Positives: 🍽️ Variety of Options: The buffet boasts an extensive selection, including seafood dishes, crispy fried favorites, a fresh salad bar, and a delightful dessert spread. Perfect for groups with diverse cravings! 👨🍳 Friendly Service: The staff greeted us warmly, offered booth or table seating, and drinks were included with dinner—no extra charge. 🚗 Local Favorite: Despite the unassuming exterior, the packed parking lot speaks volumes! A go-to spot for Ellettsville residents, Bloomington visitors, and students nearby. ⏳ Leisurely Dining: No rush to finish—enjoy your meal at your own pace. Negatives: 🏚️ Exterior First Impressions: The outside looks dated and could use a refresh to match the bustling vibe inside. 💳 Credit Card Fee: The 3% surcharge for card payments feels outdated; consider building this into menu pricing instead. 🍲 Inconsistent Food Refills: Popular dishes (like certain seafood or fried items) sometimes ran out, requiring patience until small-batch refills arrived. ⚠️ Floor Safety: Spilled water near the buffet area was a slipping hazard—better cleanup vigilance is needed. 🐄 Missing Beef: No beef options on the dinner menu, which might disappoint fans of classics like Mongolian beef or pepper steak. Areas for Improvement: 1️⃣ Refill Strategy: Stock high-demand items more generously to avoid empty trays during peak hours. 2️⃣ Cleanliness Priority: Assign staff to monitor and clean spills promptly, especially in high-traffic zones. 3️⃣ Expand the Menu: Add a few beef dishes to balance the protein offerings. 4️⃣ Drop the Card Fee: Transparent pricing builds trust—absorb the fee into menu costs instead. Final Thoughts: China Star Buffet is a hidden gem in Ellettsville (near Bloomington) with its generous variety, friendly service, and relaxed atmosphere. While it’s not perfect—exterior upkeep and occasional food gaps need work—it’s a solid choice in an area with limited dining options. Great for students, families, or anyone craving a casual, all-you-can-eat experience. We left satisfied and would return! Note for Readers: Don’t let the plain exterior fool you—this spot’s popularity with locals and visitors is well-earned!

A really nice place to eat, very clean and the staff are friendly and great about keeping your cups filled, me and my roommate love eating lunch here anytime we get the chance.