I don't understand all the negative ratings, this place is generally very good with a large assortment of food, more so than other Chinese buffets in Vermont Staff is friendly and the tip is not 18% and if so, they deserve it read more

We have been customers of this restaurant many times over the years, but after our most recent experience, we will never return. My father is blind and uses a guide dog. When we arrived, the staff gave him a difficult time about bringing his service dog into the restaurant and even tried to move our table because of it. It was embarrassing and completely unnecessary. We ultimately had to call the police. The responding officer explained to the restaurant that they were mistaken and that my father's guide dog is a legally protected service animal that must be allowed to accompany him. No family should have to experience this while simply trying to enjoy a meal together. We hope the owners take this as an opportunity to properly educate their staff on the rights of individuals with disabilities and how to respectfully welcome customers who rely on service animals. Sadly, after being treated this way, we will not be returning. read more

Grand Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Essex Junction, Vermont

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Buyer beware! Mandatory service charge for all parties. We went in instead of going to somewhere with ambience because it was a money saving decision. It was $18.49 per person for the buffet (classic food options) which allllmost made me turn around to go to a restaurant. We decided to stay regardless but barely. When the bill came, there was a "mandatory service" charge for "parties over 0 people." Keep in mind, this is not a full service establishment -- they cleared 2 plates from our table during our meal and that was our whole service. So, with tax and this mandatory service charge, it was $23.75 per person to eat Chinese buffet. When I asked about this, I was brusquely told what seemed like a very rehearsed spiel about how this IS posted and it is restaurant policy. Rehearsed because, I assume, this is something many people are not expecting at a buffet where they scarf some lo Mein and leave. Was the food bad? No. Was it worth $23 a person, definitely not. I'm not a skimpy tipper in life, but 18% for any size party for buffet-only is the first time I have experienced this kind of surprise policy. read more

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This buffet has very limited food choices compared to most of the Asian style buffet restaurants out there. There was a sushi bar, but only a few choices of Sushi's available and the quantity of sushi's have been low or none throughout my meal. I tried to get some California rolls, only two pieces were left the first time I stopped by and none during my second visit to the sushi bar. The rice on the sushi roll seemed really hard and dry. The sushi did not look fresh at all. The Chinese dishes seemed reasonable and fairly hot, but they were all salty taste. There were only a few seafood choices and again quantities were low. The fruits seemed coming out from cans and not fresh at all. The waitress was attentive, but the tone how she spoke sounded very demanding. They automatically included tips on our bill. I would not come back to this restaurant again, very disappointing. read more

Grand Buffet - Interior - Chinese Near Me - Essex Junction, Vermont

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1/5. They lie about their prices and call the cops on those that do not tip more than 17 percent. This place is a trap. LET THAT SINK IN

Don't let Scott G. fool you. This is a fine establishment. While not fancy enough for a 31st birthday, this restaurant carries all of the necessary qualities for an affordable, tasty meal. The service was amazing and the people who own the restaurant are amazing. I will gladly be eating here any day. read more

I went here for the first time today. The food was average at best. It was like $17.49 for the buffet. Way overpriced for such low quality food. When my Bill arrived I was surprised to find that 18% was added as a mandatory tip. It's pretty easy to Google what a recommended tip at a buffet, where you do most of the work, is. The recommended tip is 10%. This certainly was not a high class restaurant were 18% should be expected. I don't mind tipping but I don't like being surprised with it already on my bill. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. This place is sad and will never have my business again. read more

The food is pretty good, although there are a few things that don't seem as good as they used to be. The crab legs were impossible to eat, as the fryer managed to seal the tiny claws shut. The rest was just the outer fryer crumbs but not why I chose them. A 20% tip is too much when we are getting our own food; the servers clean up after us and bring a drink... it seems 10.% would be fairer. I don't think we will come back. read more

We have been enjoying the Grand Buffet for many years. The staff is and has always been, kind, considerate and efficient. The food options are plentiful and consistently fresh and delicious. All our favorites, just to name a few... Crab Rangoon, Spare Ribs, Broccoli, Green Beans, steamed and spiced fish variations, crispy spring rolls, fresh fruits, dessert cakes and soups too! - just to name a few. The staff always makes sure you are aware of the "tip" included, which we often increase to the 20% . The "staff" are not only those you see but also those that maintain the tasty fare, clean environment and colorful ambiance. Did I mention the Senior Discount? Thank you Grand Buffet for many years of joy! read more

