BaoBao Buffet — Restaurant in Crestview

My family and I went this evening for a whole family outing. Before anyone arrived, we checked the Facebook page and website for pricing. We were aware of the amount for a Friday dinner as far as per person for the buffet. We thought this included drinks without tax or tip as per usual so we settled in for dinner without thinking too much more about it.

Our 2 children and 8 adults were seated and we ate. Based on our math; one group would spend roughly $90 for two adults and 2 children WITH tip and rough tax while the other of 6 adults would spend approximately $145 WITH tip and rough tax. Combined this could be at most $230 for the full table; per the prices listed. Keep in mind; our math is for TWO seperate bills tallied with ADDED SEPARATE TAXES all added together.

One single bill arrives at our table’s edge, despite no one there asking for the bill arrangement, priced at ~$268 with the total table count set to (11) not 10 containing an added cost for just serving us as a group of over 7 (which we never saw anywhere) of $38 and then of course the normal line to add a tip was still blank. Then when we ask for help in understanding why the bill is so high, we’re informed that there is an 18% service fee for groups. Keep in mind! We didn’t know this and the amount alone was surprising given how buffets like Ryans, Shoneys, Ocean Buffet, Golden Coral and others operate and do not have such a penalty that seems targeted for those coming with friends and family.

So a single person had to spend ~$270 when they were not prepared to do so while the rest had to find out what happened with the bill. Because the staff is so nice and cheerful that it felt like they barely wanted to talk about anything having to do with paying, they gave us this bill with these extra things tacked in then basically seemed offended the moment we looked at the receipt and asked a question. Though the environment was comfortable before this and the staff was very friendly even after, our entire group did not feel as if the business wanted large groups of over 7 people to eat there and that they wanted to be guaranteed some type of tip or something for serving more than 2 or 3 people on top of what the group could tip them anyway. And to not want to really say something when a group first walks in or to only have a single piece of paper on the inside of the entrance door by the register in the opposite facing direction (like we were suppose to see it behind us coming in or when we pay despite them wanting payment while we were still at the table is a little wild of an experience to have — but thats just a thought).

And the reason this matters so much is because what if my family and I hadnt been family? What if we were all mutal friends who happened to be at the same restaurant? What if we had decided to eat together and catch up as friends do without making extra plans? This experience says this business would add all the meals together into one bill and serve that single bill to a single person without asking anyone for clarification. This should be made a bit more clear as this is not the first thought as to what would happen. That could really ruin an experience for someone or a whole bunch of someones; family or not.

Honest thoughts? Probably best for a couple date night or a night out with a friend you haven’t seen in a week or in a while. But I wouldn’t recommend hands down for big families unless you dont mind, but here’s the heads up :)

Hope this helps ! Happy dining no matter where you...

We went here this evening around 530pm. Our party was 3 adults, 1 child (8 yo), and 1 baby (6 months, didnt eat anything lol). Our total bill was $82 + tip. The atmosphere and service were good, but the food was very subpar with nothing any of us wanted 2nds of unfortunately. It felt overpriced to us, but we appreciated that there was a wide variety of things to choose from and that the staff was kind. We may return again on a weekday, but will avoid the extra $5 per adult on weekends as it didn't quite feel worth that value.

PROS: • Staff was very kind and hospitable. Our waitress came by often to take away plates and refill drinks as needed. She was very sweet, as were the gals up front. • Atmosphere was lively; lots of people coming to check out the new place. • The buffet line was fairly busy the entire time but moved at a steady pace thanks to the way they have it laid out. Never felt super crammed even though there were a lot of people moving about. • Lots of hot dishes to choose from. There are separate sections for soups, a salad bar, sushi, fresh fruit, and desserts.

CONS: • While the food was hot and mostly fresh, we tried almost everything that was out and quite literally all of it was strangely sweet. It wasn't bad, per se... but there wasn't anything any of the adults went back for 2nds of unfortunately. • The price wasn't advertised or mentioned anywhere, and we should have asked. We'd seen reviews on FB that mentioned the buffet being $16 per adult and $8 for kids. That's ONLY on weekdays. The Friday-Sunday price is $20.99 for adults and $10.50 for kids. It felt a little overpriced for the quality of the food, in my opinion. We paid $82 + tip for 3 adults and 1 kid with 1 soda.

OTHER/MISC NOTES: • This restaurant is in the JC Seafood building. Being that they just opened, the signs on the building still reflect the old name, which is confusing but not a huge deal. • The food is currently not labeled, so you have to just guess as to what it is. There are signs posted throughout the buffet apologizing as their labels have not arrived yet. Again, not a huge deal, but...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at baobao, and it was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality, inviting aromas, and a stunning spread that immediately promised an unforgettable culinary experience.

The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and refined elegance. Spacious seating, tasteful décor, and well-thought-out lighting created a relaxed environment to enjoy the meal. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, always ready to assist or offer a recommendation with a smile.

The buffet selection was vast and diverse, catering to every palate imaginable. Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food, crave exotic international dishes, or follow a plant-based diet, there’s something for everyone. The standout sections for me were the fresh seafood bar, the made-to-order pasta station, and the sizzling grill corner. Every item I tried—from the buttery garlic shrimp to the perfectly seared steak—was prepared with care and bursting with flavor.

What truly impressed me was the freshness of every ingredient. The sushi was delicately crafted, the salads were crisp and colorful, and the desserts looked like they came straight out of a pâtisserie. The chefs clearly take pride in not just the taste but also the presentation, making the buffet a visual treat as well.

Save room for dessert! The dessert bar was a dream—mini cheesecakes, chocolate fountains, freshly baked pastries, and seasonal fruit. I especially loved the crème brûlée, which had that perfect crackling top and velvety interior.

Baobao isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of place you leave feeling satisfied, delighted, and already planning your next visit. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a memorable meal, this buffet is a must-visit.

Highly...