The Great Wall Augusta, ME A Buffet Experience That Requires Stretchy Pants and Emotional Preparedness If you're cruising down the highway in Augusta and suddenly feel the gravitational pull of fried rice, congratulations -- you're near The Great Wall. Conveniently located close to the highway and surrounded by shops (should you need to walk off 3-5 plates afterward), this buffet fortress boasts a well-maintained parking lot and handicap accessibility. In short: easy to get to, hard to leave. Atmosphere: The Buffet Cathedral Walking inside, you're greeted by a cavernous dining room with ample natural light -- the kind that lets you clearly see the five or six buffet stations daring you to test your willpower. There's plenty of seating, so whether you arrive solo, with family, or with your competitive-eating alter ego, you'll have room to expand emotionally and physically. Staff: Swift and Smiling The staff is friendly and efficient -- masters of the silent plate swap. You'll look down mid-bite and suddenly your finished plate has vanished like a magic trick, replaced with opportunity. It's the kind of service that says, "Yes, we see you going back for thirds. We support you." Food: A Journey in Three Acts The Highlights (Return-Trip Worthy) * Fried rice: The dependable hero. Fluffy, flavorful, and generously scooped on your plastic plate. * Chicken dishes of all varieties: If it clucks, they've sautéed it, fried it, glazed it, or lovingly bathed it in sauce. Also, Chicken on a stick. Yep, just like the name suggests, it's chicken on a stick. Simple, elegant, and on a stick! * Bok choy with oyster sauce: Fresh, vibrant, and a responsible choice you can point to when explaining your plate's overall nutritional value. This is served with the traditional oyster sauce, the flavor adds to your sodium delight. * Noodle dishes galore: Lo mein, mystery mein, probably-other-mein. Carb enthusiasts, rejoice. The Mid-Light (We're Thinking About It) * Tiny crab rangoons: More "suggestion of crab rangoon" than actual rangoon, but still a crispy little detour. * Vegetarian sushi: A pleasant palate cleanser between ambitious buffet laps. * Hot and sour soup: Mushroom lovers, this one's for you. Mushroom neutral? You've been warned. * Pudding: A delightful way to end the meal and initiate the sacred post-meal "pudding process." * Fortune cookies: Slightly stale, but let's be honest -- destiny waits for no one, and this is hardly The Great Wall's fault. The No-Light Zone * Jello: Possibly a flavor not yet recognized by science. It bore the ripples of its can-shaped origin story like a badge of honor. * Peanut Butter Chicken: Do you wish you had a PB and J, but without the bread, and you substituted it with protein-packed fried chicken? Well, Cinderella, here is your missing slipper. * BoBo shrimp: A philosophical experience. Was it shrimp? Was it chicken? Was it both in a culinary identity crisis? We may never know. * Muscles: Yeah, we're in Maine, but you are likely pushing your luck with these guys. Save room for a second BoBo shrimp instead. * Egg roll: Dough-forward. Think "pizza roll that studied abroad." * Pizza: Skip this! You are at The Great Wall, not the house of Pisa. Cleanliness Overall tidy and clean -- especially impressive considering the steady flow of buffet warriors rotating through. Pro Tip * Ask for chopsticks -- they're available but not automatically deployed. * Knives are not included in the standard fork-spoon-napkin starter pack. Plan accordingly. * Hydrate throughout the meal. Tsingtao is the obvious choice, but in order to keep your sodium levels at Atlantic Ocean, and not the Dead Sea, drink water throughout the meal. Schedule a hydration and digestion window afterward. This is not a "quick bite" establishment. This is an event. Final Verdict The Great Wall in Augusta delivers what a buffet should: variety, value, and the opportunity to make questionable but memorable food decisions. Come hungry. Leave proud (and slightly horizontal). read more

Great Wall Buffet - Chix on a stick! - Chinese Near Me - Augusta, Maine

Big selection of fresh, hot food. Waitress who brought our drinks was fantastic. I'm not a fan of the desserts but everything else was very flavorful. We will stop by again. read more

Great Wall Buffet - Some of just about everything. - Chinese Near Me - Augusta, Maine

The restaurant has a very large buffet. They open at 11 o'clock every day of the week. Very clean and neat. Our server was very attentive. Are the food items in the buffet were well stocked and fresh. read more

