Regal Buffet

Overview

Regal Buffet at 3252 N 5th Street Hwy in Reading, PA, is a casual all-you-can-eat restaurant offering a broad mix of Chinese classics alongside American fare, sushi, seafood, live hibachi cooking, and a dessert station. Patrons arrive for the expansive selection and buffet format, which caters to families, groups, and solo diners seeking variety under one roof.

Menu and Variety (Positive)

Existing customers consistently praise the extensive range of dishes. Beyond standard Chinese stir-fries and Cantonese staples, Regal Buffet features a dedicated sushi bar, seafood options, and a live hibachi cook station. The soft-serve ice cream and dessert spread—including cakes, pastries, and fruit—frequently earn positive mentions as a satisfying conclusion to the meal.

Food Quality & Freshness (Mixed)

Many diners note that dishes arrive hot and are replenished often, maintaining freshness and flavor. The live hibachi station, in particular, draws attention for crafting food to order with a choice of sauces. However, some guests report occasional cold or stale items on the buffet line, suggesting inconsistent temperature control or turnover during off-peak hours.

Service & Staff Attitude (Mixed)

Service experiences at Regal Buffet vary. A significant number of reviews single out staff members—especially Alan—for friendly, attentive, and respectful table service. By contrast, a few guests describe encounters with less welcoming hosts or servers who make pushy tipping requests. Overall, service quality appears location- and staff-dependent.

Cleanliness & Atmosphere (Mixed)

Opinions on the dining environment diverge. Many customers find the dining room clean with well-maintained décor and comfortable seating. At the same time, there are reports of sticky tables, unkempt restrooms, and unconventional cleaning methods during meal service. Background music and TV screens add to the casual setting, though occasional inappropriate programming on TVs has been noted.

Pricing & Value (Mixed)

Patrons are split on cost versus return. Those who value the breadth of offerings and fresh sushi consider Regal Buffet a good deal, especially during lunch specials or weekday promotions. Conversely, other diners feel the price tag is high relative to inconsistent food quality and service lapses, suggesting the need for improved consistency to justify the cost.

Family-Friendliness & Environment (Mixed)

Regal Buffet markets itself as family-friendly, with kid-oriented stations and private event rooms for parties or gatherings. While many families appreciate the diverse options and casual atmosphere, distractions from other diners—such as noisy behavior or inappropriate TV content—can detract from the experience.

Standout Highlights

Several features emerge as reasons customers return. The sushi selection is frequently described as fresh and “restaurant-quality,” a rarity at buffet venues. The live hibachi cook station provides both theater and freshly made dishes with flavorful sauces. Dessert offerings, particularly the soft-serve ice cream, garner multiple mentions for taste and variety. Exceptional service by staff members like Alan also elevates the dining experience for many guests.

Regal Buffet’s combination of variety and interactive cooking stations draws a broad audience, though potential diners should weigh occasional inconsistencies in food freshness, cleanliness, and service against the robust menu and entertainment value.