Hong Kong Buffet — Restaurant in Orangeburg

I’ve been going to HK Buffet for 12+ years. They are the ONLY Chinese buffet locally. Over that period, I have noticed small changes in their friendliness and overall service. The food is pretty standard. HK Buffet is not on the same level as Columbia or Summerville, but they make good Mei Fun. Unfortunately, that isn’t served on the bar.

One of the most recent examples includes a takeout issue. I placed an order 40 mins ahead of showing up and when I got there, it still wasn’t ready. That’s happened before — once or twice, but this time I had a pet in the car so I was anxious to leave. I eventually sat outside so I could run the AC. The staff wasn’t outright rude, just very dismissive of me. They seemed annoyed that I was even there. I never said a word, not once, but maybe I should have? That’s probably the issue. They assume I won’t object, which is very wrong.

The person that usually runs the register will often make me wait, pause to do something, and come back later. It’s not a long wait, but it has become noticeable in recent years. If I question something, he often looks to the nearest male as if to say, “What’s she asking?” with a laugh. That’s probably a cultural thing, but it’s rude and noticeable.

Lastly, about two years ago there was a power outage in the restaurant. The manage allowed me to dine with the agreement that I would come back and pay since I was paying with a card. I was grateful. Long story short, I did go back that very night — waved to the manager, and payed the lady cashier. Funny thing is, EVER since then, he has an attitude. It’s beyond my ability to understand.

Orangeburg doesn’t offer many Chinese places — not like it use too, and HK is the only buffet. They could use some competition. Just recently they lost my favorite waitress. She was the best! But she stormed out of there furious!

I’m just saying — they’ve...

So we were out drive and decided to stop in for dinner at a few minutes after 8 o'clock. We were seated promptly and got a plate for the buffet. As I went along very few choices mostly chicken this or chicken that. All of them were overcooked and dry. I knew they had cold shrimp so bonus went over my wife and I split up what was left about 5 each. I walked over to the sushi bar and 3 pieces were there all broken apart and not edible. So ok they have a salad bar walked over no lettuce. So I figure I will eat the overcooked chicken and the few shrimp. After eating that I sat there for a while and they replenished nothing. Still being a bit hungry I ate a couple of more things and waited. Quite a few people came and got take out and nothing refilled. So about 9:20 I asked for the manager, a lady came over and asked what was the issue we explained no food and badly cooked food. She says I'm not the manager and went in the back room. In a while she comes out and says he's busy. So we explained the issues again and she says I can't do anything about as they have closed out the cash register. So I asked what she could do and she said nothing. Then proceeded to argue with us and say it was the best priced buffet in the area. I stood up and said you are just not listening to me. And walked out. Don't go here unless you like low...

We walked in and the first thing we saw was a young child walking around, then behind the counter, maybe owners child, ok cool, dirty dishes piled on 2 or 3 tables and unclean tables with dishes, they just finished a rush. Ok cool. The buffet was somewhat decimated. (Just bag timing on our part). As the buffet was caught up some of the dishes were actually tasty. The shrimp was very good, the pepper beef with mushrooms very good, the Chinese Donuts hot and fresh. Started off a little sketchy, the food saved the day. Not Michelin star by any stretch but we were tired in need of food and found this to end up being quite pleasant. One star off to the lomein, it was over cooked and sticky, however it was also 7:15 p.m. We'll go back at a better time and see if that extra...