All-you-can-eat formats demand a strategy, and knowing the dinner price before you arrive is step one. That is why looking up the King Buffet Menu with Prices before you leave the house is the smartest move you can make. You want to know what you are paying for, what stations are open, and how to get the best value out of your visit.
This guide breaks down the typical costs, the food categories, and the little details that make a difference. We will also cover timing, drink prices, and how to avoid common buffet mistakes.
King Buffet Menu With Prices
Let us get right to the numbers. The King Buffet Menu with Prices varies slightly depending on your location, but the standard rates are pretty consistent across most states. Lunch is almost always cheaper than dinner because the dinner spread includes more premium items like crab legs and sushi.
Here is the typical pricing structure you can expect:
- Weekday Lunch (Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM): $12.99 per adult
- Weekend Lunch (Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM): $14.99 per adult
- Weekday Dinner (Monday-Thursday, 3:30 PM – Close): $18.99 per adult
- Weekend Dinner (Friday-Sunday, 3:30 PM – Close): $21.99 per adult
- Children (Ages 3-10): $7.99 during lunch, $9.99 during dinner
- Seniors (Ages 65+): 10% off the regular adult price
- Toddlers (Under 3): Free
These prices are the baseline. If you visit a location in a big city or near a tourist area, you might see a dollar or two added to those figures. Always check the local storefront sign before you sit down.
Drink Prices And Extras
The buffet price does not include beverages. You have to pay for drinks separately, and they are refillable. This is where the restaurant makes a good portion of its profit, so do not expect free soda.
- Soft Drinks (Coke, Sprite, Diet Coke): $3.29
- Sweet Tea / Unsweet Tea: $3.29
- Hot Tea / Coffee: $2.99
- Bottled Water: $2.50
- Milk: $3.00
If you are watching your budget, water is the best option. It is free and will not fill you up with carbonation. That leaves more room for the food you actually paid for.
Lunch Vs Dinner Selection
Many people ask if the lunch menu is the same as the dinner menu. The answer is no. The lunch spread focuses on the basics: fried chicken wings, lo mein, pepper chicken, and vegetable dishes. You will still find the hibachi grill and the salad bar, but the seafood selection is limited to fried shrimp and maybe some fish fillets.
The dinner menu is where the magic happens. The kitchen brings out the crab legs, the raw sushi bar gets fully stocked, and you will see more expensive cuts of meat on the hibachi line. If you are going for the seafood, you need to pay the dinner price. It is worth the extra few dollars.
Hibachi Grill Station
This is the most interactive part of the buffet. You pick your raw ingredients from a refrigerated display case, hand them to the grill cook, and they cook it right in front of you. The selection usually includes:
- Beef slices and chicken breast
- Shrimp and squid
- Fresh cabbage, onions, and bean sprouts
- Various sauces (teriyaki, soy, spicy garlic)
The trick here is to not overload your plate with noodles. The noodles are cheap and fill you up fast. Load up on the protein and the vegetables instead. You can ask for extra sauce or extra spice if you want it.
Seafood Selection
During dinner service, the seafood station is the main attraction. You will typically find snow crab legs, mussels, and clams. The crab legs are often the reason people choose this buffet over others. They are salty, buttery, and usually kept warm under a heat lamp.
Be careful with the crab legs. They take time to crack and eat. If you spend too much time on them, you will run out of room for the other dishes. Grab a small pile, eat them, and then decide if you want more. Do not stack a mountain of them on your first plate.
Navigating The Food Stations
A good buffet strategy is to walk the entire line before you pick up a plate. This helps you see what is available and where the hot spots are. The King Buffet layout is usually divided into distinct sections. Knowing the layout helps you plan your attack.
Here are the main stations you will encounter:
- The Appetizer Bar: Spring rolls, crab rangoon, fried wontons, and soups (Hot & Sour and Egg Drop).
- The Salad Bar: Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and various dressings. Also includes fresh fruit like watermelon and oranges.
