definitely had worse tasting Chinese food. The thing is, you kind of know what to expect when you go to any buffet and I was pleasantly surprised at SOME of the dishes here. Here at my favorite dishes: Sweet and sour chicken Lo mein Green beans BBQ pork on skewers Gyozas (dumplings) Egg rolls Dishes I was not a fan of: General Tso chicken Kung pao chicken Broccoli beef Spicy chicken Fried rice Now, the dishes I didn't care for weren't terrible, I just didn't care for either the texture, or flavor of the dish. General Tso chicken should have some heat. This one did not. The beef in the beef broccoli was too chewy, the spicy chicken lacked spice and flavor and the fried rice lacked that delicious sesame flavor I was looking for. The overall space was clean and the service was nice! It was a little loud but that's expected at a buffet. It's a bit pricier on the weekends so if you're going to try this place, I recommend going during the week. read more

Some of my food was cold. There were not enough dishes with vegetables and most of the meat was deep fried.

Be Careful when paying with card. They charge tip on their own. We left cash tip and they still charged tip on card on their own.

This restaurant served cold food, dehydrated meat, that had a freezer burn taste on some of the meat and shrimp products on its Buffet line. The place itself feels dirty. Having said all that their jalapeño chicken saved the day for me. It was delicious. One item out of many. I love to feast on some sweet and sour chicken but all the chicken was cold. This was a definite let down. I paid $40+ for my wife and I. That's way too much. My experience was so bad that I made a funny out of it. I told my wife,"The joke's in the name of the restaurant. I was eating what I thought was "Chinese," cuisine but then I clearly "Sea" it wasn't. If you all want a good spot check out my review on a great Chinese restaurant in Mission. https://youtu.be/BbIWjm1RPqE?si=-hZhmyI2NLVRX7PU read more

Basic Chinese buffet. I seen some of the negative reviews on here but it's just a Chinese buffet. I don't expect a gourmet experience in a Chinese buffet. As far as Chinese buffets go, this is pretty average. read more

Food was ok, expected it to be better for the price. Needs a little attention on cleanliness.

I had a strange craving for trying out a Chinese Buffet in the RGV, and I deeply regret my decision. My GF and I came here on a Friday night and the buffet was about half full. The outside of China Sea Buffet looks modern and inviting, but the interior is very dated and has a musty odor. Before you are seated by the host, you have to pay for the buffets. It's definitely not the cheapest because a dinner buffet for two people is over $30. We were seated at a booth with torn cushions and the table was sticky. We tried to switch tables, but most of the other tables had similar defects. Honestly the food here looks pretty decent, I'm not expecting anything super stellar from a buffet, but on the outside, the food seems fine. However, when you start eating the food, everything goes downhill. The honey walnut shrimp here is very chewy and it is drenched in sauce. The weird thing is that the sauce even tastes a tad bland. All the different types of chicken here, such as the honey chicken, general tso's chicken, and kung pao chicken are all way too saucy and the meat tastes stale and rubbery. This buffet was so lackluster that not even their Mongolian build your own bowl could save them. The food here is made from very poor quality ingredients and much of the food tastes old and stale. Honestly, this place probably needs a visit from the health inspector because it's not well maintained and the food quality is highly questionable. I'm really glad that the ice cream station wasn't open during our visit because after seeing all the other reviews, it seems like that was a disaster as well. Overall, please save your money and go to anywhere but here. If you're craving a Chinese buffet, then please look elsewhere. read more

This restaurant has a lot of variety but non of the food actually hits the spot. I enjoy many buffets and Chinese tend to be my most favorite. I came here to try it out and was excited at seeing the variety of food choices. There is a sign that asks for you to eat all that you get so as to not waste food and as a result, I was mindful of that. The sweet and sour chicken had more batter than chicken. That was the same with every kind of battered chicken, such as the honey chicken, the general tso, and so on. The calamari is battered but felt dry and unsatisfying. The house fried rice was a bit tasteless and has large chunks of onion, where as most places, the onion is finely cut. The red potatoes with bacon bits, cheese, and cream tasted ok, but the cream tasted a bit more like mayonnaise as opposed to sour cream. The only redeeming quality of this restaurant was the great waiting staff. They were friendly and attentive of my needs. I just wish the food was as good as the staff. At the entry fee of 16.95 per person (including a drink), I don't think I would return a second time. read more

This place is definately alot better than I expected. I went in expecting that it would be just another chinese buffet. With that being said, this place definately exceeded expectations. The interior is very modern and has great ambience. I went with a large group and the staff was extremely nice and accommodating. The food was hit or miss, but when it hit it hit the spot. THey had a few dishes that were quite unique. they had cheesy broccoli and fried seafood. The broccoli was meh, but I really loved the fried seafood. The sushi was good. not the best I've ever had, but the best I've ever had in a buffet. The mongolian BBQ was good and bad. The first time i went, i totally loved it and then I went back, and he screwed up the order badly. not exactly sure how he pulled off that jekyll/ Hyde trick, but whatever. I had a good time and enjoyed the food, so 4 stars!!!! read more

See all

Lots of choices everything was hot and savory I enjoyed the soup and the shrimp dishes.

