I have mixed feelings about the lotus. First of all, it's the owner that stares you down and it's just generally rude. However, the food is consistent and delicious. Bathrooms are always clean, but the place could use some new benches that don't drop you to the floor when you sit on them. read more

My Mom spoke highly of this restaurant before our day trip to ME but my Mom wasn't impressed this day. Buffet style of chinese & american foods. We arrived around 4pm so they must of switched over from lunch to dinner. There were a lot of trays that had very little food in them, empty or dried out. I did get creeped out when I saw behind the waitress stands where the soda machines are along with other junk stored back there, it just looked so dirty & gross. I was disgusted and soooooo afraid of eating the food there & drinking from the cups. I was praying that I wouldn't get sick. Its funny because I kept this thought to myself & my friend that was also with us happened to say something to me about how the restaurant was dirty & then I shared my thoughts with her and she was hoping not to get sick either..........Well we did get lucky & neither of us got sick but I definitely wouldn't come back to eat in here. A few of the bowls had water in them & some particles after being washed which was gross. We went to get some ice cream & the water bin that the ice cream scoop was in was sooo disgusting I was afraid to get ice cream. My guess is it's just from the different flavors of ice cream mixed in with the water that is used to rinse off the ice cream?? Staff needs to change the water more often. Their chicken tenders were terrible & dried out. The only thing that tasted fresh was their donuts but that was only because I caught a new batch that had been brought out. The ladies room was dirty even the light socket (see my photo) like do they even have a cleaning crew?? I'm curious what kind of rating that they have from the food inspector?? We never got an itemized reciept, just one that said how much we owe & this drives me crazy as if restuarants are trying to hide charges when they don't give you an itemized one, which we know that it can be done. We were curious how much the buffet was & how much the drinks were so I had asked on my way out. I couldn't believe that this place was a little busy as if the customers in here were repeat ones because I was just so creeped out with the dirtiness of this restaurant & the presentation of the food. The sushi looked fresh but didn't taste very good. A lot of staff was standing around the bar, to bad they weren't keeping themselves busy by cleaning up the place. There was also a family of a Mom & Dad with two young boys. The youngest boy was walking all over the booth seat with his shoes on & climbing all over the table. They even let the older boy (probably 8yrs old) head up to the buffet by himself. It's just surprising how families can't behave when out in public & forget that they're not at home. Sorry, but I can't recommend eating at this place. Save your money & health and stay away. read more

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Normal Chinese buffet. Yeah good. I ate too much. I mixed too many different foods like usual. Good sushi. Good ice cream. Got some chicken and broccoli. Got some egg rolls. read more

I've been going to lotus for years and today I was very disappointed in some of the food. the crab Rangoon were overcooked and hardly any crab filling, the general sho chicken was mostly batter and fat - no chicken and the vegetable lo mein was soggy and there were several empty pans at the buffet. the service was good as usual but I felt like the quality of the food wasn't as good read more

Chinese buffet in Lewiston Maine. We were in the area and stopped by for lunch. Def worth the price at $15 a person for all you can eat food. This is def cheap Chinese food but you can get lots of it. I did enjoy the noodles, fried rice and some of the chicken options. They had sushi but it was just okay. Overall if you want a cheap lunch spot and you can try all kinds of different things this is the spot. read more

Lotus Restaurant - Plate - Japanese Near Me - Auburn, Maine

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The classic American Chinese buffet. In my honest opinion it serves its place and it does it amazingly. Almost never am I dissatisfied with the service, or atmosphere. I am however never blown away by their food. Extremely cheap sushi is notable, however it's not only nostalgic of old Chinese buffets but still holds its own with how consistent & cheap they are. read more

The food quality as gone done since the last time I came to Lotus. The food was overcooked, especially the shrimp, chicken and boneless spare ribs. The shrimp are not deveined, and the egg foo young was undercooked in the middle. When asked how my meal was, I provided this feedback and they did nothing to address my concerns other than state they would speak with the kitchen staff. I am very disappointed because they used to be good. Not perfect by any means as they are an americanized Chinese food place, but if you are going to charge $15 dollars for a buffet, something has to be edible and you have to clean your seafood properly before cooking it. Their A/C must not have been working because it was extremely humid inside to the point where my family could see sweat coming down my forehead. Not a great experience. read more

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The sushi is amazing rice is well cooked and I now like a variety of food that I now love read more

Lotus Restaurant - Foooodd - Japanese Near Me - Auburn, Maine

My wife Rebecca anK Steven Ray Chapman love eating at the Lotus restaurant in Auburn. The food is always hot and delicious and if you go away hungry it's your own fault! lol The wait staff are always friendly and helpful. I have a hard time walking with a desman in my hands and they are always willing to help me. Also their are Filipino and Filipinas and my wife who is a Filipina can converse with them in her native language. The price is right! Go for it! read more

