If you’ve lived in New London County for a while, you know the drill with local dining. You either end up at the casinos or you’re hunting for that one reliable spot in a strip mall that actually hits the mark. Infinity Palace Chinese Buffet Norwich CT is one of those places that people talk about in local Facebook groups with a weird mix of loyalty and high expectations. It’s located right on West Main Street. You know the spot. It’s nestled in that plaza near the DMV, which honestly makes it a prime candidate for a "stress meal" after dealing with registration paperwork.
But here’s the thing. Buffets are a dying breed in some parts of New England. Since 2020, we’ve seen so many "all you can eat" spots transition to takeout-only or just close their doors for good. Infinity Palace has stuck it out. Why? It’s not because it’s a five-star Michelin experience. It’s because it fills a very specific niche in the Norwich community. It’s a massive space. It’s affordable. And if you’re craving a specific type of Americanized Chinese comfort food, it usually delivers exactly what you’re looking for without any pretension.
The Reality of the Buffet Line
Walk inside and the first thing you notice is the scale. It’s huge. This isn't your tiny neighborhood takeout joint where there are two plastic chairs and a flickering neon sign. This is a full-scale operation with multiple steam tables, a hibachi station, and a sushi bar that usually surprises people who expect the bare minimum.
Let’s talk about the food quality for a second. With any buffet, timing is everything. If you show up at 3:15 PM on a Tuesday, you’re playing a dangerous game with the crab rangoons. They might be a bit chewy. But if you hit the dinner rush or a busy Sunday afternoon? That’s when the kitchen is cycling through trays every ten minutes. The General Tso’s chicken is the benchmark here. It’s crunchy, the sauce is thick and sweet, and it hasn't been sitting long enough to become "chicken candy."
The variety is actually pretty staggering. You’ve got your staples:
- Lo mein that isn't overly oily
- Fried rice with actual vegetable bits
- Pepper steak with onions that still have a bit of a snap
- Coconut shrimp (which is a polarizing favorite)
- A dessert bar that honestly feels like a throwback to childhood with the little gelatin cubes and soft-serve ice cream
Some people go specifically for the hibachi. It’s a solid move if you’re worried about food sitting under heat lamps. You pick your raw meats and veggies, hand them to the chef, and watch them cook it right there with whatever sauce you want. It’s fresh. It’s hot. It’s hard to mess up.
Why Norwich Locals Keep Coming Back
It’s about the value. In 2026, the price of a decent sit-down meal has skyrocketed. You go to a casual gastropub and spend $22 on a burger and fries once you add the tip. At Infinity Palace Chinese Buffet Norwich CT, you’re getting a full meal, a drink, and variety for a fraction of that.
For families, it’s a lifesaver. If you have three kids and one only wants plain white rice, one wants pizza (yes, they usually have some "American" kid options), and you want spicy Szechuan beef, you can actually eat in peace. The staff is generally efficient. They aren't there to chat about your day; they’re there to clear plates. And they are fast at clearing plates. You’ll barely finish a shrimp tail before the plate is gone. Some people find that rushed, but in the buffet world, it’s a sign of a clean operation.
A Note on Cleanliness and Standards
We have to be honest. Buffets get a bad rap for hygiene. It’s the nature of the beast when you have a hundred people sharing serving spoons. However, Infinity Palace generally maintains a solid reputation with the local health department. You can usually tell by the floors and the glass sneeze guards. If the glass is greasy, keep walking. Here, the staff is constantly wiping down the counters. It’s a high-traffic environment, so wear and tear on the carpets and furniture is inevitable, but the food prep areas stay busy and refreshed.
The "Hidden" Highlights You Might Miss
Don’t sleep on the soup. Most people skip the soup because it’s filling and "cheap," but their hot and sour soup is surprisingly balanced. It’s got that vinegar kick that hits the back of your throat just right.
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Also, the seafood selection on weekends is a major draw. You’ll see people piling their plates high with crawfish and steamed clams. Is it the same quality as a high-end seafood shack on the coast? No. But for an inland buffet in Norwich, it’s a decent fix for a salt craving. The salmon is often a sleeper hit—usually baked or broiled and surprisingly moist compared to the overcooked fish you find at competitors.
Navigating the Experience Like a Pro
If you want the best experience at Infinity Palace Chinese Buffet Norwich CT, follow these "unspoken" rules:
- The 6:00 PM Rule: This is the sweet spot. The kitchen is in high gear, everything is fresh, and the turnover is so fast that nothing has time to get soggy.
- Check the Hibachi: If the buffet lines look a little picked over, head straight to the hibachi. It’s the most "bespoke" part of the experience.
- The Sushi Strategy: Look for the rolls with fresh cucumber or avocado. They hold up better under the lights than the ones smothered in spicy mayo.
- Avoid the Peak Sunday Rush: Unless you enjoy fighting for the last crab leg, Sunday afternoon can be a madhouse.
The Broader Context of Dining in Norwich
Norwich is a town with deep roots and a diverse palate. You have incredible Italian spots, classic diners, and a growing number of Latin American eateries. Infinity Palace sits in the middle of this as a reliable, "know what you're getting" destination. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s trying to feed a lot of people for a reasonable price.
There’s something nostalgic about it, too. It reminds you of those big family outings in the 90s. The gold accents, the red lanterns, the sound of a hundred forks hitting plates. It’s a sensory experience that feels very specific to a certain type of American upbringing.
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Critical Considerations
Let's talk about the downsides because no place is perfect. If you’re on a strict low-sodium diet, this is your Everest. The sauces are heavy, the salt is present, and you will leave feeling like you need to drink a gallon of water. That’s just the buffet life. Also, the noise level can be intense. It’s not a place for a quiet, romantic first date unless your date really, really loves salt-and-pepper shrimp.
Parking can also be a bit of a nightmare during peak hours. The plaza is shared with other busy businesses, so you might end up walking a bit. It’s a small price to pay, but something to keep in mind if you're bringing someone with mobility issues.
Final Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you’re planning to go, check their holiday hours. They are often open on days when everything else in Norwich is shuttered, which makes them a hero on Christmas or Thanksgiving if you don’t feel like cooking.
- Location: 624 West Main St, Norwich, CT 06360.
- Best For: Large groups, hungry teenagers, and quick lunches.
- Price Point: Generally falls in the $$ category (Affordable/Moderate).
When you arrive, take a lap first. Don't just start grabbing food at the first tray. See what looks freshest. See what just came out of the kitchen. That thirty-second "scouting mission" will legitimately improve your meal by 50%.
Focus on the items that require high heat—anything fried or sautéed in a wok. Those are the dishes where the "breath of the wok" (wok hei) actually makes a difference, even in a buffet setting. The vegetable dishes are also surprisingly good, especially the garlicky green beans which usually have a great char on them.
Ultimately, Infinity Palace is a cornerstone of the Norwich casual dining scene. It’s consistent, it’s vast, and it’s unapologetically exactly what it claims to be. Whether you're a local regular or just passing through on your way to the casinos, it offers a reliable pit stop that won't break the bank.
To get the most out of your visit, aim for the weekend dinner service when the premium seafood is out. Always start with a small plate to test the freshness of the current batch before committing to a full mountain of food. If you're looking for a specific dish, don't be afraid to ask the staff when a fresh tray is coming out; they're usually happy to tell you if a hot batch of your favorite chicken is only two minutes away.