Unearth The Voyage
Looking for the best buffet in New Mexico where you can craft a sizzling stir fry exactly how you like it? BUFFETTIME in Hobbs brings the heat with a Mongolian grill that turns your custom bowl into pure comfort.
Add spotless dining rooms, friendly service, and a price that feels fair for the spread, and you have a go to spot worth a drive. Keep reading for everything you should try, plus tips to make your visit even better.
1. Why BUFFETTIME Stands Out
When a buffet gets the basics right, everything else shines. BUFFETTIME nails freshness, speed, and variety, then adds a Mongolian grill that lets you build a custom stir fry with crisp veggies, proteins, and sauces.
You see the sizzle, smell the caramelization, and taste a dish made for you. That immediacy is hard to beat.
Cleanliness matters too. Trays rotate quickly, staff refresh counters, and you get that tidy feel from the doorway to your table.
You also notice small touches, like uncluttered decor and sensible lighting that keeps things welcoming for families and groups. It feels easy to settle in and try a little bit of everything.
Value wise, expect a $$ price point that makes sense for the spread. Weeknights feel calm, weekends get lively, and late evening discounts help reduce waste.
If you want a dependable, crowd pleasing feast, this spot delivers.
2. The Famous Mongolian Grill
This is the main event. Grab a bowl, stack it with noodles or rice, then pile on vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cabbage.
Choose proteins from chicken and beef to seafood, then finish with sauces ranging from savory garlic to spicy chili. Hand it to the grill cook and watch the magic unfold.
You control texture and heat, so go light for crisp vegetables or ask for extra sear for smoky edges. The flavors are bold but balanced, and you can fine tune sweetness or spice with a drizzle of teriyaki or a splash of soy.
Every bowl feels personal and fresh.
If the line is long, it moves quickly during peak hours. Build smaller bowls to experiment with different combinations.
It is a fun routine that makes going back for seconds feel totally justified.
3. How To Build Your Stir Fry Bowl
Start with a base. Lo mein noodles give chew, rice keeps it light, and skipping starch lets vegetables take the lead.
Layer in color: broccoli for crunch, onions for sweetness, and mushrooms for umami. Then add a protein or two, keeping pieces small so they sear quickly.
Next comes sauce strategy. Garlic and ginger create depth, teriyaki adds glaze, and chili oil brings heat.
A splash of soy saltiness ties it together. Keep in mind the grill intensifies flavors, so a little goes a long way.
If you are unsure, taste test by building two smaller bowls.
Finish with add ons like sesame seeds or green onion for freshness. Hand it off and watch for that smoky steam.
Ask for a touch more char if you love crisp edges. With practice, you will find a combo that feels like your signature.
4. Hibachi Style Highlights
Beyond the classic Mongolian setup, you will find hibachi style flavors woven through the buffet. Expect tender chicken glazed in sweet savory sauce, beef with a hint of garlic, and vegetables that hold their bite.
It scratches that teppanyaki itch without the sit down performance or waitlist.
The key is heat control. You get caramelization without soggy texture, and the sauces cling instead of pooling.
It is easy to pair a few hibachi sides with your custom bowl for a mix of smoky and saucy. If you love grill notes, this section is a repeat visit.
Pro tip: grab steamed rice and a ladle of hibachi chicken to create a quick rice bowl. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds from the salad bar for nutty pop.
It is a fast, comforting plate when you need a break between stir fry rounds.
5. Chinese Classics To Sample
If you love familiar comfort, Chinese classics are well represented. You will find golden egg rolls, crisp fried chicken pieces in tangy sauce, broccoli beef with a savory glaze, and lo mein that satisfies.
Fried rice offers a lightly seasoned base that pairs with almost everything.
Balance your plate by mixing crisp and saucy. A crunchy spring roll beside tender steamed dumplings makes every bite interesting.
When trays rotate, staff refresh quickly, keeping textures close to just cooked. It is buffet dining done with care, and you feel it on busy nights.
Some dishes lean milder for broad appeal, so kick up seasoning with chili flakes or a splash of soy from the condiment area. That quick adjustment makes a difference.
