Great Moon Buffet Menu with Prices is something you will want to check before you walk in the door, because the cost can change depending on the day and time. Great Moon Buffet rotates its hibachi station every fifteen minutes, so timing your visit matters as much as your appetite. You do not want to pay full price if you are only going to eat a light lunch, and you do not want to miss the dinner spread because you showed up too late.
This guide breaks down exactly what you will pay, what you will find on the trays, and how to get the most value out of your trip. We have looked at the standard pricing structure, the different meal periods, and the specific dishes that usually show up on the line. Let us get into the details so you can plan your meal without any surprises at the register.
Great Moon Buffet Menu With Prices
The pricing at Great Moon Buffet is not a single flat rate. It varies based on whether you are eating lunch, dinner, or visiting on a weekend. Most locations follow a similar structure, though you should always confirm with your local store because prices can shift slightly due to regional costs.
Standard Price Breakdown
- Lunch (Monday to Friday): $12.99 per adult
- Dinner (Monday to Thursday): $18.99 per adult
- Weekend Dinner (Friday to Sunday): $21.99 per adult
- Weekend Lunch (Saturday and Sunday): $15.99 per adult
- Children (Ages 4-10): $7.99 during lunch, $9.99 during dinner
- Children (Under 3): Free with a paying adult
- Seniors (65+): 10% discount on the regular adult price
These prices usually include your drink, but you should ask about that because some locations charge extra for soft drinks. The drink station often has soda, iced tea, and water. If you want a hot tea or coffee, that might be an additional charge, so check the small sign near the beverage area.
What Changes Between Lunch And Dinner
The main difference between the lunch and dinner menu is the availability of certain proteins. Lunch tends to feature more chicken dishes, basic lo mein, and fried rice. Dinner brings out the seafood options, including crab legs, shrimp with shells on, and sometimes mussels.
You will also see the hibachi station get more active during dinner. The chefs will cook steak, chicken, and shrimp to order. During lunch, the hibachi might only have chicken and vegetables. If you are going specifically for the crab legs, you need to go for dinner. The lunch price does not cover the expensive seafood items.
Main Food Stations You Will See
Great Moon Buffet organizes their food into distinct stations. Knowing what is in each station helps you build your plate efficiently. You do not want to fill up on rice at the beginning if there is a whole sushi section you want to try later.
Hot Entree Line
This is the main line with the chafing dishes. You will typically find General Tso’s chicken, sesame chicken, beef with broccoli, and sweet and sour pork. There is also usually a section for Chinese American classics like egg rolls, crab rangoon, and fried wontons.
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Beef with Broccoli
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
- Pepper Steak with Onions
- Vegetable Lo Mein
- Chicken Fried Rice
Hibachi Grill Station
This station is where you pick your raw ingredients and hand them to the chef. You choose your protein, vegetables, and sauce. The chef cooks it on the flat top grill right in front of you. It takes about five minutes for your order to be ready.
The rotation means the chef will cook different proteins throughout the day. You might see steak and chicken at the start of dinner, but later they might switch to shrimp and scallops. If you want a specific protein, you should ask the chef when they plan to cook it next.
Sushi And Sashimi Bar
There is a cold section with pre-made sushi rolls. These are usually basic rolls like California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and cucumber rolls. You will also find nigiri sushi with raw fish on top of rice. The selection is not extensive, but it is fresh and restocked often.
Dessert And Fruit Section
This section has small pastries, cakes, and fresh fruit. You will often find a soft serve ice cream machine with chocolate and vanilla flavors. There are also toppings like sprinkles and chocolate syrup. Some locations have a cotton candy machine, but that is not guaranteed.
How To Get The Best Value
If you want to maximize what you get for your money, you need a strategy. Walking in and grabbing the first thing you see is not the smartest approach. You should scan the entire buffet before you put anything on your plate.
Step-By-Step Plan For Your Visit
- Walk the full perimeter of the buffet line before picking up a plate.
- Identify which items are fresh and which have been sitting out for a while.
- Start with the expensive items like crab legs or hibachi steak.
- Take small portions of the cheap fillers like rice and noodles.
- Leave room for the sushi and the dessert section at the end.
- Check the hibachi schedule to see when the next fresh batch is coming out.
