Good variety of options on the buffet. You could see steam coming off the steamer tables but I didn't find the food particularly hot. Nice inside, clean and various booth and table options with comfortable chairs. Decently priced. Very Americanized versions of dishes and I found nothing was spicy enough for my liking. The General Tso's chicken was very sweet. The lo mein lacked flavor and veggies. They did have sushi and a hibachi section which add to the variety and overall appeal. The bathrooms were spacious and very clean. read more

See all

Guys, its Chinese-American buffet, it has everything you might expect. An entire row of seafood, another of meats, American junk food, chinese fried favorites, sides, salads, sushi area and deserts. I decided to review to let vegetarians know there are enough options for us and you can leave here feeling uncomfortably full like everyone else. See the pictures of my atrocious plates of mixed food for details. The dinning room is very big, it looks clean enough, I've certainly seen worse. Service was quick and attentive but I was here early on a week night. read more

See all

There was a lot of food available. The service can be pushy. The ambiance was that of a buffet. read more

Empire Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Went to this Buffet with a friend on Sunday at 5pm. You seat yourself and pay at the end. It seemed really basic for a Chinese Buffet and the selection was just ok. I was expecting some classic dishes like beef and broccoli or Lo Mein dishes and I didn't see them. Their sweet and sour chicken was not good and the egg rolls were just vegetarian egg rolls (no meat). The fried rice wasn't real fried rice, it was basically just yellow rice. There were some good dishes such as the butter shrimp and the salt and pepper shrimps. Strangely enough I liked the meatloaf and the kiddie pizza. It wasn't especially busy but there were some loud families with kids (to be expected at a buffet). The desserts were not very good, most were made using rice flour so if you don't like that taste just get the little cup of ice cream instead (was good but no toppings offered). We were debating which place to go to, this one or the one out in North Syracuse , kinda wish we had gone to the other one instead. read more

I will start this as I always do by saying that I don't give out five stars unless I am really blown away. I have come here many times over the years but it had been a while. A few months back we stopped in after a trip to the zoo. My daughter really enjoyed it as she loves lots of options and loves to graze. So it was a great place to bring a four year old. We have been back 4 times since then. The waitress we have had a couple times always give my little girl a little gift and treats us well. The food is good for a buffet. Nothing special but they hit all the staples for a china buffet and the taste is what I'm looking for. I love the chicken on a stick and seafood stuffed clam shells. The build your own hibachi is nice. The sushi is not great. But if you like the basic California roll/crab stick sushi it's okay. The ambiance is that of a run of the mill china buffet. I will be back when ever I want options to stuff my face and I want an easy meal for the kiddo. See you there read more

The food is a expensive for this kind of buffet. The food was pretty sterotypical buffet food. We were served quickly, and it was nice inside with an average amount of people in there, but not too crowded. read more

The food has been good each time I've been there Post covid. The food is oftentimes replaced quickly and it fresh. The service is good, I had to say no thank you a few times as our waitress was very good at making sure the water in my cup was full. I like the fish tank in the front of the restaurant. Drinks are not included in the buffet price. read more

The food is stuff was excellent at first unfortunately all three of us that ate there got food poisoning and when we called and talked to the restaurant about that all they would say was sorry didn't offer compensation said prove that it was our food when that was the only thing all three of us had in common was eating there. Didn't even have the decency to offer our money back I suggest eating elsewhere. read more

To see mice running around the dining area was not a pleasant thing at all. We informed the owner and staff however it did not seem like a bother. This calls for greater action and I caution all from eating at this place. read more

The food was only okay. Service was great, we got refills on our drinks often and they took our places soon after being finished with them. There's plenty of seating, many booths were empty during lunch time on the weekend. One thing that upset me was that there weren't many dessert options. There was ice cream but you would have to pay extra for it. read more

Empire Buffet - Steak fries, chicken stick, lo mein, fried rice, green beans - Chinese Near Me - Syracuse, New York

It's the best Chinese American buffet I've found in the Syracuse/Utica area. Good variety and always fresh!