If you want a guaranteed crowd pleaser for the table, start here before building a stir fry.
6. Sushi and Cold Bar
The sushi station adds variety and a light break from hot items. Expect simple rolls that focus on freshness and balance, not fussy garnishes.
California, veggie, and mild seafood options show up often, with clean rice texture and tidy cuts. It is a refreshing counterpoint to the grill.
Pair sushi with seaweed salad or edamame if available, then follow with a citrusy drink to reset your palate. Keep portions small so you can circle back for favorites.
On busy days, turnover keeps everything tasting crisp and cool.
While it is not a specialty sushi bar, it hits the spot for a buffet spread. Use it as a starter or a middle course between spicy stir fry bowls.
If you like balance, a couple of rolls plus miso style soup equals a satisfying intermission.
7. Desserts You Should Not Skip
Save space for dessert. The soft serve station is a nostalgic win, especially if you build a cone after something spicy.
You might also find coconut treats and fruit topped bites that feel homemade. Reviewers rave about bananas with strawberry preserve, and they really do brighten the finish.
Go for small tastes. A mini cake square, a spoon of pudding, and a swirl of vanilla or chocolate keeps it fun without overdoing it.
If you have kids along, the self serve cones are a slam dunk. It adds a playful moment to the meal.
For contrast, pair a not too sweet dessert with hot tea or coffee. That reset helps if you plan another lap around the grill.
Dessert here is not an afterthought, it is part of the experience.
8. Clean, Comfortable Atmosphere
From the entry to the last bite, BUFFETTIME feels tidy and relaxed. Floors and stations look well kept, and staff clear tables quickly so you never hunt for a spot.
Lighting is warm instead of harsh, which makes group meals feel calmer. It is the kind of place you can linger without stress.
Families slide into booths, friends gather around bigger tables, and solo diners feel welcome. Music stays background level, letting conversation flow.
That comfort matters, especially when you are deciding whether to try another plate.
Because the layout is open, you can scan stations and plan your plate before walking over. It reduces back and forth and helps you catch fresh trays as they land.
The overall effect is easygoing and friendly, which is exactly what a buffet should be.
9. Service That Keeps Things Moving
Attentive service is a quiet superpower here. Drinks get refilled before you ask, plates disappear just as you finish, and the grill team keeps the line moving.
It feels coordinated without being pushy. You can relax and focus on what to try next.
When crowds build, staff adjust by refreshing stations and guiding guests toward open seating. If you have a question about sauces or spice, they will point you to the right mix.
That helpfulness sets the tone for a low stress visit, even at dinner rush.
Tip based service is common, and the kindness shows in the little things. If you have dietary needs, speak up early so they can help you navigate options.
It is hospitality that makes repeat visits feel welcome, not routine.
10. Value, Pricing, and Timing
Expect a $$ price that matches the variety and the live grill experience. Dinner runs higher than lunch, and weekends are busiest.
Some guests mention late evening discounts after 8 pm to reduce waste, which can be a smart time to swing by if you are flexible. You still get solid selection with less crowding.
If budget is top of mind, lunch is your friend. You will enjoy the core stations and the stir fry without the higher dinner price.
For families, that timing can make a noticeable difference.
Arrive just after opening or mid afternoon for the calmest vibe. Peak dinner hours add energy but may bring a short grill line.
Either way, the value comes through in freshness, choice, and the ability to craft something exactly how you like it.
11. What Locals Are Saying
Reviews land consistently positive, with praise for a clean dining room, hot fresh food, and that standout Mongolian grill. Guests love building bowls and watching them sear, then circling back for dessert and soft serve cones.
Families call it organized and friendly, making group meals straightforward.
Not every comment is glowing. A few mention price sensitivity or an occasional wait at the grill during rush.
Others wish some Chinese dishes had bolder seasoning. Still, most agree the spread delivers reliable comfort and customization that keeps them coming back.
The overall impression is a well run buffet that feels modern and tidy compared to older spots. If you value variety plus the control of a made to order stir fry, it is a strong pick.