Great Wall Buffet - Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Augusta, Maine

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Their bill is really low for the quality. If patrons complain they need to go to Portland and spend 250% more. The owners are super nice and you should eat here for cheap quick eats. read more

Great Wall Buffet - Dumplings, chicken and brocholli - Chinese Near Me - Augusta, Maine

Best to go to this restaurant 20 minutes after it opens and around 430. I find the items are not usually hot or filled up during other times of the day. That being said. The food is good and there a huge variety that changes at night. The coconut shrimp (only night) is to die for The dim sum is also a favorite Even picky eaters will be full. Also offer takeout by the lb. Staff is attentive without being overbearing. Standard buffet. A little pricey. read more

Very large buffet with tons of seating, several pretty good items on offer and pretty reasonable pricing for a weekend dinner - in comparison, we recently went to Umi Seafood Buffet in South Portland, which had a number of more enjoyable items, more attractively laid out, but with a higher price tag to boot. Still, not so shabby. I was a bit disappointed that all the sushi was vegetarian - no fish. read more

All the food was warm, but not that good. I did not even bother getting any fried rice as it was just yellow rice topped with frozen veggies. Not pictured was the wanton soup. The broth was almost flavorless and the wantons were undercooked. There reason I did not give 1 star was because the waitress was very kind and refilled your drink extremely quickly. For a soda and the lunch buffet I paid $20. read more

Great Wall Buffet - Lo Mein, Crab Rangoon, dumplings, and spare ribs. - Chinese Near Me - Augusta, Maine

I wouldn't even rate it if that was an option. I have never in my life had worse food with my family (3 adults , 1 ten year old, 1 two year old). The pizza smelled and tasted like an old dirty dish rag, food was cold mind you I just PAID 100 dollars to eat at this disgrace of a buffet they will never have our service again. Also when a customer tells you that the food sucked, as a waiter you should be able to understand that without replying thank you like your an idiot! This was all an hour or so before closing with 6 other customers besides us in restaurant. They kicked out the last 2 customers at 9:34 and they got here at 9:15 that's literally 20 minutes to eat for 50 something dollars on VALENTINES DAY, In-fn-Sane! 10/10 Would NEVER recommend!!!!! read more

what a disappointment there was absolutely no variety of flavors chicken was overcooked & dry, it tasted like pieces were already cooked, frozen and then placed in an oven & over cooked same for spring rolls & egg rolls hot & sour soup had no flavor, guess they pay no attention to it's name read more

We went on a Friday night and some trays had very limited food items. The food was not hot but warm and I always want my food hot. Adults dinner is $16.95 and really is a good price considering the selections of food offered. Some appetizers were refried so it was dried ie. Chicken wings. Overall an okay meal. read more

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Great food amazing , great customer service, very clean, good pricing, and many food options

This place is fantastic! You can dine in, grab a container for take out or place an order and pick it up and go! We go in for dinner at least once a week, and I grab a container for a take out lunch a few times a week! Its quicker then fast food, and they have a lot of healthier options with veggies! I just love that they have options for everyone from finger foods, to meat and veggies, to salad and sushi! They have so many options I cant remember them all! But what I can say is the food is delicious, the owners are lovely, the staff is kind and welcoming, and the price for a buffet, both dine in, and per pound take out can't be beat! We're regulars, and once you try it, I bet you will be too! read more

We walked in and were sat right away. First to a table that we would not have been able to get out from as it was so close to another table of people. The waitress came before we actually sat and offered us another table. Good on her. Food was fine. Nothing great. Nothing bad. We all got to get the different foods we often debate getting. There were not many vegetables, that was probably the one complaint we had, if any. While we were there for an hour, the buffet was continually restocked so we never noticed anything "low" or out. Apparently they also sell by the pound to go as several people came through during lunch with containers and we watched the front weigh them and people left. That's a nice option. Our waitress noticed every time we needed a drink, and quickly removed used plates. Very attentive. The other patrons either spoke super loudly or. The acoustics are just horrible. We heard everyone's conversation. That was horrible as our politics, views on immigration, beliefs were in complete contrast to all the people who were near us. We kept quiet. We all left satisfied. Waitress was good. Worth the price. read more

