This Midwest Chain Stands Out As The Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffet, According To Reviews

All-you-can-eat buffets have acquired some pretty mixed reviews from customers, but there's one that has collected more fans than critics. Landing at the top of our list of all-you-can-eat buffet chains is HuHot Mongolian Grill. Not only is the food quality high, but the format of the restaurant provides an interactive, customizable experience that visitors can make their own.

Founded in Montana in 1999, HuHot now boasts over 50 locations primarily concentrated in the Midwest and Mountain West. A build-your-own set-up allows visitors to choose from proteins like tofu, shrimp, beef, and chicken, along with an assortment of fresh vegetables, rice, and noodles. Dozens of sauces can flavor these individually-selected stir-fry recipes. Chosen ingredients are passed to on-site cooks who prepare them on an open grill, turning the process into part of the dining experience. This is no picking through what has been sitting under a heat lamp for hours. "Absolutely awesome idea," wrote a fan on TripAdvisor. "You're taking a bowl, putting in whatever you want and give it to cook. Great!" 

The hands-on format has helped keep customers coming back, as watching near-endless choices cooked on the spot keeps the all-you-can-eat experience fresh. Customers have noted that even picky eaters can find something at HuHot, and the available sauces add significant appeal. From teriyaki and sweet and sour sauce to the garlicky house sauce known as Khan's Favorite, the flavors of the sauces can make or break what is placed into bowls. Discovering the different flavors can be an experience in and of itself. For diners unsure where to start, recipes are posted to help guide ingredient combinations. Since you can revisit the buffet as many times as you please, low-stakes experimentation means you can improve bowls with each visit if a dish is too spicy or needs more sauce. In addition to stir-fry, appetizers like crispy egg rolls and potstickers can start meals, while sweet dishes like New York-style cheesecake, tableside s'mores, and chocolate cake round out the menu.

Prices vary by location, and restaurants can offer specials like kids-eat-free and discounts for teachers, military personnel, and those in public service. "I think that this is some of the best food I can buy at its price point," wrote a customer on Reddit. Though the chain has received generally consistent reviews, management can impact the overall experience at each location. And some HuHot locations have grown a committed following, with customers willing to travel for the experience.