Steam rises from the serving trays, but your eyes are scanning for the price card propped up near the sweet and sour chicken. You need to know the New King’s Buffet Menu with Prices before you grab that first plate. It is the smart way to plan your visit and avoid any surprise at the register.
Most people walk in hungry and forget to check the cost per pound or the dinner rate. That is a mistake. You can save a few dollars just by knowing if the lunch special is still active or if you walked into the weekend dinner pricing window.
This guide breaks down the current menu, the exact price tiers, and what you should expect to pay for your meal. We will also cover the popular dishes and some tips to get the most value for your money.
Understanding The Pricing Structure
The buffet price is not a single number. It changes based on the time of day and the day of the week. You will find that lunch is cheaper than dinner, and weekends are usually the most expensive.
Here is the general breakdown you can expect when you visit:
- Weekday Lunch: This is the cheapest option, usually served from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
- Weekday Dinner: Starts after 3:30 PM and runs until closing.
- Weekend All-Day: Saturday and Sunday often use the dinner price for the entire day.
- Children’s Pricing: Kids under a certain height or age get a discount, but the rules vary by location.
You should always check the local store sign for the exact daily special. Some locations offer a senior discount on weekdays, which can save you an extra dollar or two.
Current Price Tiers For Adults
Based on recent visits and posted signage, the adult prices are fairly standard. The lunch buffet is the best deal if you want to eat a big meal without spending too much.
- Weekday Lunch Buffet: $12.99 per adult.
- Weekday Dinner Buffet: $18.99 per adult.
- Weekend Buffet (Sat & Sun): $19.99 per adult.
- Kids (Under 10): $8.99 regardless of the time.
These prices include the drink if you ask for water or soda? Actually, no. The drink is usually separate. You will pay around $3.00 extra for a soft drink or tea. Coffee is sometimes included with the dinner price, but it is safer to ask the cashier first.
New King’s Buffet Menu With Prices
Now we get to the food. The menu is vast, but it is broken down into clear sections. You will find the American-Chinese classics right next to the more traditional dishes. Here is what you can expect to see on the hot line.
Appetizers And Soup Station
You should start light here, but do not fill up on just bread. The soup pots are usually at the beginning of the line. You will typically find two types of soup available.
- Egg Drop Soup: A standard staple, thick and yellow.
- Hot and Sour Soup: This one has a peppery kick and is filled with tofu and bamboo shoots.
Next to the soups, you will see the fried appetizers. The crab rangoon is usually the first to go, so grab it while it is hot. The fried chicken wings are also popular, but they are often glazed in a sweet sauce that can be sticky.
Do not forget the spring rolls. They are the thin and crispy kind, not the thick egg rolls you see at some places. The wonton chips with duck sauce are always available for a quick crunch.
Main Entree Selection
This is the main event. The hot trays stretch for a long distance, and you will see a mix of chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp dishes. The most common items you will find are listed below.
- General Tso’s Chicken: Sweet, spicy, and fried. This is a crowd pleaser.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: The batter is thick, and the sauce is bright red.
- Pepper Chicken: Dark meat chicken with onions and green peppers in a black bean sauce.
- Beef with Broccoli: The beef is usually tender, but it can get dry if it sits too long.
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce: A mild dish with a thick, eggy sauce.
- Lo Mein: You will find chicken or pork lo mein. The noodles are soft and chewy.
- Fried Rice: Standard white fried rice with peas and carrots.
- Mongolian Beef: Often served near the end of the line, this is a sweeter version of the pepper chicken.
You will also see a section for vegetables. The broccoli and string beans are usually cooked with garlic. The mixed vegetables are a safe bet if you want something lighter.
Hibachi And Grill Station
Some larger locations have a live cooking station. This is not always included in the base price, but for the standard New King’s Buffet, it is usually part of the deal. You pick your raw meat and vegetables, hand them to the cook, and wait a few minutes.
Here, you can get your food cooked fresh. The options are usually:
- Chicken or Beef
- Shrimp or Scallops
- Onions, Mushrooms, and Zucchini
You tell the chef the sauce you want. The garlic sauce is the best choice. The teriyaki sauce is very sweet and can overpower the meat.
Dessert And Fruit Bar
You need to save room for this. The dessert section is small but sufficient. You will find the classic American-style desserts that are popular in these buffets.
- Fortune Cookies: Always at the end.
- Fresh Fruit: Oranges, watermelon, and sometimes pineapple.
- Pudding: Usually chocolate or vanilla.