It's a Chinese Buffet ... what can I say... all that you find at Chinese Buffet plus a few more seafood options. The Costumer Service was great! read more

It gets pretty packed and I hate it I was putting food on my plate with the rings and the minute I grab the tong and put one slice of orange on my plate I already had a stupid lady with a full plate of food and two kids just standing behind me staring with and ugly desperate face for me to move and leave like if she was starving and that was the only thing to eat in the whole buffet like omg just wait your turn people get really ugly and greedy with the food. They walk around the buffet like pacman eating everything lol read more

China Sea Buffet - Yummy - Chinese Near Me - McAllen, Texas

This place has obviously just opened, maybe not to long ago, its not even on Yelp yet and even hard to find on the internet. This is a Chinese buffet with Mongolian grill. This place is one of the fancier buffets I have been to, very Techno-ish colors and neon colors, very high tech modern look tables and chairs. Ok the food, it's really difficult for me to tell the difference from one buffet to another, however this place has tons of extra foods available and stuff that I never seen! Food is above average though, tastes fresh specially the shrimp and seafood is really good, normally I don't say that about a Chinese buffet, but this one makes it real tasty. Loads of deserts too, I had some fried plantains and they were to die for, very good! my son had some blue bell ice cream that you get to scoop yourself. All and all very above the average food, price was more than I like to pay for a buffet but not bad for what you get. I do recommend it and will go back when I am visiting Mission/McAllen, Tx. read more

China Sea Buffet - Techno-ish interior - Chinese Near Me - McAllen, Texas

See all

Normally my family and I come to this buffet and enjoy it, but to increase the price on a holiday specifically is tacky and disrespectful to its customers. Usually the place is packed with people because we all enjoy the food, but f*** this place for doing something so tasteless. Instead of giving discounts to its customers or leaving the price as it was (~$10 per adult) which would have produced more revenue in the long run, they upped it to almost $15 per adult. That's expensive for a buffet. Food is alright, but not worth $15. read more

China Sea Buffet - Dude, seriously? - Chinese Near Me - McAllen, Texas

Will not come back here again. Meat was dry, fish was dry. Only good thing was egg drop soup Ama shrimp. Kids had their hands all over the ice cream, which is nasty. While eating the server asked if we could move because this big party of people came in. I don't think so, we just left. Unless you want nasty food, I wouldn't come here. read more

Busy at lunch. Food is kept fresh with lots of choices. If your looking for speedy lunch that won't break the bank it's a good option.

Ok.. First.. I'm from jersey so my tastes are likely different.. The main foods were very good, I was pleasantly surprised.. NJ/NY comparable.. My favorites were the Mei fun noodles and a chicken and shrimp dish.. The egg roll was good and of course the little fried dough balls. Everything was always well stocked and hot.. Also tasted fresh. The only three complaints I had: 1. The sushi was disappointing and did not have a variety.. It was pretty much different variations on a Cali roll.. No spicy tuna or anything of that nature.. I'm not clear as to advertising the sushi part if there's no variety OR 4 choices of the same basic roll. 2. The desserts weren't too great either.. 3. This could be just Texas doesn't offer it: crab legs.. Why aren't there any? read more

n a celebration of the Chinese new year, I decided to go to a chinese buffet. I decided to try this place since the reviews seemed ok and also it seemed new. First impressions: I went in on weekday and the place was busy during lunchtime, usually a good sign imho. Ambiance: very contemporary and the food items seemed showcased with the lighting. Overall food selection was not bad athough I was longing for dim sum items which they did not have and they also did not have sashimi in the sushi section. The sushi section was primarily composed of the rolls with crab meat. In addition to the Chinese fast food favorites they also had italian options and not to mention more than the usual fish option which i thought was a positive. However again imho, i felt the baked salmon was overcooked and overseasoned. Oveall the place is ok and I would go back again. read more

See all

Very much an American Chinese buffet, if that makes sense. I'm pretty sure french fries and cheesy broccoli are not a traditional Chinese staple, but who knows! I could be wrong! The buffet stuff was good but not spectacular. The sushi was mehhh but I don't expect much from buffets. Didn't try the Mongolian grill but it looked pretty good. read more

We thought it was good. Manager was very attentive and clearing plates. Place is clean and feels new. Food is great. Lots of variety, sushi bar, Mongolian grill. No complaints. read more

Food was alright and pretty filling. Looking back we should've chosen the take out option because we managed to spend $40+ for just 3 people with the buffet option, and of course we couldn't take any leftovers home. The service was fine but definitely could've been better. The place is okay looking and had a nice set up, but they need to clean their curtains. There was ominous stains all over the ones next to my booth and it was a turn off. Lastly they need to make an effort to label their foods. My father almost ended up eating shrimp because he thought it was chicken. If he was allergic it could've ended up bad. Due to personal circumstances I probably won't come back to this place again. read more

China Sea Buffet - I didn't finish the garlic bread but the food was okay for basic Chinese - Chinese Near Me - McAllen, Texas

