Crystal Lake Buffet — Restaurant in Crystal Lake

I have been here twice and both times I was told my service dog would need to stay at my table while I got food.

The first time I politely educated the girl that was working up front that this was not allowed and showed her the information on the ADA website (Americans with Disabilitys Act website) stating that service animals are allowed to acompany their handler through a food bar. She was very sweet and I know she was just doing as she was told so no hard feelings there. I asked if she could pass the word onto her boss and she said yes, she told me the reason they made this rule was because of customer complaints. I said I understood, however just because other guests complain doesnt mean I shouldnt be allowed to be accompanied by my service animal who is protected under ADA law.

The second time I was given a very hard time by a woman who came up to me from the kitchen into the food bar. She said what the other girl the first time said and I explained everything to her I explained the last time I had been there. She didnt seem to understand what I was trying to tell her or understand ADA law at all. My parter ended up intervening towards the end and said "I would understand if the service dog was causing issues, but he is not. He is laying by there side politely and doing his job. Not interviening with the food what so ever." She did leave us alone after this stating "Well hopefully no one complains."

The staff here really needs to educate themselves of ADA Laws and Service Dogs. It doesnt matter if other people complain, you as the staff should educate them as to why it is allowed. I would understand if he was a fake service animal (because people do infact fake them sometimes) and was causing a disturbance / health issues but he was not.

I avoid coming here when possible now, however this is typically a place of choice due to family outtings. I don't look forward to it though and dred the...

Went on a Friday night. Food was ok-ish, sushi is only imitation crab or cream cheese and fruit, no actual fish, which I guess makes sense if it's going to be sitting out, don't know how the hibachi worked BUT on a Friday night, DO NOT GO unless you want your eardrums blasted out!! It was karaoke night and it was just ridiculously loud. My ears hurt for hours after only being through it for about 30 minutes. We couldn't even stay to finish our meal it made the experience so terrible. If they'd LOWER THE VOLUME, more people could enjoy it even on a karaoke night, if they made it bilingual it would help even more. Even with napkins in my ears it was too loud and we had to leave. I feel bad for the staff who WILL have permanent hearing damage because they need to work during these times. They should call OSHA if it's not addressed for unsafe working environment as it's not like they can wear hearing protection in case they need to communicate with someone. Also I did not like how the receipt is printed - it essentially makes you feel like you're required to tip and tipping before you get service is...

Let's not talk about the former experience BEFORE opening under new management... NOW? Amazing! Food was very tasty and fresh, they don't load up the pans to the brim, but rather cool fresh more often, I really appreciate that! The hibachi area was very clean and well stocked, the sushi was plentiful when we got there but definitely needed some restocking when we left (no, we didn't eat it all 🤣). The servers were very attentive and friendly, my mom got the senior discount for her dinner without us even asking! I'll definitely be back. Thank you for bringing back a good (!!!) Chinese buffet to Crystal Lake. No more having to do the longer drive to the Elgin Buffet 😊

Edit to update: They did change the salt and pepper calamari/squid/octopus to just lightly breaded calamari which are often super greasy unfortunately... I wish they would go back to serving the same dish as the Elgin buffet for the salt and pepper calamari/squid/octopus, so much...