20 Essential San Antonio Buffets That Aren’t Golden Corral

By San Antonio Current Staff

San Antonio likes to eat, there's no doubt about that. But sometimes, we like to feast. Conveniently, the Alamo City is home to a wide selection of all-you-can-eat spots, ranging from homestyle American cuisine and Asian fusions to Brazilian steakhouses and more. From the fancy to the affordable, here are 24 essential San Antonio buffets that you should visit instead of Golden Corral.

Scroll down to view images

Join the San Antonio Current Press Club

At a time when local-based reporting is critical, support from our readers is essential to our future. Join the San Antonio Current Press Club for as little as $5 a month

Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
18318 Sonterra Pl, (210) 564-9400, chamagaucha.com
A favorite for quality meats, Chama Gaucha is an all-you-can-eat churrascaria serving up grilled beef, pork, chicken and lamb. Even if you’re the most raging carnivore, you won’t be able to pace yourself on the salad bar either. No matter how big your appetite, this upscale Brazilian steakhouse is not one to be missed.
Photo by Jason Risner Photography (RisnerPhoto.com)

The Pigpen
106 Pershing Ave, (210) 267-9136, thepigpensa.com
Be prepared to wait during Sunday brunch at the Pigpen, but know that it is totally worth it. The all-you-can-eat brunch option lets you fill your plate with brisket, fried chicken, fried catfish, pulled pork, sausage patties, blueberry sausage links, bacon, homemade biscuits, pancakes, scrambled eggs, cheese grits, hash browns, mac & cheese (!), black eyed peas, collard greens and seasonal fruit. Oh, and desserts too if you saved room. Honestly, we don’t deserve this buffet, but we’re so thankful.
Photo via Instagram / the_pigpen_bar

Chas Market & Kitchen
1431 N Pine St, (210) 227-1521, chaskitchen.com
Head to this inconspicuous East Side market and enjoy the robust flavors of the East – Asian flavors, that is. Sure, the menu is massive here (have you tried the tacos?!), but definitely take advantage of the all-you-can-eat deal on Korean meats like short ribs, pork belly, bulgogi, brisket and more.
Photo via Instagram / jesselizarraras

Tandoor Palace
8783 Wurzbach Road, (210) 592-1211, tandoorpalacerestaurant.com
Consider the homey digs as proof that the flavors are authentic here. North Indian fare rules supreme at Tandoor Place, meaning it specializes in tandoori dishes (with a variety of Indian breads to pair them with). There’s vegetarians options too, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Photo via Instagram / _suzyylee

Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse
2318 N Loop 1604 W, (210) 497-2500, galpaogauchousa.com
While not a buffet per se, you can enjoy all the meat you could ever desire here. This buffet-style Brazilian steakhouse comes through with 17 cuts of meat that you can taste with the “full experience” option. That’s paired with the salad bar and hot sides. Seriously, you’ll have the meat sweats here.
Photo via Instagram / sanantoniomunchies

Colonial Room Restaurant
204 Alamo Plaza, (210) 225-6196, mengerhotel.com
Located inside the Menger Hotel, the Colonial Room’s lunchtime buffet, offered daily, should be considered a bucket list item for every San Antonian. Complete with attentive service and beautiful decor (especially during the holidays), this rotating menu offers standard dishes as well as a waffle bar or pasta bar.
Photo by Sarah Martinez

El Coqui Restaurant
5036 W Military Dr, (210) 645-6465, elcoquisatx.com
Venture out toward Lackland AFB and dine in at El Coqui. Known as one of the city’s prime spots for Puerto Rican fare, you can indulge on these flavors during the lunch buffet offered Monday through Saturday. We see it now – a plate full of maduros. Yum!
Photo via Instagram / stacia_x0

India Palace
8474 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 692-5262, indiapalacesatx.com
Hidden away in the corner of a strip mall, India Palace is regarded as one of the best spots for authentic Indian dishes. Though small, you’ll still be able to enjoy plenty of flavor with selections such as chicken tikka masala, karahi chicken, samosas and plenty of naan. Come with an empty stomach ‘cause you’ll definitely want to indulge here.
Photo via Instagram / rabidmeerkat

Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet
4841 Fredericksburg Road, (210) 525-1231, dimassis.com
Casual digs and a range of Lebanese-Mediterranean dishes await you over at Dimassi’s. The all-day buffet serves up classic finds like kabobs, gyro meat, hummus and of course lots of pita bread. Plus, there are vegan and gluten-free items available. It’s a win-win.
Photo via Instagram / plantbasedciara

King Buffet
6200 Bandera Road, Leon Valley, (210) 647-8888, kingbuffetsa.com
You can go big with your appetite at King Buffet. Inside this spacious joint, you’ll find the classic Chinese and American dishes synonymous with a Chinese buffet, plus Mongolian BBQ, sushi and even a salad bar. Bring the family and get ready to feast.
Photo via Instagram / ferogu