Based on the Buffet scale, pretty solid. Many choices, even for me the vegetarian. Mostly people ate seafood- and no kidding lots of people chowing down and getting take out. Good service, buffet refilled often, plates cleaned up. Not sure about some low ratings on here but way better than 2 stars. Hints: come when it's busy. Don't come an hour before closing. Take your food from the bottom of the pan closer to the steam- also more likely to be moist. If something is dry, add sauce, add clarifying butter! Work that buffet like you know you can! Then leave a tip - staff work hard. read more

See all

Went yesterday with family, early afternoon. Food was pretty good, warm but not hot. The black pepper chicken was cooked hard, not tender at all, and not much taste. They don't include knives in their table settings and it was awkward trying to cut larger pieces with a fork. One of the employees started collecting soy sauce bottles to refill while patrons were eating. One guy had to get up and go find a bottle then the girl chased him down across the restaurant just to give him a full bottle. This should be done at closing or opening, not while people are eating and want soy sauce. What a spectacle, not to mention makes you guys look stupid. Tables should be ready when you open each day. read more

This place food is good depending the time you go but service and prices are horrible. They barely came to my table I had to wait a long time to even be asked if I would like more water. Then they charge based on the number of cups. So my friend got tea and two cups so she was charged for two drinks, but got one kettle of tea. They are very money hungry. read more

The food was decent, lots of variety but it was typical buffet food. My problem is with the service. We were a large party of eleven and we asked to split our bill. They did not have a problem doing so at least none that we were aware of. The waitress asked my father a question when he goes to answer she puts her hand in his face. Anytime he went to answer her question she did that. Overall it happened more than four times. She would shh him and disregard him. Her hand was an inch from his face all 4 times. She would not allow him to answer a question. I told her she was rude and I let management know. He apologized and for a moment someone else came to clear our table. Until she showed up again. Why would an establishment allow that and then still put a mandatory gratuity to all three of our checks? Putting a hand in an elders face and silencing him several times is disrespectful. FYI she is the young lady with the black glasses. Avoid her at all costs if u want to attempt to enjoy your meal. read more

If you're going to a Chinese buffet, it's my opinion that it should be understood that you are prioritizing quantity over quality. That being said, Empire Buffet meets my Chinese Buffet expectations. It's not a place I would go for a date night.It is a good option to go with your kids who all want to eat different things, or take one bite of a food before wanting to try something else. Come hungry and you will leave full. The food is good, not amazing, but they have all the Chinese food classics and the service is quick. read more

Food is always plentiful, wide variety, worth the money. Would highly recommended to family and friends.

They have a HUGE buffet and everything is delicious. The price makes it worth it. It's all you can eat and if you leave there hungry then it's your own fault. read more

A lot of tables with food but a lot of empty trays There could be more variety in sea food It was ok for a quick meal. The service was very good. , waited on right away. The decor was pleasant, but very busy read more

Linoleum floor is slippery even when dry. My wife fell after slipping on floor twice. Management posted yellow warning sign, "warning wet floor" but the floor was not wet. Instead the surface was more oily even greasy. Overly shiny floor indicated faulty maintenance. Manager asked my wife after she fell the second time if she was ok. read more

This is my and my wifes favorite Chinese buffet place. Definitely the cleanest buffet I've ever been in. Most are small and cluttered, but this one is huge and always clean and bright. Plenty of space, so you'll always be sat. Good for groups. The staff at the front are always usually very nice. The rest, the servers, are usually pretty indifferent. Not that they need to do too much for a buffet, but drink refills can come pretty slowly. The food is great. Huge selection. Stuff you find at every buffet like lo mein, general tso's chicken, egg rolls, etc, but plenty of other stuff for the more adventurous like peanut butter chicken, Hong Kong pork chops and BBQ chicken on a stick. Plenty of American fare as well for kids and the non adventurous, pizza, chicken tenders, buffalo wings, etc. They have sushi and dessert options as well. Prices are fair. Pretty cheap actually if you do a lunch buffet Monday thru Saturday. $7.49 for a lunch buffet, I believe dinner and Sundays are around the $12 mark. Best buffet in the CNY area. read more

