China Buffet Effingham — Restaurant in Effingham

This was by far the worst experience I have had from any restaurant. Firstly, there are 2 buffet tables, one small one for cold things and a large one for hot food items. The price was about $23, which I thought was okay because for 2 people getting a plate or two of food would be roughly same price, if not more. However if I had known that the food would make my significant other, not even 10 minutes of leaving sick on the way back to the hotel, and since another 3 times. While there, the food was either extremely bland, overly salty, tasted like plastic, or extremely over cooked. We both agreed that the best thing we got from the place were sodas because the food was terrible. I wasn't even comfortable using the restroom on the way out because it was extremely cold, the toilets were filled and it appeared to have not been cleaned in a long time. We are moving out here shortly, but will definitely not be coming back. Ontop of myself having cleanliness issues, the issue with the food and my significant other being extremely sick afterwards, the one man would stand there and eerily stand and watch you like a hawk, which I feel would make any person uncomfortable. I am more than disappointed with this restaurant, since I was hoping for a good local place to go to dinner and lunch once we move out here. Lastly, there is no excuse for cold food on a hot table/steam table, half of what I had plated my plate with was cold. Which could be from it sitting there, or the table not being up at high as it was supposed to be, regardless it shouldn't...

Saw this restaurant on the map, and it's mediocre reviews. Decided to try another place, but missed the exit to the other restaurant taking the next exit coinicidentally which was the exit to this restaurant.

It is really important for food to be kept at the correct temperature to avoid issues around food poisoning. A lot of the food including the meat was barely warm, and some was cold. The selection and quality was poor, and I've had much better for cheaper than around $12.50 per person which was the price here. Did not care for the buffett price including a drink, as I rarely drink anything other than water.

Overheard staff telling a teenager they should get one piece of things to try them to see if they liked it before getting more, to which the teen replied they already tried the item and liked it. I don't like food waste...but seemed they were pinching pennies between the staff, sing, and food temperature. The sign did make me laugh though. The bathroom could use a bit of help; dirty and trash full. Seemed like plenty of staff too that could be checking bathrooms.

Wish I didn't...

Been here 5 times in the last month alone. The freshness of the food is very hit or miss and that is why I give it 3/5 ☆. The inconsistency and the fact that they add the old food from their trays back into the new trays they put out is super disappointing.

I have learned to go on busy days of the week during their busiest times to get fresh food (Friday nights, Saturday nights, Sunday lunches, etc).

They charge $15 per dinner plate and that includes the dinner buffet and your drink. I appreciate they clear our empty plates quickly, every time.

When the dinner buffet is hot and fresh, it's definitely 4☆.

Flattering photos included in my review from today's Easter Sunday lunch. (Dinner buffet times are earlier on Sundays so this is their dinner buffet).

I do like to come in and get dinner buffet to go at times. It's fairly cheap and it's priced per lb.

Love their crab ragoon, fresh mussels, fresh crispy shrimp, and hot n sour soup...