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    Buffet Palace

    3.3 (625 reviews)
    ModerateChinese, Buffets, Korean
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

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    BUFFET PALACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Grace L.

    I am tempted to give it 1 star but I feel bad because this place is nostalgic to us. We've been coming here since the original owners began this restaurant over 30yrs ago. We've had big events here bdays, grad events, family gatherings because it's nostalgic and yes mostly at nights. Even after the Shins sold the place we'd come back mostly evenings and the food was the same. Consistent. Good. The crab and raw crab a favorite along with the sushi and spicy soup and fried chicken wings. The last time we came was in December for dinner and already it was just ok. Passable. Some stale old food. But we thought it was an off day. Today. It was a big day. I should have trusted my gut. I called for the entire month to try and book the place because my son's HS graduation is today on a Tuesday morning and coming here with 30 guests seemed like a good nostalgic choice for lunch right after. BUT every time I called to reserve that room that back room where we have had many parties the front person or host would brush me off saying don't worry it's a weekday we just opened no one here just come. I emphasized it's for a party of 30 and we need that room to decorate and seat us all together. He was adamant it's ok just come. I called a week later and the phone line kept saying busy. I called the day after during store hours no answers I thought this place was closed. I already sent invites out and guests were to arrive. I almost changed venues. I should have. We called again this past weekend on a Friday night then Saturday morning then Sunday morning um NO ONE answers the phone! It was busy all day???. I even texted. I asked a question here. No answer. I needed to know this place will be open and ready for 30 guests. Finally my daughter called yesterday during lunch lol and surprisingly someone answered. What a relief. He yawned while talking to her but he assured yes just come no need to reserve and you can have the room. We asked will you be ready for 30 people and fresh food? He said yes no one here noon on a Tuesday. Um ok. Well we got there the back room is closed. No AC. They quickly prepared tables for 30 outside. It was done. Fine. BUT the food was such a disappointment. 75% of the food is not fresh. It's like they reheated old food. Why would you do that? The sushi rice was crunchy. Hard. On some. The fried stuff was stale. Old. The chicken stuff was old and dry. The fried rice was stale. The soups were ok. Beef was gone in many beef dishes and they didn't replenish the food fast enough for the whole place. The place looked dirty and the tables are sticky. The floors were greasy and slippery. The whole place looked dark and dank and broken. Only the fried fish 2nd batch was good. That's all I ate! I can go on and on but it was just not good. And I think the Asian owner and manager knew it too. I overheard and even talked to them saying we've been coming here for over 30yrs and no one answered my calls when I wanted to reserve to make sure fresh food is available for 30. I emphasized it was important because I knew my guests are foodies and restaurant owners. I called too many times to warn them and have things ready. That's all they have to do. Is be prepared. There are reasons why I ask for this. 2 restaurant owners were in my group. Half the people I invited know the previous owners and knew how good this place used to be. Now all 30 will think twice before they come back. So it was not a smart business move to not be ready for a huge party no matter what time of day we come. It doesn't have to be a weekend. Lunch buffet still has to be fresh and available. Do not bring our stale old food to get rid of first. Where is the logic on this? Food has to be fresh. Host and people working in the front has to be attentive and cordial and working. The waitstaff was but not the host or hostess esp not the ones answering phones. They looked tired and checked out. And yes dropping calls for a week was a big warning. I thought they were closed due to health inspections or something. Anyways you get my drift. Sorry to say this was our last straw and attempt especially because we brought so many people and we hoped for a good meal and gathering but the food and atmosphere was pretty disappointing. Has ownership changed? Chefs changed? What happened? Sad and disappointed..

    Extra protein in the fruit salad
    Jorge V.

    Fly palace today. Killed 2 at my table b4 I made the mistake of hitting the buffet. Place is run down, all the walls, floors, chairs,tables l, ect are sticky, worn, dirty. Flys everywhere. 20 per person on a Friday, same offerings as a Monday at lunch. Staff was OK I guess, not attentive but what do u want from them at a buffet. Surprisingly tho no mud butt afterwards.

    Dead roach on/in the food.

    Dead Roach ON THE BUFFET COUNTER Staff didn't seem surprised. Lost my appetite. Cleanliness concerns--definitely won't be back.

    Various sushi, lo mein, orange chicken, beef short rib
    Alex G H.

    Really good value for the price! One of the best buffet spots in Austin, and the Korean dishes are amazing!

    White and fried rice
    Alan F.

    What can I say about buffets? All you can eat. I've been to many buffets, and honestly, this is one of the best for the price. Everything was fantastic except the egg rolls. All the other food made up for that. All the veggies were fresh, and all the food was prepared well and at perfect temperature. I had to go back for seconds of the fried rice as that was absolutely perfect. The service was fast and friendly. There's a large free parking lot. Disabled parking spaces. Entrance into the restaurant has two wide doors, easy access for wheelchairs. I looked around at other patrons to see how they were enjoying their meal. And, yes, they had big smiles on their faces. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for individuals, couples, and families. Children friendly with a HUGE variety menu.

