No one ever says, "Who isn't hungry?" An invitation to a buffet is among the most automatic ways to unite your friends around a voracious appetite and then stick together for the day in jolly immobility. Fortunately, in Philadelphia, we have an excellent and diverse selection of traditional and foreign cuisines to eat in high volume.
Here are five great local buffets where you can gorge yourself and then get an Uber home.
Contributed Art/Roadfood.comSweet Lucy's SmokehouseWhenever you're racked by a serious case of the Mondays, Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse is a dream come true. This BBQ restaurant in the Northeast functions as a restaurant and caterer every other day, but Monday nights are all about third and fourth helpings. Menu highlights include BBQ pulled pork and chicken, baked macaroni & cheese, sweet cornbread, beef brisket and an enticing array of desserts.
Contributed Art/Yelp Nine TingChinatown's Nine Ting is an all-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean restaurant that serves up delicious sliced duck, curry chicken breast, marinated beef short rib and a range of seafood items from conch and squid to mussels and pancakes. Since these occasions always require plenty to wash it all down, you'll find an excellent choice of juices, including kiwi, watermelon and papaya.
Contributed Art/Yelp Ruby BuffetWith more than 200 menu items rotating weekly, this South Philly gem specializes in international cuisines and seafood, sushi included. In addition to Chinese, American, Italian and Japanese dishes, Ruby's seafood menu features snow crab legs, stuffed flounder, crawfish, clams, oysters and blackened salmon. There's also a great to-go menu that will fill you up at an affordable price.
Contributed Art/Yelp Sitar IndiaArguably no other cuisine fits the buffet format better than Indian. A hotspot among students in University City, Sitar India offers an extensive menu of authentic regional dishes and specials. Chicken vindaloo, goat curry and shrimp masala can all be paired with a Sabzi and rice in a comfortable space at a reasonable price. The fresh mango juice is also terrific.
Contributed Art/Midtown LunchFour Seasons Food CourtIf you're looking to spend the day in Rittenhouse Square or you want a buffet with a full suite of options, the Four Seasons Food Court is the perfect place to sample from a variety of freshly prepared cuisines. Everything is priced by weight, so you can control yourself at least a little bit and also think strategically about the whole operation. It also doubles as a bodega where you can pick up a few groceries and grab a bite.