You're driving down Beltline Road in Decatur, and that familiar red and yellow sign catches your eye. Chow King Buffet Decatur AL has been a fixture of the local dining scene for a while now. It’s one of those places that everyone in Morgan County seems to have an opinion on. Some folks swear by the hibachi station, while others are just there for the mountain of crab legs on the weekend.
Honestly, the "buffet experience" is a polarizing thing. You either love the chaotic variety or you're skeptical of the steam tables. But when you’ve got a family of five to feed and nobody can agree on what they want, a massive spread of Chinese, Japanese, and American comfort food starts looking like a stroke of genius.
The Reality of Dining at Chow King Buffet Decatur AL
Located at 1000 Beltline Rd SW, this place stays busy. If you roll up on a Friday night, expect a crowd. It’s loud. It’s bustling. You’ll see toddlers sprinting toward the ice cream machine and seniors carefully navigating the salad bar.
Kinda feels like a community hub sometimes.
The sheer scale of the food is what hits you first. We're talking about rows of stainless steel trays filled with everything from standard General Tso’s chicken to surprisingly decent sushi rolls. One of the biggest draws is the Hibachi Grill. You pick your raw veggies, meats, and noodles, hand them to the chef, and watch them sear everything with that specific soy-and-garlic aroma that sticks to your clothes in the best way possible.
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What’s Actually on the Menu?
It isn't just "Chinese food." They try to cover a lot of ground. You've got your staples:
- Seafood: This is the big hitter. Fried shrimp, baked fish, and the highly-coveted crab legs. People genuinely track the tray refills for those crab legs like they're watching the stock market.
- Classic Chinese-American: Think lo mein, pepper steak, and sweet and sour pork.
- The "American" Corner: Surprisingly, their fried chicken and ribs have a loyal following. It’s basically Southern soul food masquerading as part of an Asian buffet.
- Sushi & Salad: It’s a modest selection, but if you want a spicy tuna roll before diving into a plate of lo mein, it's there.
Let’s Talk About the Price (2026 Updates)
Inflation hasn't ignored Alabama. While the days of the $5.99 lunch are long gone, Chow King remains one of the more affordable ways to get "full-to-bursting" in Decatur.
Lunch usually runs around $11.49, while Dinner jumps up to about $14.99. On weekends, prices can be slightly higher because of the "premium" items like those crab legs. Seniors over 65 usually get a break on the price—typically about a 10% discount—and they have scaled pricing for kids based on age.
Is it the cheapest meal in town? No. But considering you can eat three plates of shrimp and a bowl of wonton soup for fifteen bucks, the value proposition is hard to beat.
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The Health Score Factor
Let’s address the elephant in the room. People always worry about buffet cleanliness. It’s a fair concern. In early 2025, the Morgan County health department gave this location a 94, which is actually quite solid for a high-volume buffet.
They have their "off" days—cleanliness in the restroom area has been a recurring gripe in local reviews—but the kitchen scores suggest they’re keeping the food safety side of things under control.
Why Some People Love It (and Others Don't)
If you're looking for a quiet, romantic date night, this is not it. It’s a sensory overload. The lighting is bright, the floors can sometimes be a bit slick, and the service is... well, it’s "buffet service." Don't expect a long chat with your server. They are there to clear plates and refill your sweet tea as fast as humanly possible so they can flip the table.
But if you want a place where your picky eater can have pizza while you eat hibachi, and your partner dives into a plate of sushi, Chow King Buffet Decatur AL fills that niche perfectly.
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Pro Tips for the Best Experience
Don't just walk in blindly. There is a strategy to a buffet this size.
- Timing is Everything: Aim for the "transition windows." Arrive around 11:30 AM for lunch or 5:00 PM for dinner. This is when the food is freshest and the trays are being swapped out most frequently.
- Check the Hibachi: If the main buffet line looks a bit "tired," go to the Hibachi grill. Since that food is cooked to order right in front of you, it’s guaranteed to be piping hot.
- The "Coconut String" Mystery: There’s a specific coconut-based dessert item many regulars rave about. It sounds weird, but try it.
- Watch the Bill: Occasionally, groups have reported that tips are automatically added to the bill for larger parties. Just keep an eye on your receipt before you add an extra tip on top.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you’re in Decatur and you're hungry—like really hungry—it’s worth a stop. It’s predictable. You know what you’re getting. It’s a mix of salty, sweet, fried, and fresh that hits the spot when you can't decide on a single cuisine.
Just don't go five minutes before closing. That's a rookie mistake at any buffet. The selection dwindles, and the kitchen won't put out fresh batches of the "good stuff" right before they lock the doors.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Address: 1000 Beltline Rd SW Ste G3, Decatur, AL 35601.
- Phone: (256) 584-3555 (Call ahead if you have a party of 10+).
- Check the Score: Look at the latest Morgan County health department postings near the entrance for the most current rating.
- Bring Cash/Card: They accept all major cards, but having cash for a quick tip on the table is always appreciated by the hard-working bus staff.