Chinese Buffet Restaurant
| Address: | 401 Elmira Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA |
| Phone: | +1 607-277-3399 |
| Site: | facebook.com |
| Rating: | 3.3 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–9:30PM 11:30AM–9:30PM 11:30AM–9:30PM 11:30AM–9:30PM 11:30AM–10:30PM 11:30AM–10:30PM 11:30AM–9:30PM |
Location
Photos 37
Reviews 18
MA
Master Savior
Despite what I read in some earlier reviews, I went there to try it out for myself and discovered that the food actually tasted pretty good, with more Chinese-esque variety than any other buffet restaurant Ive visited in this part of the state. There was even the type of roast duck that would be a familiar sight at Chinese food shops and restaurants in the big city. So I went back to read again those earlier reviews and realized that they all fall into two categories: On the one hand, theres the "sweet and sour chicken" - "egg rolls" - "fried rice" crowd, while on the other is represented by the "local guide" whos passing judgment on the actual food without even trying it because the person is expecting a certain ambience from the wrong place, even though the place was technically clean. Not much more needs to be said about the latter group. But the first group should know by now that the "sweet-n-sour chicken", "egg rolls", and "fried rice" are the worst-looking, blandest type of items there, and tend to be made the same cliched way at most "Chinese" restaurants. If they always run toward the sweet and sour chicken, egg rolls, and fried rice, what else could they expect to find? I literally watched some of my fellow diners walk past the (cut) roast duck, which btw was the best-tasting item, because their tunnel vision guided them only to the clichéd-looking "lo mein" next to it, time and again. Im not complaining, since I got to hoard almost all of the roast duck to myself while exploiting the apparent ignorance of the others. Even if the others had once craved for the whole roast ducks that they saw hanging in the windows of a shop somewhere, they probably failed to recognize it here simply because it had been cut into pieces. Their habits tend to always guide them to the few clichéd items after only a glance and not even reading the labels. Although I used the roast duck as an example, the same observations applied to most other things that were better-tasting than the few things to which the former group are always drawn.
AN
Antonella Dintino
I am not a picky eater and Im all for small businesses but this place was the WORST buffet I have ever eaten at and it was so dirty even the front counter waiting area... and the bathrooms apauling the health inspector needs to pay them a surprise visit. I immediately threw up even before I left the "restaurant". Please dont bring your kids there! The staff was fine but my gosh it was horrible. Just because its cheap doesnt mean they dont need to be up to par. Owners if you read this or even care you need to reevaluate the way you run that place please!
AS
Aston Williams
As an American having been to China I would say that this buffet has the best Chinese food Ive tasted since Ive visited China. You have a really hard time finding a place in America that serves a good peking duck but this place by far has the best duck Ive ever had ever since I went to China. And visiting from the south Id say that this restaurant is far more superior to Chinese restaurants down in the southeast!
KA
Karthik Shenoy Bola
Really wide variety of foods to select from. Quite a massive spread. I am a vegetarian and I had quite a lot of options. There was a huuuuuge selection for the meat lovers. The staff was exceptionally friendly and helped us out with all the vegetarian stuff. A lot of options in desserts as well. One of the best places both taste wise and price wise
ST
Stephen Gilfus
good food, good service.. a favorite in Ithaca.. owner came around, drinks were prompt. food was delicious.. some reviews are obviously staged by the other buffets ones in town.. crazy low price for awesome food! I come here everytime I come to town. The wonton soup always has a ton of wontons in it.
AL
Allan Smith
Chinese Buffet is THE BEST Chinese food restaurant in the Ithaca/Cortland area. They have an excellent selection, food is always hot and tastes wonderful. The staff is quite pleasant and the owner walks around and greets random tables. If you want Chinese food, this is the place to go. Allan Smith.
WY
Wynter Knight
Have been eating here for years! USED to love it. Quality of food has plummeted! If your going to eat there DONT go there between 4-5 because the food is all whats left over from lunch & your charged dinner prices! Worst experience Ive had there yet. Sad. This was our last time we will be eating there.
DE
Dennis Kolva
This was the first Chinese buffet in Ithaca, but they havent kept up with the competition. The food seems to get worse and worse each year. The food is often way overcooked, bland and too salty. A high percentage of American dishes rather than real Chinese. Not much choice for vegetarians.
A
A Private User
Exactly what I was looking for. I was up in Ithaca for business and wanted an easy, cheap Chinese buffet. If you are looking for high class Chinese food, this is not it. However, if you like Crab Rangoon, chocolate pudding, and General Tsaos Chicken, this is your place!
TH
Thomas Trutt
Cold food, dirty and bugs If you go here at an off time the food will be cold not even to room temperature. The place is in a desperate need of a good top to bottom cleaning and friends have found bugs in thier food. I would not recommend this place to anyone anymore.
RO
Robert Chen
When I found the buffet with such a low price, my expectations is not high. But I decide to try it. To my surprise, this restaurant is much better. It is about the same as the restaurant with double the price. The service people are nice. I would recommend it.
ED
Ed Emerson
Went in sat down took my hat sat it on seat ate dinner went to mens room came out went to truck i asked my buddy u have my hat said no went back in and server said it wasnt there people across said server had it musta needed than i did not very happy
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Travis vermilyea
The food is gross if you are use to Americanized chinese you will hate it no flavor at all very minamal selection and nothing is made in the kitchen all frozen and heated up. Decor and seating sucks and waiting for another drink takes days...
DO
Donna Haugan
I wouldnt even give this place 1 star. Sweet and sour sauce is watered down, the pork fried rice is crunchy, the egg rolls were gross. I tried several different things at the buffet just to be disappointed each time. I will not return!
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Rebecca Bachelor
Food is good when its not cold, servers hover over you and the tall male server TELLS ME just to leave my change on the table for his tip.. not impressed.. 4/5 times Ive gone we always end up with a stack of plates and no drink refill
QI
Qiliang Ding
I have saw the negative reviews here, but decided to give it a try. It was really great! A large variety of food, many Chinese speciality food as well. Price is very good. Service is also very good. Would recommend to everyone.
RY
Ryan Vooris
Scary and unclean are the first words that come to mind for this place. The seats are in the booths are damaged and the buffet does not look clean. None of the food look appetizing or tasted good.
BR
Brianica Schoonover
This place was horrible!!! Very rude the food was absolutely gross! The staff was rude when it came to pay they kept coming to our table and asking when or how we were paying.
