All-You-Can-Eat Trend Gains Popularity Amid Rising Costs

With the increased costs of groceries and dining, Americans are gravitating towards all-you-can-eat and buffet-style restaurants. A significant rise of 252% in Yelp searches for buffets has been reported since 2025, according to The Wall Street Journal. While well-known chains like Golden Corral often lead, several other notable spots offer a variety of cuisines from Southern comfort food to international delights like Korean barbecue and Brazilian steakhouse dishes.

1. Good Time Country Buffet

Opened in September, Good Time Country Buffet brings Southern-style comfort food to Manhattan. It includes offerings such as Salisbury steak, collard greens, dinner rolls, and peach cobbler. For a price of $26.99, diners can enjoy unlimited servings. Co-founder David Yun emphasized providing affordability and nostalgia, reminiscent of classic buffets.

2. Tashkent Supermarket

Located in New York City, Tashkent Supermarket offers an Uzbek hot bar with a variety of prepared dishes like plov, stuffed cabbage, manti dumplings, and pastries. This spot charges by weight, with takeout typically costing $10.99 to $11.99 per pound. Its West Village location has drawn attention to Central Asian cuisine, aided by food bloggers.

3. KPot Korean BBQ and Hot Pot

KPot Korean BBQ and Hot Pot allows diners to grill meats, vegetables, and noodles either barbecue-style or in a hot broth at their tables. For an additional $5, guests can sample both styles. Prices range from $36.99 in New York to $31.99 in Oklahoma City. With locations in nearly 40 states, KPot is one of the largest Korean restaurant chains.

4. Der Dutchman

Der Dutchman serves Amish- and Mennonite-inspired dishes like creamed chicken, meatloaf, and noodles with mashed potatoes. This spot is famous in the heartland and often appears on buffet rankings nationwide. All-you-can-eat dinners are about $20, with breakfast options around $14, featuring items like pancakes, tomato gravy, and fried cornmeal mush.

5. Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão offers two lunch options: an unlimited Market Table with soups, salads, and Brazilian specialties, and the Full Churrasco Experience, which includes fire-roasted meats served at the table. The Market Table is priced at $20, while the full meat service is approximately $30 more. The Brazilian steakhouse has expanded its presence significantly, nearly doubling its U.S. locations in recent years.