The 10 Best Buffet Experiences in the USA

1.Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,136 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $58Our pick

Board the Calypso Queen at Clearwater Beach Marina for a two-hour lunch or dinner cruise. Enjoy a tropical buffet, rum punch, beer, wine, and Pepsi products while the boat follows Clearwater’s coastline. Day cruises include captain-led commentary. Evening sailings add a live DJ and dancing. Parking costs extra, and vegetarian meals can be requested.

“We wished it was about an hour longer. We had an amazing time. The atmosphere was really chill and the servers were really nice too. I'm planning to go back with my husband.”

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2.Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,620 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $179

Spend an evening at historic Kilohana Plantation with a lei greeting, buffet of Hawaiian favorites, drinks, live music, and a theatrical story of Tahitian voyagers reaching Kauai. You can add hotel transport, a narrated plantation train ride, or premium seating. The fire poi dancers are the evening’s big finale.

“Very well organized with excellent service. The staff did exceptionally well keeping things moving and considering the number of customers, no small feat. The entertainment was lovely and in more story form than I've seen in the past so nice change. Food was good but typical of a luau. Huge selection so you can't go hungry! There other opportunities to check out more about the plantation itself and it's past history which to me, is a must. All in all, great experience!”

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3.Waikiki Luau Buffet with Optional Rock-A-Hula Show Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,572 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $101

Spend about three and a half hours at the Royal Hawaiian Center with a Mai Tai, Hawaiian buffet, hula, fire-knife dancing, and the Rock-A-Hula stage show. Select packages include the 80-minute performance. VIP adds better seating and buffet access, while the Green Room includes Champagne, a backstage tour, and top show seats.

“The food was fantastic. The staff was amazing and so nice. The show was incredible! We enjoyed so much. Would highly recommend it to everyone.”

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4.Cincinnati: Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,014 reviews · 2 hours · from $70

Board BB Riverboats at Newport Landing for a two-hour Ohio River dinner cruise. Choose a Captain’s, Admiral’s, or Sunday Family Dinner Cruise, then enjoy reserved indoor seating, a buffet, city views, music, and a cash bar. It is casual, wheelchair accessible, and suited to dates, families, and celebrations.

“Loved the atmosphere, everyone was respectful and it created a nice vibe.”

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5.Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner & Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 932 reviews · 3h 30m · from $179

At Kilohana Plantation, you’ll receive a lei, browse local crafts, enjoy an open bar and buffet, then watch Kalamaku, a 45-minute stage story about the Polynesian voyage from Tahiti to Kauai. Add the plantation train for an extra fee if you want more time on the 60-acre agricultural property. Gold seating may put you close to the action.

“I loved the show and the food was hood. My group watch an awesome family from Texas. How fun to meet them.”

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6.Buffet Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 875 reviews · 2 hours · from $92

Board the riverboat at 6:00 p.m. near Savannah’s River Street, then settle in for a Southern buffet, city views, and live music until 9:00 p.m. You can sample shrimp and grits, carved beef, fresh catch, chicken, and seasonal sides before heading upstairs for dancing. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and English-speaking staff host the evening.

“Brenda was our server. She had spunk and full of energy. It was such a pleasure to have get as our server.”

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7.Kailua-Kona: Voyagers of the Pacific Luau with Buffet Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 564 reviews · 2h 30m · from $190

At Royal Kona Resort, you’ll spend 150 minutes beside Kailua Bay with an island-style buffet, complimentary cocktails, live Polynesian music, hula, and a Samoan fire knife finale. The program explains Pacific Island cultures in an entertaining way. Check in at 4:30 PM. Note that the Imu Ceremony and close-contact activities are currently suspended.

“Had a wonderful time, good food, atmosphere was awesome.”

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8.City Cruises Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 417 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $84

Board the Spirit of New York at Chelsea Piers for a 2 to 3 hour brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise. You’ll enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, reserved dining, DJ music, and views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and more. Brunch includes bottomless mimosas.

“Amazing from start to finish. We went on the evening dinner cruise and the New York skyline from the River Hudson is breathtaking. The entertainment was perfect and the staff and service was excellent.”

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9.‘Court of Two Sisters’ Jazz Brunch Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 409 reviews · 1 day · from $51Best value

Check in with the hostess, show your GetYourGuide voucher, and settle into the Court of Two Sisters courtyard for an all-you-can-eat Louisiana buffet and mimosa. Expect breakfast favorites from 9 to 11:30 am, lunch dishes later, live jazz, attentive English-speaking staff, and desserts such as bananas Foster and bread pudding.

“The Jazz was excellent. The Food is Devine. The Customer Service, servers, table attendants, waiters are also amazing. we have gone there in the past 2 decades each time we visit.”

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10.City Cruises Norfolk: Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 359 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $68

Board the renovated Spirit of Norfolk for a two to two-and-a-half-hour brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise on the Elizabeth River. You’ll enjoy an attended buffet, table service, skyline and Navy views, music or a DJ, and access to Norfolk’s large outdoor patio deck. Arrive 30 minutes early and dress in polished casual clothes.

“Food was delicious. Atmosphere was great. Staff was phenomenal. Great experience!!!”

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