10 Lesser-Known Buffets That Are Way Better than Golden Corral

All-you-can-eat dining isn’t dead—it’s just evolved. The U.S. still supports nearly 2,500 cafeteria-and-buffet style restaurants, and flagship chains like Golden Corral keep 399 locations humming as of April 2025. After shrinking sharply during the pandemic, the buffet niche snapped back, driven by seniors and families looking for value. Yet the action has shifted from mega-chains to regional favorites that trade on local personality, fresher menus and—in many cases—surprisingly premium ingredients. From an East Coast seafood spread that cracks 1.5 million lb. of crab legs a year to a Pennsylvania Dutch smorgasbord that stretches 200 feet, here are the 10 under-the-radar buffets that outperform the big guys.

This post was updated May, 2025 to reflect total location count for various restaurants included here.

All-you-can-eat buffets have ancient origins. While it wasn't uncommon for many countries like Rome and Egypt to have feasts that included community dining, the modern-day buffet was inspired by Sweden. The Swedes had what was called the "brannvinsbord," which included cured meats, bread, cheese, and more. It was then called the smorgasbord in the 18th century, which evolved into a full meal.

During the World Fair in 1939, Americans got a taste of the Swedish smorgasbord, and the idea of all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining was lit. The modern-day buffets sure went on a long ride to get to what we know today. Here are ten lesser-known buffets that are way better than Golden Corral.

One of the lesser-known buffets is America's Incredible Pizza Company. It combines an all-you-can-eat buffet with gaming and entertainment. The selection of food totals around 150. Plus, the low prices are quite appealing.

• Only 8 U.S. locations remain, but each 65,000-sq-ft center offers 30 pizza varieties, an 80-item salad bar and a midway that draws ≈15,000 guests a week.
• Management says the average guest check is $10-$12, making it one of the cheapest buffet-plus-entertainment combos in the country.

If you are looking for a low-pressure and fun place to take your child for a few hours, America's Incredible Pizza Company thrives on entertainment.

Shakey's Pizza has been around since the 1950s. Since then, they have been able to maintain their high-quality standards.

The classic “Bunch of Lunch” buffet runs $10-$15 and still features unlimited Mojo potatoes alongside pizza and fried chicken. Shakey’s has 45 U.S. stores, 97 percent of which are in California—so you’re tasting a true West-Coast throwback.

Sometimes, the food quality at all-you-can-eat buffets is questionable. However, at Shakey's Pizza, customers are typically pleased with the quality of the food. From the freshness of the pizza crust to the tastefulness of the buffet food items, Shakey's is one restaurant you may want to visit again and again.

Chuck-A-Rama is a fun all-you-can-eat buffet. Don't expect to just show up any day of the week and get the same choices. Family-owned since 1964, the chain operates 11 locations across Utah and Idaho and posts about $22 million in annual sales. Theme nights keep locals loyal; Thursday’s Mexican spread moves more than 500 lb. of house-made tortillas each week on average.

One of the fun things about this restaurant is that they have a different theme every day during the week. These themes range from Mexican Day on Thursdays to Barbecue Day on Wednesdays.

If you were a kid in the 90s, chances are you remember eating at Ponderosa. While this chain is not nearly as popular as it used to be, there are still 20 Ponderosa locations you can eat at today. The once-ubiquitous steak-and-sides buffet is down to 22 U.S. restaurants, many co-branded with Bonanza. Expect a freshly grilled 6-oz sirloin plus unlimited salad bar for about $13 in most markets—still one of the lowest steak-buffet tickets in the Midwest.

Ponderosa has an impressive food selection. Additionally, their buffet remains high quality, especially for the price of the buffet.

Sizzler once had their day in the sun but unfortunately, they have since faced bankruptcy and had to shut down the majority of their restaurants. You can still find a few Sizzlers scattered across America. So, if you are feeling nostalgic and in the mood for good all-you-can-eat buffet food, visiting one again should be on your bucket list.

Sizzler serves delicious desserts that are a great way to top off your meal. Speaking of your meal, there are so many different food options at Sizzler, that deciding what to eat will be the hardest decision you make that day. Sizzler survived Chapter 11 and now counts 74 domestic units (two-thirds in California). Its Unlimited Craft Salad Bar—revamped in 2024 with 50+ toppings—runs $12.99 at dinner, or $10.99 before 4 p.m.

If you are a fan of southern cuisine, then Western Sizzlin' is worth the trip. Its most popular menu items tend to be fried chicken and catfish.

The service at this restaurant is said to be extremely friendly, considerate, and prompt. This isn't something you can find at every restaurant. With 46 restaurants in mostly rural markets, Western Sizzlin’ leans Southern: fried chicken outsells steak 3-to-1 on Sundays. adult buffet checks range $10-$20 depending on location, while kids under 3 eat free, reinforcing its family draw.

If you love seafood, then eating at Captain George's Seafood restaurant is a must. It includes options like snow crab legs, sirloin steak, and shrimp.

The food that is served at Captain George's Seafood restaurant is a little higher quality than what you would typically find at an all-you-can-eat buffet. After all, serving snow crab legs means that the restaurant has to charge more for their buffet. Even though the price is higher than typical, the food choices are more unique, and many say worth every penny.

Pizza Ranch is a buffet chain that has more than 200 restaurants located in the Midwest. Don't let the name fool you, this restaurant doesn't just carry pizza. They offer diners food choices like fried chicken and salads.

The food choices give families a wide range of options. While it may be a bit pricier than your typical buffet, many people believe it is worth the price. This is because the quality of food is better.

Fogo de Chao is often said to be the best all-you-can-eat buffet that exists in America. The chefs are top notch, and customers get to experience deliciously cooked meats. These meats are carved right at the table. Additionally, diners can go to the buffet for items like salad and side dishes.

Fogo de Chao has excellent and high-quality food that is difficult to really find at any other buffet-style restaurant. That alone makes it worth eating at.

Shady Maple Smorgasbord is also highly regarded as a top-notch all-you-can-eat buffet. This restaurant is in East Earl, Pennsylvania. Here diners can get all three meals which include their popular food items like roast beef.

A fun perk of eating at Shady Maple Smorgasbord is the fact that they have themed nights. They can range from a seafood night to a wing/rib night. This alone makes Shady Maple Smorgasbord worth checking out at least once in your lifetime.

Golden Corral may be the one restaurant that pops into your mind when you think of all-you-can-eat buffets, but there are so many other excellent choices. While the popularity of these restaurants has died down within the last 20 years, there are still so many choices that offer high-quality and delicious food. It's apparent from this list that these ten lesser-known buffets are way better than Golden Corral. (I Used to Grab Jimmy John’s for Lunch Every Week, But Now I Prefer These 8 Sandwich Spots.)