Nicer looking than the average Chinese food buffet. The inside looks like a 80's New-Wave Business Board Room. Its kinda of dark, do vampires work here, its bit bother some if you like to view your food. I decided to take a "buffet to go" the food selection is very nice and has some extra like a mongolian station and sushi bar. Like most buffets, its best to visit during prime hours mostly around lunch time and din din time, since the food is regularly replaced. The price is high, much higher in price than other places, I spent $11.36 on the foam plate and the soup, which is not included, would of been an extra $3.14. Which, reminded me of the first time I was here and was shocked by the almost $20 bucks receipt. I think Iknow where they went wrong or right depending on you look at it. The building is way to huge alot of square footage means big overhead, with lots of of employees shuffling around. They are mashing up a high class ambiance with an all you can eat buffet. that's a risky business move read more

China Sea Buffet - Chinese Near Me - McAllen, Texas

See all

This place is WACK!!! literally dirty, the food is trash, I took my boyfriend on a date and it cost $32 and I was there for maybe 15 minutes before we got grossed out and left. The tables were sticky, the waiter didn't even ask us if we wanted drinks we had to call them over. We saw a kid put his whole hand in the ice cream container. 2/10 would not recommend. read more

Food was across the board terrible. I know better to be talked into eat places like this. No white rice ???? Yuck read more

Food ok, Asian waitress spent more time visiting with co workers than helping customers.

I thought the price was too expensive considering the treatment. I went at night and asked if they had any more of a certain tray I wanted and one of the employees said no cause they were closing in 30 minutes. Most of the food I got from their trays were already getting cold and weren't fresh at all. I was surprised that I was treated that way since I went at night. The only compliment I can give them was the cleanliness of the restaurant and the waiter did bring refills twice. Anyways, I won't be going to this restaurant anymore. read more

Impressive food options that are not common in other buffets. I liked that they had whole fried talapia and lots of shrimp dishes. They have sushi and Mongolian like most other buffets which is a nice added value. They also have blue bell ice cream for desert. Some cones would be nice but they only have bowls. The furniture and finish out is modern and feels slightly upscale for a buffet. Overall I was impressed with the place and would recommend it and go back for more! read more

See all

At first appearance there is nothing wrong looks good actually. Then you get a very strong wif of pledge and or Lysol floor cleaner and that destroyed it. It make the food taste unappetizing and Bcoz I didn't eat all day. I had to force my self to keep eating. I have a very sensitive nose. So everything I ate tasted like lemon pledge or Lysol. It even made my stomach turn. I ate quickly as I can and got out of there I'm sure everything tasted great if it wasn't for the floor cleaner. read more

Food was ok they have a great selection. Sushi was awsome and fresh, decor needs to be improved and carpet cleaning is a must but overall good place to eat. read more

Major disappointment. Most dishes were temperature correct & a few actually had a little flavor. Sign out front advertised "all you can eat oysters". Stayed an hour & a half, never saw the first oyster. Had to wait for boiled shrimp, no flavor. Best thing I ate: cream cheese wonton. Nice, clean place. Just need a cook & management. read more

I am over rating this place with a 1 star but they do not give the option to give negative stars. The price was to expensive for 2 adults and a 4 yr old over $30.00 for the service we received. The Mongolian grill all the meat was frozen and they blamed the customers for eating to much. The manager stated if the customers would not eat so much they would not have to prep as much, well hello its a buffet make it a order menu if you want to portion the amount of food a customer can have. The manager was running the register and his laptop was more important than the customers or employees. i told him about the meat and said if he would get off his computer he would know what is going on in his restaurant and he called me a liar. I asked the waitress and she told me he is like that everyday. The rest of the staff were nice for what English they knew. I will not take my family back there. This was the worst experience I ever had. read more

Food across the board was absolutely terrible. Worst Chinese food I've ever had. Everything on the buffet was lukewarm at best and anything fried was harder than a rock. read more

It's good. Nothing to knock your socks off. Good selections though. But overall your basic big buffet. Decor is kind of cool. Music a little loud read more

I This was awful!!!!!!!!!! I paid $15.99 for one person. It should have been a negative star. The parking lot was empty with should have given me an idea of what this nasty restaurant was like. Food was cold. My chicken sooooo hard it slipped off my plate and stained my pants. I called the waitress over and explained to her my complaint there was no reaction. Also in the back ground they were sweeping: what part of airborne bacteria don't these ignorant people understand?.. Oh yeah the waiting staff is not eating there. I asked the chasier for the manager. She did not introduce herself nothing. After complaining I was told they will turn up the heat. People don't eat here please! I have had a stomachache after I eat there. TRY TO AVOID THIS PLACE GO EAT AT ANOTHER PLACE WHERE THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR CLIENTS. read more

Typical china buffet. Very diverse selection but warm and it all tasted the same.

Not very impressed with this place the waitresses did not speak English so we couldn't understand each other and the food was all cold would not eat here again read more

My wife and I went recently for a late dinner. The price was a little expensive. The decor was nice but the service was a little on the slow side. Nothing really special on the buffet table that would make us go back specifically. read more