"Guarded" may best the best way to define how many of us approach AYCE/buffet establishments yet the right-priced lunch at King Buffet had me willing to investigate.
* ATMOSPHERE
------------------------------
The exterior of the building is notable for a large sign which indicates it serves seafood, sushi, and Mongolian BBQ. The parking lot in front is small. As I approach the double doors, two large, stone, dragon statues greet me.
Just inside, I find myself in a lobby with two large counters, each staffed by an employee. I don't know who to walk to or where to go and as I exchange glances with each person behind the counter, there is no indication of how to proceed. Interestingly, the area here reminds me of a concierge counter in a Vegas hotel which is amusing to see at a restaurant.
In short order, an employee walks out of another door and leads me to my table. Amusingly, I would really like to know what function those other two guys serve!
The interior contains more of the same Vegas-styling with brightly lit, glass chandeliers, decorative inlays, Asian-styled lanterns and other elements, as well as a ceiling track with shrouded LED's which cycle through various colors.
The restrooms are clean and maintain the aesthetic of the restaurant.
The tables were clean as were the serving areas. Cups, silverware, and plates all looked clean.
There is, in fact, a seafood bar, a salad bar, a sushi area, a Mongolian BBQ area, a dessert bar (notably with a soft serve machine and chocolate fountain), and of course, the main, entree area, with roughly 45 items along with 4 different soups (the website boasts 200 items altogether).
* SERVICE
------------------------------
I am seated quickly. The waitress is pleasant, and quite attentive. She routinely and non-intrusively walks the area, glancing at tables for plates to pick up and my plate is always gone by the time I come back with a new one. Other than that, I'm largely my own, as buffet settings tend to be.
* FOOD
------------------------------
My intention was not to eat a lot but to sample as many foods as possible. Eating one piece of everything still managed to fill me up quite a bit (and I didn't try every entree). I did not try the seafood, salad or dessert bars. The entrees were quite good, honestly. The Mongolian BBQ was average. The sushi made me regret getting it. Then again, I don't know how long the sushi had been sitting out there either.
All together, I was pleased with the food yet my advise would be to not take the sushi bar too seriously, and to set low expectations for the Mongolian BBQ than what you'd find at a place dedicated to it.
* EXTRAS
------------------------------
AYCE is by definition "extra."
* RECOMMENDATIONS
------------------------------
None.
* SUMMARY
------------------------------
By buffet standards, I rate King Buffet well. The atmosphere, weekday lunch price, better than average food quality, and sheer variety/selection found here impress me enough to come back again. read more