Buffet Star - Redlands

This place is quite nice for a post-COVID buffet. It seems like many others have either closed down or their food isn't as flavorful as it used to be. read more This place is quite nice for a post-COVID buffet. It seems like many others have either closed down or their food isn't as flavorful as it used to be.

From the first bite of my meal, I knew this restaurant had won me over. The food was fantastic, and I highly recommend it! read more From the first bite of my meal, I knew this restaurant had won me over. The food was fantastic, and I highly recommend it!

I had my first dining experience here and it was fantastic. I visit buffets regularly, and this one might just be my favorite so far. I can't wait to return! read more I had my first dining experience here and it was fantastic. I visit buffets regularly, and this one might just be my favorite so far. I can't wait to return!

They say if you've been to every AYCE Chinese buffet, you've been to them all. A grain of truth in that since there are a lot of commonalities that you see in t... read more They say if you've been to every AYCE Chinese buffet, you've been to them all. A grain of truth in that since there are a lot of commonalities that you see in them common dishes like chicken wings, that saucy beef thing, General Tso's chicken, etc. etc. Not to mention that it's probably an open secret that the vast majority of restaurants in America, especially buffets, source their raw materials from the same place (the beauty of Sysco). Yet, several things stand out here. First, the foot traffic is always good (figurative, everyone drives here) and so the food is typically switched in and out at a pretty good rate it's usually reasonably hot and fresh, which is one of the major determinants of food quality at a buffet like this (since everyone really sources the same ingredients). Second, they actually have a lot of unique dishes, like kim chi style mini octopuses, a full sushi bar (with perfectly serviceable sushi, which is actually pretty impressive given the low cost and AYCE nature), and their own all you can eat Mongolian BBQ. All of these are fantastic and really lets you spice up your meal. My parents make sure to eat a meal here basically literally every time they're in town, which is probably a good sign given that they grew up in China. Value of course, is excellent. Only downside I'd say is that the fountain drink is in the back, so you need to flag down a waiter in order to get a refill, which is usually slower than just getting a refill yourself. Overall, if you're looking for an AYCE Chinese buffet, this is definitely one of the best options in the region. It comes highly recommended for its value and diversity in food.

Went for the lunch special which was a $41.00 tab for 2 adults was greeted and seated right away. The servers were friendly and attentive which is always a plus... read more Went for the lunch special which was a $41.00 tab for 2 adults was greeted and seated right away. The servers were friendly and attentive which is always a plus in a busy place my cup was always full place was clean and neat not like most buffets I've been to in the past The sushi was a chefs kiss to the crispy crunchy fried chicken fall off the bone no complaints there. Also to the octopus which was to die for that it almost made me ink from excitement. The ice cream was a little melted out of the machine but that's always expected, But still good The full shrimps with the shell was a struggle and I was over it before I could sink my teeth Into it and enjoy. The fries were crispy and good and this cucumber salad they had with jalapeños was also really good. Now on to the reason for 4 stars and not a 5 banger is because as I was about to indulge in my cream cheese wonton there was piece of metal from the scrubber sponge in my food thankfully I caught it before it caught me. I told the chef and he immediately took the food back from the buffet and made a fresh batch. Which is also another reason for the 4 stars and nothing less. I will definitely be back but with further inspection of my food before I end up in the Er. I was the second guest and my experience was different. When I sat down the server gave me my soda and I said thank you and like always the server never talks. Food was alright, but I will go back as a I had to roll myself out from the food coma.