Oh my goodness! We moved and hadn't been to GW in over 10 years. Last night (a Friday at 7ish) we decided to go and it was incredible. The food was hot, fresh and delicious and every bin was full. The staff were very friendly and courteous. The restaurant was clean and comfortable. Absolutely the best buffet food I can remember having. We paid $40 for 2 plates minus tip and it was worth every cent. read more

It's ridiculous that I can't buy food from the Buffett by weight & eat it inside. I apparently have to buy it, by weight and leave with it. As someone who can't eat very much at a time, it's pointless to pay for the Buffett. Every other place lets you buy it & still eat with your family. read more

Absolutely horrible. My friend convinced me to go and I instantly regretted it. Showed up 3 minutes after opening so you'd expect fresh, hot food. Every single thing I tried was ice cold and flavorless. I was so nauseas walking to my car that I had to go around the corner to throw up. I am by no means a picky eater. I love buffet but this place is definitely a SKIP if you don't want to get sick. read more

Great Wall Buffet - Outside - Chinese Near Me - Augusta, Maine

They scammed us. I was part of a ten person group that visited Sunday 4/24/22 at about 11AM. We called a week ahead to let them know we were a big group. We were seated in a room kind of separated from the regular dinning area. After we went and got some food one of the employees interrupted us and made an announcement that there was a $20 charge to use the room and wanted to know who was going to pay for it. At a cost of $20 for the buffet and a drink, that's a 10% service fee up front. For a buffet! No mention of it when we made reservations, or when they told us where to sit. At first I was so mad I was just going to leave the plate of food and walk out. What a bad move on them. I will not be back. read more

Immense variety, as a buffet, there is decent selection for a range of entree samplings and sides, so come hungry. Dessert options were completely lacking, very plain. Service for water and getting buffet/your check were great, polite and prompt. Refreshing the buffet was also good. We loved the space for sitting down and talking amongst family. It was quiet and not-busy enough that we could have great conversation amongst 11 people at 2p. It's a real crowd-pleasing range of options within the buffet. We also had 2 people who just weren't hungry and there was no issue with them just being present. read more

I've always loved this place. Those that give The GW a bad review are just being too picky. The owners are very caring and work hard at keeping the place clean. The workers on the buffet are friendly if you are nice to them and say Hi. The waitresses are friendly. Can't wait until they open again!!!! Gotta get me some GW Buffet. read more

Food was good and worth the price; the coconut shrimp especially was delicious. The staff were attentive and took used plates quickly.

Decent food for the price. Bonus on cleanliness and friendly staff. A great stop from Bar Harbor on our way south.

Food is tasty and excellent value. Many good dishes. Some of the staff are nasty though and unfriendly. Overall though you can't beat the prices for Buffet. read more

The Great Wall Buffet has a calming atmosphere, in which you can go enjoy solid American Chinese food with the family in peace. The food was better than most Chinese places in NH, but isn't jaw dropping. I'd definitely come here again if I was in the mood for Chinese and felt like taking a 3 hour drive out of pocket. The place was clean and the service was decent, the price was reasonable. I'd rate it a solid 7.3/10 Good work! read more

Very nice buffet with a good selection. Clean and inviting. Family friendly. I would recommend stopping.

Great food and people I love to eat here once a week with my family and friends always a pleasure

I'm honestly confused on the low rating this local Chinese Buffet has. I've lived in this town for 12 years and hit this buffet a few times per year since it opened and it's always consistently been good. While yes, on occasion there has been one or two dishes on the buffet that seemed a little like it set out a bit and/or on the warm vs hot side (temperature wise), overall the majority if not all dishes are pretty fresh & hot for a Chinese buffet, each time I've gone over the years. Been there twice this month - last night was the most recent visit. There were TWO delicious shrimp dishes last night - a spicy unbreaded shrimp and a coconut shrimp... that and some sushi and all the other typical dishes you expect at an average/mid-sized Chinese buffet - for around $15 a person - all you can eat shrimp & other dishes... You seriously can't beat it. The taste and quality is good and as would be expected for a $15 Chinese buffet. I personally don't think one should be comparing/rating an average/mid-sized Chinese buffet against some fancy, high end sit down restaurant... if you are comparing apples to apples in what is reasonable to expect from your average/typical mid-sized Chinese buffet - they deliver very well. Also the staff have always been very polite and friendly - very attentive, yet not to the point of being bothersome. I definitely give them a solid 5 Stars for what I expect from a typical Chinese buffet. If including all Chinese Take-Out/sit down, non-buffet (the typical joints, not the fancy, high-end expensive ones) - I would still give them a solid 4 Stars. Only one other Chinese restaurant within 35+ miles that is better, and that would be Eastern Delight. And many in my family who hit Chinese from Skowhegan, Waterville, Belfast & Augusta would all agree. read more

