Elgin Buffet — Restaurant in Elgin

Update 3/13/25

This place has vastly improved from 13 years ago.

Everything is always good and greasy like you'd expect from a buffet at this price point. They have sushi, oysters if that's your things and hibachi.

A lot of things are Mexican-centric, like jalapenos in dishes, jalapenos by themselves, tajin lollipops and Mexican music playing 24/7.

I like the vibe and I think the owners are really smart for catering to their audience.

I have no complaints about this place anymore.

Sorry I didn't update this earlier, of Elgin Buffet

---Review from 13 years ago below:

I had one plate and it made me feel sick. The place was pretty busy, so I really expected a fresh buffet. At least I hoped it would have been fresh at $12 per person. Unfortunately it was the usual week old slop found in this type of place. They use a lot of 5 spices and Siracha sauce. Not that I have a problem with either of those, but its on too many items. We couldn't tell if the pudding was vanilla, lemon or spoiled. Almond cookies were stale (I thought those had an eternal shelf life). On the bright side, some of the items seemed authentic. Fried shrimp complete with eyeballs, squid & mini octopus. At least it looked interesting. They should get rid of the crazy items and the sub par sushi and drop the...

I've been here before the pandemic change. This is my first time since after it open back up. I haven't been to many buffets since Covid. This one, by far, the best one I've been too. Price is decent and not trying to charge and take advantage of the whole inflation. I'm usually so picky when it comes to Chinese/Asian food especially for buffets because I'm Chinese and can tell the difference. This place was pretty clean, workers were friendly and nice, and the sushi was Edible! The soft serve was actually full of flavor and not watered down. I didn't try much fruits but the dessert was also pretty good. Overall, I'd come back again. Didn't use the washroom to see if it was clean or dirty tho. Oh, this beats Royal buffet by a whole football field. My two toddlers.. 5yrs old ate 4 decent plates including desserts and my 3yrs old ate a good 1 full plate and then some hellos and ice cream. Mind you, my 3yrs old usually don't eat much of this. I'd definitely come back again. Keep it up! Also, no pics because we were actually eating...

I've been here a few times. The lady at the front was on the phone, and i couldn't tell if she was talking to me or on the phone. They are charging service fees onto your bill, and you will notice there are 2 taxes. The dinner tax is clearly a fee. Take a look at some other reviews. She seemed like she was ignoring us the way she responded.I feel I used to like it more and that it had a different atmosphere before. They clearly cater to a specific customer base. Spanish music and TV only. You feel put off your element when you come here. It feels more like a Mexican restaurant and not a Chinese buffet. The food itself is okay, but some dishes were never refilled the entire time I was there like the calamari. Also, there are many rude, impatient people here. I'm not sure if it's the customers that come here or just the area. I used to like to come here but I don't like the change in customer base catering and rude people that come. Overall, it is...