Your mileage may vary, but odds are you will leave satisfied.
12. Navigating Peak Hours
Peak times bring energy and lines, especially at dinner and weekends. The good news is flow stays efficient.
Build a smaller stir fry bowl first, then grab a few ready to eat items while the grill cooks. You avoid standing still and get a warm plate fast.
Scan stations before committing so you do not overfill early. Fresh trays arrive frequently, and you will spot them from a distance thanks to the open layout.
If you bring kids, choose a table near the dessert or grill so trips stay short.
Parking is easy out front, and seating turns over quickly. If a short wait happens, it is usually worth it for a hot, custom bowl.
Aim for late lunch or early dinner for breathing room without sacrificing selection.
13. Family Friendly Dining
Bring the crew. BUFFETTIME is an easy yes for families because everyone gets to choose.
Picky eaters can start with fries, noodles, or mild chicken, while adventurous diners load up on spicy stir fry. Booths keep kids corralled, and high chairs are usually available.
The soft serve station is a morale booster for little ones after patiently waiting at the grill. Keep portions small at first so you can go back for favorites.
Staff are quick with refills and happy to help with extra napkins or a spill.
If you are managing allergies, walk the line first and ask about ingredients at the grill. Custom bowls make it easier to avoid triggers.
With the right plan, family dinner feels smooth, not stressful.
14. Smart Pairings and Plate Strategy
To keep flavor fatigue away, think in courses. Start with a light plate of salad or sushi to wake up your palate.
Follow with a custom stir fry that focuses on two proteins and three vegetables, plus one sauce anchor. Then finish with a few bites of a Chinese classic for nostalgia.
Hydration helps you taste more, so alternate water with your drink of choice. Between plates, take a minute and chat so your appetite can reset.
That pause keeps you from overloading early.
For a winning combo, try chicken, mushrooms, and onions with garlic sauce, then add a small scoop of fried rice. Pair with steamed broccoli for crunch, and end with bananas in strawberry preserve.
You will leave satisfied without feeling weighed down.
15. Address, Hours, and How To Plan
You will find BUFFETTIME at 1801 N Turner St, Hobbs, NM 88240. The posted hours run 11 AM to 9 PM daily, making lunch and dinner easy to plan.
If you like quiet, arrive near opening or mid afternoon. For lively vibes, pick Friday or Saturday evening and expect a quicker pace.
Call +1 575 397 2828 for group questions or to confirm hours during holidays. The website thebuffettime.com lists current info and specials.
Parking sits right out front, so getting in and out is simple.
Use the map coordinates 32.7196099, -103.142363 for precise navigation. Check weather if you plan to linger, since the area can be breezy.
With timing set, you can focus on the grill and enjoy that signature sizzle.
16. What To Order First Time
Start simple: chicken, onion, and bell pepper with garlic soy on the grill. Ask for extra sear.
Add a small scoop of fried rice on the side to soak up juices. Then grab one Chinese classic, like broccoli beef, for contrast.
You get smoky, saucy, and tender in one plate.
For a cool intermission, pick two sushi pieces and seaweed salad. Return for a second bowl with beef, mushrooms, and chili oil if you like heat.
Keep portions modest so flavors stay bright.
End on a sweet note with bananas in strawberry preserve and a mini coconut treat. If you want a cone, go vanilla swirl and stroll the dining room.
It makes the meal feel celebratory without going overboard.
17. Final Take: Best Buffet In New Mexico
New Mexico has plenty of buffets, but BUFFETTIME in Hobbs stands tall because it lets you drive the experience. The Mongolian grill is the star, and the supporting cast of Chinese classics, sushi, and desserts rounds it out.
Clean rooms, steady service, and fair pricing seal the deal.
You will taste care in the hot, freshly rotated trays and see it in how quickly staff reset tables. There are moments when seasoning leans mild or lines grow, but the customization fixes both.
Build the bowl you crave and keep tinkering.
If you want a dependable spot for families, coworkers, or road trip meals, this is it. Plan your timing, bring an appetite, and save space for a cone.
You will understand why locals keep recommending it.
