Unearth The Voyage
Minnesota knows how to do unlimited food right. When hunger strikes and you’re craving variety, nothing beats a quality buffet where you can sample everything that catches your eye. From fresh salad bars to sizzling ethnic cuisine, the North Star State offers plenty of all-you-can-eat options that won’t disappoint even the heartiest appetites. Here are seven standout buffets across Minnesota that locals and visitors alike swear by.
Q. Cumbers — Edina’s Fresh Food Paradise
Health-conscious food lovers rejoice at this Edina institution! Q. Cumbers has mastered the art of the fresh food buffet with their legendary 50-foot salad bar featuring crisp vegetables and seasonal fruits.
Beyond salads, their hot buffet rotates through comfort classics like homestyle lasagna, roasted chicken, and hearty soups made from scratch. The dessert selection provides the perfect sweet finish to your meal without going overboard.
Families appreciate the kid-friendly options, while those with dietary restrictions love the clearly labeled items. Whether you’re a vegetarian seeking variety or simply someone who appreciates quality ingredients, Q. Cumbers delivers a buffet experience that proves healthy eating can be both satisfying and delicious.
Mama Sheila’s House of Soul — Minneapolis Soul Food Heaven
Walking into Mama Sheila’s feels like being welcomed into a Southern grandmother’s kitchen. The warm atmosphere instantly puts you at ease as the aroma of authentic soul food fills the air.
The buffet line showcases Southern classics perfected: mac and cheese with the perfect cheese pull, crispy fried chicken offered both Buffalo-style and smothered, candied yams that strike the ideal balance between sweet and savory. Every dish carries that unmistakable homemade quality.
What makes this place special isn’t just the food—it’s the celebration of culture. Photographs of soul music legends adorn the walls, and occasionally live music adds to the experience. For comfort food that feeds both body and soul, Mama Sheila’s stands unmatched.
Buffet at the Bear — Northern Minnesota’s Casino Feast
Tucked inside Black Bear Casino Resort, this buffet transforms dining into an adventure with its themed nights. Monday might feature Asian specialties while Friday brings seafood extravaganza—each night offers a fresh experience.
The ‘Northland’ classics section pays homage to Minnesota’s culinary heritage with hearty dishes that warm you from the inside out. Prime rib stations, where chefs carve generous portions to your preference, remain a consistent highlight regardless of the night’s theme.
The spacious dining room accommodates groups of all sizes, making it perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers. For travelers exploring northern Minnesota, this buffet provides an unexpected culinary highlight worth planning your trip around—especially if you time your visit for seafood night!
Dave’s Pizza & Buffet — Hermantown’s Comfort Food Champion
Pizza perfection awaits at this Duluth-area favorite where the lunch buffet has earned legendary status among locals. The pizza selection rotates throughout service, ensuring you’ll find both classics and creative specialties hot from the oven.
Beyond pizza, Dave’s impresses with a surprisingly robust offering of pasta dishes, savory meatballs swimming in marinara, and breadsticks that strike the perfect balance between chewy and crisp. The soup and salad bar provides lighter options for those wanting to balance their indulgence.
Families particularly appreciate the casual atmosphere and kid-friendly options. With generous hours and consistent quality, Dave’s has mastered the art of making everyone feel welcome while keeping the food fresh and plentiful—exactly what you want in a neighborhood buffet.
Ruam Mit Thai — St. Paul’s Exotic Flavor Journey
Spice enthusiasts flock to this St. Paul gem where the all-you-can-eat format meets authentic Thai cuisine. Unlike typical buffets that sacrifice quality for quantity, Ruam Mit maintains impressive flavor integrity across every dish.
The selection rotates regularly but reliably features aromatic curries, perfectly stir-fried noodles, and fragrant rice dishes. Vegetarian options abound, making this a favorite for plant-based diners seeking bold flavors. Each table receives complimentary Thai iced tea—a sweet, creamy counterpoint to the spicier offerings.
First-timers appreciate the helpful staff who gladly explain unfamiliar dishes and can adjust spice levels to suit your preference. For Minnesotans tired of standard buffet fare, Ruam Mit offers a culinary adventure that expands horizons while satisfying hearty appetites—proof that buffets can deliver authentic international cuisine.
Super Moon Buffet — St. Louis Park’s Pan-Asian Playground
Sushi lovers rejoice! Super Moon’s continuously replenished sushi bar features both classic rolls and creative combinations that would cost a fortune if ordered à la carte elsewhere. The freshness factor sets this place apart from typical buffets.
The hot food section spans multiple Asian cuisines—from General Tso’s chicken to Mongolian beef to Vietnamese spring rolls. Hibachi stations add theatrical flair as chefs prepare your selection before your eyes, customized to your preferences. Dessert options blend Eastern and Western influences with mochi ice cream alongside fresh fruit and American-style cakes.
The modern, spacious interior accommodates large groups while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. Super Moon strikes that rare balance of pleasing both adventurous eaters and those who prefer familiar favorites, making it the perfect compromise for diverse dining parties.
Fogo de Chão — Minneapolis’s Brazilian Meat Marathon
“All you can eat” reaches its most elegant form at this downtown Minneapolis institution. Unlike conventional buffets, Fogo’s rodizio-style service features gaucho chefs who circulate continuously with skewers of fire-roasted meats carved tableside—from garlic-rubbed ribeye to bacon-wrapped chicken.
The experience begins at the Market Table—a gourmet salad bar featuring imported cheeses, cured meats, roasted vegetables, and Brazilian side dishes. The famous pão de queijo (cheese bread) arrives warm at your table throughout your meal, providing the perfect accompaniment to the parade of proteins.
Though pricier than typical buffets, the upscale atmosphere, impeccable service, and premium ingredients justify the splurge for special occasions. Pro tip: The lunch service offers the full experience at a reduced price, making this carnivore’s paradise more accessible.
