The Baton Rouge Buffet Scene

By: Mark

The buffet. The feeding trough of America. Does anything conjure up images of patriotism and freedom like the ability to eat yourself sick for one set price? The buffet has been cast in a negative light, as places like Golden Corral, Ryan’s, and about twenty Chinese buffets dominate the scene. No wonder why, when someone mentions buffet, the images of pushy people sneezing into the food, as their kids run around, pops into your mind. Not exactly appetizing. However there is hope. Baton Rouge harbors several buffets where you can not only eat till you pop, but the quality of food is top notch.

Ronnie’s Ribs – www.ronniesribs.com

Made famous by her ribs, Ronnie’s offers a sensational buffet. Offerings of jerk pork and chicken are paired with sensational sides, like her homemade mac and cheese and yams. The buffet also features other dishes like brown chicken stew, chicken curry, fresh veggies, house made soups, and many other offerings. You get a true taste of Jamaica for a great price.



Nagoya – www.nagoyabuffet.com

For the sushi lover, this place is a must. While it is in no way the best Baton Rouge has to offer, the fish is fresh and tasty and the sushi choices are incredible. Start with a choice of six different salads (such as seaweed, squid, and octopus), then make your way to a long stretch of hot offerings (such as baked fish, pineapple rice, baked salmon rolls, and numerous Chinese and Japanese dishes). Then comes the sushi where you have a choice of about twenty rolls, sashimi, and nigiri style sushi. I recommend going around 7:00 when the place is hopping and the rolls are being turned out at a quick rate, ensuring freshly made sushi. The hibachi grill is last for fans of food that has been cooked. There is also a full dessert bar with an ice cream bar featuring about 13 flavors. The buffet is pricey ($17.95 for dinner) but the lunch buffet is very reasonable.



Johnny D’s – www.boddabing.com

Johnny D offers an incredible Italian feast at a reasonable price. The buffet offers several of his top notch pizzas, different pasta offerings, and sometime mini muffalettas and stuffed bell peppers. The buffet can change because Johnny will only use the freshest ingredients.  If you love Italian food this buffet is a must, and you will never go to Sicily’s or CC’s Pizza again.



Thai Pepper  – (no site available)

This little Thai joint on Florida Blvd. offers a phenomenal lunch buffet. Fresh made soups, curries, and other authentic Thai dishes are well represented on a buffet that offers plenty of choices. Their incredible pad thai is also present as well as their special Thai omelet. A lover of authentic Thai food will be in heaven.



Bay Leaf - www.bayleafbr.com

Indian cuisine has a healthy home in Baton Rouge at Bay Leaf. Their lunch buffet is quite a treat. Tandoori chicken, fresh curries, spicy lamb dishes, and other authentic Indian fare are offered at a low price. Their food is made fresh daily and the buffet will vary from day-to-day. If you are a regular of Indian food, or looking to start on this underrated cuisine, the Bay Leaf buffet will delight you.



Oriental Pearl – (no site available)

Baton Rouge has many Chinese buffets and all range from average to just awful. The Oriental Pearl on Government St. may be the saving grace of the Chinese buffet. The buffet has maybe half the offerings as the bigger guys, but it more than makes up for it in flavor and freshness. Dishes such as the salt and pepper prawns, coconut shrimp, crab rangoon, egg fu yon, and garlic shrimp are delicious. This is the top Chinese buffet in Baton Rouge.



Texas de Brazil – www.texasdebrazil.com

This might be the king of the buffets (in food and price alone). This Brazilian churrascaria (steak house) offers top quality meats such as filet mignon, sirloin, leg of lamb, and many top cuts. Their “salad bar” offers fresh cheeses, sides, and sauces. It also has a great lobster bisque and smoked salmon. But don’t fill up on the salad bar, save room for the meat. Servers continuously pass by with fresh, flame grilled meat and you will eat your fill. This buffet is expensive (around $42 a person) but you will eat plenty of quality meats. Also, sign up for their newsletter, as coupons are posted continuously.