6 Missouri Buffets Locals Rave About & 6 They Warn You To Skip

Missouri offers a smorgasbord of buffet options that can either delight your taste buds or leave you with regrets. From small-town gems serving homestyle cooking to casino spreads with endless options, buffet dining remains popular across the Show-Me State. Let’s explore which Missouri buffets locals absolutely love and which ones they suggest steering clear of.

1. Don’s Family Style Buffet – The Huntsville Chicken Haven

Stepping into Don’s feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. Their legendary fried chicken boasts a perfectly seasoned crust that shatters with each bite, revealing juicy meat underneath.

Homemade pies with flaky crusts rotate seasonally, but the blackberry cobbler is worth saving room for. Locals line up early on Thursdays for the pot roast that’s fork-tender and swimming in rich gravy.

2. Hokkaido Seafood Buffet & Grill – St. Louis’ Ocean Treasure

Fresh seafood in the Midwest? Believe it! Hokkaido dazzles with buttery scallops seared to perfection and sushi rolls prepared right before your eyes.

Unlike typical buffets, their seafood never sits long enough to become rubbery. The hibachi station features chefs who cook your protein and vegetables with theatrical flair. Regular diners recommend visiting on weekdays when crowds are thinner and turnover is highest.

3. Grand Country Buffet – Branson’s Comfort Food Paradise

Nestled inside a family resort, Grand Country Buffet serves up Ozark hospitality alongside golden-fried catfish that locals swear rivals any sit-down restaurant.

Their breakfast spread features fluffy pancakes and made-to-order omelets that fuel tourists before a day of shows. Children gravitate toward the sundae bar where they can pile on sprinkles, hot fudge, and cherries to their heart’s content.

4. Ria’s Restaurant and Lounge – Jefferson City’s Italian Gem

Political insiders and state workers flock to Ria’s for midday meetings over plates piled high with authentic Italian fare. Their signature lasagna features layers of pasta swimming between rich meat sauce and creamy béchamel.

The garlic knots emerge from the kitchen hourly, filling the dining room with an irresistible aroma. Family recipes passed down through generations give this capitol city staple its reputation for consistency and flavor.

5. Taj Palace – Chesterfield’s Spice Market

The aromatic greeting at Taj Palace transports diners straight to India. Their lunch buffet features rotating regional specialties alongside staples like butter chicken that’s velvety smooth with the perfect balance of spices.

Watch in awe as chefs slap fresh naan dough against the tandoor oven walls. Vegetarians celebrate the half-dozen plant-based options that never feel like afterthoughts – the saag paneer alone justifies the drive to Chesterfield.

6. Landmark Buffet – St. Charles’ Casino Culinary Wonderland

Housed within Ameristar Casino, Landmark Buffet elevates buffet dining beyond the ordinary. The 19th-century market-inspired design creates distinct food neighborhoods where chefs prepare specialties in plain view.

Their prime rib station features meat carved to your preferred doneness, while the dessert section could stand alone as a bakery. Unlike typical casino buffets, Landmark maintains quality across all offerings rather than hiding mediocre food behind a few flashy items.

7. New China Buffet – Bridgeton’s Disappointing Dragon

Locals grimace when New China Buffet enters the conversation. Food sits under heat lamps far too long, resulting in crusty rice and sauce-soaked meats that lose all textural integrity.

The egg rolls develop a peculiar staleness even during peak hours. Staff seem perpetually understaffed, leaving empty trays unattended while lines form. Even at budget-friendly prices, Missouri diners agree your money is better spent elsewhere.

8. Golden Corral – Joplin’s Grease Trap

The Joplin location of this national chain has earned local infamy. A sticky film coats nearly every surface, from tables to serving utensils, creating an unappetizing first impression.

The steak station presents a paradox – somehow delivering cuts that are simultaneously overcooked on the outside and raw in the center. Morning visits might yield fresher options, but dinner service brings out food that’s been recycled throughout the day.

9. Dietz Family Buffet – Clinton’s Afternoon Letdown

Morning visitors to Dietz might wonder why this Clinton establishment made the skip list. The answer lies in timing – quality plummets after 1 PM when fresh preparations give way to recycled leftovers.

Casseroles develop that distinctive crust that comes from hours under heat lamps. Chicken pieces shrink to dry, unrecognizable versions of their former selves. Locals know to visit for breakfast only, when eggs are cracked fresh and pancakes come hot off the griddle.

10. Ocean Buffet – St. Robert’s Flavor Desert

Military families stationed at nearby Fort Leonard Wood warn newcomers about Ocean Buffet’s curious culinary phenomenon. Despite offering dozens of dishes, everything somehow tastes identical – dominated by the same cloying sauce.

Crab rangoon arrives with filling that resembles sweetened paste rather than cream cheese. The sushi selection sits neglected, with rice hardening by the hour. Even the ice cream machine consistently disappoints with a watery consistency that defies dairy physics.

11. Amazin Buffet – Springfield’s Flavor Flatline

Despite the enthusiastic name, nothing amazes at this Springfield establishment. Locals report wildly inconsistent experiences – sometimes edible, often regrettable.

Their egg rolls arrive with a puzzling fishy undertone regardless of filling. The sweet-and-sour chicken’s breading dissolves into the sauce, creating an unpleasant mush. Even the most forgiving diners struggle to identify a standout dish worth recommending, making the modest price point still feel like poor value.

12. Iowa Buffet – St. Louis’ Misleading Misnomer

First-time visitors arrive at Iowa Buffet expecting an all-you-can-eat experience based on the name. They’re quickly confused to find a basic bar with a limited menu of items ordered individually.

While their burgers have loyal fans, the buffet misnomer creates immediate disappointment. The establishment stubbornly maintains its misleading moniker despite decades of customer confusion. St. Louis locals know what to expect, but tourists feel duped by the bait-and-switch branding.