There’s more to buffets than sneeze guards and Jell-o. There’s something great about throwing down a $10 bill and getting to try a little bit of everything. It’s the cheapest way to binge on something you know you love (like pizza) and the lowest-stakes way try a broad sample of a cuisine with which you may not be quite so familiar.
We made plates at several lunch buffets in town in search of the best deal. Here are four of our faves.
Thai Pepper
Where: 5958 Florida Blvd.
Price: $8
What: The little pink building on Florida Boulevard serves up a small buffet full of very big flavors, like colorful yellow and panang curries, traditional son-in-law eggs, fried three-flavor fish with spicy chili sauce, creamy coconut soup and plenty of noodles and rice. A favorite for no frills, authentic Thai.
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Nagoya
Where: 3202 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
Price: $11-$15
What: Sushi until you drop. You’ve got your seaweed salad, your chicken on a stick, your dumplings, potstickers, sesame balls and stir fries. This one is the biggest buffet we tried with the broadest selection, and it’s well worth the price for the variety and quality.
Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine
Where: 5160 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
Price: $13-$17
What: It may be the priciest option, but for that rate you get white tablecloths, complimentary naan and a spread of some vibrant and seriously good Indian food. Pile your plate with murgh makhani (butter chicken), saag paneer, chili chicken, biryani, plenty of buri (deep fried unleavened bread) and all types of chutney.
Johnny’s Pizza House
Where: 8873 Highland Road
Price: $8
What: This place serves pizza that tastes like the classics from birthday parties of your childhood, and we mean that in a good way. You can try a little slice of several signature topping combos like Mighty Meaty and Hawaiian at the pizza buffet, plus Johnny’s signature Flips made with folded, stuffed pizza crust.