Picture this: It’s Friday night, your stomach’s growling, and the whole family wants something different. One kid craves sushi, your partner wants steak, and you just need a mountain of crab legs. Sound familiar? That’s where Royal Buffet steps in like a hero with a tray of unlimited everything.
I’ve been to a few of these spots myself—once in Philly with my cousins, fighting over the last shrimp like it was the Super Bowl. The variety blew us away, but I also learned the hard way that timing matters. Stick with me, and I’ll share what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the most bang for your buck in 2025.
3 Key Takeaways
- Royal Buffet serves 100 -200+ Asian dishes under one roof—perfect for picky eaters and big groups.
- Prices run $17 for lunch to $39 for dinner, but kids pay by age, saving families cash.
- Go early on weekdays for the freshest food and shortest lines.
What Is Royal Buffet Exactly?
Think of Royal Buffet as a giant food playground for Asian flavors. It’s not one single chain but a bunch of independently run restaurants across the U.S. that share the same “royal” vibe—tons of stations, endless plates, and that satisfying clink of tongs grabbing crab legs.
Each spot usually has:
- A sushi bar rolling fresh California rolls and spicy tuna.
- A hibachi grill where cooks flip shrimp right in front of you.
- A seafood boil corner with mussels, crawfish, and yes, those famous crab legs.
Take the new Reisterstown, Maryland, location that opened in 2025. They added unlimited boba tea to the mix—my friend Sarah took her kids there and said the strawberry flavor was a game-saver for the little ones.
Top Royal Buffet Locations in 2025
You don’t have to drive hours for a good spread. Here are the standout spots people keep talking about:
- Philadelphia, PA – The one on Red Lion Road gets packed for birthdays. Yelp shows 118 reviews praising the Peking duck.
- Hoffman Estates, IL – Weekend dinner hits $38.99, but locals say the sushi selection beats nearby competitors.
- Houston, TX – Brand-new in Dynasty Plaza. Early reviews call it “still finding its feet,” but the 158 photos on Yelp look tempting.
- Reisterstown, MD – Fresh 2025 opening with boba and a huge seafood bar. Perfect stop if you’re near Baltimore.
Pro tip: Search “Royal Buffet near me” on your phone before you go. Hours change by location, and some close stations early.
Royal Buffet Menu Breakdown
Walking in feels like stepping into a food mall. Here’s what you’ll typically find:
- Sushi & sashimi: 20+ kinds of rolls, from basic cucumber to fancy dragon rolls topped with avocado.
- Hibachi grill: Pick your protein—chicken, steak, shrimp—and watch it sizzle with veggies and fried rice.
- Seafood corner: Snow crab legs (weekends only at most spots), peel-and-eat shrimp, clams in garlic sauce.
- Chinese classics: General Tso’s chicken that’s sticky-sweet, beef with broccoli, and lo mein that stretches for days.
- Extras: Soup station, salad bar, fruit, and a dessert table with cakes and those little sesame balls.
One night in Dickson City, PA, my brother dared me to count the dishes. We stopped at 150 and gave up. Variety is the real star here.
Current Pricing and Deals
Money talks, especially with a family. Here’s the 2025 breakdown (double-checked across Yelp, Tripadvisor, and official sites):
- Lunch (weekdays): $11.82 in Berlin, CT up to $17.99 in Houston.
- Dinner: Starts at $16.99 weekdays, climbs to $38.99 weekends in Illinois.
- Kids: $1.75–$2.75 per year of age. A 5-year-old pays about $10–$13. Under 3 eat free.
- Seniors & military: 10% off with ID—nice little thank-you.
Watch out for soda—it’s usually $2.95 extra and not included. Bring a water bottle if you want to keep costs down.
Best Times to Visit Royal Buffet
Timing can make or break your trip. Here’s the sweet spot:
- Weekdays 11:30 AM–1 PM – Fresh trays just hit the line, and you beat the lunch rush.
- Early dinner (4–6 PM) – Stations are fully stocked before the big crowds.
- Avoid Saturday after 6 PM – Waits stretch 20–30 minutes, and food sits longer.
I learned this the hard way in Philly. We showed up at 7 PM on a Saturday and battled for elbow room.
Royal Buffet vs Golden Corral
Both are all-you-can-eat giants, but they’re not twins. Quick side-by-side:
- Food focus: Royal leans 70% Asian (sushi, hibachi, crab legs). Golden Corral sticks to American comfort—meatloaf, mac and cheese, rotating shrimp.
- Price: Weekend dinner ties at ~$38 for adults.
- Seafood edge: Royal wins with crab legs most weekends. Golden swaps in shrimp or fish fries.
- Dessert: Golden’s chocolate fountain is fun, but Royal’s mochi ice cream feels special.
If your crew craves Asian flavors, Royal Buffet takes the crown. Want classic pot roast? Golden Corral might feel more like home.
Vegan and Allergy Options
Not everyone eats meat or seafood. Good news—there’s still plenty:
- Veggie stir-fry station lets you pick broccoli, carrots, and tofu.
- Salad bar with fresh greens, cucumbers, and fruit.
- Rice and noodles (ask for no meat sauce).
Heads-up: Cross-contact happens at shared grills. If allergies are serious, talk to a manager. They’ll usually grab fresh ingredients from the back. One reviewer with celiac said the staff in Hoffman Estates made her a custom plate—no issues.
Family-Friendly Features
Kids lose their minds here, and parents love the deals. What to expect:
- High chairs and booster seats at every location.
- Kids’ pricing by age—my sister saved $40 feeding four grandkids.
- Birthday perks: Groups of 10+ often get a free cake slice. Call ahead.
- Space: Philly’s spot seats 300+. Perfect for reunions.
Last month, my neighbor threw her son’s 8th birthday at the Downers Grove location. Twenty kids, zero meltdowns, and the hibachi chef did fire tricks. Win-win.
Common Complaints and Fixes
No place is perfect. Here’s what people gripe about—and how to dodge the headaches:
- Food dries out late → Arrive 90 minutes before closing or ask for a fresh tray. Staff usually oblige.
- Long lines → Check Yelp’s “waitlist” feature or call 30 minutes ahead.
- Soda costs extra → Refill your own water or split one cup.
- Crab legs gone early → Weekends only, and they vanish fast. Go at the opening bell.
- Crowds feel chaotic → Weekday lunch is calmest. Bring headphones for kids if noise bugs them.
One TripAdvisor review said the Dickson City spot felt “like a zoo” at 7 PM. Solution? Shift your schedule. Problem solved.
Conclusion
If you’re hungry for variety, value, and flavor all in one stop, Royal Buffet is a 2025 must-try. From sizzling hibachi to endless sushi and crab legs, it’s the perfect spot for families, foodies, and anyone who loves an all-you-can-eat adventure. Just go early, bring your appetite, and enjoy a royal feast worth every bite.
FAQs
- How much is the Royal Buffet dinner 2025? $16.99 weekdays, up to $38.99 weekends. Kids pay $1.75–$2.75 per year.
- Does Royal Buffet have crab legs? Yes, most spots for weekend dinner. Call your location to confirm.
- What time do stations close? Usually, 30–60 minutes before the restaurant shuts. Get there early.
- Any good vegan picks? Salad bar, veggie stir-fry, fruit. Ask staff to avoid cross-contact.
- Which location is newest? Reisterstown, MD, and Houston, TX, both opened in 2025 with boba.
