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Discussion Boards => Off-Topic => Topic started by: Bonami on April 21, 2017, 06:35:35 am

Title: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: Bonami on April 21, 2017, 06:35:35 am
How long can you stay? I had not been to one for a very long time. Do you find that geographically people behave differently?
 
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: kathleenkleinhans on April 21, 2017, 07:19:20 am
all you can eat!
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: bshee58 on April 21, 2017, 07:23:45 am
There is no time limit on buffet eating, i think. But people will generally eat until they get filled up, and some just come in and eat a little and leave, because the food is good and cheap.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: adriarobi on April 21, 2017, 07:25:57 am
The etiquette is to eat all you can!

Thus, successful visit.

 :rose:
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: jkhanson on April 21, 2017, 07:56:51 am
I didn't realize there was a proper etiquette on eating at a buffet.

I think it is common courtesy to eat a meal size portion.  Just because you are at a buffet doesn't mean eat til you are bursting.

A buffet is a nice way to sample some dishes that you haven't had before.  If you find you like it, then get more; rather than get a heaping plate of something then discard it.  Be reasonable and not wasteful.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: ladavia89 on April 21, 2017, 09:36:12 am
I wouldn't stay there for hours at a time. I've seen people that go earlier in the day when the price is lower and just stay until they bring out the better dinner options.

I know the Golden Corral here has stopped putting out plates for you to grab. You have to wait for staff to bring you a new plate which will probably greatly cut down on how much people can eat or waste in some cases
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: MichelleHW101 on April 21, 2017, 10:06:00 am
Honestly, at an all you can eat buffet there is no time limit.  However, I think proper etiquette is one all you can eat type of meal.  I mean if there is a buffet (like here in VA there is Old Country Buffet) and it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, I don't think it proper etiquette to stay for all three meals or even two of the three.  If you come in for breakfast, I think it would be rude to stay through lunch and dinner or come for lunch and stay through dinner.  If it only serves one type of meal, I believe the general rule is leave when you are full, but there is no time limit for that.       
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: AdedotunOlufunke on April 21, 2017, 10:18:17 am
The buffet i go here is a little bit different, I know you can eat all you want but here, once you start going for the second round, the workers start looking at you in some kinda way that makes you feel a little bit uncomforatble and once you get up for no 3, they bring the tab and plae it on your table. My dad does not care, he tells me " this is a buffet, i'm gon get my monies worth"..lol
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: sbenkoski on April 21, 2017, 11:56:13 am
The very best I have ever seen at Old Country Buffet on SR's day, there  was a old guy all by him self eating the vanilla and orange frozen yogurt and I kid you not, he took a dinner plate and mounded the stuff about a foot and a half tall... he walked by mine and my friends table and i almost passed out laughing. And he did this 3 times  and then did the same thing with mashed potatoes and gravy. Never seen any thing so goofy in my life. And he was a skinny dude, he had to have eaten 5 gallons of ice cream.  I could not stop giggling.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: snuggleycutejc on April 21, 2017, 12:14:29 pm
I feel one of the buffet's etiquette is one who screams more, more, more and really keeps their plate, spit, and the food-run to their-self/personal space than I say scream it with a smile on your face is the only way to go.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: aflyingmonkey on April 21, 2017, 01:57:29 pm
I frequent buffets fairly often... there is no special etiquette. Eat all you want, don't finish what you don't like.
Stay as long as you want. Now if you camped out there & did homework all day & continually ate, that would probably be frowned upon...
Tip the person who takes away your plates. :)

Enjoy!
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: ladavia89 on April 21, 2017, 02:03:57 pm
I frequent buffets fairly often... there is no special etiquette. Eat all you want, don't finish what you don't like.
Stay as long as you want. Now if you camped out there & did homework all day & continually ate, that would probably be frowned upon...
Tip the person who takes away your plates. :)

Enjoy!