Service and quality off food has greatly diminished here. What used to be a great place to eat with affordability has now the worst place to eat. Price gouging is happening here. I just spent $66 for 2 people for take out. Never again will I eat here read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. This place has the nerve to slap an automatic 18% gratuity onto a buffet bill and call it "customer service." There is no service. You pick up your own food, refill your own drinks, and still get charged like someone actually did something for you. If they felt like making it 50%, I'm pretty sure they'd tack that on too without blinking. The manager's attitude is unbelievable. We called ahead with a simple question about the food, and she snapped, "This is a Chinese buffet what do you expect... duhhh," like we were supposed to magically understand everything from that. Completely unprofessional and flat-out rude. Forget the price. We didn't even liked the food, they did not make good memory for us, most of the costumes there . Are the works and their family. I wanna see how long the manger could keep the busines with this attitude read more

Grand Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Essex Junction, Vermont

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Absolutely terrible. Rude, entitled, not even decent food for the prices, plus you MUST add an 18 percent MANDATORY tip. Be aware.

Absurdly rude staff, particularly the women running the checkout counter. Food was fine (sushi was overcooked), but the staff was so bad, I will never go back, and recommend literally any of the other Chinese restaurants around town read more

Love this place! The staff are attentive and kind. Food is always delicious. Also- they have a robot??? Love that they've added the service fee - they beyond deserve it. read more

Grand Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Essex Junction, Vermont

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Where do I start. This place has great food BUT it's always cold. ALSO they took my plate with my only fork on it. Mind you I was not done eating I only had ate one plate. The service was weird theu always came by waiting for when I was done. Also not to mind you THEY add an auto tip of 17$ in ur bill.This is a horrible place. I would not recommend. read more

BUYER BEWARE .I'm appalled that the last time we went there they added a mandatory 18% tip on to the bill. Not to mention they have raised their prices. I will not be eating there again unless that changes. Avoid at all costs,this needs to be addressed. A tip is something you choose to give if you have stellar service and should never be mandatory (just pay your workers better or raise the prices so we at least know what we will be paying). What if I went in there with just enough money to have a meal and get up to the counter to pay and find my 18% has been added to my bill? WRONG! You lost two customers that day. read more

This place charges people a gratuity in their bill!! That is just ludacris and so wrong and against the law i almost bet. There are no waitresses at a buffet so people should not be being robbed of extra money on their bill for getting no service at all!! Its a buffet you serve yourself! Not to mention the food is utterly terrible. And there are flies everywhere inside. The place is dirty also on top of having terrible food. Oh and dint bother questioning the witch manager cause she will call the cops on your and claim your harassing. I guess telling someone that policy is bs and questioning it is harassment!!????!! Im serious i gotta call from essex jct pd like an hour or two after i had called to complain cause i did not pay attention to my bill and then a friend went a few days ago and they did it to him and said the same thing to him when he questioned it!! We as consumers need to boycott any business sneakily adding a tip onto your final bill!! There are businesses in essex burlington and montpelier ( right across from montpelier fire dept to be exact) Grand buffet is robbing people unfairly and maliciously Do not give them your business read more

Food was good, $50 for 2 people is outrageous for a buffet. Gratuity is now included in the tip at 20% and added in before the tax. When I said something to the cashier she just kept saying ok bye. bye. Very Rude. read more

We had a family dinner on Friday night during what I would normally think of as prime time, and we were surprised to see that there many tables filled as there had been before. Food quality has slipped since the last time we ate there, kind of low average. I think that the policy of charging a mandatory 18% has irritated the loyal customer and is driving down demand. No amount of asking if we need refills is going to be worth that rate. Most people would expect it to be more like 10% for a self service all you can eat buffet . While this is not a dealbreaker, there are many options for eating out. I know that I will now consider a different choice until they change that mandatory tipping rate. read more

