Lucky Buffet — Restaurant in Independence

Well, I finally went to Lucky Buffet. Kept hearing so much about it, I had to make the drive and check it out for myself. Walked in, was promptly seated. Told them what drink I wanted and went up to the buffet. First thing I noticed was some crab legs that they just brought out. Then I also noticed these two guys went up and pretty much emptied them. They left a couple legs which is what I tried, probably because I shot them a look like I was going to rip their head off if they took the last two. While I was here, I think they went through about 20 plates. The picture I'm including is about the fourth time I saw the servers come and empty them.

From what I had of the crab, it was pretty good. They had some drawn butter there and little cups you could dip the crab legs in. They kind of had these old crackers for opening the legs, if you come here, I would highly suggest you bring your own and a little pair of shears to cut them open, makes it a lot easier.

That's pretty much where the delicious part of the meal ended. Everything else was standard fare at best, super sonically sweet and not too hot. I tried a little bit of almost everything, the only thing that was decent, surprisingly, was this cheese corn that they had. It had a pretty good flavor to it. All of the chicken stuff was kind of tough and a little cool, the egg rolls were meh, the crab rangoon at East China in Waterloo on Kimball is much better, this one was way too sweet, and I didn't even use the red sauce.

Mongolian beef, zero texture, just a pile of mush with no flavor. They had several chickens on sticks, zero flavor. I tried one of their chicken wings, absolutely zero flavor. Coconut shrimp was interesting at best. The fried shrimp piece I had wasn't too bad when I dipped it in the butter for the crab, it added some flavor. Helps that the crab was sitting in there for a bit while I was deconstructing it.

My Diet Coke was fine. That's all they had for diet options. The server was nice and gave me a cup to go for it since I only sipped a couple teaspoons. The people running the place seem nice, and I'm guessing Iowan's who usually like their food a bit on the bland side probably love this stuff.

Overall, I'd give it a two out of five. I'd go there for the crab, if it wasn't a 35-minute drive. Came out to about 20...

We arrived right around 1 p.m. I noticed right away the restaurant was busy but the customers appeared to be happy and satisfied with their experience

The decor was tasteful and it was bright. I could also see the restaurant was comfortable with furniture suitably spaced.

As we were escorted to a table, I was aware of the buffet hot-tables, the customer tables and chairs were clean. We sincerely appreciate an establishment such as this one which has and keeps a regular cleaning schedule. The restaurant smelled clean too!

Their food was delicious and the beverages were satisfyingly refreshing. The buffet was kept appropriately full. Both the hot and cold foods were brought out and maintained at the correct safe temperatures.

It was obvious the food on the buffet was a good variety of foods. It was fresh too, because it had not turned "hot-table hard or crunchy", nor was it soggy. The meats on the buffet hot-table were also "done" through and yet still moist inside.

The greens and various compliments, for their salad bar, were "just-put-out" fresh, crisp and tasty. The white sticky rice was perfect. The fried foods were crunchy and succulent.

Another bonus to the experience - their serving staff! Trained, energetic, their clothing was clean and neat. They had good manners, were nice, and smiling. The table services provided were quick and efficient, so there was no need to stand nearby waiting for someone to clear off and clean a table, we were able to be seated right away. Service was done conscientiously without being intrusive or disrupting.

Oh, can't forget one of the most important things: the bathrooms were clean and...

You know - I am sick and tired of people giving Chinese buffet restaurants such a bad rap! I am not saying one of the reviewer's boyfriend didn't get a bacterial infection but it probably didn't come from Lucky Buffet. As a former Food Services Director (for ten years) - food borne illness DOES NOT just happen to one, two or even three persons who eat at a restaurant - it happens to a MAJORITY of those who ate a particular dish, during a particular time. My wife and I have eaten at Lucky Buffet on many occasions have have NEVER gotten sick. We like their prices and menu and will continue to eat there. If any believe I am some 'plant' from the owners of this establishment, visit me on Facebook at Brian D. Dale.

This reviewer also said "They (staff) wore sweat pants and tennis shoes." SO WHAT! One of the benefits of business ownership (as is true with me) is you can wear whatever you want. WE, the business owner(s) (as with Lucky Buffet) define what IS and IS NOT appropriate at our company. I am not bad mouthing employees but most of you have been brain-washed by your employers in these areas. Just because it is right for your employer's requirements - doesn't mean THOSE rules...