9 Buffets In Texas Worth The Extra Mile

Texas is home to some incredible all-you-can-eat dining experiences that make even long drives worthwhile. From Mediterranean feasts to Brazilian steakhouses, the Lone Star State offers buffets that satisfy every craving and budget. These nine spectacular buffets showcase Texas’s diverse culinary landscape and promise an unforgettable meal that justifies the journey.

1. King Buffet (Plano)

Tucked away in a suburban Plano shopping center, this unassuming restaurant surprises first-timers with its vast selection spanning multiple Asian cuisines. Regulars strategically plan their attack, often starting with the made-to-order Mongolian grill before exploring islands of Chinese classics and Japanese favorites.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate the fresh oysters and crab legs that appear during dinner service. Families love the kid-friendly options and reasonable pricing that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

Weekend warriors arrive early to beat the rush – a testament to King Buffet’s popularity among locals who consider this their neighborhood treasure.

2. Buffet Palace (Austin)

Sushi lovers rejoice when they discover this unpretentious Austin establishment hiding an impressive array of fresh Japanese, Chinese, and Korean delicacies. The no-frills exterior conceals a treasure trove of culinary delights, from hand-rolled sushi to steaming dim sum.

Regulars rave about the Mongolian grill station where chefs transform raw ingredients into sizzling stir-fry masterpieces before your eyes. Unlike many buffets, Buffet Palace maintains remarkable quality control, with staff members constantly refreshing dishes to ensure nothing sits too long.

3. Hacienda Buffet (Fort Worth)

The scent of corn tortillas being pressed by hand greets hungry patrons at this beloved Fort Worth institution. Colorful papel picado decorations hang from the ceiling while mariachi music creates the perfect backdrop for indulging in authentic Mexican cuisine.

Lines form early for weekend brunch when their legendary chilaquiles and menudo draw crowds from neighboring counties. The buffet’s crown jewel? A made-to-order taco station featuring slow-roasted carnitas and barbacoa that melts in your mouth.

Families often make this their special occasion destination, with generations gathering around tables heaped with regional specialties from across Mexico.

4. Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse (Grapevine)

Carnivores flock to this upscale churrascaria where gauchos in traditional attire circulate continuously with skewers of perfectly grilled meats. The ritual begins at their market-fresh salad bar – an impressive spread featuring imported cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables that could be a meal unto itself.

Flip your card to green, and the parade begins: picanha (prime sirloin cap), filet mignon wrapped in bacon, lamb chops, and chicken hearts for the adventurous. The meat arrives hot off the grill, sliced tableside with theatrical flair.

5. Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet (Austin)

Middle Eastern flavors come alive at this Austin gem where families gather around tables laden with vibrant mezze platters. The aroma of freshly baked pita bread fills the air as cooks constantly replenish trays of creamy hummus, tabbouleh, and perfectly seasoned kabobs.

Children delight in watching skilled chefs slice shawarma from vertical rotisseries while parents appreciate the abundance of fresh salads and vegetarian options. The baklava alone – flaky, honey-soaked layers of phyllo pastry – has regulars driving across town.

6. Feast Buffet (Katy)

Houston foodies gladly make the trek to Katy for this culinary wonderland where global cuisines collide in delicious harmony. The sprawling layout features distinct sections for Japanese sushi, authentic Chinese specialties, and surprisingly excellent Mexican favorites – all under one roof.

Chefs man live cooking stations where flames leap dramatically as they prepare dishes to order. The seafood selection impresses even coastal visitors, with fresh crab legs and jumbo shrimp replenished throughout service.

Sweet tooths rejoice at the dessert corner featuring both Asian specialties like mochi and Western classics including a chocolate fountain for fruit dipping.

7. Buffetopia (Humble)

Road-trippers heading north from Houston discover this aptly named paradise where quantity meets quality in surprising ways. The pristine interior defies buffet stereotypes – spotlessly maintained food stations showcase everything from hand-rolled sushi to bubbling hot pots.

Seafood steals the spotlight here, with snow crab legs, peel-and-eat shrimp, and freshly shucked oysters drawing shellfish enthusiasts from across the region. The hibachi station transforms into dinner theater as chefs flip spatulas and create towering onion volcanoes.

Unlike many competitors, Buffetopia’s dessert selection receives the same attention as main courses, featuring house-made ice creams and warm bread pudding.

8. Texas Buffet (Houston)

Don’t let the generic name fool you – this Houston institution has earned its loyal following through decades of consistent excellence. Family-owned and operated, the staff greets regulars by name while newcomers receive the same warm welcome.

Steam tables brim with both American comfort foods and Asian specialties, creating a uniquely Texan fusion experience. The sushi station surprises skeptics with its freshness, while the carving station features perfectly prepared prime rib on weekends.

What truly distinguishes Texas Buffet is the staff’s genuine hospitality – servers remember preferences, offer recommendations, and create an atmosphere that feels more like dining at a friend’s home than a restaurant.

9. The Coffee Shop Cafe (McGregor)

Worth every mile of the drive from Austin, this charming small-town diner serves up hearty portions of Texas nostalgia alongside its famous all-you-can-eat offerings. Housed in a historic building with weathered wooden floors and vintage advertisements, the atmosphere transports diners to a simpler time.

Locals arrive early for the breakfast buffet featuring made-from-scratch biscuits smothered in pepper gravy. Lunch brings out their legendary chicken-fried steak – crispy, tender, and the size of a dinner plate.

Friday’s catfish fry has achieved near-mythical status among central Texas food enthusiasts who don’t mind the wait for perfectly cornmeal-crusted fillets.