    Sushi
    Heather A.

    This is a solid choice for a Chinese Food buffet given that few buffets are ever outstanding by the very nature of being food cooked for groups of varying tastes for long periods of time. They have a wide variety including your Chinese buffet standards along with a noodle bowl option, sushi, cold sides, and of course an array of desserts. The food was plentiful and they did a good job of refreshing the food during our visit. The sauces on the sesame chicken, orange shrimp, and green beans were very good. The fried foods were very crisp but some of the food did seem a bit overcooked. Our servers were nice and attentive and did a good job coming by to get drink orders when new people joined our party and kept your glasses filled and plates cleared. The restaurant itself is a bit rundown. There are scuff marks or worn off finish on the wood floors and it seems there may have been some issues with flooding at some recent point in time as there were some large fans pointed at the floor when we were there.

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    Page 1 of 16

    Buffet Palace Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Buffet Palace

    Do they have crab weekday lunch?? Not the raw but regular crab

    What's the price?

    It was 18 bucks when I went in Jan 2023. Hot tea was extra.

    Do they serve both soy sauce and spicy raw crab?

    No.

    When do they serve the Spicy raw crab?

    Only on weekends when the price is a bit more expensive.

    Do they offer senior specials or discounts?

    Yes, and military discounts, too. There's also a good coupon here on yelp.

    Will they be open Christmas Day?

    Yes @ 11:00AM

    Do they offer take-out food?

    Yes, they offer take out also

    Do they have crab legs?

    Yes. At least they have every time I've been there.

    How much for lunch?

    Right about $10.65 with a tall glass of ice water. You. Can't eat it all. Need to come back 3 times. Great food, great service.

    What's the price for kids?

    $ 9.75 for kids

    Do they serve Korean black bean noodles?

    I'm afraid not. In all of the years I've frequented this joint, I've never seen them serve jajangmyeon (짜장면). But they do make an OK spicy tofu soup and bulgogi for a buffet.

    What is the cost?

    13.95 adult dinner

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    An Nyeong K Tofu & Bbq

    An Nyeong K Tofu & Bbq

    4.5
    (204 reviews)
    7.3 mi
    $$

    Korean food is probably the category I'm most critical of when it comes to restaurant reviews. As a…read moreKorean American who's spent a lifetime eating great Korean food at home and in restaurants, my standards are high. That said, this was easily the best Korean meal I've had in Austin, and honestly, it might be the best I've had in Texas. The soondubu arrived absolutely piping hot. I ordered the mushroom version, and it was packed with a wide variety of mushrooms rather than just a few token pieces. Even when ordered spicy, the broth still had incredible depth and flavor that wasn't just heat for the sake of heat. The tteokbokki was addictive. We ended up adding cheese and ramen, which took it to another level. The marinated kalbi was equally impressive: high-quality meat with very little fat and generous portions. The banchan was also top-tier. Standouts included the soy-glazed potatoes, fresh kimchi, and japchae. They also serve purple rice, which has a wonderful chewy texture and feels like a more thoughtful alternative to standard white rice. The food alone would bring me back, but the service was excellent as well; friendly, attentive, and efficient. We came for an early dinner and got seated right away, but if you're planning to come during peak dinner hours, expect a wait. The locals clearly know this place is something special. Huge parking lot and the dining area is bright and airy, even playing the world cup games. Seems to be very family friendly.

    Good banchan, but everything else was pretty mid if you're used to Korean restaurants in larger…read morecities. The cold noodles had a great taste, but were not served with any accompaniment except some ginger. The six pieces of galbi we ordered included one piece that was purely gristly and bone. No seasoning and weirdly chewy meat on the remaining pieces. I wouldn't recommend the BBQ here. We had a pretty uncomfortable table wedged between a large family dinner and the server station, blocked from the windows by a giant wall.

    Photos
    Entrance seating area
    Entrance seating area
    Spicy pork
    Spicy pork
    Seating area

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    Seating area
    Gangnam Korean BBQ

    Gangnam Korean BBQ

    4.6
    (530 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$$

    Good service very friendly james and maria jose are really good waiters best service of course we…read morewill go back

    Went here with my brother who's in town visiting, along with my wife and parents. We all decided to…read morego with the AYCE option. For meats we tried a solid mix including finger steak, beef tongue, pork belly (both regular and thin), and even beef intestine. We also went through all the banchan, and my parents ordered the veggie pancake and spicy tofu soup. Overall everything was really good. We didn't get a single bad cut and everything was flavorful and cooked well. What really made this place stand out though was the service. MJ took care of us and was incredible from start to finish. Since it was our first time, she walked us through the menu and even helped cook the meats so we could actually relax and enjoy our time together. She stayed on top of the grill, swapping it out right when needed, and was always checking in to see if we needed anything or wanted more banchan. What stood out the most was how thoughtful she was with my parents. She made sure they had food on their plates without overdoing it, which was such a small detail but meant a lot. The food was great, but MJ really made the experience. Definitely coming back.

