Chef Lin Buffet — Restaurant in Frederick

Yes, options are limited right now, but I was so glad they are open again when I went last week. I was really craving some sushi and I have been missing sushi buffets near where I work, so when I saw Chef Lin was open, I went to check it out. I don't know if they were charging more when they first reopened, but for a little over $11, there were two whole buffet tables with hot food, the full dessert/fruit/salad one, and the sushi and of course I got a drink. I think that is very reasonable since I mainly wanted the sushi anyway and you usually pay $11 alone for just one roll, so I could have all I want along with other hot items. I did miss some of the usual hot items, but they still had some great staples like lo mein, wonton soup, egg rolls, a seafood mix, and even some deep fried sushi (which was kind of like a game since you couldn't tell what you were getting, but all the ones I got were very good). So I left very satisfied and I will definitely be back. I am looking forward to the day when they have all their usual options again, but during this difficult time, I was very happy to give them my support and was also happy to see a lot of people come in and pick up orders to keep them in business. Their sushi was still as big and delicious as it always was - they may take longer to put it out if there aren't a lot of people inside, but that's good since it's fresher when...

I came in here on a Friday night about 45 minutes before they were supposed to close. I already walked in understanding that I’m coming in towards the end of the buffet. What I wasn’t expecting was for the grill to already be closed or the moment I sat down with my first plate, they were prepping to remove things. When I went to get my second plate of food, they had already removed all the sushi before I was even able to have any. I went up for my second plate of food and picked up a few desserts, just in case they started taking things away. After almost finishing my second plate and contemplating what I was going to get, a lady comes up and asks me if I want to get any more food. Mind you there’s still almost 30 minutes before they’re closed. But already disappointed and the fact that half the food was already not available to me, I decided I was done eating for the evening. I left money with the check on the table and went to use the bathroom before leaving. I will say the bathrooms were definitely clean. But as I’m leaving over half the restaurant had already been mopped/drenched, with no dry path or wet floor signs…

The food wasn’t that bad, that I got to taste… But I wouldn’t recommend, especially not for dinner and won’t be back...

I'm very sentimental about Chef Lin's, as for many years it has been a wonderful place to share with friends and family, for just about any occasion.

The food itself is pretty much what you would expect from a Chinese buffet, but the Hibachi is always great, and you won't find as good of sushi anywhere in Frederick for the price. For the best quality, it's better to go within the normal lunch and dinner hours, but I'll still rush in at 9:30pm for some last minute carryout.

The decor is rather dated, the restaurant is definitely showing signs of wear, and could definitely use some renovations. But the staff are absolutely lovely, from the waiters, to the kitchen staff, to the managers! Helpful, polite, and patient/good with kids, and at the same time non-intrusive and tactful.

Not five star dining, but great for everyday fun! I highly...