Buffet Star - Redlands

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.

Stopped by on a weekend night for dinner. Located in a nice shopping center with plenty of parking this buffet is known for their seafood options. Place had dif... read more Stopped by on a weekend night for dinner. Located in a nice shopping center with plenty of parking this buffet is known for their seafood options. Place had different seating sections but the tables were fairly closed to each other making it hard to get in and out of your seat. They offered a sushi bar, crab legs, buttered and Cajun shrimp as well as a station to build your own Mongolian plate. The back staff was constantly brining out food and ensuring things were fully stocked. It being a buffet the experience was similar to any other. The food tasted okay and was hot. I would probably return for their Cajun shrimp and Mongolian!

Pretty impressive buffet. They cleared our plates and got our soda refills pretty quickly. no wait to get in and the selection was pretty good. The seats are pr... read more Pretty impressive buffet. They cleared our plates and got our soda refills pretty quickly. no wait to get in and the selection was pretty good. The seats are pretty close together of you sit in the middle so we asked for a booth and that was great. Highlights include the beef jerky type meat, the crabs, the shrimp they cut in half and put cream sauce on and the Galbi short ribs you can have cooked at the grill. For the dessert, their ice cream is delicious and I know it's weird but I enjoyed eating it with the almond cookie. Will be back again if in the area. Would probably drive here again if we are craving for crabs even if it's far from us.

Food was very good. Everything was coming out fresh. Service couldn't have been any better. I forgot to take a picture of all the sushi and crab legs they had.... read more Food was very good. Everything was coming out fresh. Service couldn't have been any better. I forgot to take a picture of all the sushi and crab legs they had. Very clean.