Chow’s Country Buffet — Restaurant in Tuscaloosa

05/18/25 - I arrived a little after 11 am. I was greeted by the take-out hostess and redirected to the seating hostess, who greeted me and took my drink order (hot tea and water w/lemon). I was led to a booth and a straw was placed on my table. I went to the buffet area, the plates and utensils were displayed along the wall. That was a good use of space. I didn't see hand sanitizer. My first plate was small, all food items were from a hot line. Food taste and textures were basic, nothing extraordinary. The only item that was close to "hot" was the egg roll. Lo main - cold Green beans - tepid Fried Rice - cold Fried fish - tepid, not hot or warm Egg roll - warm When I returned to my table, my tea and water were there. I reached for my mug and noticed a stain on the side. There was liquid in the bottom. I, initially, thought it was water from the dishwasher. But since there was a dark stain on the side, I wiped it out. It was coffee in mug. I went to the seating hostess and showed her the mug (there was another female staff member with her). The other staff member got my waitress and showed her the mug. I was told the my waitress would bring me another mug. I returned to my table. My waitress presented me with a Large Styrofoam cup and made an explanation that it was in place of the mug 'so I wouldn't have a problem'.

-The Waitress never spoke to me again during the next 30 mins.-

I went up for a second plate and just got two dumplings. They were warm, without the risk of burning my tongue. Since my waitress stopped at every table but mine (my first plate was removed while I was getting my second), I went up to the Take-out hostess to pay my bill. She was, rightly, confused by my not having a ticket. I informed her that my waitress had not spoken to me. She said something to another staff member and gave me my total. I asked for the military discount and she updated my total. Perhaps my waitress thought my pointing out that the mug had coffee in it was a slight on her or that I would be a "difficult" customer. In any case, her presentation of the Styrofoam cup, body language, tone, and lack of further customer service made her the ONLY unpleasant staff member that I encountered. This is not a "country buffet" but an "Asain Buffet". It has the typical Asain buffet line up with only roast beef, two types of fried fish, and other "country" buffet basics. The interior has ALL of the blinds closed, so it was VERY dark inside (at 11 am)!

This was my first time at "Chow's" (I visited the two previous restaurants that were housed in this building). It was my first full meal of the day (after mass) and I left unsatisfied. Picture of food with coffee-stained tissue...

I was treated to lunch today at Chow's Country Buffet. There was a line outside the door before they even opened. They have everything imaginable that you love to eat. Pizza, french fries, ice cream, brownies, sweet and sour chicken, fried chicken wings, egg rolls, fried catfish, fried onion rings, fried shrimp, fried doughnuts, fried plantains, buffalo wings, BBQ ribs with a smoky sauce, sausage and peppers, corn, cabbage, green limas, green beans, sweet potato casserole, black-eyed peas, beef pot roast, mini ears of corn sitting in milk, mashed potatoes, broccoli, pan-seared salmon, jello, puddings, fresh fruit, salads, boiled shrimp.

The whole button mushrooms were hot and fresh. The green beans were crisp. The sliced beef and chicken were tender in the Chinese dishes. The shrimp and lobster were in a tasty butter and herb sauce. The pot roast just falls apart when you touch it and has large slices of red potatoes, carrots, etc. The mac and cheese was creamy but cold. The egg roll is fried to perfection and tender inside. The apple slab slices looked good, but the dough was not firm. Should have cooked it longer. The yeast rolls are hot and pillowy. Confectioner sugar-coated peanuts were a wonderful crunchy treat.

They clear the plates as soon as you have finished with them.

The all-you-can-eat buffet is $11.99 for adults and $10.99 for seniors over 65. The drinks are separate. Drinks were $2.75 each. The tea was watered down. Their food score is 97. The check is presented after they clear your plates. You pay at the register on your way out.

This is a place where you feel like you really can get your money's worth whether you eat a lot...

First time and last time I will never come back. I went in by myself got seated, I grabbed two plates my first time at the buffet and sat down. Within 10 minutes my waitress brought me one refill and the ticket. I diddnt pay the ticket because I had only been there 10 minutes I was still eating. Normally in america you pay your ticket when you are done eating and about to leave. My drink ran out and she diddnt come back so I waited for her to come back after 10 minutes she came back with an angry look and said "you pay here!" I said "I understand." She looked around and said louder "you pay here!" I said "i understand"then as I motioned to my empty drink she said "you pay now then I bring you drink" I don't know if she thought I was going to dine and dash or if she was trying to get me out so she can serve a bigger party but that was the rudest service interaction I ever had. You are gonna hold my drink hostage until I pay you 😂 so I can get up and get all the food I want but you draw the line at bringing me a drink. Never again. Just charge people when they walk in if you are going to act like that i tipped her $3 because I used to work service industry but she deserved nothing. Side note I diddnt have a problem paying whenever she asked for payment but she diddnt ask me to pay initially she came to me saying "pay here" I understood that I pay at the table. There's a difference in pay...