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

History of Buffets

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.

America’s Incredible Pizza Company

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.

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

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

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

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

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

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.

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

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.

Ponderosa

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.

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

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

Sizzler

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.

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

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.

Western Sizzlin’

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.

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

The service at this restaurant is said to be extremely friendly, considerate, and prompt. This isn’t something you can find at every restaurant.

Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

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.

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

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

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.

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

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

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.

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

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

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.

Perks of Eating at This Restaurant

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.

One Last Note

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.)