Minnesota Comfort Food: 10 Buffets You’ll Love

Minnesota knows how to feed a crowd, and nothing says comfort quite like an all-you-can-eat buffet spread. Whether you’re craving soul food, Asian fusion, or classic American fare, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has buffets that’ll make your taste buds dance.

I’ve tracked down the best spots where you can pile your plate high without judgment, and trust me, these places are worth loosening your belt for.

1. Super World Buffet, Apple Valley

This place doesn’t mess around when it comes to variety. Super World Buffet throws everything at you: sushi, hibachi, Chinese classics, and even some American comfort staples. You’ll find yourself circling the stations like a hungry shark.

The crab legs alone make this spot legendary among locals. Fresh seafood sits next to perfectly crispy egg rolls and General Tso’s that actually has a kick. It’s controlled chaos on a plate, and I’m here for every bite.

Weekends get packed, so arrive early or prepare to wait. The dessert bar features soft-serve ice cream and fruit that’s surprisingly fresh for a buffet setting.

2. The Buffet at Mystic Lake, Prior Lake

Where else can you gamble your paycheck and then drown your sorrows in prime rib? The Buffet at Mystic Lake operates on a whole different level than your average all-you-can-eat joint. We’re talking premium cuts, fresh seafood flown in regularly, and presentation that actually looks Instagram-worthy.

The carving station is my personal heaven. Juicy prime rib gets sliced thick, and the au jus is rich enough to make you weep. International stations rotate themes, so you might catch Mediterranean one week and Asian fusion the next.

Yes, it costs more than your typical buffet. But quality ingredients and casino-level service justify every dollar spent here.

3. Mama Sheila’s House of Soul, Minneapolis

Soul food done right is basically a warm hug in edible form. Mama Sheila’s delivers that comfort with fried chicken so crispy it shatters when you bite down. The seasoning blend is clearly a family secret, and I’m not mad about it.

Collard greens cooked low and slow sit next to mac and cheese that stretches when you scoop it. Candied yams are sweet without being cloying, and the cornbread has that perfect crumbly texture. This isn’t just food; it’s heritage on a plate.

The atmosphere feels like eating at your favorite aunt’s house. Portions are generous even by buffet standards, so pace yourself wisely.

4. Mongolian Barbeque Buffet City, Stillwater

Interactive dining takes center stage when you build your own bowl masterpiece. Mongolian Barbeque Buffet City hands you the reins to create exactly what you want. Grab a bowl, load it with raw meats, vegetables, noodles, and secret sauce combinations, then watch skilled grill masters work their magic.

The fun is experimenting with different flavor profiles each round. Sometimes I go spicy with Szechuan peppers; other times I keep it mild with ginger and garlic. Unlimited trips mean unlimited creativity and zero regrets.

Located in charming Stillwater, this spot makes a perfect post-shopping fuel-up destination for hungry explorers.

5. 98 Pounds Buffet, Bloomington

Despite the name, you’ll definitely gain more than 98 pounds if you visit regularly. This Bloomington jewel near the Mall of America packs serious variety into its massive space. Sushi rolls are made fresh throughout service, and the dim sum selection rivals dedicated Chinese restaurants.

Seafood gets top billing here with mussels, clams, and shrimp prepared multiple ways. The Mongolian grill station lets you customize stir-fry creations while the traditional buffet offers familiar favorites. Hot pot options add another layer of interactive fun to your meal.

Weekend crowds can be intense, but turnover keeps lines moving. The dessert selection includes Asian sweets and American classics for indecisive sweet tooths.

6. Tokyo 23 Hibachi Buffet, West St. Paul

Hibachi meets buffet in this West St. Paul treasure that understands what people really want. Tokyo 23 combines cook-to-order hibachi with traditional buffet service, giving you the best of both worlds. Fresh ingredients hit the grill while you browse other stations guilt-free.

The sushi bar rotates offerings throughout the day, ensuring freshness that most buffets can’t match. Teriyaki chicken glazes beautifully, and the tempura stays crispy thanks to frequent small-batch preparation. Noodle dishes don’t sit getting soggy; they’re replenished constantly during peak hours.

Lunch pricing makes this an absolute steal. Dinner adds premium items like crab legs and expanded sushi options worth the upcharge.

7. Tradewinds Buffet, Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Welch

Casino buffets have a reputation for excess, and Tradewinds embraces that philosophy wholeheartedly. Treasure Island Resort’s buffet spreads across multiple themed stations that change seasonally. You might encounter prime rib one visit and crab leg mountains the next, depending on promotional schedules.

The international approach means Italian, Asian, Mexican, and American sections all compete for your attention. Carving stations feature perfectly cooked roasts while the seafood area showcases fresh catches. Salad bars include premium ingredients, not just iceberg lettuce and sad tomatoes.

The scenic drive to Welch makes this feel like a mini vacation. Casino perks sometimes include buffet discounts for players.

8. Rose Garden Buffet, Coon Rapids

Sometimes you just need reliable Chinese buffet food without pretense. Rose Garden Buffet delivers exactly that with consistent quality and reasonable prices. The egg rolls stay crispy, the fried rice has proper wok flavor, and the orange chicken balances sweet and tangy perfectly.

Crab rangoons are addictive little pockets of creamy goodness that I can’t stop eating. Lo mein noodles have that satisfying chew, and the vegetable stir-fries actually include recognizable vegetables. Nothing here will blow your mind, but everything hits that comfort food spot reliably.

The family-friendly atmosphere makes this ideal for picky eaters. Lunch specials offer excellent value for budget-conscious diners seeking filling meals.

9. Dragon Star Buffet, Burnsville

Dragon Star packs impressive variety into its Burnsville location without sacrificing quality. The hibachi grill sizzles constantly while the sushi bar cranks out fresh rolls that disappear quickly. Mongolian BBQ lets you play chef, and traditional Chinese stations cover all the classics you’re craving.

Seafood selection includes mussels, crawfish, and multiple shrimp preparations that showcase different flavor profiles. The pepper steak actually has tender beef, not chewy mystery meat. Crab rangoons here are dangerously good, with a cream cheese filling that’s perfectly balanced.

Weekend dinner service adds premium items worth the slightly higher price. The dessert bar features both Asian and American sweets for diverse preferences.

10. Golden Corral, Maple Grove

Golden Corral is the reliable friend who always shows up when you need them. The Maple Grove location maintains that classic American buffet experience with fried chicken, pot roast, and mashed potatoes that remind you of Sunday dinners. Nothing fancy, just solid comfort food executed consistently.

The chocolate fountain remains an undisputed highlight for kids and adults alike. Carved meats rotate throughout service, and the salad bar actually offers fresh options beyond wilted lettuce. Breakfast buffet on weekends draws serious crowds for made-to-order omelets and pancakes.

Pricing stays competitive, making this accessible for families. The familiar menu means no surprises, just dependable satisfaction every visit.