You might come to Hibachi Grill & Buffet planning to sample one plate, but the sheer variety of hot trays and sushi stations tends to rewrite that plan immediately. Before you grab a plate, it helps to know the Hibachi Grill & Buffet Menu with Prices so you can budget for the feast ahead. This guide breaks down the cost structure, the food zones, and the little tricks that make the visit worth every dollar.
The buffet model is simple: pay one flat rate for your age group, then eat as much as you want. However, the drink, the to-go box, and the weekend dinner surcharge can change your final bill. Let’s look at the exact pricing you can expect, based on recent visits and posted signs at multiple locations.
Hibachi Grill & Buffet Menu With Prices
The price you pay depends on the time of day and the day of the week. Lunch is cheaper, dinner is pricier, and weekends carry a premium. Below is the standard rate card that most franchise locations use, though a few states add a dollar or two for local costs.
Standard Pricing By Meal Period
- Monday to Friday Lunch (11:00 AM – 3:30 PM): $12.99 per adult
- Monday to Thursday Dinner (3:30 PM – Close): $17.99 per adult
- Friday Dinner (3:30 PM – Close): $19.99 per adult
- Saturday and Sunday All Day: $19.99 per adult
- Kids (3 to 6 years old): $6.99 at all times
- Kids (7 to 10 years old): $9.99 at all times
- Seniors (65+ years old): $1.50 off the regular adult price
Children under three years old eat for free. That is a solid deal for families with toddlers who only pick at rice and chicken. You do not need a reservation for the buffet, but the wait can stretch to twenty minutes on Sunday afternoons, so go early or late.
Drink Prices And Extras
The buffet price does not include drinks. You pay separately at the register or at your table, depending on how the location runs its service. Soft drinks, sweet tea, and lemonade run about $3.49 per glass with free refills. Coffee is $2.99, and hot tea sits at $2.49.
Bottled water is $2.29, but the soda fountain usually has a water spout, so you can skip the bottle and save a little. If you want a milkshake or a fresh juice, those are not on the menu. Stick to the fountain drinks or the hot tea selection.
To-Go Box Policy And Pricing
You can take food home, but it costs extra. The standard to-go box is priced by weight at $8.99 per pound. That is not a flat fee. If you fill a small box with heavy crab legs, you will pay more than if you fill it with salad and fruit.
Most locations offer a lightweight foam box at the register. You pay for the box first, then you go back to the buffet line to fill it. Do not fill your plate and then transfer the food to the box at the table, as some staff members will stop you. The rule is: fill the box directly from the buffet stations only.
Food Stations And What You Get
Now that you know the cost, let’s walk the line. The buffet is divided into several distinct zones, each with its own focus. You should plan your first plate around the hot hibachi grill items, because those are the signature dishes that made this chain popular.
The Hibachi Grill Station
This is the live-action counter where chefs cook meat and vegetables on a flat-top grill right in front of you. You pick your raw ingredients from a small refrigerated section, hand them to the chef, and wait three to five minutes for the cook.
- Protein choices: chicken breast, beef slices, pork, shrimp, squid, and occasionally scallops
- Vegetable mix: onions, zucchini, cabbage, bean sprouts, and broccoli
- Sauces: teriyaki, ginger, garlic butter, and spicy chili
- Noodles or rice: you can ask for fried rice or yakisoba noodles to be tossed in
The hibachi grill is the busiest station during dinner. If you want a shorter wait, go during the first hour of lunch service. The chefs are also happy to cook your food well-done or with extra sauce, just ask politely and they will adjust.
Sushi And Sashimi Bar
The sushi selection is surprisingly broad for a buffet. You will find rolls like California, spicy tuna, eel avocado, and shrimp tempura. There are also nigiri pieces with salmon, tuna, and whitefish. The sushi is made fresh throughout the day, and the trays are refilled quickly.
If you are new to sushi, start with the cooked rolls. The shrimp tempura roll has a crispy texture and a sweet sauce that hides any fishy taste. The spicy tuna roll has a clean kick, but it is not overpowering. Avoid the wasabi if you are sensitive to heat, it is the strong green paste, not the mild version.
Hot Buffet Trays
Beyond the grill, there is a long row of steam tables holding pre-cooked dishes. These change slightly by day, but the core lineup stays consistent:
- General Tso’s chicken
- Pepper chicken
- Beef with broccoli
- Sweet and sour pork
- Shrimp with garlic sauce
- Fried rice (plain and chicken)
- Lo mein noodles
- Egg rolls and spring rolls
- Fried chicken wings
- Fish fillet in black bean sauce
The hot trays are hit or miss depending on timing. If you arrive right when the buffet opens, the food is fresh and hot. If you arrive two hours into a rush, some trays may look tired. The staff rotates the food, but the quality dips slightly during peak hours. Go for the hibachi grill items if you want guaranteed freshness.
Cold Seafood And Salad Bar
Dinner service brings out the cold seafood station. You will find cooked shrimp, mussels, crab legs (on weekends), and smoked salmon. The crab legs are the main attraction for many diners, and they disappear fast. The staff restocks them every ten to fifteen minutes, but you may need to wait near the station to grab a fresh batch.
The salad bar has the usual lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and dressings. There are also cold noodle salads, kimchi, and pickled vegetables. These are decent palate cleansers between heavy dishes.
