China Buffet — Restaurant in Mason City

$15 evening buffet, questionable 3/5 stars based on the fact it is a stereotypical American Chinese buffet. Not sure what kid's prices are, but assuming it's reasonable then this is probably a good place to be.

One star for style, nice little pond at the entrance with little fish, kids seem to enjoy it. Another for the copious amounts of food one expects at these places, and the final star for the appearance of the food (early in the evening hours so bear that in mind).

Thumbs up: I'd say they have 4 areas for food, salad/dessert, main course, fried/misc, sushi, and the Habachi grill (did not try). Drinks included a milk dispenser like they had at University, chocolate and white.

Critiques: While the food appeared great, the taste was left wanting for the most part. Very greasy (slightly more so than usual), General Tso's chicken tasted like a dessert it was so sweet. Rice didn't really stick together that great, and the lo-mein seemed to have soaked up a lot of oil. The salad appeared to be Iceberg, which I suppose is OK if you're into that. Only thing missing from the ultra-stereotypical buffet would be ice cream.

If the flavor would have been there, I'd consider a higher rating.

Cautions: Gluten in...

Probably one of the WORST experiences we have had in a long time!! On Mother's Day! I treated my mother and my wife and kids and were joined by my Aunt and Uncle during dinner (for a total of 9 adults and 2 kids for $135) to the worst dining experience possible. They raised the plate cost by $3 per plate for the "holiday" and ALL the meats and dishes that should have been hot - were cold, including the coffee! On top of that, as they began to get busy they literally went to our kids (3 teens and 2 younger kids) that were sitting in a couple of booths across from our table and told our kids they would have to leave!! All of the adults weren't even done eating yet, but these disrespectful people would not come and say something to us parents - just lean on kids! My wife and I stood up to go and my mom, dad, aunt and uncle were still finishing their meals and they came to clean the table and literally were asking if they were done as they were taking their plates!! High Prices, COLD FOOD and extremely rude behavior on a day that should have been special for moms and families! Not only will I NOT RECOMMEND this place - I will not darken...

We came in. They wouldn’t out out any fresh food. If that wasn’t bad enough. Scraped together a plate. Go to put it on the table. When I go to get something else the waitress comes and takes my fresh plate and tells us to leave 15 minutes early. Asked for a manager, waitress refused to get one so I went and had to find my own manager. Please don’t eat here. All staff was fully ready to leave before closing time. Food tastes like it had sat up there all day. Absolute worst experience at any restaurant I have ever had. Drove 30 minutes to eat here. Very rude staff. The waitress yelled at us how she worked there for 7 years and apparently after 7 years she never learned appropriate customer service. Customer service is not their strong suit. If you want Chinese go to...