I travel from Portland on occasion to eat here. The food is good and the prices are reasonable. For me, it's worth the trip to eat here. The place is always busy when I go there, so they must be doing something right. read more

Other than the actual price of the buffet being more than what we found advertised, this place is great. The selection is vast and delicious. We went for lunch, the service was good, the place was clean. You really can't ask for more when hitting up a buffet like this. The 3.6 rating on here is very surprising to me, I hope this helps more people get out and try them to bring that up!! read more

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Gave me black sushi right next to a beautiful sashimi. Called received the same black oxidized old tuna again. My Peking duck was dried out and served on a head of lettuce...no rice no noodles no vegetables. I paid $60 with a good tip...never again. read more

Lotus Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Auburn, Maine

Birthday lunch recommendation by my friend . Getting in and seated is fast. My friend came after so they came and served my drinks while I waited. The tea was hot and was good. The restaurant was packed and more people came in so it was close to full when my friend arrived. I went to the sushi bar and tried a little of everything. Nothing disappointed. I do wish they had placards saying what each roll was as there was one for California roll and that was it. A set of two tongs for the selections were used for all the "rolls". Kinda gross with lots of bits on them. I went around the other entrees. The salad bar looked fresh with a good selection. The hot entrees had something for everyone I heard a kid asking for pizza. All of the bins were Overflowing and well stocked. I had beef/chicken with broccoli and crab Rangoon. The rolls were spectacular, cold fresh and light to eat. The chicken/beef broccoli was fresh but lukewarm warm. The crab Rangoon tasted warmed up and microwaved. They also smelled old. I went back and tried a newer batch but they tasted the same. Had some strawberry mousse in a little cup as everything else just didn't look good the fruit looked like it was from a can. My friend just ate from the hot bar and raved about all of her food. She didn't mind the temperature of the food so felt unfair not to mention this in my review. The bathroom was not clean had no TP and one sink was out of order the other worked sporadically. It did have paper towels. I took some General Tsos chicken home and my son said it was gross and he threw it out. He said it was not fresh and was over 16.00. Here's the thing I will go back and have the sushi bar and stick to that it is still worth the money spent. Add some placards and more tongs and it's perfect. When we left servers and hosts all wished us a great day with a smile. Acceptable Chinese restaurant with something for everyone. read more

This has to be hands-down the best Chinese/Japanese buffet I have ever been to. There is literally a sea of endless sushi, appetizers, main courses, salads, and desserts. Both times I have been there the place is slammed with people. Regardless, the staff keep bringing out fresh food nonstop the entire time I was there. The sushi chef is amazing and all of the sushi I tried was delicious. They have all of the popular Chinese food Selections, so indulge yourself. That includes all the appetizers like crab rangoon or teriyaki on a stick, etc. On top of all this, they also have a nice selection of American favorites like fresh cheese, pizza, mozzarella sticks, bourbon sirloin steak tips, baked salmon, steamed clams, fried shrimp, etc. so, if you have fussy children that will only eat chicken fingers and french fries for example, they got you covered. You would have to eat here at least three or four times to try everything they have to offer there. It is literally overwhelming how much delicious food they have. They also do takeout, simply grab a takeout container, and fill it up from whatever you want at the buffet. The only thing I would warn you about is the parking lot during and after snow storms. For whatever reason, these guys don't plow anything. There were vehicles spinning around in the unplowed parking lot, I even saw a person fall on their ass. So, be very careful if you go there during or right after a snowstorm. The service was fine. Obviously it's a buffet, so there is very minimal interaction, other than asking you if you want a drink or a beer or something. Again, best Chinese/Japanese buffet I have ever been to. Highly recommended. P.S. they are open 365 days a year.... read more

Lotus Restaurant - Sorry, if my "sad picture" is offensive... - Japanese Near Me - Auburn, Maine

Came here New Year's Eve for the holiday buffet. Staff was friendly . After reading reviews and seeing pictures I was a little disappointed. We were there at 4 pm . Staff said everything is cooked fresh . They had just gotten done with the lunch Buffett . First round of food was cold . That was not great . The food was also poor quality . Burnt egg rolls . The fried rice had little flavor I don't think it was actually fried .. No labels on any food . The dessert and salad table was left over from lunch . The dessert table had fruit , jello pudding and maybe cheese cake ?I had never been here and I had not been out for Chinese in years but I guess for the price it's a good deal . $18.95 .i didn't feel great after eating it I think the salt or MSG was extremely high ! The sink was not working in the Sadie's room and neither was a stall door . The place could use a good cleaning .we will not be back . read more