Good was very very bland a little disappointed but I guess bc it's a small town it's acceptable, would definitely come here as a last resort but service is amazing and friendly read more

Went to get a quick meal after a home Depot run. Service was nice and friendly. The food was marginally edible. Most of what we ate had little to no flavor. Some food was warm, the appetizers were good but not much else. I wouldn't go back. For the money I'd rather have red robin. read more

Great variety. Always pleasant waitstaff & owner. Completely open buffet. Soups, fruit, fresh salmon, pizza and every kind of Chinese food you'd want! And the prices are very reasonable! read more

I want to give more stars cause the food was yummy and fresh, friendly staff. The place was nice and clean.Didnt have trouble parking either. But the reason they lost a customer was they came up to me while I was in the middle of eating my dinner and wanted me to pay and then told me while handing me the slip to sign she goes " Theres a place to sign for a tip to" which i found very rude!! read more

The food was great and they have a wide selection of food to choose from. We didn't wait long to be seated and we ordered our drinks and we got our food. And it was not loud and there was very nice and light music playing. I will definitely be coming again. read more

There hasn't been a single time I visited the Augusta Great Wall and not felt sick afterward. Once I actually did get sick... vomitus womitus blarrrrghhhhh. Each time I went I got the buffet, and the food tasted okay... nothing great, but not putrid. However, stomach pain... oh the discomfort! I'm obviously either too kind or too stupid, because I dont get turned off of a place from a single bad experience, because I believe in second chances. And sometimes, even third ones. I won't be going back for a fourth... that one might be my ticket to the h-o-s-p-i-t-a-l. read more

I love this place. The buffet is huge with tons of options. Food is delicious. Always hot and plenty to take. Staff is friendly and takes care of customers swiftly. This is the place I go when I crave Chinese food. read more

Don't understand the poor ratings. I found the food to be fresh, warm to hot and appetizing. Many dishes were your standard chinese buffet fare, but there were a few offerings i'd never seen before. Huge place. Good service, reasonably priced. Recommended. read more

COLD FOOD. AKWARD ATMOSPHERE. I mean the food is lukewarm or cool. Nothing was warm. Staff was always working and bringing food out so my assumption is they're not running the heat for the buffet? Idk. I've had a decent experience once there but idk. It's never been better than that. After I got sick the first time I tried it again and it sucked. COLD CHICKEN? read more

You get what you pay for. Bland/Cold buffet food served, in small quantities. They aggressively threatened my party with a fee because we were seated in private section and only 12 people showed up. No party minimums were spoken of when making the reservation. read more

One of the best buffets around. Very clean and the food is hot and fresh. Service is great I come here often and have never been disappointed. read more

A good selection of food. Soda is overcharged. Staff is nice and the fortune cookies are bland and wheat. Nice music is placed at a low volume and it is a comfortable setting. Would recommend going here but it seems pricey and overcharged for some bland food. The ice cream selection is gone and the portions are so small. read more

Standard Chinese buffet. What they did have that is not standard was several flavors of real ice cream for dessert!! And an apple pie roll dessert that was also a treat (again, not standard Chinese but very good!) It was clean, spacious and the servers courteous and responsive. Food was hot - did not appear to be left over from lunch, as other reviews have implied. read more

Went right when they opened for the day, our first time being new to the area. All the food was nasty, bland, and cold. I have never seen crab rangoon or dumplings this small and gross. No crab at all in them, tastes like sugar cream cheese. Only thing slightly edible was the eggroll, even then not very good. Worst Chinese I have ever had in my life. Do not recommend. read more

Great Wall Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Augusta, Maine