    Photos
    Al A Carte Menu
 (Available Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm)
    Al A Carte Menu (Available Mon - Fri 11am - 3pm)
    Spicy Tofu Soup (Sundubu-Jjigae), Spicy Cucumber, Beef Bulgogi, Thin Sliced Pork Belly - Daepae
    Spicy Tofu Soup (Sundubu-Jjigae), Spicy Cucumber, Beef Bulgogi, Thin Sliced Pork Belly - Daepae
    Some appetizers and $2 mimosas

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    Some appetizers and $2 mimosas
    SOHA

    SOHA

    4.5
    (350 reviews)
    9.6 mi
    $$

    I was craving Korean food, so we decided to give SOHA a try, and it absolutely did not…read moredisappoint!!! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with genuine warmth and such positive energy. The welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and chill vibe made us feel right at home. Every dish we ordered was outstanding and packed with flavor. The seafood pancake was cooked to crispy perfection, something that's surprisingly hard to find, as it's often left a bit doughy at other restaurants. The steamed egg was light, fluffy, and comforting, while the spicy tofu pork soup was phenomenal. It had just the right amount of heat, with silky, melt-in-your-mouth tofu and incredibly tender pork belly that paired perfectly with a bowl of rice. What truly elevated the experience, though, was the service. At one point I accidentally dropped my chopsticks, and before I could even ask for another pair, one of the servers noticed from across the restaurant and immediately brought me a new set. It's those small, thoughtful touches that really set a restaurant apart. SOHA exceeded my expectations in every way. If you're looking for authentic, flavorful Korean food with genuinely exceptional hospitality, this is the place. It has officially become a must-visit every time I'm in Austin.

    Great spot for Korean food, also open really late…read more I usually get the BBQ bulgogi bibimbap.

    Photos
    Kimchi fried rice & lychee soju
    Kimchi fried rice & lychee soju
    Kimchi fried rice & lychee soju
    Kimchi fried rice & lychee soju
    G1. Samgyubsal (Grilled Pork Belly w/Lettuce Wrap)

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    G1. Samgyubsal (Grilled Pork Belly w/Lettuce Wrap)
    Chodang Village

    Chodang Village

    4.1
    (48 reviews)
    15.5 mi

    Visiting Austin, and decided on this spot as it was nearby…read more order the seafood tofu soap, medium spice level. i was suprised by the banchan that included some fish and also the OG style rice. have not had this rice in a while. most korean spots i frequent just go with rice cooker these days well, i still remember the whole tea and rice deal to get the crunchy rice off and drink after dinner as sort of dessert. not really, its pretty much just rice water in some korean tea.. not something i crave... i do like the crunchy rice bimbibop style... i like the banchan, the one that stood out was the white veggie noodle like one that was in kewpie dressing. i think it was cabbage. taste like coleslaw, so i think it is cabbage. total was 20 cash. there was 4% discount for cash. either way, i was doing 20 as dish was $16. end up with $3.40 tip 21% all good. and the soup was as expected. 5 star all day when u can get good tofu soup for 20 buck all inclusive...

    Be aware that this restaurant actually closes at 9:00 PM, not 9:30 PM as advertised. They should…read moreupdate their hours on both Yelp and their front door to avoid confusing customers. We walked in at 9:03 PM on a Tuesday expecting they were still open based on the posted hours, but were told they had already closed. While I understand businesses have to close at some point, what was disappointing was the way it was handled. Instead of a polite, "I'm sorry, we just closed," the hostess greeted us with a condescending, "Uh, are you meeting someone here?" The interaction came across as unnecessarily rude and left a poor first impression. Accurate business hours and a more courteous response would have made all the difference.