Empire Buffet - Several choices from Empire Buffet. - Chinese Near Me - Syracuse, New York

See all

This place has gone downhill badly since Covid. Remodeled inside but that doesn't make up for the food being so much less and not as good as before. The service there isn't any different than before. Sadly, this isn't the place it used to be at all. read more

I really enjoy eating at this buffet. There are two really good buffets on Erie and I frequent both of them. I work near by, so they make the perfect lunch. I probably come here once or twice a month and always get consistently delicious food. Now granted...On occasion a food item might be getting old or about to be switched out for a fresh one. That happens all the times at buffets though. You can't go to a buffet and then judge if one or two items need to be refreshed. They are really good about refreshing and replenishing their food here. I do want to point out that their recipe for both their Chicken and Broccoli and the their Pepper Steak are really delicious. They are always nice and saucy, which is the way I like it. The clear winner here is the General Tso's Chicken. It's the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. I am quite the foody and eat at many authentic Asian restaurants. Sometimes though...I really just need the buffet style food. Just toss a ton of food on your plate and chomp down until you strain the buttons on your shirt! Price wise, they are right on point with other buffets. Their lunch price is extremely fair and two people get have their for under 20 bucks. They also have a great lunch take out price per pound. I recommend coming here if you have that ache for buffet style. read more

See all

Love the place, all is fresh, plentiful and staff is very attentive. No wait, as is buffet. Lots of selections. No issues, have gone lots of times. read more

all the food was raw awful service and the good just gross only good thing was the donuts

I am a huge fan of Empire Buffet. Yes things get crazy when you have a thousand families all showing up after church, but they do so because it is good food for cheap! Their veggie mei fun is awesome, and always replenished. My girlfriend and i go about once a month, she loves the hot-and-sour soup. The selection is outstanding, and the all you can eat sushi is made fresh right in front of you! If you go there with the thought that "this is a Chinese buffet, its gonna suck" you will be blown away with how good it actually is. If you go there with the thought "i want authentic Chinese food" you might not be let down, but don't take my word for it, go eat there! read more

You know what you're getting when you go to the Chinese buffet. The food might be a little warm and the selection is whatever's out there, but the prices weren't super bad for all-you-can-eat and my boyfriend and I still had a nice time. read more

First time back in a couple of years since Covid. Did not disappoint. Tons of fresh, hot choices. Buffet includes fresh fruit, salads, all the popular Chinese dishes, full sushi bar and a fresh hibachi grill. Staff was nice. Several staff continually walking around wiping down buffets. read more

They do have a wonderful selection of food. My only gripe is that it was all cold. When there are better Chinese buffets in the area then that's where I'll go in the future. read more

Good was great. Had hibachi grill. Sampled salads and dessert had Byrne dairy ice cream. All great. read more

See all

So glad to see this place back after the whole COVID fiasco! They have great choices and very friendly staff. My family and I love it!

I haven't around here for a while.they change a lot.they add so many new staff here.BBQ ribs .teriyaki squid.mussel.clam.butter shrimp.....however BBQ ribs is my favorite...soooo tasty...and lunch only 7.99.dinner 11.50 each.good place for family party.waitress are nice.but their english is pool.this is my only excuse to complain.but the cheap price is enough to make up for it. read more

See all

When it comes to Chinese food, I don't expect much (you'd think that would mean I would avoid it all together) but I have an occasional craving for the stuff and almost always cave in. I was pleasantly surprised by my first visit to Empire Buffet. The restaurant was spacious, well-lit, and seemingly clean. There were more people dining in than I had expected. There were several buffet tables with plenty of options. We chose to take out our food from the buffet, for $4.99/lb. The price was reasonable but it sure was easy to go overboard. I chose fried rice, lo mein, an egg roll, and sesame chicken. Sushi was also available but wasn't labeled (as far as I could tell), so I decided against it. The sesame chicken was good, the rest mediocre (for instance, the lo mein was lacking in vegetables). Because Empire Buffet had a good selection and was just as decent as any takeout that I've had in the past and I was comfortable with the atmosphere, I will go back. read more

