8 Hidden All You Can Eat Gems in Austin, Houston, and Dallas You Need to Try

Texas is known for barbecue and Tex-Mex, but its big cities also hide a surprising number of all-you-can-eat spots. Some are small neighborhood buffets, others are sit-down restaurants with endless servings. These eight places in Austin, Houston, and Dallas are the kind of spots locals talk about but travelers might miss.

1. GEN Korean BBQ House (Austin)

GEN Korean BBQ House has turned group dining into a lively, all-you-can-eat celebration. The modern space is lit with neon accents and filled with the sizzle of short ribs, bulgogi, and spicy pork belly cooking at each table. For a flat price, diners choose from a wide menu of proteins, beef brisket, chicken, shrimp, and squid, grilled to order by the guests themselves.

Side dishes arrive quickly: kimchi, pickled radish, and japchae are refilled throughout the meal, so the table never feels empty. The staff keep things running smoothly, swapping out grills and checking on refills without interrupting the rhythm.

GEN’s Austin location attracts students, families, and groups of friends looking to share a leisurely dinner. It’s loud, social, and built around abundance. Even vegetarians find options in the grilled vegetables and banchan. For many, the appeal is simple, one price, endless food, and a chance to linger over conversation while the next round of sizzling meat hits the grill.

2. Churrascos (Houston)

Few places blend Texas charm with South American flavor like Churrascos. Here in Houston, the weekend brunch buffet is a real find. Friends gather over platters piled high with grilled meats, golden plantains, and ceviche that tastes like summer in a bowl.

Churrascos makes variety its calling card. The buffet rotates with salads, empanadas, and even grilled vegetables for those who eat lighter. Servers keep a steady pace, clearing plates and bringing extra helpings without ever feeling rushed.

The room hums with a mix of Spanish and English. Regulars say the desserts, especially the tres leches cake, are worth saving room for. If you’ve ever wanted to taste Latin America without leaving Texas, Churrascos delivers an experience that feels both adventurous and familiar. It’s a spot where you can linger over coffee or load up on seconds, all while soaking in Houston’s multicultural spirit.

3. Buffet King (Austin)

Buffet King has become a quiet favorite in Austin for those who crave variety without breaking the bank. The first thing you notice walking in is the aroma of rich spices drifting from steaming trays of curry and roasted meats. The buffet features a wide selection of Indian and Asian-inspired dishes, with staples like chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, and creamy saag paneer taking center stage.

Fresh naan is baked and replenished constantly, ensuring it’s always warm and ready to scoop up sauces. What makes Buffet King stand out is its balance between hearty meat dishes and thoughtful vegetarian offerings. Lentil dals, spiced vegetables, and rotating seasonal curries give everyone something to enjoy. The staff are attentive, keeping trays full and the space clean, so nothing feels neglected.

Locals love it for weekday lunches or casual dinners, where the atmosphere stays low-key and unpretentious. For travelers, it’s a chance to sample a cross-section of flavors in one sitting, making Buffet King a reliable stop in Austin’s diverse food scene.

4. King Buffet (Houston)

King Buffet in Houston brings a sense of nostalgia with its array of Chinese-American favorites. Families line up for fried rice, pepper steak, and sweet shrimp, with a seafood section that rivals pricier spots. There’s nothing fancy about the decor, but the focus stays on freshness and selection.

Regulars appreciate the steady flow of crab legs, shrimp, and oysters. The staff works quietly, keeping dishes hot and tables cleared. For many, it’s a dependable spot to gather with relatives or meet old friends over generous plates.

Portions lean hearty, but you control the pace. There’s always something new to try, from steamed dumplings to crispy spring rolls. In a city as sprawling as Houston, King Buffet offers a comforting, unfussy meal that feels welcoming to locals and visitors alike. Some guests travel across town just for the hot and sour soup, proving that word-of-mouth keeps this spot alive.

5. Kalachandji’s (Dallas)

Kalachandji’s feels worlds away from Dallas traffic. The Hare Krishna temple’s courtyard offers a peaceful lunch escape, with birdsong and gentle breezes mixing with the scent of spices. Each day, the buffet shifts with seasonal vegetables, dals, and fresh-baked breads.

Visitors love the homestyle curries and soothing soups. There’s a unique sense of community here, as regulars mingle with newcomers over plates of turmeric-laced rice and sweet chutneys. The temple staff serve with genuine warmth, welcoming questions about ingredients or philosophy.

For those new to vegetarian dining, Kalachandji’s breaks down barriers. The food is hearty and satisfying rather than preachy or limited. Over decades, it’s become a Dallas landmark for mindful meals. Even meat-eaters find themselves returning for the cozy setting and creative flavors. It’s a reminder that Texas cuisine holds surprises for those willing to explore.

6. Feast Buffet (Houston)

Feast Buffet is one of Houston’s largest all-you-can-eat restaurants, and walking in feels more like stepping into a food festival than a typical dining room. Rows of hot trays and live cooking stations stretch across the space, offering a mix of cuisines that reflect the city’s diversity. You’ll find everything from American comfort food to Asian stir-fries, fresh sushi rolls, and seafood piled on ice.

The standout for many visitors is the seafood spread. Snow crab legs, shrimp, mussels, and fish dishes are replenished steadily, drawing repeat visits from diners who build towering plates. The hibachi grill is another highlight, guests can hand-pick vegetables, noodles, and proteins, then watch chefs cook it fresh to order.

Beyond the main dishes, there’s a wide selection of salads, soups, and desserts, including cakes, fruit, and soft-serve ice cream. Families often fill the spacious dining hall, and the atmosphere stays lively without feeling rushed. Feast Buffet manages to offer both quantity and quality, making it a popular spot for celebrations, group outings, or simply a generous weekday meal.

7. Gangnam Korean BBQ (Austin)

Gangnam Korean BBQ offers a cozier all-you-can-eat experience than the flashier chains, but it’s every bit as satisfying. The interior is simple, with sturdy tables fitted with built-in grills, and the focus stays squarely on food and service. Diners pick from tiers of AYCE menus that include marinated galbi, thin-sliced brisket, spicy pork, and seafood like squid and shrimp.

The cuts arrive in small batches, letting guests cook at their own pace and sample widely without waste.

Banchan is varied and plentiful, kimchi, potato salad, pickled cucumbers, and more, making each bite a little different. Staff are attentive, swapping out grilling plates and delivering fresh orders quickly. The pace is relaxed enough to enjoy long meals, but service never lags.

Gangnam draws a loyal crowd of locals who value its consistency and approachable prices. It’s less about spectacle and more about steady quality, making it a favorite for both weeknight dinners and celebratory outings. For Austin’s K-BBQ scene, Gangnam delivers authenticity with comfort.

8. Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet (Multiple Cities)

Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet brings a taste of the eastern Mediterranean to Texas. The spread covers classics like creamy hummus, crisp falafel, and grilled chicken shawarma. Long tables encourage mixing and sharing, making it easy for large groups or solo diners to feel welcome.

With locations in Austin, Houston, and Dallas, Dimassi’s has built its reputation on consistency. Vegetarian dishes like stuffed grape leaves and roasted eggplant are always included, alongside fresh salads and house-baked pita. The buffet’s layout makes it easy to try a little of everything without feeling rushed.

Service is friendly but not overbearing. If you’re new to Mediterranean food, staff are happy to make recommendations. For many Texans, Dimassi’s is a favorite for lunch breaks or casual celebrations. The restaurant manages to balance affordability with quality, serving up a taste of the Mediterranean that feels right at home in the Lone Star State.