10 Maryland Buffets Worth Hiding From Everyone Else

Maryland might be famous for its crabs, but the state’s buffet scene deserves equal attention. Hidden among the busy streets and quiet neighborhoods are all-you-can-eat treasures that locals guard jealously.

Ready your appetite as we reveal Maryland’s best-kept buffet secrets that offer endless plates of deliciousness.

1. Royal Premium Buffet & Grill – Reisterstown, MD

Tucked away in Reisterstown, this gem offers an impressive array of Asian cuisine alongside American classics. Fresh sushi rolls appear constantly while hibachi chefs flip shrimp with theatrical flair.

What makes this spot truly special is the rotating seasonal menu featuring local Maryland ingredients. Weekend warriors arrive early. Lines form quickly as locals flock to enjoy unlimited snow crab legs during dinner service.

2. Charm City Buffet & Grill – Baltimore, MD

Savvy locals bypass downtown tourist traps for this unassuming Baltimore buffet paradise. Massive seafood stations showcase Maryland blue crabs prepared five different ways alongside steaming pots of authentic crab soup.

Family-owned for three generations, the owners still use grandma’s secret spice blend on everything. Visit during weekday lunch for half the crowd but all the flavor, especially the homemade bread pudding that vanishes by mid-afternoon.

3. GrandE Buffet & Grill – Laurel, MD

Sandwiched between strip mall shops, GrandE defies expectations with its palace-like interior and culinary diversity. Over 200 dishes from Chinese classics to Maryland favorites rotate throughout the day.

Kids squeal with delight at the chocolate fountain while parents appreciate the surprisingly high-quality prime rib station. Insiders know Thursdays bring the freshest seafood deliveries, perfect timing for their legendary all-you-can-eat shrimp and crab fest.

4. The Bonfire Restaurant – Ocean City, MD

Vacationers often overlook this Ocean City institution while chasing boardwalk fries and saltwater taffy. Spanning decades of service, Bonfire combines beach town charm with serious culinary credentials.

Mountainous crab legs and freshly-shucked oysters disappear quickly, while the prime rib station remains perpetually busy. Arrive just before sunset for the perfect combination: unlimited seafood indulgence followed by homemade ice cream while watching the bay transform with evening colors.

5. Seafood Palace Buffet – Baltimore, MD

Behind an unassuming storefront lies Baltimore’s best-kept seafood secret. Fresh catches arrive daily, transforming into delectable dishes that would make any Maryland grandmother proud.

Steamed shrimp piled high disappear almost as quickly as the staff can replenish them. Smart diners skip the weekend rush and visit Tuesday evenings when locals gather for the legendary crab cake special, handmade with minimal filler and maximum lump meat.

6. Lu Buffet & Grill – Baltimore, MD

Foodies whisper about this Baltimore hidden treasure where Asian fusion meets Maryland tradition. Sushi chefs craft rolls to order while the hibachi station sizzles with fresh vegetables and marinated meats.

Surprisingly, their crab rangoon contains actual Maryland crab, a rarity worth celebrating. Visit during Sunday brunch when mimosas flow freely and specialty dishes appear, including their famous Old Bay dusted fried chicken that perfectly bridges culinary traditions.

7. Washington County Playhouse – Hagerstown, MD

Combining dinner theater with all-you-can-eat comfort food creates an unexpected buffet paradise in historic Hagerstown. While actors prepare backstage, guests load plates with homestyle favorites made from scratch daily.

Fried chicken rivals any grandma’s recipe, while the mac and cheese disappears faster than intermission. Make reservations for mystery dinner nights when the buffet features themed dishes corresponding to clues.

8. Brazilian Place – Gaithersburg, MD

Meat lovers rejoice at this authentic churrascaria tucked away in suburban Gaithersburg. Gaucho servers circulate continuously with skewers of fire-roasted meats sliced directly onto plates.

First-timers often miss the outstanding salad bar featuring Brazilian specialties alongside Maryland favorites with local produce. Flip your table card to green and prepare for a parade of perfectly grilled proteins, including the coveted picanha cut that regulars specifically request.

9. Golden Corral – Various Locations

Beyond the national chain reputation lies a Maryland buffet secret: each Golden Corral location here features regional specialties missing elsewhere.

Local managers incorporate Maryland flavors into the standard menu, creating unique offerings like Old Bay mac and cheese or crab-stuffed mushrooms during seafood nights.

Experienced buffet navigators head straight to the made-to-order stations where cooks prepare custom omelets, stir-fries, and pasta dishes with surprising skill and fresh ingredients.

10. Friendly Farm Restaurant – Upperco, MD

Nestled on 200 acres of working farmland, this country-style buffet serves farm-to-table before it became trendy. Generous platters of fried chicken, roast beef, and country ham arrive family-style alongside unlimited trips to the sides buffet.

Vegetables harvested that morning appear hours later on your plate. Make summer reservations to secure porch seating overlooking pastoral fields where some ingredients still graze, truly understanding the meaning of local sourcing.