I enjoyed doing that greatly in my college's dining hall. Eat a meal then pull out my computer and do work while enjoying unlimited soda and cookies.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: vickysue on April 21, 2017, 02:13:09 pm
I don't think you should make a pig of yourslef. I have seen  (mostly men) who will fill their plates  piled high with the most expensive items and then not eat it all.  I rarely can get   down a full plate, so i just try a little of  some things that i have never eaten to try, along with a plate of salad, then i may  go back and get one item that i like and a little dessert.  I don't like being over stuffed.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: madeara on April 21, 2017, 02:19:35 pm
Eat all you want.  However, be sensible and respectful about it. Don't overeat just because the food is there.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: lhz123 on April 21, 2017, 02:19:43 pm
I love going to buffet but I do'nt eat super just love to have many selections.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: sunwaters on April 21, 2017, 03:16:54 pm
I think the best etiquette when eating in a buffet is not to put too much food in your plate if you cannot eat it all or just turn it into waste".
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: countrygirl12 on April 21, 2017, 05:04:59 pm
How long can you stay? I had not been to one for a very long time. Do you find that geographically people behave differently?
 

Uh you go in your eat and you leave.  It is one meal and all you want to eat.  Not go in and stay all day and eat 3 meals.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: catherinedwhite on April 21, 2017, 07:03:49 pm
I agree it is a good way to try different foods that you might not normally eat. I usually eat a plate full then go back for seconds and maybe a dessert, if I'm not too full. Of course my dessert is the fruits.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: sak4kat on April 22, 2017, 07:49:24 am
All you can eat... for one meal... take a break and go back for dessert.  But going for a late lunch... hanging out and then eating dinner - that's a no no.   I mean buffets are meant to be a good deal.  And good deals shouldn't be taken advantage of.  That's how good things are ruined for everyone.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: gsdoss on April 22, 2017, 09:02:40 am
I have small plates so a little of everything
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: pectacon on April 23, 2017, 09:46:49 am
I like a buffet but my appetite is so small the price isn't usually worth it. I know they have to price it to cover the assumption that you're going to eat a ton.

As with most things I'd say think about if you were the restaurant owner. Would you want somebody coming in and grazing through breakfast lunch and dinner all on one tab? Probably not. Eat what you want but don't be wasteful just because you can be.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: judylucas on April 23, 2017, 11:17:47 am
I very rarely go to buffets   I'm not a very big eater and feel I don't get my moneys worth
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: yikes77 on April 24, 2017, 01:55:09 pm
Last time I went for a buffet, there was a note indicating that you would be charged for the weight for whatever food you left on your plate.  Weird thing to see, but make sense since people tend to load up on food and eat too quickly.  I normally got for a plate or two of appetizers, 2 plats of the main dishes (though in smaller portions) and smaller desserts.  I also tend to eat slowly so I know when to stop.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: amyDAST on April 25, 2017, 11:53:59 pm
How long can you stay? I had not been to one for a very long time. Do you find that geographically people behave differently?

I don't watch other peoples actions when I go to a buffet. I would say common sense behavior is in order, don't pick food up from the buffet line with your hands, always use a clean plate when getting back in line. I don't think there is a time limit for a buffet I assume when they are getting ready to close they would ask you to leave but that is only fair for the workers. I tend to eat what I want with my family & then leave. If I had to guess I would say the longest I had ever been at a buffet was when my husbands sister got married and we all went out to eat after the bride & groom drove off. With eating & talking we spent about an hour and a half at the restaurant.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: ghunter on April 26, 2017, 07:30:44 am
Not sure if there is proper etiquette at an all you can eat buffet.  Just eat what you can and leave, don't try to take anything with you. :)
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: steveng1 on April 26, 2017, 07:34:38 am
Don't literally eat all you can eat. Try to keep it healthy  :P don't be annoying.