- The Main Entree Line: This is the longest line. It features General Tso’s chicken, sweet and sour pork, beef with broccoli, and fried rice.
- The Hibachi Grill: Raw meats and vegetables cooked to order.
- The Sushi Station: California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and nigiri. Usually only fully stocked during dinner.
- The Dessert Bar: Fresh fruit, cookies, pudding, and a soft-serve ice cream machine.
Timing Your Visit For Peak Freshness
Buffets are all about timing. If you arrive right when the doors open for lunch, you will get the freshest food. The trays are full, and nothing has been sitting out. The downside is that the kitchen might still be bringing out some items.
If you arrive during the last hour before closing, you risk getting dried-out food. The staff will not refill the trays near closing time because they do not want to waste food. The best time to go is about 30 minutes after the meal period starts. This gives the kitchen time to get everything fully stocked.
Tips For Getting Your Moneys Worth
Eating at a buffet is a marathon, not a sprint. If you rush in and eat a huge plate of fried rice, you will be full before you get to the good stuff. You need to pace yourself and use a specific eating order.
Here is a proven strategy that works:
- Start with soup or salad: This wakes up your digestion without filling you up.
- Move to the hibachi: Get a small portion of grilled protein.
- Hit the seafood: This is the expensive stuff, so eat it while you are still hungry.
- Sample the entrees: Take small spoonfuls of the dishes you want to try.
- Finish with dessert: Wait 10 minutes after your last savory plate before getting sweets.
Do not be afraid to take small portions. You can always go back for more. Taking a massive pile of food that you cannot finish is wasteful. Most buffets will charge you a fee if you waste too much food, so be mindful of that.
What To Skip
Some items are not worth the stomach space. The fried rice is usually dry and bland. The lo mein is often overcooked. The pizza (if they have it) is usually rubbery. These items are there to fill up kids and picky eaters.
Focus on the items that are expensive to make at home. Crab legs, grilled shrimp, and fresh sushi are the high-value items. Skip the carbs and go for the protein. You will feel better after the meal and you will not have that heavy, bloated feeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does King Buffet offer a military or student discount?
Yes, many locations offer a 10% discount for military personnel and students with a valid ID. You have to ask the cashier before you pay. It is not always advertised.
Can I order takeout from the King Buffet?
Yes, they offer takeout by the pound. You pay a flat rate per pound of food, usually around $7.99 per pound. This is a good option if you want the food but do not want to sit in the restaurant.
Are there gluten-free options available?
There are some options, but it is limited. The hibachi grill is your best bet because you can choose the meat and vegetables and ask them to cook it without soy sauce. Avoid the fried items and the lo mein.
Do they charge extra for crab legs?
No, the crab legs are included in the dinner price. However, they are only available during dinner hours. You will not find them on the lunch buffet.
What are the holiday prices?
On major holidays like Mother’s Day and Christmas, the price goes up to around $25.99 per adult. The selection is also larger, with more seafood and special dishes.
Final Thoughts On Your Visit
Knowing the King Buffet Menu with Prices before you go saves you from sticker shock at the register. It also helps you decide whether to go for the cheaper lunch or splurge on the dinner spread. If you are a first-timer, go for the lunch on a weekday. It is cheaper, and you can get a feel for the layout without spending too much.
Bring cash if you can. Some locations offer a small discount for cash payments because they save on credit card processing fees. It is not a huge discount, but every little bit helps.
Check the hours before you go. Some locations close between lunch and dinner, while others stay open continuously. If you show up at 3:00 PM, you might be paying the lunch price or you might be forced to wait for the dinner setup. A quick phone call can save you a wasted trip.
One last thing: do not wear your best clothes. The hibachi grill produces a lot of smoke, and the smell will stick to your clothes. Wear something comfortable and casual. You are going to be there for a while, so you might as well be comfy.
Enjoy the meal. Take your time, chew slowly, and stop when you are about 80% full. That is the sweet spot where you feel satisfied but not miserable. If you follow that rule, you will leave happy and ready to come back again.