Great Taste Buffet

Great Taste Buffet, located at 3616 W 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA, presents itself as a Chinese Restaurant offering an all-you-can-eat buffet experience. For inquiries or more information, they can be reached at (812) 323-1108 or via mobile at +1 812-323-1108. As a buffet-style establishment, its primary appeal lies in providing a wide variety of dishes for a single price, aiming to cater to diverse tastes and appetites.

Operating as a "Chinese Restaurant" with a buffet concept, Great Taste Buffet offers a broad selection of dishes typical of such establishments. This usually includes a range of appetizers like egg rolls, crab rangoons, and various fried items, alongside a variety of main courses featuring chicken, beef, pork, and seafood prepared in different sauces and styles. Rice and noodle dishes, soups, and possibly a salad bar and dessert section are also standard. The buffet model allows customers the freedom to sample multiple items and revisit their favorites. One customer noted a "Good selection of delicious" food and that they "did see any selections run out," which is a positive indicator for a buffet, suggesting consistent replenishment.

The environment of Great Taste Buffet elicits mixed opinions from customers. On one hand, it is noted that the establishment "is kept very clean," which is a crucial positive for any restaurant, especially a buffet. The cleanliness suggests that despite other potential shortcomings, hygiene is maintained in the dining areas. However, there is a significant negative remark regarding the decor: "The only negative is that the decor has seen better days." Another review is far more critical, advising, "When you walk into this place and see the nice warm food and ripped apart chairs turn around instantly." This suggests a tired and worn interior with noticeable wear and tear on furnishings. The combination of cleanliness with dated decor indicates a focus on operational hygiene while the aesthetic appeal may be neglected. The ambiance, therefore, appears to be functional and clean, but lacking in modern or inviting aesthetics, which could impact the overall dining comfort for some patrons.

Customer service at Great Taste Buffet receives some positive remarks. One reviewer stated, "The hostess welcomed us and got our drinks. Our dirty dishes were promptly whisked away." This indicates attentive and efficient service in clearing tables and assisting with beverages, which is important for a smooth buffet experience. Prompt plate removal ensures tables remain tidy and allows diners to enjoy their meal without clutter. However, the service aspect is overshadowed by serious concerns raised in other reviews, particularly regarding financial transparency. The negative review explicitly states that the restaurant "make you pay for this horrendous food before you even get the chance to think about dine and dashing" and that if you "try and get a new plate from how gross the food is and try something new they will charge you for washing." This points to a potential issue with their policy on plate changes or an aggressive approach to payment that can severely detract from the customer experience and foster distrust. The discrepancy in service perception highlights a potential inconsistency or differing experiences depending on the customer's visit.

The culinary features of Great Taste Buffet are a significant point of contention. One review positively states, "Good selection of delicious," implying a satisfactory range and taste of food. However, a highly critical review paints a starkly different picture: "most the food hasn’t even been touched in hours none of it is fresh the rice taste like cauliflower rice zero flavor the kitchen is super dirty." This accusation of stale food, lack of flavor, and poor kitchen hygiene is extremely serious and directly contradicts the positive remark about cleanliness in the dining area. The specific complaint about "cauliflower rice zero flavor" suggests issues with basic preparation. The claim of a "super dirty" kitchen is a major red flag for food safety and overall trust in the establishment. While one review speaks of "delicious" food and good selection, the other describes it as "horrendous" and "lower quality than McDonald’s," even suggesting paying for new plates. This stark contrast makes it difficult to definitively characterize the food quality, but the presence of such severe negative feedback warrants strong consideration for potential diners.

Regarding promotional information, Great Taste Buffet's primary appeal is its all-you-can-eat buffet format, offering a seemingly good price, stated at "about 12$ a person." This price point is positioned as a key promotional aspect, attracting customers looking for an affordable, volume-based meal. However, the critical review immediately undercuts this value proposition by stating, "there is better costing buffets around if it’s all you can Afford it’s alright food but this place has lower quality than McDonald’s." This implies that while the price is low, the perceived quality might not justify it for some. The lack of fresh food and the potential charge for new plates (if true) would significantly diminish any perceived value. Therefore, while the buffet concept and price serve as promotional tools, the customer feedback indicates a significant disconnect between the perceived value and the actual experience for some patrons, particularly concerning food quality and hidden charges.

In summary, Great Taste Buffet at 3616 W 3rd St, Bloomington, IN 47404, USA, with phone (812) 323-1108 and mobile +1 812-323-1108, offers an affordable Chinese buffet experience. While some customers appreciate the wide selection, cleanliness of the dining area, and prompt table service, serious concerns have been raised regarding outdated decor, the freshness and quality of food (with claims of stale, unflavored dishes and a dirty kitchen), and potentially questionable policies regarding plate changes and upfront payment. Prospective diners should weigh these contrasting reviews carefully, particularly considering the strong negative feedback on food hygiene and quality, before deciding to visit this establishment.