Illinois offers more than just Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs. Tucked away in neighborhoods and small towns across the Prairie State are buffet restaurants that locals treasure but tourists rarely discover.
From authentic ethnic cuisine to hearty Midwestern fare, these under-the-radar spots serve up incredible variety at reasonable prices. Ready to eat like a true Illinois resident? Check out these seven hidden gem buffets that will satisfy your appetite without emptying your wallet.
1. Red Apple Buffet in Chicago: Polish Comfort Food in Abundance
Tucked away in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, Red Apple Buffet has been serving authentic Polish cuisine for over 30 years. The restaurant’s unassuming exterior belies the feast waiting inside.
Locals flock here for home-style Polish classics like pierogi, stuffed cabbage, and potato pancakes – all made from recipes passed down through generations. The weekend buffet expands to include specialties like roast duck and Polish sausage with sauerkraut.
What makes Red Apple special isn’t just the food but the atmosphere. Polish families gather here after church, elderly patrons chat in their native language, and the staff treats everyone like family. For about $15 per person, you’ll experience a true cultural immersion along with your meal.
2. Shahi Nihari & Grill in Lombard: Indian and Pakistani Flavors on Rotation
Suburban food enthusiasts whisper about this Lombard treasure that serves up a rotating selection of Indian and Pakistani specialties. The modest strip mall location conceals culinary magic happening inside.
The lunch buffet features over 20 items daily, with weekends bringing special treats like haleem (a savory meat and lentil stew) and fresh naan baked in their clay tandoor oven. Vegetarians rejoice at the abundance of plant-based options alongside flavorful meat dishes.
Family-owned since 2012, Shahi Nihari maintains strict quality standards; everything is made fresh daily and replaced frequently on the buffet line. The owner often mingles with guests, offering suggestions and stories about the regional origins of various dishes.
3. India House Restaurant: Chicago’s Hidden Vegetarian Paradise
Nestled in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, India House Restaurant offers a buffet experience that vegetarians dream about. The restaurant’s unassuming façade gives way to an interior filled with the aromas of cardamom, cumin, and ginger.
Unlike many Indian buffets that focus primarily on meat dishes, India House dedicates over half its spread to vegetarian specialties. Standouts include paneer tikka masala, chana masala, and a rotating selection of regional vegetable preparations rarely found elsewhere in the city.
The restaurant has cultivated a loyal following among Chicago’s Indian community since 1993. Weekend brunches feature live tabla music and special south Indian dishes like dosas and uttapam. At just under $20 per person, it’s an affordable culinary journey through the subcontinent.
4. Hong Kong Buffet: Peoria’s Revitalized Asian Feast
After closing briefly during 2020, Hong Kong Buffet returned to Peoria’s dining scene with renewed vigor and an expanded selection. Local food enthusiasts celebrated its comeback with enthusiasm.
The buffet stands out for its impressive variety of meat options; from General Tso’s chicken to Mongolian beef and salt and pepper shrimp. Sushi lovers appreciate the freshly made rolls available on weekends, while the hibachi grill station allows diners to customize stir-fry combinations.
Unlike chain buffets, Hong Kong maintains quality through small-batch cooking and frequent refreshing of dishes. The family running the establishment takes pride in remembering regular customers’ preferences. Priced at $13.99 for lunch and $16.99 for dinner, it’s become central Illinois’ go-to spot for Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
5. Lin’s Buffet in Morton: Small-Town Asian Fusion Excellence
Just outside Peoria in the small town of Morton, Lin’s Buffet has earned a reputation that brings diners from miles around. The restaurant occupies a former chain location but has transformed it into something truly special.
Owned by the Lin family since 2008, this buffet distinguishes itself with homemade sauces and unusual offerings not typically found in Midwestern Chinese restaurants. The crab rangoon, made fresh throughout the day, has developed a cult following among locals.
Beyond Chinese staples, Lin’s incorporates Thai and Vietnamese influences in rotating specialty dishes. The dessert station features both American classics and Asian sweets like mango pudding. With its spotless dining room and attentive service, Lin’s proves that exceptional buffet experiences exist far from metropolitan centers.
6. India Delight: Southern Illinois’ Spice Haven
Herrin might seem an unlikely location for authentic Indian cuisine, but India Delight has been changing culinary perceptions in Southern Illinois since 2015. The modest buffet has become a mandatory stop for SIU students and faculty.
Despite its small size, the buffet offers impressive variety with both familiar favorites and lesser-known regional specialties. The restaurant’s tandoori chicken; marinated for 24 hours before cooking – consistently earns praise for its tenderness and flavor depth.
Owner Raj Patel sources specialty ingredients from Chicago and St. Louis to maintain authenticity. Many regulars drive over an hour from surrounding communities for the Sunday buffet, which features expanded offerings including goat curry and freshly made dosas. At just $12.99 for lunch, it represents one of the region’s best dining values.
7. Cornucopia in Galesburg: Farm-to-Table Indian Fusion
Galesburg residents guard their secret zealously; a farm-to-table restaurant that transforms local Midwestern ingredients into spectacular Indian-inspired dishes. Cornucopia opened in 2017 and quickly established itself as a culinary destination.
The lunch buffet changes daily based on seasonal availability and the chef’s inspiration. Regular highlights include butter chicken made with locally raised poultry, saag paneer featuring spinach from nearby farms, and curried root vegetables harvested within 50 miles.
Chef-owner Priya Kumar, a Knox College graduate who returned to Galesburg after culinary training in Chicago and Mumbai, creates dishes that honor both her Indian heritage and her Midwestern home. The restaurant’s popularity has sparked weekend road trips from Chicago food enthusiasts. Surprisingly affordable at $14.99, Cornucopia demonstrates how global flavors and local ingredients create magic.
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