This review is not about the food, or the waitstaff but the woman at checkout. Yesterday my wife and I stopped for an easy dinner. When the bill was dropped off the woman said the gratuity included. I looked and it was. I said to my wife "that's new". I brought the bill up to pay and asked the woman at the counter about it. She said anyone who dine in pay gratuity been for months. I was there not so long ago so months may be a stretch. I asked her the % because it seemed high. She said not high fair 18%. I said 18% for someone to take a dirty plate away? In my mind I am thinking this is their job they aren't waitresses but more-so "bus boys". The woman then said sign is posted. I asked where? she replied when you come in. I asked my wife did you see it? She said "no", and I didn't see it. The women shrugged her shoulders and went "hmph". Pretty much the oh well don't care. I said you do not need to be rude to me I was only asking because it surprised me. She said, "I not rude you question me that rude." Apparently, I must have forgotten in the United States it's rude to question something that is new, you do not understand or seems off... I paid using my phone on their touch pad. Normally I do an e-receipt, but she took the machine back as soon as it beeped and said I give you a receipt and chose the print option for me. At this point I said, I prefer to have an email, she again shrugged the I don't care way again. I said "ok, whatever, I'll just leave a few reviews". And she just gave me a nasty look, like "go ahead, I don't care" expression. On the way out we looked for the gratuity notification. It wasn't very obvious and more tucked in with other verbiage. To a reasonable person this would not be considered "clearly displayed". *Food for thought, if you go to McDonald's, order in and they bring it to you they do not mandate gratuity, and they did slightly more work in reading, compiling then bringing your order to you. **Here's an interesting point not that long ago they had increased their per adult plate price to $17.99. I can only assume their business reduced because it was rescinded back to $15.98. Here's the math $15.98 + 18% = $18.86; in short, they found a way to not only get their $17.99 but make an additional $0.85 on top of it! It's a neat magic trick and preys on the customer being ignorant, and having "the wool pulled over your eyes." I took a picture of their sign, so far everyone I have showed it to needed me to zoom in to identify this little carrot. The 18% Gratuity notification is on the white paper, at the bottom of the board, above "HAVE A DELIGHTFUL MEAL!!!" *Note they made the size piece of paper riddled with other information. Not very clear to me, how about you? IMO the public should avoid this establishment until they can be respectful to their customers. And not pull a fast one to make an extra buck, again preying on they must believe we are ignorant. Most major establishment's do not mandate gratuity unless it's a party of 8 or more. read more

Grand Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Essex Junction, Vermont

Garbage. Went on a friday night around 8 pm. Food was garbage. Then got automayically charged a 18% tip. I dont mind tipping a waitress what she deserves but 18% automatically at checkout. I bet the server doesnt even get the tip. When i tried to confront the manager she became irate and kicked us out. I was just rrying to make sure the "server" got thr tip for bringing us our drinks, because at a shitty buffet we servr ourselves. Not only that they were sweeping the dining room carpet, kicking up dust while we were still eating. Gross. read more

Ok AYCE Chinese buffet restaurant in Essex junction, right outside of Burlington. Located in a strip mall with plenty of parking. Standard fare, noodles fried rice along with the usual American Chinese dishes. Extra points for serving crayfish, fried crabs, clams, large shrimp fried and other seafood. It was full of customers who obviously have been here before and a long time. Some of them are wide bodied. It's a free country, do as you please as long as you don't offend others. Damage for two dinners with 1 drink 41. Come here if you like this kind of food or need to feed a lot of food. As usual I got my moneys worth, will be dieting tomorrow. read more

Way too expensive. They add the tip (over 20%) with no option of changing it when they don't even serve you.

Rude .food was horrible. Manager was upset when I didn't want to pay mandatory 18% tip added to bill. Not recommended

I was impressed: very reasonable buffet price, senior discount, lots of food and choices, tasty and well cooked. They tell you up front about the 18% gratuity, and the staff work hard for it and deserve it. They have desserts, ice cream, sushi, short ribs, soup, etc. Would definitely return. read more

What can I say but not bad. If you are in the mood for some all you eat Chinese food, go for it. They had a good selection of dishes and tasted good. The service was good. Could be a tad cleaner. read more

Not worth coming here. They let the roof leak on the salad bar and place is a dump do your self favor and go to peaking duck in Winooski

We have been eating here for years. There seems to have been a change in management recently, and while the food is still good, We, (My wife and I) object to the mandatory 18% service charge, and the useless tiny handles on the tea cups. We now generally choose to go up to St Albans to Lucky Buffet. read more

Will never go there again, Hidden fees, and bad attitudes ! Way over priced ! Food is terrible !

Simply fabulous! I love the decor it's so dreamlike and serene. The food is crave-able and delicious! The fresh lemonade is a must have! Couldn't recommend enough. read more

So apparently server will decide how much we need to tip without customer knowledge and TINY SIGN at door you be the judge . read more

Grand Buffet - On bottom in small letter which I think it's not fair with customers . - Chinese Near Me - Essex Junction, Vermont

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I went yesterday on a Sunday and it was very busy and the food is great but the only issue is some of the food was ice cold

Been coming here since they opened. Food has been up and down for freshness. . Chicken tasted like fish this trip. This time realized 18% gratuity added to bill without knowing. When asked to remove the rude person at the cashier said can't remove and don't come back. Beware of this place it's not the same anymore!!!! read more

