6 Indiana Buffets Not Worth It And 6 That Hit The Spot

Hoosiers love a good buffet where we can pile our plates high with comfort food favorites. But not all buffet restaurants deliver the same bang for your buck. Some leave you wondering why you bothered, while others have you unbuttoning your pants before you even finish. Let’s explore which Indiana buffets are worth skipping and which ones deserve your hard-earned dollars.

1. Golden China Buffet Bloomington

Located near Indiana University, Golden China Buffet disappoints with lukewarm food that sits under heat lamps far too long. The buffet’s layout creates traffic jams as confused college students circle looking for anything worth eating.

Most dishes taste surprisingly similar, as if one generic sauce covers everything.

Staff rarely refill empty trays, leaving hungry customers staring at empty containers. The sticky floors and tables add to the unappetizing atmosphere. Even at student-friendly prices, this buffet fails to deliver basic quality.

2. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet Indianapolis

Despite its grand name, nothing feels supreme about this Indianapolis establishment. Food temperatures range from refrigerator-cold to barely warm, raising food safety concerns. The sushi selection sits unappealingly under bright lights, with rice turning progressively harder throughout the day.

Servers appear overwhelmed and rarely check on tables, leaving used plates piled high. The dessert section promises variety but delivers mostly stale cookies and artificial-tasting puddings.

3. Grand Buffet Evansville

The irony of the name becomes apparent the moment you walk through the doors of this Evansville establishment. Greasy food sits in barely-warm trays while flies occasionally buzz around the fruit section. The carpet feels sticky underfoot – never a good sign at a food establishment.

Charging premium prices for budget-quality food, Grand Buffet seems to rely on quantity over quality. The so-called specialty dishes taste mass-produced and lack authentic flavor profiles.

4. Namaste Indianapolis

Spice lovers rejoice at this authentic Indian buffet tucked away on the north side of Indianapolis. Their rotating menu features over 20 dishes daily, including vegetarian and meat options that burst with aromatic flavors.

The fresh naan bread delivered to your table makes the perfect companion for scooping up rich curries. Their weekend brunch expands to include special regional dishes rarely found elsewhere in Indiana.

5. Golden Corral (Merrillville)

Though this national chain promises endless variety, quantity doesn’t equal quality at this location. The salad bar ingredients often look wilted, while hot foods frequently run out during peak hours.

Customers regularly complain about cleanliness issues and sticky floors. Management seems overwhelmed, resulting in slow replenishment of popular items and general disorganization that makes the dining experience frustrating rather than enjoyable.

6. China King Buffet (Bloomington)

College students might flock here for cheap eats, but discerning diners should steer clear. The limited selection rotates slowly, meaning food sits out far too long before being replaced.

Many dishes taste indistinguishable beneath heavy sauces that mask mediocre ingredients. The restaurant’s overall cleanliness raises eyebrows, with sticky tables and utensils that don’t always appear properly sanitized. Even budget-conscious eaters can find better value elsewhere.

7. Shapiro’s Delicatessen (Indianapolis)

While famous for their massive sandwiches, Shapiro’s weekend breakfast buffet remains Indianapolis’s best-kept morning secret. Their fluffy scrambled eggs actually taste like eggs and not the powdered imposters found at lesser establishments.

House-made corned beef hash features chunks of their famous brisket. Jewish specialties like blintzes and perfectly crisp latkes make appearances alongside traditional breakfast staples. Come hungry and prepare to waddle out satisfied.

8. India Garden (South Bend)

Notre Dame students and locals alike flock to this unassuming restaurant for their lunchtime buffet featuring northern Indian specialties. Unlike many Indian buffets, they maintain perfect temperature and freshness by preparing small batches frequently.

Vegetarians rejoice at the numerous plant-based options that never feel like afterthoughts. Their butter chicken achieves the perfect balance of creamy tomato richness and warming spices. Fresh chutneys and raita complement every dish beautifully.

9. Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet

Fresh seafood galore awaits at this Indianapolis gem! The sushi selection alone makes Umi worth every penny, with expertly crafted rolls that taste like they came straight from a high-end restaurant.

The crab legs arrive steaming hot and perfectly seasoned, while the hibachi station lets you customize your protein and veggie combinations. Beyond seafood, their Chinese classics satisfy any craving.

10. Ichiban Buffet & Grill

Kokomo residents know where to find authentic Asian flavors without breaking the bank. Ichiban’s hibachi station steals the spotlight, where skilled chefs transform your selected ingredients into sizzling, personalized creations right before your eyes.

The spring rolls deserve special mention – crispy, fresh, and paired with a sweet chili sauce that hits all the right notes. Their sushi selection rotates regularly, ensuring even frequent visitors discover new flavors each time.

11. Golden Corral Mishawaka

Comfort food heaven awaits at this family-friendly buffet near South Bend. The Golden Corral in Mishawaka stands out from other buffet chains with its consistently fresh offerings and attentive staff who keep food stations immaculate.

Their weekend breakfast spread features made-to-order omelets that rival fancy brunch spots, while dinner brings out carved meats that actually taste homemade. Kids especially love the chocolate fountain – a sweet reward after finishing their main course.

12. The Buffet at Back 40 Junction Decatur

Housed in a converted train depot with authentic railroad memorabilia adorning the walls, Back 40 Junction offers a uniquely Hoosier dining experience. Local farmers supply many ingredients, ensuring peak freshness in their homestyle dishes.

Friday’s seafood night showcases surprising quality for a small-town establishment, with crispy fried catfish and buttery shrimp scampi stealing the show. Sunday’s after-church crowd comes for their famous fried chicken, perfectly seasoned with a secret blend that locals have tried unsuccessfully to replicate for years.