Empire Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Syracuse, New York

Been a loyal customer for many years , after COVID was somewhat passable , last weeks experience was atrocious. The food was bland , the choices were very limited and the price was higher. On numerous occasions I kept asking if they would be refilling the stations , got the same response, come back later... no more empire buffet for me and family. Tremendous waste of money on very sub par quality, taste and appearance. On checkout I even mentioned the poor experience, the greeter seemed to not really care ... oh well, see you never again . read more

Visited here last week. They have basically zero options for a vegetarian. No tofu or eggplant dishes, so unless you want beans and broccoli , don't bother. They also were out of sweet and sour sauce for at least 20 minutes and I had to keep asking for them to replenish. Mediocre. read more

It was pretty busy when my group of 4 went on a Saturday about 7pm. This was my second time here. Again it was quiet hot inside and that gave me pause and I would not eat the sushi. Not only was the sushi not being freshly prepared as I am use to. The sushi wasn't even being stored or presented on ice and actually had lamps directly on them. The overall rest of the buffet was pretty stocked with fresh food. My husband and I couldn't get enough of the razor mussels as they are delicious. They were being replenished often as was most of the dishes. Unfortunately the steamed clams remained empty with the exception of the few empty shells. We were there over an hour and they were never replenished. Overall I would recommend everything but the sushi. I would also advise to come with a removable coat or sweater as it is extremely hot in there. Finally be aware that the price per person online is incorrect and you can easily miss the very small printed pricing on the window outside. It cost $77 and change. Costing approximately $19 with a drink and taxes per person. This of course is for dinner on a Saturday night. read more

5 or 6 buffet tables kept very well stocked! I have a seafood allergy so buffets especially on the weekend can be deadly however not this one. They seemed aware to keep spoons clean and in the proper place. Also plenty of options for us non fish eating folks! The price is amazing! $11.50 best price we have found for a buffet. When you put quality of food, service, attention to detail and the cost..... this is a slam dunk read more

Empire Buffet is fine for its class - in fact, it's a notch better than most other all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet restaurants. I've been coming here since they opened and have always been satisfied with the variety and basic quality of most of the offerings. What especially makes them stand out above the competition is their sushi bar. A wide variety of both sushi and sashimi are on offer, always fresh. They include tuna, salmon, California roll and other standards. I go to Empire, in fact, mainly for the sushi. The Asian dishes are good, not great (but, again, this is an all-you-can-eat joint). The western dishes, however, are ho-hum at best, and I avoid them. You can pig out on a variety of desserts ranging from ice cream to Chinese pastries to fruit and custards. Service is consistently efficient, which is all one needs in a place like this (do leave a small tip). Finally, the prices are, frankly, cheap for what you get. This is why such buffets are popular with those on modest incomes. Empire's fine if you want a quick, cheap limitless feast. Better than most. read more

Any other time I'd be more positive which would be really good then it gets me sick, But the recent trip problems in order, usually the staff doesn't mind requests to be seated closer to the buffett this time the person seating us acted rudely , like we were committing a crime by asking , they had the temp at an uncomfortable 65 degrees it was freezing , I was close enough in my seat to adjust the temp myself so I did , nd the came out and dropped the temp again only eskimos would find the temp comfortable , and according to my dad when I left to go to the ladies room, he was cutting the yoke out of some egg thing, he doesn't eat egg for health reasons a waiter or waitress ....like I said I wasn't there smacked his hand away,I don't know about my dad but if he ever goes back I'm walking to the closest other restaurant to eat, it was really poor service by a bunch of morons. read more

Won't ever go here again an insane customer who was obviously off their medication was swearing and humiliating me in front of the whole place and due to the language barrier none of the managers or staff had a clue what has going on my husband, mother in law and I left. read more