Other then that you should be alright, just bring the cash. I'm sure fusion cash could pay for a meal or two if that's what you wanted to do.  ;)
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: dwiley11 on April 30, 2017, 06:34:47 am
every time I go there, there is at least 1 person that makes me feel nausciaus,  that person that has 5 empties on the table and is there before you and leaves after you.  and is either wearing sweat pants or a moo-moo
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: quietpal on April 30, 2017, 07:48:30 pm
I like  buffets. One of the things I don't like is when people are greedy and fill their plates with one food, leaving none for anybody else. Or I have to wait until the kitchen staff bring out more. It's like you're not the only one eating here.
Another thing that busts my buttons is when you look over at a table and there's so much wasted food after the people have left.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: davidh121 on April 30, 2017, 07:49:50 pm
The only etiquette I can think of in a way in regards to buffet is hopefully eat everything on your plate or rather, minimize waste. The other is you're not really supposed to take the food home.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: Bigpar31 on April 30, 2017, 07:54:36 pm
Haven't been to one in ages. But chow down
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: tuyetmai on April 30, 2017, 10:37:26 pm
We went to buffet and eat very fast though.  So don't know exact time how long.  But I think as long you can eat, there are no limit.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: tantricia44 on April 30, 2017, 10:39:57 pm
I think if you want something bw breakfast & lunch go there at 9:30 stay till 11am & the same for lunch & dinner! I think you should be able to stay as long as you want but just don't hog everything up cuz new customers just coming deserve the same service that you've gotten too!
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: gaylasue on May 01, 2017, 07:25:57 am
Stay long enough to get your full and money's worth.  Don't waste food.  Don't leave a big mess for someone else to clean up.  Plus, leave a nice tip if you had good food and service.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: UGetPaid on May 01, 2017, 07:47:46 am
Two biggest pet peeves when it comes to buffets and should be part of common courtesy etiquette: (1) be courteous of the other people dining/respect personal space/don't cut into line while someone else is waiting [I rolled these all into one as they are kind of relate together].  (2) do not let your child under 12 years old to go up to the buffet unattended. Many buffet places have this as a house rule, but it is often ignored by lazy, selfish, have-no-business-being-a-parent adults.


As far as how long to stay or how much to eat - I say just be reasonable.  It varies from person to person.  As long as you follow my two rules, I really do not care!  As far as the "take what you eat, but eat what you take" philosophy. Some waste is expected (especially with kids) but even as adults - sometimes something on the buffet looks good, but tastes awful.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: plennis on May 01, 2017, 04:40:10 pm
Eat what you want and then leave.  It should actually take you less time than a regular restaurant since you are serving yourself.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: monnee on May 01, 2017, 04:48:43 pm
Try different foods and eat until your full.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: darkxtsuna on May 01, 2017, 05:30:16 pm
Usually you can only stay for 2hours but most of the places don't even keep track so do whatever ya want and eat more and talk more with your family or friends.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: patapon555 on May 01, 2017, 07:18:26 pm
Honestly, the only thing you should be aware of is the waste. You don't want to be wasting all the food they have.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: surveypro2016 on May 02, 2017, 05:36:09 am
I think etiquette at a buffet should be standard etiquette as in any other restaurant.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: nannycoe1 on May 02, 2017, 06:00:49 am
It is tempting to overeat at a place like this. Sometimes I don't feel like I get my moneys worth because I don't eat a lot at one sitting. My kids like it.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: gaby_ro_2004 on May 03, 2017, 06:20:17 am
Eat all you want i guess.I don't do it.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: ancmetro on May 03, 2017, 11:47:28 am

    Rule #1:  Do not overstuff yourself.
    Rule #2:  If hungry enough, take a container with you.
                   Eat some food stuff later.
                   Do not the waiter see you.
     I think these two rules cover just about everything.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: mardukblood2009 on May 03, 2017, 01:59:21 pm
My girlfriend and I ate at a really good Chinese buffet last year in upstate PA. We got there late and stayed too closing. I don't know how long you can stay at one.
Title: Re: What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?
Post by: michele2042 on May 03, 2017, 02:05:39 pm
When we eat at any buffet (best ones were in Vegas), I tend to put very small amounts on my plate.  I may go back several times but I am not one for overloading my plate.   We sit and eat comfortably, we have never stayed for hours upon hours but we tend to be slow, relaxed eaters so some may think we're over indulging but we're just slow eaters.