- Pastries: Small cakes or donut holes that are often dry.
The soft serve ice cream machine is the highlight. It is usually chocolate, vanilla, or a swirl mix. You have to work the lever to get the swirl right, but it is worth the effort.
How To Maximize Your Value
If you want to get your money’s worth, you need a strategy. Do not just pile food on your plate randomly. That leads to waste and a full stomach before you try the good stuff.
Follow these steps for a successful buffet visit:
- Scope the line first. Walk the entire buffet before you pick up a plate. See what is fresh and what is running low.
- Start with the soup. A small cup of soup warms up your stomach without filling you up.
- Take small portions. Take a spoonful of a dish you want to try. You can always go back for more.
- Skip the rice and noodles first. They are fillers. Eat the protein and seafood first.
- Hit the grill station late. The line is shorter after the first rush of people.
- Finish with fruit. It helps with digestion and cleanses your palate before the ice cream.
You should also pay attention to the time. If you arrive at 3:00 PM on a weekday, you can pay the lunch price and stay until dinner starts. The food will switch over, and you get to try the dinner items for the cheaper price. This is a smart hack that regulars use.
Drink Prices And Extras
As mentioned earlier, drinks are not included. The fountain drinks are typically priced around $3.29 for a large cup. You do get free refills on soda. If you want a hot tea, it is usually the same price as a soda.
Some locations offer a “meal deal” that includes a drink. You have to ask for it specifically because it is not always on the menu board. It might save you a dollar or two if you were planning to buy a drink anyway.
Location Variations And Specials
It is important to know that the prices we listed are the standard rates. However, the owner of your local New King’s Buffet might have different prices. Some locations are independently owned and set their own rates.
You should call ahead to confirm the exact price. This is especially true for the dinner buffet on Friday nights, which is often the busiest time. The price might be higher if they add a seafood night with crab legs or sushi.
Look out for printed coupons. Many locations put coupons in the local mailers or on their Facebook page. A common coupon is “Buy One Get One Half Off” or “$2 Off the Adult Buffet.” These coupons are usually valid only on weekdays, but they are a great way to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the pricing and menu at this restaurant.
Does the price include a drink?
No, the buffet price is for the food only. You have to pay extra for soda, tea, or water bottles. However, water from the soda fountain is often free if you ask for a cup of water.
Is there a senior discount?
Yes, most locations offer a discount for seniors aged 65 and older. The discount is usually around 10% off the total bill. You have to ask for it when you pay, as it is not always advertised.
Can I take food home in a box?
No, you cannot take food from the buffet home. The restaurant does not allow doggy bags for the buffet. You can only eat what you put on your plate while you are inside the restaurant.
Are the prices the same for dinner on Sunday?
Yes, Sunday is considered a weekend day. The dinner price applies all day on Saturday and Sunday. The only exception is if the restaurant has a special “Sunday Lunch” price that ends at 2:00 PM, but this is rare.
What is the most expensive item on the menu?
The buffet price is flat, so there is no “most expensive” item. You pay one price and can eat as much as you want. However, the shrimp and the grilled items are usually the most costly for the restaurant to provide, so you should eat those to get the best value.
Final Thoughts On Visiting
Knowing the New King’s Buffet Menu with Prices before you go is the best way to enjoy your meal without stress. The lunch shift is the best deal for the budget-conscious diner. The dinner shift offers a wider variety of food, including the grill station and sometimes a few extra seafood options.
Check your local store’s Facebook page for daily specials. You might find a “Taco Tuesday” or a “Wing Wednesday” that offers a discount on the buffet. These deals are not always listed on the main website.
Bring cash if you can. Some locations charge a small fee for credit card transactions. It is usually around 2% to 3% of your total bill. Paying with cash avoids that extra charge.
Go early for lunch. The food is freshest right when the buffet opens at 11:00 AM. The trays are full, and the food has not been sitting out for hours. You will have the best selection and the best quality.
If you are bringing a family, check the kids’ pricing carefully. The height limit for a child’s price is usually around 3 feet tall. If your child is taller, you might have to pay the full adult price. It is a policy that catches many parents off guard.
Enjoy your meal and remember to leave a tip for the server. They are the ones clearing your plates and refilling your water glasses. They work hard to keep the buffet line stocked and clean. A standard tip of 15% to 20% is appreciated.
So next time you are hungry for a big variety of food, you know exactly what to expect. Go check the price sign first, but now you already know the numbers. Just walk in, pay, and head straight for the crab rangoon.