5 Indiana Buffets That Miss The Mark And 5 That Nail Hoosier Comfort
Nothing says Midwest dining like a good old-fashioned buffet where hungry folks can load up their plates with comfort food classics.
Indiana offers plenty of all-you-can-eat options, but not all buffets are created equal. Some leave diners wishing they’d ordered à la carte, while others serve up the authentic Hoosier hospitality we crave.
1. China Buffet – Indianapolis
Stale egg rolls and lukewarm sweet and sour chicken await unsuspecting diners at this lackluster establishment.
Food sits under heat lamps far too long, resulting in dried-out noodles and rubbery meat options. The restaurant’s dingy interior and sticky tables only add to the disappointing experience that locals increasingly avoid.
2. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet – Fort Wayne
Walking into this sprawling buffet promises variety but delivers mediocrity at every turn.
Sushi selections look suspiciously aged, while the hibachi station operates sporadically with long wait times. Dessert options consist mainly of artificially colored gelatin cubes and stale cookies that hardly justify the “supreme” in the restaurant’s ambitious name.
3. Great Wall Buffet – Evansville
Ambitious name aside, greatness remains elusive at this struggling Evansville establishment.
Frequent complaints about food temperature plague online reviews, with hot dishes served cold and cold dishes mysteriously warm. Cleanliness concerns further diminish appetite as tables often remain unbussed between customers, making the dining experience feel more like an obstacle course than a meal.
4. Royal Buffet – South Bend
Royalty would certainly abdicate their thrones rather than dine at this disappointing South Bend location.
Limited food rotation means lunch and dinner offerings remain virtually identical day after day. Vegetables wilt sadly in their steam trays while mystery meats hide beneath thick, gelatinous sauces that mask both flavor and identity.
5. Tokyo Grill & Buffet – Lafayette
Adventurous eaters beware – disappointment awaits at this Lafayette establishment claiming Japanese cuisine excellence.
Sushi rolls feature more imitation crab than should be legally allowed, while tempura items maintain a soggy exterior that defies the very definition of the cooking technique. Overwhelmed staff struggle to restock empty stations, leaving hungry patrons circling like vultures for fresh food.
6. Das Dutchman Essenhaus – Middlebury
Amish cooking shines at this beloved Middlebury institution where handcrafted comfort food reigns supreme.
Fluffy mashed potatoes, tender roast beef, and legendary fried chicken grace the buffet line daily. Family recipes passed down through generations ensure authentic flavors, while homemade pies, especially the shoofly and peanut butter cream varieties, provide the perfect sweet finale.
7. Back 40 Junction – Decatur
Country charm overflows at this rustic Decatur gem housed in a converted train depot.
Hungry visitors marvel at the extensive salad bar before loading up on country-fried steak smothered in peppery gravy. Weekend offerings expand to include slow-smoked barbecue and hand-breaded catfish that locals drive miles to enjoy, making reservations practically essential for Sunday lunch.
8. Gray Brothers Cafeteria – Mooresville
Lines form early at this Mooresville institution where cafeteria-style service meets buffet abundance.
Generous portions of fried chicken rival any grandmother’s secret recipe, falling off the bone with perfect seasoning. Sides steal the spotlight too, creamy mac and cheese, sweet corn pudding, and flaky biscuits accompany every meal, while the strawberry pie achieves legendary status among dessert aficionados.
9. MCL Restaurant & Bakery – Multiple Locations
Nostalgia fills the air at MCL locations, where Hoosier classics have satisfied hungry families since 1950.
Succulent roast beef sliced to order pairs with hot sides kept at perfect temperature in gleaming steam tables. Budget-conscious diners appreciate the value, substantial portions of scratch-made comfort food without breaking the bank, proving good quality doesn’t require premium prices.
10. Golden Corral – Bloomington
Among chain buffets, Bloomington’s Golden Corral location stands tall as a consistent performer in the comfort food arena.
Fresh rolls emerge from the bakery hourly, filling the restaurant with irresistible aromas. Carving stations feature juicy pot roast and ham, while the legendary chocolate fountain draws dessert lovers of all ages who delight in dipping strawberries, marshmallows, and other sweet treats.
