What is the proper etiquette when eating at all you can eat buffet?

[tuyetmai]

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.

[tantricia44]

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!

[gaylasue]

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.

[UGetPaid]

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.

[plennis]

Eat what you want and then leave.  It should actually take you less time than a regular restaurant since you are serving yourself.

[monnee]

Try different foods and eat until your full.

[darkxtsuna]

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.

[patapon555]

Honestly, the only thing you should be aware of is the waste. You don't want to be wasting all the food they have.

[surveypro2016]

I think etiquette at a buffet should be standard etiquette as in any other restaurant.

[nannycoe1]

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.

[gaby_ro_2004]

Eat all you want i guess.I don't do it.

[ancmetro]

    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.

[mardukblood2009]

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.

[michele2042]

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.