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Asked to be seated away form people because they asked where we would like to sit and still decided to being us around a large group, we had 3 adults 2 babies and a 4 year old it's easier to sit some what alone. The server took what we wanted for drinks and barely came around and didn't even offer us new drinks when ours were basically empty. they had like a sip or two left . AN TWO EMPLOYEES DIDNT EVEN WASH THEIER HANDS AFTER USING THE BATHROOM . When I came out they were handling the food. I couldn't eat after , I said something but all they said was they would say sometime, didn't even offer to fix the bill or anything'. This place is really going down hill, I used to love this place but now after that I don't think I'll eat here again, I didn't even have a plate full of food , like yall need to do better. read more

Upon entrance I was asked how many when I said just one and asked for a booth out back because I didn't want to be up front due to not wanting to be stared at for being only one she stated in a rude tone there are people every where! And brought me to a front booth! When I asked for hot tea, I expect a tea cup (it keeps the experience authentic) I get a coffee mug! Usually I get good vibes here but not today! It so sad because most times I feel welcome but today I was made to feel like I wasn't. Food was still delicious. read more

Lotus Restaurant - Coffee mug for tea? - Japanese Near Me - Auburn, Maine

This is the only Chinese restaurant I will eat at. Everything is always fresh so much better than any of the other places I have eaten at. The people her are so friendly and kind. They are right there to see if you need something. The atmosphere is great. I enjoy being there. The home delivery is fantastic. They give you a time and they are always early. Great wonderful service all the way around. read more

Excellent food & service!! Love their food ! Always fresh with wonderful service! The restaurant is very clean & the waiters smile! I love that! read more

Food is consistently good! Price is very reasonable. Atmosphere and service is excellent. Always attentive waiters who are proactive in meeting your needs. Great selection of foods - something for everyone! Staff works very hard to please customers. Best place to go in the whole area- great people- great food- 5 star in my book! read more

The service was great and the only thing what is keeping the place a 3 stars. The food is ok. But the salmon is an another talk. What I have down bellow. read more

Lotus Restaurant - Salmon - Japanese Near Me - Auburn, Maine

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This place is so great! I am originally from CT, and I'm used to eating more quality Chinese food, hibachi and such than I've been used to finding in Maine. Lotus is an all you can eat buffet, or a take out Chinese food restaurant (priced by the pound). I love many of the buffet options that they always have available, and I'm constantly seeing them come out and replace the trays with fresh cooked food. I would definitely give it a try if you're ever around and looking to get all fat and sassy read more

Lotus Restaurant - Beef & peppers, spring roll, crab Rangoon, chicken with broccoli, lo mein noodles, rice noodles, white rice, fried dumplings - Japanese Near Me - Auburn, Maine

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Traveling for work and stumbled across this little place. Service was great super friendly, Sushi was top notch!

Staff was very friendly and helpful. Food of good quality and good portion size. My father has advanced parkinson's and the staff members were very understanding and accommodating of his condition and requirements. read more

The restaurant was clean, especially the buffet area. Food was replenished before serving dishes were empty. There was a great selection of dishes and the food was flavorful. I was greeted warmly and the server checked in several times to make sure we were satisfied and had what we wanted. read more

Lotus Restaurant is perfect for when you are looking for something quick and easy. My family and I were starving and craving some Asian food. We found this place on yelp and were absolutely shocked to find a buffet with an amazing deal of ~$12 per person as their dinner rate. When you're starving and just want to get food into your stomach ASAP, nothing can get better than that. Lotus Restaurant is pretty much like your typical Asian all-you-can-eat buffet with your staple Chinese dishes, a salad bar, sushi station, and ice cream/dessert options. The food is okay, acceptable given the price but would not be willing to pay more. The service here is very attentive--the staff constantly refilled our drinks, cleared our finished plates, and checked up on us throughout our meal. I really have no complaints about this place-- we left stuffed to the brim with food and well-taken care of by the staff. That's all I want from a restaurant! read more

We ordered take out here in the past remembering that this was really good. A real treat. Something has changed or else the cook was out sick and the dishwasher did the cooking but that doesn't explain the dumplings that are prepared ahead of time I would guess. The dumplings were awful. The wrap on the dumpling was 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick or more, such that it was just a glob of dough with a little meat in the middle. The egg roll was much the same. Too much dough wrap and a tasteless filling. The best dishes were the string beans and fried rice but the other dishes were gooey and tasteless. The sauces were thick and gloppy.The Lo mein was like eating oily spaghetti. The meats were overcooked. Never again. read more

Didn't like this place at all. Went at noon, it was busy, but all of the fried food was dried out and hard. The spring rolls were almost inedible. The vegetable/meat dishes were bland. Food in general was not hot, barely warm. The egg roll seemed to be the only thing that was freshly cooked. The waitress was nice, and that's about all I can say about this place. read more

