Happy Buffet - Riverside
About This Spot
Stepping into Happy Buffet on Van Buren Boulevard, there’s a quietly inviting energy that welcomes you in — familiar and unpretentious, yet carrying a subtle hint of discovery. The space feels thoughtfully refreshed, with a clean and appealing design that balances modern touches with warmth, setting a relaxed and easygoing pace for the meal ahead.
This buffet restaurant has a rhythm that suits both regulars and newcomers alike: casual but attentive service makes you feel genuinely seen from the moment you walk through the door. The atmosphere carries a comfortable hum, punctuated by light background music that seems chosen to keep the mood lively without overwhelming the quiet conversations around each table.
What truly shapes the experience here is the breadth and care in the food offerings. It’s clear there’s been mindful attention to variety and freshness, inviting guests to explore a changing array of flavors without the usual rush. The buffet seldom feels like the usual hurried, “grab-and-go” setup; instead, it encourages a slow, unhurried enjoyment where each selection feels thoughtfully prepared and worth savoring.
Visitors often find themselves lingering, whether it’s drawn by the inviting aromas, the rhythmic flow of patrons sharing meals together, or the simple contentment of a spot maintained with consistency and pride. It’s a place where a big appetite meets a menu thoughtfully expanded over time — a canvas for communal dining that feels more welcoming than overwhelming.
Happy Buffet stands quietly as a local staple that rewards those who stop in with an approachable, unassuming charm — a reminder that sometimes the true pleasure lies in comfort, variety, and the subtle human moments found around a shared table.
What’s Available Here
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Takeout
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Fast service
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Serves local specialty
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair accessible entrance
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Wheelchair accessible parking lot
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Wheelchair accessible restroom
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Wheelchair accessible seating
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All you can eat
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Healthy options
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Quick bite
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Salad bar
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Small plates
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Vegetarian options
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Restroom
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Casual
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Cozy
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Quiet
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Trendy
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Groups
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Tourists
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Free parking lot
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Free street parking
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 09:30 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 09:30 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 09:30 PM |
Yesenia Hrdz 27 Nov 2025
Seems there has been a lot of updates new food options very delicious and great music. Service was amazing and greeted very nicely.
Cory Dodson 17 Nov 2025
I absolutely love this place and I have been going for years. It's honestly a hidden gem that many overlook. I have been going for at least 10 years off and on. I have watched it evolve over the years, but it's mostly stayed the same in terms of quality. Most of the bad reviews are for "old food" or "bad service" when, first of all, if you're going to an asian buffet late at night then you deserve to get foodborne illness. Secondly, the staff do not all speak English and expecting them to nail every request is unfair. Every time we have gone and we are polite to them they are extremely polite back because they aren't used to customers being kind which is very sad. We love the food, the atmosphere, the workers, the selection, and the dedication.
Joshua Kobus 12 Oct 2025
I had a great experience at happy buffet I was greeted nicely and seated. I was quickly able to get food. The food was really good and wasn’t “buffet quality food” whatsoever. It was also very clean and had a really unique and pretty interior design.
Javier Mota 09 Oct 2025
What a delicious Buffet. Everything tasted very good. Bring a big appetite and enjoy.
J Garcia 25 Sep 2025
New management, food is great. More variety in their new menu. Fresh and abundant. I highly recomended.