Gourmet Buffet

Gourmet Buffet is a Chinese restaurant located at 520 W Plank Rd in Altoona, Pennsylvania. As a prominent establishment in the Chinese Restaurant category, Gourmet Buffet distinguishes itself by offering a diverse all-you-can-eat buffet experience that extends beyond traditional Chinese cuisine. They can be contacted at (814) 942-6663 or via their mobile number +1 814-942-6663 for inquiries.

According to online reviews from patrons, Gourmet Buffet provides a "pretty good buffet" with a significant emphasis on variety. One reviewer noted the extensive selection available, which includes not only a range of Chinese dishes but also options like sushi and a hibachi grill where a chef cooks food to order. This suggests that Gourmet Buffet aims to cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and preferences, offering a more comprehensive dining experience than a typical Chinese takeout or dine-in restaurant.

In terms of service, one customer found the waitress to be "good" but pointed out a potential communication barrier, suggesting that some staff members might need to improve their basic English language skills. However, this same reviewer appreciated the availability of extra napkins, indicating attention to some aspects of customer comfort. The beverage selection was noted to be somewhat limited in the diet soda category, offering only Diet Pepsi, but they did have unsweetened tea available.

Another reviewer echoed the sentiment of great food with a lot to choose from, explicitly mentioning the availability of both "American food to Chinese food." This reinforces the idea that Gourmet Buffet is not solely focused on Chinese cuisine but offers a broader range to appeal to diverse diners. The sheer number of different options seems to be a key feature of this buffet.

However, this second reviewer also brought up a specific policy regarding tipping for larger groups. They mentioned that parties of 8 or more are automatically charged a 12% tip. This policy was met with disapproval by the reviewer, who argued that tips should be based on the waiter's performance. They also noted that this policy is posted prominently at the front of the restaurant, which they felt created a negative impression. The reviewer suggested that perhaps the restaurant should consider paying its employees more rather than mandating tips from customers. Despite this concern about the tipping policy, the reviewer concluded that, other than this issue, Gourmet Buffet is a "good place to eat," highlighting the positive aspects of the food and variety.

Based on these reviews, the environment of Gourmet Buffet is that of a buffet restaurant with a wide array of food stations, including Chinese dishes, American fare, a sushi bar, and a hibachi grill where food is cooked live. The presence of tables for diners is implied, as it is a buffet-style restaurant. The atmosphere is likely geared towards accommodating a large number of people seeking variety and quantity of food.

The services offered at Gourmet Buffet include a self-serve buffet with a vast selection of dishes, table service provided by waitstaff (for beverages and possibly clearing plates), a sushi bar with prepared sushi, and a hibachi station where customers can have food cooked to order by a chef. The availability of extra napkins suggests attention to customer convenience. However, communication with some waitstaff might be a point of concern for some English-speaking customers.

Key features of Gourmet Buffet include its extensive variety of food options, spanning Chinese and American cuisines, as well as sushi and hibachi. The "all-you-can-eat" format is a central feature, allowing customers to sample a wide range of dishes. The presence of a live hibachi cooking station adds an element of entertainment and freshly prepared food. However, a notable feature that might be a point of contention for some is the mandatory 12% tip for groups of 8 or more.

Currently, there is no specific promotional information available in the provided text. Local users in Altoona interested in learning about any special offers, discounts, or themed nights at Gourmet Buffet are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly using the provided phone numbers.

For local users in Altoona seeking a Chinese restaurant that offers more than just traditional Chinese fare, Gourmet Buffet presents a compelling option with its diverse buffet selection. The availability of sushi and hibachi, alongside a variety of American and Chinese dishes, makes it suitable for groups with differing culinary preferences. The positive feedback regarding the quality and variety of the food suggests a satisfying dining experience for many.

However, potential customers, especially those planning to dine with a group of 8 or more, should be aware of the restaurant's mandatory tipping policy. While one reviewer found this practice unfavorable, it is the restaurant's established policy. Despite this, the overall sentiment towards the food and the variety offered at Gourmet Buffet remains positive.

In conclusion, Gourmet Buffet in Altoona, PA, is a Chinese restaurant that offers a wide-ranging buffet experience including Chinese and American food, sushi, and hibachi. Customers have generally praised the food and the extensive selection. While service from the waitstaff has been described as good, there might be occasional communication challenges due to language barriers. A notable policy is the mandatory 12% tip for large groups, which has received mixed reactions. Overall, Gourmet Buffet provides a diverse dining option for those in the Altoona area looking for variety and quantity.