Me and my family came here for a nice family dinner not expecting what would alter the course of our lives forever. We were one of the only families in the restaurant. One of the ladies who worked there drop kicked our 4 year old toddler! We were stunned to say the least but continued to eat until a homeless looking man came into the restaurant holding a suspicious looking paper bag and proceeded to take a dump in the middle of the floor. Never coming here again. Food was mediocre. 1 star. read more

My son and I are in the process of visiting every Chinese restaurant in Chittenden County. We always order the same thing. I order a chicken and broccoli combo with pork fried rice and an egg roll. My son orders a sesame chicken combo with pork fried rice and teriyaki sticks. Price: $24.91. On a price per ounce basis ( $.29/oz), the price is about average. Portion: 5.6lbs between the two meals is large, but proportional on a price/oz basis when compared with other restaurants in Chittenden County. Pros: Good location in Big Lots shopping center. The chicken & broccoli had decent flavor. Generous w/ soy & sweet/sour sauce packets. Cons: They wouldn't let us Teriyaki beef sticks as an appetizer. We had to purchase Teriyaki beef sticks as a side order which drove up the price. The egg roles were on the smaller side. The pork fried rice with bits of pork and sauteed onion lacked flavor. The sesame chicken was below average in terms of flavor. Impression: Convenient location. Lack of taste & flavor led to a below average experience giving this restaurant a two-star rating. read more

Grand Buffet - Chicken & Broccoli Combo and Sesame Chicken combo with pork fried rice, egg roles and a side of beef teriyaki sticks. - Chinese Near Me - Essex Junction, Vermont

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Could have been cleaner. Some of the food in the steam table tray were lukewarm to cold - that's the food danger zone. What I did eat was great, hence the second star. Could have been cleaner. The men's room was a mess. If you're expecting a high-end buffet experience, Grand Buffet is not for you. read more

I couldn't stand being in here for more than 5 minutes. As soon as you walk in the door it reeks of urine. The bathrooms are atrocious...

I love this buffet. Best Chinese buffet in Vermont. Been coming here with mom since they opened! Their service is great. Can't believe they only have 3 stars. Hot tea is free. read more

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Let me start off by saying this, no one goes to a buffet to be disciplined or healthy... so if you're reading this all triumphant with your salad on one plate that you got with lemon juice and olive oil as dressing, and pineapple for dessert, why are you like this? I've come here a hand full of times and I will say this... the staff is consistent and memorable/polite... today I had the same waitress I had last year and I'm happy to say she didn't cough in my water this time.... (I was out of pocket enough to ask for a fresh glass after that....) Vermont doesn't have many buffets and this is the one that's better than that one in Saint Albans (I said what I said)... like just more options. For the price of an adult, I was not going to lose against the buffet.... My first plate consisted of at least 20 sushi pieces and a cup of pickled ginger and enough wasabi to clear your sinuses of any wrong doing/make your family wonder if you're trying to get back at them. I knew I had won in that moment. (It was cooked fish, you won't see me writing from a hospital bed, wondering "how did I get mercury poisoning...") the second plate (oh I went there) the chicken had so many crunchy parts and the boneless spare ribs were sweeter than myself (if you can imagine that.) Why are we putting sugar on crab rangoon? (Where was the crab? ((while I'm at it.))) and the dessert plate.... Can we agree that the sheet cakes (especially the espresso one) are just the bees knees? And the irrationally simple and delicious coconut macaroons... so if you want to make the best out of a bad decision and give into your gluttonous ways, go here. No one is judging, we all know why we are there... wear sweats and bring a digestive enzyme to take after... and don't look anyone in the eye... and if your date brought you there for the first date.... This is either going to be really good or really bad... I give this place a 6/10 (I subtracted one point because I'm still not completely over that cough into my drink.) read more

Honestly, I used to love this place, but over the years, the staff has gotten progressively more rude, UNattentive, and God's honest truth - true story-tonight I literally went there for the sushi and the woman behind the sushi bar was PICKING HER TEETH with one of those half floss, toothpick things-(placard?) she saw me observing her as she spoke VERY LOUDLY on the phone and did not bother to stop honestly who does that at any restaurant ever??? even as a patron I wouldn't pull one of those things out and start doing my teeth in the middle of a restaurant. I politely told the woman at the cash register, and her immediate, defensive response almost YELLING AT ME- was " she doesn't work at the sushi counter!" hi informed her that even if that was the case nobody should be doing that in a restaurant around food- she responded- " you don't have to come back". I think it's super ironic. That one of the customers was wearing a Covid mask and one of the people that worked there was picking her teeth behind the food counter.- WTH?! At any rate, I thought I would let people know I was truly shocked and am disappointed (and disgusted) read more