Washington state offers plenty of dining options, but not all buffets live up to their promises. Local diners have strong opinions about which all-you-can-eat spots deliver value and which leave you wishing you’d spent your money elsewhere. Before you plan your next buffet outing, check out this insider advice from Washington residents who’ve learned the hard way which spots to skip.
1. Falls Buffet, Snoqualmie
Once considered a must-visit destination for hungry casino-goers, Falls Buffet has lost its luster according to regular patrons. The casino atmosphere might be exciting, but the food quality doesn’t match the hefty price tag.
Locals report lukewarm dishes sitting too long under heat lamps and desserts that look better than they taste. The weekend seafood options, which command premium prices, often disappoint with rubbery shrimp and fishy-tasting crab legs.
“They’re riding on their reputation from years ago,” one Snoqualmie resident explained. “Now you’re better off ordering from their regular restaurant menu instead of gambling on the buffet options.”
2. Golden City Buffet, Monroe
The faded sign outside Golden City Buffet hints at what awaits inside – a buffet stuck in a time warp. Monroe residents whisper warnings about this spot where food quality has steadily declined while prices have crept upward.
Steam tables hold soggy vegetables and mystery meat dishes that lack proper labeling. The sushi section presents particular danger, with rolls sitting out for hours according to regulars who’ve learned to avoid it entirely.
Cleanliness issues further plague this establishment, with sticky tables and frequently empty serving spoons. Even the most forgiving locals have crossed Golden City off their list, suggesting visitors try the small family restaurants down the street instead.
3. DH Buffet, Oak Harbor
Military families stationed in Oak Harbor initially flock to DH Buffet for its convenient location and all-you-can-eat promise. Unfortunately, the excitement quickly fades after the first visit.
Food temperature problems top the list of complaints – hot dishes served barely warm and cold dishes approaching room temperature. The salad bar ingredients often look tired and wilted by mid-afternoon. Several locals mentioned stomach discomfort following meals here, a red flag that keeps spreading through community word-of-mouth.
“With so many better options on the island now, there’s no reason to settle for DH,” advised one long-time Whidbey resident who gave the establishment multiple chances before giving up.
4. Canaan Buffet, Spokane
Spokane’s Canaan Buffet lures customers with its massive selection, but quantity doesn’t equal quality according to disappointed locals. First-time visitors might be impressed by the sheer number of options until they sample what’s actually on offer.
The biggest complaint? Nearly everything tastes the same regardless of what cuisine it’s supposed to represent. The American, Chinese, and Mexican sections all share an odd, indistinguishable flavor profile that locals find puzzling.
Freshness is another major issue – during slower periods, food sits out for hours without being replaced. “I wanted to love this place because the staff is friendly,” said one Spokane resident, “but I can’t get past the feeling that everything came from the same giant frozen food bag.”
5. Super Buffet Kent, Kent
Located in a strip mall with faded signage, Super Buffet Kent maintains a steady stream of first-time customers who rarely return for seconds. The initial draw of low prices quickly loses appeal when confronted with the reality of what’s being served.
Kent locals warn about the seafood section in particular, where imitation crab dominates and the few real seafood items taste suspiciously past their prime. The restaurant’s cleanliness standards raise eyebrows too – sticky surfaces, cloudy sneeze guards, and utensils that don’t appear thoroughly cleaned.
A neighborhood resident summed it up: “I’ve given this place three chances over five years thinking maybe I just hit bad days, but it’s consistently disappointing. The $2 cheaper price isn’t worth it.”
6. King Buffet, Renton
King Buffet’s royal name sets expectations that the establishment consistently fails to meet. Renton residents describe a dramatic decline in both food quality and cleanliness over the past few years that’s impossible to ignore.
The buffet’s hot food section often features dried-out chicken, beef with questionable texture, and vegetables that have long surrendered their crispness. Weekday afternoons are especially problematic, with minimal food rotation and refills happening at glacial pace.
Former regulars point to a management change as the turning point. “They used to be the best in the area about five years ago,” explained a disappointed local who now drives further to find a decent buffet. “Now it feels like nobody’s paying attention to what comes out of the kitchen.”
7. Mizuki Buffet, Tukwila
Positioned as an upscale Asian fusion buffet near the mall, Mizuki Buffet charges premium prices that create sky-high expectations. Those expectations come crashing down when Tukwila locals experience the reality – mediocre food dressed up with fancy presentation.
The sushi selection, prominently advertised in their marketing, disappoints with fish that lacks freshness and rice that’s often too dry or too mushy. Hot food stations fare no better, with many dishes tasting reheated rather than freshly prepared.
Service complaints abound too, with plates left piling up and drink refills requiring multiple requests. “For what they charge, you could get a fantastic meal at a regular restaurant,” noted one local food enthusiast who crossed Mizuki off their list after two disappointing visits.
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