The only buffet we will go to is Sweet Tomatoes.. They have the best salad bar, and wonderful soups. I usually fill up on the low carb veggies before I even consider anything else. My kids do really well there as well. my 7 year old is $2.50, my 3 yr old is $1.50, and we only go when we have a coupon for us adults.. Usually under $8. I always drink water, and I bring a cup for my 3 yr old (then her milk is free!). We usually can get out of there for under $24 (it was under $22 when dd was still free).

For us it is worth it, on those rare occassions that we do eat out. (anywhere else we end up going we spend $30-$40) Usually we go there for birthdays, or rarely when I don't feel like cooking. But since our food budget is so small, we don't buy a whole lot of fresh veggies out of season... so some times we just decide to go because I could "kill for a salad"

We just happend to go there last night too. I'm glad you called and got a credit. I stopped on way there and picked up a couple copies of the local BUZZ and was able to use 2 75 cent coupons so the 4 of ate for $16.something.

Even when we worked with the group home of teenage boys I don't think we ever got our total money's worth at any buffet we ever went to. There was always someone who wasn't hungry and wouldn't eat enough to make it worth it. We use to go to this Sunday bunch buffet in town, it was a special event with all the boys, until we realized that they were charging us an extra 20% for a tip because our party was over six people! As the waitress was only bringing our drinks and nothing else we didn't feel the extra charge was worth it and never went back.

NO way! I always tell my husband that i don't like buffets for that reason. Even when I'm my hungriest, I can't eat enough to justify the amount some buffets charge. We usually avoid them altogether. When we're with a big group and someone suggests a buffet - we always have another option ready to go.

We don't frequent buffets that much but I don't feel like it's a terrible value because I usually have a huge salad and then a nice little taste of many things. The kids don't each much but they are usually very cheap (or free) because they are so young.

What really makes me feel bad are meals at country clubs/hotels/banquet places. We were just at a baptism lunch today at my friend's club and I'm sure it was $30+ a plate and I didn't eat much at all. I hope the kids were cheap because other than the mini corn dogs that she added on, the didn't eat much either.

Anyone else have a buffet phobia? I just get this feeling that they aren't so clean and sanitary! I just hate the idea of a million people ahead of me who may (or may not) have clean hands using the same serving utensils. Plus, you always have those people who will pick something up WITH THEIR BARE HANDS! I have seen this a million times, especially at a supermarket salad bar - people will just sample an olive or something! Maybe I am too paranoid, but the idea just grosses me out!!! I avoid buffets at all costs!

Sad to admit it but yes. However, I hate it when they want to charge me for the Kids. My nephew eats like a little bird my 17month old eats more. I avoid them when I can because I tend to eat too much

__________________
Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006

Yes! I can out-eat my husband! I'm the opposite of germophobic, so it never crosses my mind that it might not be the most sanitary thing in the world. And I can keep going back for more and more of the good stuff! Love it!!!

__________________

Trust God. Whatever risk there is in doing so, the risk of not trusting in him is far greater. - Spurgeon

I like buffets for when no one really knows what they want to eat. That way we can get a little of this a little of that... and really we're still spending less usually than we would have going to a regular restaurant. I've never felt the need to try to pack in as much as possible just because I can or to get moneys worth.

__________________
:love:

That is awesome! I am glad that they are giving you a $15 credit. Good for you!!!! :happy dance: