Okay, so let me start off by saying that if you're going to Golden Corral, go in with LOW expectations. By doing so, you'll save yourself a lot of disappointment. No matter what your taste in food is, no matter how sophisticated or non-advanced your taste buds may be, lower your standards going here.

With that out the way, my experience here at Golden Corral was not so Golden but it was pleasant. For what you pay (which is very affordable at 17 or so maybe less actually) the value is great. You can pig out and get down as much as you want with pretty standard "soul food" fare. Lots of chicken, pulled pork, fried fish, mash, sweet potato, baked potato, collar greens, a nice selection of salad and deserts (cakes, ice cream etc)and other foods.

There's even alcoholic beverages you pay extra for and of course a selection of sodas.

Nothing I ate here was outstanding whatsoever. On the same token, nothing I ate here was particularly bad. Some foods were a little saltier than I wish it could be and without any sauce the fried fish was super bland but again, nothing I hate was bad. It was just fine and for what you pay, you can really make it worth your dollar.

I haven't had the breakfast yet but I hear good things about that so I will try that and see if I can do an update.

The service was very good here. It's a mostly very young staff but they are on point. Friendly, kind, attentive and are on top of making sure the food is always reloaded when it runs out.

The environment here was (from my experience and time I went) calm. Packed, busy but calm. And it being in the Bronx and not exactly in the best (or worse) area, I was surprised that there was no hooliganism. I probably wouldn't come here on a Friday and weekend but for a Wednesday afternoon, it was chill. Mostly family and friends and after school students.

It was also clean and we'll sanitized.

My verdict:

If you're looking to make your dollar stretch and just looking to pig out on basic foods then you won't feel bad about coming to Golden Corral. Come in with low expectations and you'll be okay and have a good time.

If you're looking for a finer dining, more sophisticated food adventure, this is NOT the place. Don't even look in the vicinity.

Rating:*** Out of 5 stars. It could get 2 but it makes up for it for the value, the customer service and cleanliness.