    Photos
    BBQ section
    BBQ section
    Hot Stone Bibimbap with Beef
    Hot Stone Bibimbap with Beef
    Chodang Village

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    Narrow Street 512

    Narrow Street 512

    4.4
    (140 reviews)
    17.2 mi
    $$

    I recently moved to Austin in 2023. I found a gem tucked away in the back of the HMart food…read morecourt next to the hair salon. Narrow Street 512 serves up Authentic Korean food with a personal touch. It feels like you're eating a home cooked meal at your Aunt's home in Korea. I experienced Narrow Street as a solo diner. My go-to dish I order 90 percent of the time I go there is the Chadol Plate (A3). It is beef brisket. You normally need to go to a KBBQ spot and get covered in a layer of smoke. Skip smelling like a campfire and get A4 at Narrow Street. The beef brisket comes with rice served in a metal bowl. You get 3 or four small plastic containers of banchan the rotates seasonally. There is a variety of different kimchi, fish cake, corn slaw, potato salad and more. Once in a while I like to switch it up and I order the Cold Noodles (F1) or squid and pork stir fry (A4). The cold noodles are refreshing with crisp cucumber, white radish kimchi, and korean pear. The noodles are bouncy with a nice chew. Great in Summer and Winter. The Squid and pork stir fry comes with a bowl of rice and it is quite spicy. It is spicier than average but still less spicy than Thai chili. The chewy squid and pork are nicely complemented with the crunchy stir fried cabbage. Once you taste it you can't stop eating it. The price at Narrow Street very reasonable for what you get in my opinion. It is sit down restaurant quality food in a fast casual setting. You can dine solo or go in a big group as there is plenty of seating at the Hmart Food court. You place your order at the counter and they give you a buzzer to alert you to go pick up your trays of food. The Korean ladies who work there are super friendly and will help you make your menu selection if you have any questions. I've been a dedicated regular since 2023. Narrow Street is my go-to for my Korean food fix!

    *Sigh,* I don't mean this to be a knock on H-Mart or on food courts but this place has made it on…read moreMANY a list for best Korean food in Austin...I think that's more of an indictment on the Korean food scene in Austin than this place. With all that being said, the food here is serviceable. It's fine, you're getting food court Korean food so if you temper your expectations. You'll get a little a tiny amount of like two banchan. My Yookgaejang was mild-ain't no other way of putting it. You can tell that the broth wasn't cooked with gochujang so you didn't get that rich, spicy flavor. Another visit I got the bibim naengmyun and it also just didn't quite get there. Just a little on the plainer side, not just talking about the lack of heat.

    Photos
    Narrow Street 512
    Spicy Seafood Udon (Jjamppong) - The best in town!
    Spicy Seafood Udon (Jjamppong) - The best in town!
    Bulgogi and salad

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    Bulgogi and salad
    Kan Sushi

    Kan Sushi

    3.9
    (114 reviews)
    8.6 mi

    Came here on a Sunday morning and it was empty. Which is nice but a bit concerning as a first-time…read moreguest. Parking is decently okay, my only complaint is the spaces are small and I don't have a big car, just a 4-door sedan and it barely fit in the spot. So if you have a big car or a nice one, I would recommend parking a bit further away and just walking to the restaurant. I am going to focus more on the cooked items as most people here already gave their review on the sushi. Hangover ramen, not too bad. It is like Shin Ramen Instant Noodles with a lighter flavor, nice touch with the bean sprout as it is a needed texture element. Add the gyoza into it and it makes it even better. Cucumber salad, not bad at all. It is missing a bit of spice to it. A touch of chili oil on it would kick this dish up a bit. It is refreshing and a must at the table. Truffle fries, please skip this. No salt on the fries if you are okay with it. It is just a bit of truffle oil and Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. It is lacking in flavor. Yaki Udon, skip this as well. Not sure if it was just the day I went but the sauce was not so great. It was this sweet and sour taste but it was swimming on the bottom of the bowl like the sauce was poured on top of it at the end instead of being stir-fried into it in a wok or a pan. The first few bites are okay but the bottom half is just swimming in that sauce. Spicy Pork Bulgogi, decent size overall, not too bad. I would order like kimchi rice to eat with it next time if I come back. I do wish it was a bit more charred just to give it a bit of a textual element to it. also another thing to note, the bathroom is shared with the restaurant next door to it.

    Large and modern place with plenty of parking!…read more Did the AYCE sushi (dinner for $38) and it was fine...tried just about every roll flavor since there's only four pieces. None really stood out to me flavor wise. Was expecting the 4 pieces to be thick since it was smaller portions, but that was not the case. Most were thin, but was inconsistent across all the rolls. If it was the lunch price ($27) would be more acceptable, but for $38 expected better. The option to do premium for $20 extra seemed over the top and not worth it. Our waitress was great and very friendly! Overall, would recommend maybe coming during lunch over dinner for fairer pricing.

    Photos
    Bar/kitchen
    Bar/kitchen
    Inari Crab Meat
    Inari Crab Meat
    Beef bulgogi, Crab-stick, Butter Shrimp, Holy crab & Yam Bam cruncher

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    Beef bulgogi, Crab-stick, Butter Shrimp, Holy crab & Yam Bam cruncher

    Buffet Palace - chinese - Updated July 2026

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