You know that specific kind of hunger where you don't just want a meal, you want everything? That's the vibe at King Buffet Salt Lake City UT. It’s sitting right there on State Street, basically a landmark for anyone who’s ever been stuck in South Salt Lake traffic and realized they were starving.
Look, we've all seen the reviews. Some people treat this place like a culinary temple, while others are... let’s say, a bit more skeptical. But honestly? If you’re looking for a spot where you can pile a plate with lo mein, follow it up with a suspicious amount of crawfish, and then finish with a soft-serve cone that defies gravity, this is your kingdom.
Why King Buffet Salt Lake City UT Actually Works
Most people go to a buffet expecting mediocre food in massive quantities. King Buffet is weirdly different because it actually tries to keep the quality high on the stuff that matters. You’ve got the hibachi station, which is basically the heart of the operation. You pick your raw ingredients—onions, noodles, beef, shrimp—and watch the chef go to town on the flat top. It’s dinner and a show, but without the $100 price tag of a fancy Japanese steakhouse.
The variety is honestly a bit overwhelming. You’re looking at over 200 items on a good day. It isn't just "Chinese food" in the generic sense; they lean into the American-Chinese classics but throw in some surprises.
- The Seafood Spread: This is usually the dealbreaker for buffet snobs. You'll find crab legs (mostly on dinner and weekend shifts), mussels, and cocktail shrimp. Is it five-star Alaskan king crab? No. Is it satisfying when you've got a mountain of it on your plate? Absolutely.
- The Sushi Bar: It’s a modest setup. Don't expect omakase. But for a buffet, the rolls are fresh and the rice isn't a brick.
- The "Everything Else" Section: Pizza, fried chicken, and fries. It sounds out of place, but tell that to the parent whose toddler refuses to eat anything that isn't beige. It’s a lifesaver.
The Real Cost of Dining Here
Let's talk money because that’s why we’re all here. Buffets are the ultimate ROI for your stomach.
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Lunch is the steal. If you can sneak away on a Tuesday at 1:00 PM, you’re paying significantly less than the dinner crowd. However—and this is a big however—the "premium" items like the larger crab legs and certain steak cuts usually don't make an appearance until the dinner service or the weekend.
Prices fluctuate. Inflation hit everyone, and King Buffet Salt Lake City UT wasn't immune. Expect to pay somewhere in the $15 to $22 range depending on when you walk through the door. It’s not "cheap" like it was in 2015, but compared to a $18 burger at a boutique gastropub that leaves you hungry, it’s a bargain.
The Strategy: How Not to Ruin Your Experience
You can't just walk into a buffet and start eating. That’s amateur hour.
First off, timing is everything. If you arrive at 3:30 PM, you’re hitting the "lull." The lunch food has been sitting, and the kitchen is waiting for the 5:00 PM rush to put out the fresh stuff. You want to be there right at the transition. 4:45 PM is the sweet spot. You get the lower-ish crowd volume but the freshest possible trays.
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Secondly, the "Plate Progression" matters.
- The Reconnaissance Lap: Walk the whole line first. Don't touch a plate. Just look. See what’s fresh, see what’s running low, and see what just came out of the kitchen.
- The Cold Start: Keep it light. A little sushi, some salad, maybe a couple of chilled shrimp.
- The Hot Heavyweights: This is where you hit the hibachi and the main entrees. General Tso’s chicken is a crowd favorite for a reason—it’s crispy, sweet, and actually has a bit of a kick.
- The Dessert Buffer: Keep some room for the fruit. The melon is usually surprisingly good at King Buffet, and it helps cut through the salt of the main courses.
Cleanliness and Atmosphere
Let’s be real for a second. Buffets have a reputation. King Buffet Salt Lake City UT does a decent job of keeping the floors swept and the tables wiped, but it’s a high-traffic environment. It’s loud. There are kids. There are people juggling three plates at once like they’re in a circus.
If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic date night where you can whisper sweet nothings over candlelight, go literally anywhere else. But if you want a place where your group of eight friends can all find something they like without arguing over the menu, this is it.
Addressing the "Buffet Anxiety"
Is the food safe? That’s the question everyone asks but no one wants to say out loud. Salt Lake County health inspectors are pretty rigorous. King Buffet stays in business because they move a lot of food. High turnover is actually your best friend in a buffet environment. It means the food isn't sitting under a heat lamp for three hours; it’s being replaced every twenty minutes because the guy in the booth next to you just ate his weight in orange chicken.
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One thing to watch out for is the salt. Buffets are notorious for high sodium. You're going to leave feeling thirsty. Drink plenty of water while you're there—skip the soda if you can, though the temptation of the fountain is real.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
To get the most out of King Buffet Salt Lake City UT, keep these specific points in mind before you head out:
- Check the Time: Aim for the "Grand Opening" of the dinner service (around 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM) for the highest turnover of fresh seafood.
- Utilize the Hibachi: It’s the highest quality food in the building because it’s cooked specifically for you. Don't skip the line; it’s worth the five-minute wait.
- Bring Cash for the Tip: While you can pay the bill with a card, leaving a couple of bucks on the table for the servers who are constantly clearing your mountains of plates is a class act. They work incredibly hard in a very fast-paced environment.
- Wear the Right Clothes: This isn't the time for your tightest jeans. Go for comfort. You’re there for a marathon, not a sprint.
- Parking Hack: The lot can get absolutely packed on Friday and Saturday nights. If the main lot is full, there is usually some street parking nearby, but keep an eye on the signs to avoid a ticket.
Ultimately, King Buffet Salt Lake City UT is exactly what it claims to be. It’s a massive, chaotic, delicious, and surprisingly reliable spot to fill up. It’s a slice of Salt Lake culture that hasn't been "gentrified" into a minimalist, overpriced shell of itself. It’s honest food for people who are hungry. Just remember to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and maybe don't plan on doing any heavy lifting for at least two hours after you leave.