Royal Star Buffet — Restaurant in Mount Vernon

I haven't been here since all the rules and regulations of covid have been set in place and today was my little brother's birthday so when I asked him what he wanted, he replied Royal Star Buffet. Upon arrival, there is a small sign at the front desk stating to wear masks and to take one glove due to limited supply. We were seated at our table promptly as usual. When getting my food, I found it hard to serve it with a single glove and trying to cut the prime rib with one hand and hold it in place with the fork using the other. My previous review had stated I would have given it a five star had it been a little more clean, but unfortunately to say, the restaurant still wasn't to my standards. The bathroom was disgusting, the floor and carpet were dirty and I watched whomever was doing the takeout food, place food into bags after opening the bag with their hand by sticking it inside the bag with no glove (such as egg rolls), using the serving utensils multiple times while not wearing a glove (despite the customers using the same utensil and being required to wear one) also, he refilled the ice cream cones not wearing a glove this happened multiple times during my visit! I lowered my previous rating from a four star to a three star after viewing these things. Unfortunately, I would have liked to have given them a higher rating as the food was okay, the service was friendly and the price was also cheap but.... I also viewed multiple groups of eight or more being seated when I believe six is the maximum per table! Not trying to grill them, but everyone should be held to the same standards if not higher when it comes to a buffet due to countless contact areas and touch points!!! I did witness them wipe the countertops and tables in between visits though, which I was glad to see!! Don't let my review stop you from going there, just take it into consideration...

Can I give less than 1 star? I know with the new protocols and restrictions put in place because of covid-19 that it was not going to be the usual buffett experience but what my husband and I experienced left me in tears with body image issues and him outraged. They offer you 2 plate sizes one is $8 the other is $11. You then get your choice of bottled drink and get taken to a table to wait your turn to get food. So far, so good. Once I got up there I had them build my son's plate first No problem with that they had a smaller selection but again it made sense. Then I went back to the beginning to get my plate where I then had to argue with the guy serving out the food that yes I did just build a plate for MY SON and I too would like some food. He then looked me up and down and said I clearly had enough (I'm almost 9 months pregnant) I started crying at which point my husband comes over says just make her a plate and then the hostess comes over and tells him to let me make a plate. I had chose the $11 option since it was still pretty small and by the time I got the guy to put any food on my plate there was only enough food to fill up half the smaller option plate. They would not let us leave unless we paid (at that point I was done and embarrassed and wanted to leave) because I had accepted my son's plate. So my husband and I took our food and ate and left... I was humiliated and made to feel fat.. this is not how you run a business at all. I recommend you all take your money to a business that won't fat shame...

Wow, what a terrific restaurant! I would go so far to say this is some of the best Chinese not only in Mount Vernon, but also in the whole Whidbey Island area!

Me and my wife arrived here on a Sunday evening, and due to the COVID restrictions, the only option was take out. However, they still give you a to-go container, and let you have your way at the buffet, all while taking the proper safety/sanitary measures. I got some white rice, fried rice, lo-mein noodles, orange chicken, chicken with broccoli, coconut shrimp, green beans, and spicy shrimp, all for just under $19. ALL of it was very fresh (despite us arriving there one hour before closing) and VERY tasty. The chicken and broccoli was especially delicious, and had way more flavor than most other Asian restaurants I've tried around here.

As if the terrific food wasn't enough, the service was also amazing. The man and the woman working there were both super friendly, and were truly at our service the whole time we were getting our food. Me and my wife truly did walk in there very hungry, and left super happy!.

All in all, friendly people, terrific service, and fresh, delicious food, made this a 5-star experience for us both. We...