Dessert And Fruit Area
Desserts include small cakes, cookies, pudding cups, and a soft-serve ice cream machine. The ice cream machine offers vanilla and chocolate swirl, with toppings like sprinkles and chocolate syrup. There is also fresh fruit: watermelon, pineapple, oranges, and sometimes grapes.
The fried dough balls with condensed milk are a hidden gem. They are small, doughy, and slightly sweet. Grab a few on your last plate, they are worth the extra calories.
How To Maximize Your Buffet Visit
You want to get the most value for your money. The buffet is all-you-can-eat, but your stomach has limits. Follow these steps to enjoy the best items without wasting your appetite on fillers.
Step-By-Step Strategy For First Timers
- Start with a small salad or fruit plate. This wakes up your digestion without filling you up.
- Hit the hibachi grill first. Order a small portion of chicken and shrimp with vegetables. The grill takes time, so place your order early.
- Sample the sushi. Take two or three pieces, not a full plate. Sushi rice is filling, so pace yourself.
- Move to the hot trays. Take small spoonfuls of three or four dishes. Skip the fried rice and lo mein on the first pass, they are too heavy.
- Return for the seafood. If crab legs are available, this is your main course. Crack them slowly and enjoy the meat.
- Finish with dessert. Take a small slice of cake and a soft-serve cone. Do not overload the plate.
Most people eat three to four plates. The key is to keep each plate smaller than you think you need. You can always go back for more, but you cannot undo a stuffed feeling.
Best Times To Visit
Lunch on a Tuesday or Wednesday is the quietest. You get the full buffet spread for the lower lunch price, and the crowd is light. The hibachi grill line is short, and the sushi trays are fully stocked. If you want a relaxed meal, skip the weekend rush entirely.
Friday and Saturday nights are chaotic. Families, large groups, and birthday parties fill the space. The noise level is high, and you may wait for a table. The food is still good, but the experience is less pleasant. If you must go on a weekend, arrive at 11:00 AM when the doors open.
Comparing Locations And Price Differences
Not every Hibachi Grill & Buffet charges the same price. The chain has corporate-owned stores and franchise locations, and the franchise owners set their own rates within a certain range. A location in a big city like Houston or Dallas may charge a dollar more than a store in a smaller town.
You should check the sign outside the door before you commit. The price is always posted clearly at the entrance. If you see a discrepancy between this article and the sign, trust the sign. The management has the final say on pricing for that specific store.
Some locations also offer a lunch special on weekends that runs until 3:00 PM, but this is not standard. Ask the hostess when you arrive. She will tell you if there is a different rate for the afternoon.
Payment Methods And Tipping
You pay at the register before you sit down. Most locations accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some accept mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, but not all franchise stores have updated their terminals. Bring a backup card or cash just in case.
Tipping is customary at buffets, even though you serve yourself. The staff clears your plates, refills your drinks, and cleans the table. A tip of 10 to 15 percent is standard. If you had a large group or made a mess with crab legs, tip closer to 18 percent.
Dietary Restrictions And Allergies
The buffet is not ideal for strict dietary needs, but you can work around some issues. The hibachi grill lets you choose your own ingredients, so you can ask for no sauce or no oil. The salad bar has raw vegetables, and the fruit station is safe for most diets.
If you have a gluten allergy, be careful. Soy sauce contains wheat, and many of the pre-cooked dishes use soy sauce as a base. The fried items are coated in wheat flour. There are gluten-free options like plain grilled meat and steamed vegetables, but cross-contamination is likely. The staff does not have a separate cooking area.
For vegetarians, the buffet is workable. You have the salad bar, fruit, fried rice (check for egg), lo mein (may contain meat broth), and the vegetable hibachi. The sushi rolls with cucumber and avocado are also safe. Just avoid the hot trays where meat and vegetables are cooked together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Buffet Price Include Crab Legs?
Yes, crab legs are included in the dinner and weekend price. They are not available during weekday lunch. The crab legs are frozen, not fresh, but they are tasty when dipped in melted butter.
Can I Share A Plate With My Child?
No, each person who eats must pay the buffet price. Children under three are free, but older kids need their own paid entry. The staff is strict about this rule, and they will charge you if they see sharing.
Is There A Time Limit For Eating?
Most locations do not enforce a time limit. You can sit for an hour or two. However, during peak hours, the staff may ask you to leave if you are done eating and just occupying a table. Be considerate of waiting customers.
Are The Prices The Same For Takeout?
Takeout is different. You pay by weight at $8.99 per pound, not the flat buffet rate. This is a good option if you only want a small portion. For a full meal, the buffet price is usually a better value.
Do I Need To Tip On The Full Price Or Just The Food?
Tip on the total bill, including the buffet price and drinks. The standard is 10 to 15 percent. If you received exceptional service, like quick drink refills and plate clearing, tip more.
Final Thoughts On The Buffet Experience
The Hibachi Grill & Buffet is a solid choice for groups with mixed tastes. The price is fair for the variety, and the hibachi grill station adds a live cooking element that most buffets lack. You can eat well for under twenty dollars, which is hard to find elsewhere.
Remember to check the posted price at your local store, because the rates vary slightly. Go during weekday lunch for the best value, and hit the hibachi grill first to beat the line. The sushi and crab legs are the highlights, so save room for those. With a little planning, you will leave full, satisfied, and still with money in your wallet.
Bring a big appetite and a patient attitude. The buffet can get busy, but the food turnover is fast. You will not wait long for fresh trays, and the chefs at the grill work quickly. Enjoy your meal, and do not forget the fried dough balls on the way out.