Was looking forward to lunch today coming from N.Conway and Was disappointed to see they have taken a lot of dishes off the buffet and replaced with more American foods,which is not why we travel to go there. Also did away with the ice cream options and what ice cream they have ,the machine was out of order.Not sure if I will return or suggest it to anyone like I always did. Why mess with what worked. Most if the Chinese selection were good but not outstanding. Not sure if new owners or just down sizing,which is too bad but will say if it's what your looking for in varity the price is Good! Notice didnt have as many beef or seafoid options any longer too.​ read more

This was my first time here. I now live out of state and happened to meet up with family here. Great full buffet. Clean and always refilling stations. Service is amazing. Super nice and friendly. Prices are fantastic. read more

Me and my boyfriend went there and the chicken was completely pink, theres no way it was safe for consumption. The food was okay, but I got a to-go box which ended up costing an extra $7.50, which they conveniently didn't inform us about until after they had our card and we already paid. We spent $50 here for pink chicken and bland mac and cheese. Will not be returning. read more

If I could give zero stars I would! The Nigiri I got was slimy and brown in a lot of spots.. it also was unevenly cut. It wasn't edible. It had a strong fishy smell when I opened the container. We also got fried dumplings, but only one side was fried the other side was raw.. and I mean raw! The rice was over cooked and hard, the beef teriyaki was not tender and it was very thickly cut... and so very tough! By far the worst meal we've had for take away in a very long time. read more

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Meh. It's got better selection than some other Chinese buffets. Food was alright. Nothing to write home about.

Best Chinese restaurant in Auburn their Buffay has a huge selection of different types of foods the only problem I have they have a little dessert Buffay but it's not that big I would like to see them expand on that besides that gray customer service and great food read more

Lotus was a enlightening dinning experience with a plethora of variety to indulge on a Friday afternoon lunch. The chef made me personal hand rolls and the coconut chicken was yummy in my tummy. The waitress service was incredible and I would love to come back. Try the pot roast the owner recommended it:) read more

Got the coconut chicken and the general Tso chicken tonight for takeout, absolutely delicious. Came with the won ton chips for dipping, gotta love those! Pleasant surprise for sure. Also got the Won Ton soup. Very good, highly recommend. Will be our goto Chinese in the area from now on. Thanks again read more

The food is great and the service is spectacular. This is the only place that makes egg foo young the way I like it. I always have plenty left for the next day ie: large servings. read more

Finding the "right" Chinese restaurant when you move to a new area can definitely be a hit-or-miss kind of situation, and I'm very happy to say that the boyfriend and I found "our" restaurant on the first try: Lotus! The food is delicious. The typical order is: Broccoli and beef, steamed dumplings, General Tso's chicken, pork fried rice, and spare ribs. -- Each time we've gotten take-out, it's been great. The service is wonderful, and the food was always still hot by the time we got home. I cannot speak for the table-side service, but the takeout has been great enough that I wouldn't mind spending an hour or so enjoying some tasty food :) read more

I am a server and have been for 20 years and I've never been treated so badly by anyone ever ... I called for a take out order and the guy that answered the phone was extremely rude to me . I let that go and ordered,well he told me the price of the food. I had a menu in front of me so I added it up taxes and alll, plus the delivery charges and of course I was going to tip the driver.when the driver arrived I told him I would like to make sure that everything I was paying for was there and of course he was fine with that. Well unfortunately it wasn't. So I had him look at it . Then I called the restaurant and the same man that took my order was yelling at me and told me to send it back I said I will and he hung up on me Then. A Woman calls me back screaming at me saying what the prices are I said I have a menu right in front of me . Then I proceeded to tell her that I have been a customer of this restaurant for years but I will never buy food from them again . I do want to say that the delivery man was Great and I was so upset that forgot I to tip him , I give the restaurant a 0 star review ... I have know idea how they put 3 stars on this review because I put 1 star that's because I couldn't do 0 star ! read more

There is so much wrong with this place I feel duped by the good reviews. I've been here six times over the past 3 years, hoping it would get better. The food is not only inconsistent flavor-wise from visit to visit, but the vegetables are ALWAYS overcooked, sauces are too sweet, and have globs of thickener not mixed in. I've gotten a *rotten* spring roll before, the lo mein is lackluster, and the "Japanese food" is a joke. The soggy, greasy tempura vegetables were so overcooked they fell apart, and they served it with a thick teriyaki sauce instead of tempura sauce. The maki rolls were awkwardly wrapped and also fell apart. It was all very gross. One star for the miso soup. Great looking menu, terrible food. Waste of money!!! read more