Lin's Buffet — Restaurant in Brownsville

I had not been to lins in a very long time and decided to visit today. I paid 33$ for two people which I thought was decently expensive compared to other restaurants. Well on my first serving as I was trying to enjoy my food I struck an unusual item with my form, a broken burnt zip tie (picture attached). I mean, im not very picky really with my food nor do I write reviews but i have to admit this was pretty disgusting and disturbing.

So as the manager kindly told me, “accidents happen”. I requested to speak to a manager who apologized in a defensive manner and when I told her, “its ok ma’am i know it is not your fault”, the lady responded by saying “i appreciate you saying that it isn’t my fault but in reality it is not anyones fault as you have to understand accidents happen”. Great customer service..

I proceeded to request a refund as obviously one would think that would be the most rational thing for a restaurant who cares for their customers would do, right? Wrong, they said they could not give me a refund but gave me a red card that said 10% discount on your next visit. I of course proceeded to tip the waiter and left the red card on the table, as I nor anyone I know will plan on visiting this place again.

Please be cautious if you decide you want to visit this place, if they chose to lose a customer as oppose to issue a refund for 33$ after i found a burnt plastic on my plate, you can only imagine how they take care...

People were like vultures waiting for shrimp, ready to devour every single tray! most not using gloves to grab the thongs for the food, and not wearing a mask in the food area. Restaurant was so crowed no social distance was respected, the tables so close to each other and yes crowded. I only stopped there bcuz i was ready to pass out and needed to eat something but i will not put a foot on this restaurant again or any other valley chinese buffet seems like people do not care for others or respect any business signs/rules. I can't imagine in busy hours how it gets, people eat there like there's no tomorrow. Overall food is ok, restrooms ok, ice cream station not clean where they put the ice cream scoop, white plates very dirty like they were just wiped off left over food. $64 for 2 adults and 3 children won't...

I love the seasoning in almost all the Chinese food. Most of the cashier's I see in turn and waiters are great.

My only complaints are the orange and green ice creams (just nasty) not much stuff to choose on dessert and that even if there are signs that indicate that children must be in the company of adults when going into the buffet area, I have seen kids LICKING cookies of the desserts and putting them back!!! or holding pieces of fruit with a hand and then choosing another one, some sneezing with of course no intention of blocking or even turning the head the other way.

It blows my mind the behavior they have. No salad barrier helps with small kids so idk what can be done. I'm just a bitter medium age woman.

Anyways, sushi, also a great taste kudos to the one that prepares them, don't...