All-you-can-eat… but should you? 10 American buffets ranked

There’s something undeniably fun about an all-you-can-eat buffet. Maybe it’s the freedom to pile your plate high with shrimp next to mashed potatoes, or the thrill of circling back for “just one more” round of dessert (even though you swore you were full 20 minutes ago). But as anyone who’s braved the sneeze guard battleground knows, not all buffets are created equal. 

Some serve up top-tier meals with service and sanitation to match, while others… well, let’s just say you might leave with more than a full stomach. From five-star spreads to horror-story hygiene violations, here’s our ranking of the best—and worst—buffets in America.

Top 5 Exceptional All-You-Can-Eat Buffets

Let’s start with the good news.

1. Bacchanal Buffet – Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV

If you’re going to splurge, Bacchanal is the one to do it on. With over 500 daily dishes and nine show kitchens, this buffet is practically a culinary amusement park. We’re talking truffle deviled eggs, prime rib, made-to-order crepes, and vegan dishes that even meat lovers will eye. It’s pricey, but the experience? Luxe. Bacchanal proves that buffet doesn’t have to mean lukewarm mystery meat.

2. Shady Maple Smorgasbord – East Earl, PA

This place is legendary—and for good reason. The Shady Maple Smorgasbord is the largest buffet in the country, and it feels like Grandma decided to feed the entire Eastern Seaboard. Expect Pennsylvania Dutch staples like baked ham, buttered noodles, and shoofly pie. Bonus: they even give you a birthday discount based on your age. 60 years old? Sixty cents off. Cute, right?

3. The Nordic – Charlestown, RI

If you’re into seafood, The Nordic is the holy grail. Think unlimited lobster, crab legs, scallops, and shrimp, all served lakeside like you’re at some bougie New England clambake. They only open on weekends and operate seasonally, so check ahead. It’s not cheap—but it’s the kind of indulgent, fancy-buffet experience you talk about for years.

4. The Buffet at Wynn – Las Vegas, NV

This is Vegas being Vegas—over the top and amazing. There are 16 live-action cooking stations serving everything from sushi to Latin street food to a whole dessert gallery. That’s right, a gallery. They’re not playing around. It’s perfect for indecisive eaters or anyone who wants dinner and a show all on one plate.

5. Miller’s Smorgasbord – Ronks, PA

Yes, another Pennsylvania Dutch gem, because sometimes comfort food is the mood. Miller’s dates back to 1929 and is all about home-cooked classics like fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and the kind of pies that make you wish you wore stretchy pants. The vibe is cozy, not touristy, and the food feels lovingly made.

The 5 Worst Buffets in the U.S. (We’re Just Saying… Maybe Don’t)

Perhaps use this section for entertainment value, only.

1. Golden Corral – Various Locations

It’s the punchline of buffet jokes for a reason. While some locations are fine, others have been caught in full-on horror movie moments. In one infamous 2013 video from a Florida branch, prepared food—including ribs—was stored by a dumpster during a health inspection. And they’ve had salmonella outbreaks in at least three states. That’s not a one-time fluke; that’s a pattern.

2. CiCi’s Pizza – Various Locations

CiCi’s is beloved by broke college students and families trying to stretch a buck, but it comes at a cost. We’re talking crusts that could double as cardboard and more than a few health violations. In 2024, a location in Texas racked up 31 violations in one inspection—including raw chicken stored above clean dishes and no soap at the handwashing sink. In Florida, live roaches were found inside the flour mixer. That’s not the “extra crunch” anyone asked for.

3. John’s Incredible Pizza Company – Mostly CA + NV

What started as a family-fun combo of pizza and arcade has veered into questionable territory. A former employee claimed they cleaned tables with murky water and no sanitizer. Not exactly confidence-inspiring. Add to that a history of safety violations, including a five-figure OSHA fine, and it starts to feel more like “John’s Incredibly Sketchy Pizza.”

4. Pizza Ranch – Midwest Locations

This chain has its fans, and the fried chicken isn’t bad—but consistency is a major issue. Some locations are clean and friendly; others? Not so much. There’ve been customer reports of dried-out food sitting under heat lamps way too long, grimy bathrooms, and pizza that looks like it was made in a hurry… by someone who was mad at pizza. It’s a gamble.

5. Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouses – Various Locations

Ah, nostalgia. These steakhouse buffets used to be everywhere, but now they’re more like sad time capsules with wilted salad bars. Many of the remaining locations have that forgotten, never-been-renovated feel, and reviews frequently cite rude service, dirty floors, and food that tastes like it’s been microwaved one too many times. It’s giving “we stopped trying.”

Which Will You Choose?

All-you-can-eat can be all kinds of wonderful—or totally sketchy. If you’re going for the best, aim for places with fresh rotation, live stations, and staff who take pride in what they serve. If a place is cutting corners on cleanliness or food safety, no amount of cheap crab legs is worth it. You’ve got options—just maybe check Yelp first.

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READ: 20 Fan Favorite Donut Shops You Don’t Want To Miss!