You should also consider the timing of your meal. If you arrive at 3:30 PM on a weekday, you will pay the lunch price but you might be able to stay until the dinner food comes out. Most locations switch the food over around 4:00 PM. You can get the lunch rate and then eat the dinner items if you time it right.
Drink And Beverage Costs
Some buffets include the drink in the price, but Great Moon Buffet often charges separately. A soft drink will cost around $2.50 to $3.00. If you are on a budget, just drink water. The water cups are free and you can add lemon slices from the tea station.
Popular Dishes And What They Taste Like
You should know what the crowd favorites are before you go. This helps you prioritize your plate. Some dishes are always good, while others can be hit or miss depending on the time of day.
Must Try Items
- Crab Legs: Salty, buttery, and usually warm. They go fast, so grab them early.
- Hibachi Steak: Cooked to order, so it is always hot and juicy.
- Shrimp Tempura: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
- Fried Scallops: Sweet and soft, but only available during dinner.
- Mango Pudding: A light dessert that is not too sweet.
Items To Skip
The pizza at the buffet is usually dry and not worth the stomach space. The french fries also tend to be soggy because they sit under the heat lamp for too long. You should focus on the Chinese and Japanese items instead of the American fast food options.
Location Differences And Price Changes
Not every Great Moon Buffet has the same menu. Some locations have a Mongolian grill, while others do not. Some have a larger seafood selection on Fridays. You should call ahead to ask about the specific offerings at your local branch.
The prices we listed above are the standard rates, but they can be higher in certain states or cities. If you are in a tourist area, expect to pay a couple of dollars more. The menu with prices is usually posted near the entrance, so you can check before you commit to eating there.
Dietary Restrictions And Alternatives
If you are vegetarian, you will find options, but they are limited. The vegetable lo mein, steamed broccoli, and the salad bar are your main choices. The fried rice often has egg and sometimes pork, so you need to ask about that.
If you have a gluten allergy, you need to be careful. The soy sauce used in most dishes contains wheat. The hibachi station can cook your food without soy sauce if you ask, but cross contamination is a risk because everything is cooked on the same grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Great Moon Buffet Offer A Discount For Military Members?
Some locations offer a 10% military discount, but it is not a chain wide policy. You should ask the cashier when you pay. You will need to show your military ID to get the discount.
Can I Take Food Home In A To-go Box?
No, the buffet does not allow takeout boxes for food that you have already paid to eat in the restaurant. You pay for the all you can eat experience, not for the food itself. Taking food home is considered stealing by the management.
Is The Price Higher On Holidays?
Yes, on major holidays like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, the price can go up by $5 to $10 per person. The restaurant also gets very crowded on these days, so you should expect a wait time of 30 to 45 minutes.
Are There Any Additional Charges For The Hibachi Station?
No, the hibachi station is included in the buffet price. You do not pay extra for the cooked to order items. The only additional charges are for drinks and any special items that are not part of the standard buffet.
What Is The Best Time To Visit To Avoid The Crowd?
You should go right when they open at 11:00 AM on a weekday. The food is the freshest at this time because everything has just been put out. The crowd starts to build around 12:15 PM, so you can get a good meal in before the rush.
Final Thoughts On The Buffet Experience
Great Moon Buffet is a solid choice for a casual meal when you want variety. The price is fair for the amount of food you can eat, especially if you focus on the seafood and hibachi items. The lunch deal is the best value, but the dinner spread has more expensive items that make the higher cost worth it.
Remember to check the exact pricing at your local location because the rates can vary. The menu with prices is usually available on their website or on third party review sites. You should also check the health inspection score for your local branch to make sure they maintain good standards.
Bring a big appetite and go with a plan. Skip the cheap carbs and go straight for the proteins and the fresh sushi. You will leave full and satisfied without spending too much money. The rotating hibachi station means you should keep an eye on the grill area, because you never know when they are going to bring out something really good.
If you are going with a group, make sure everyone agrees on the time and the price before you go in. Nothing is worse than one person complaining about the cost while everyone else is trying to enjoy their meal. Just pay, eat, and enjoy the experience.
We hope this guide helps you get the most out of your visit. The food is decent, the selection is wide, and the price is reasonable for what you get. Go hungry and leave happy.