Chuck-A-Rama Buffet

Chuck-A-Rama is a fixture in Utah County. I remember going from time to time as I was growing up. We took the kids tonight for a quick night out and it brought back the memories.
In a bit of a quirky way, it's kind of a fun place to eat. They have a good variety of options, including large blocks of green Jell-O. You just won't find that in other places, so it brings back a little bit of nostalgia.
I ran in to a coworker and an old friend from high school. As much as this is not my normal scene, it has its own unique charm and it is a must try for those who live here or are coming back for a visit.

I just don't like Chuck-A-Rama, and this location is just not at all good. I've been a few times and it always seems really picked over and they aren't fast to restock the small buffet. There isn't too much diversity in the food on the buffet here. It's all either fried food or carbs. Unless you want some fried out salmon and salad, this is an awful place for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.
This last visit, we came in, checked out the buffet and immediately asked for a refund because there was almost nothing out and we'd rather both spend $32 on dried out left-overs and salad. The cashier complied, but was snide with us. We won't be returning.

Who has picky eaters in their family? My last 2 are the pickiest when it comes to their food. BUT when you say fried shrimp they come running! Our first time over here and we were pleasantly surprised how many different options they had to offer! We had such a nice time knowing that this place pleased everyone with their dinner cravings. Also, every night they have a different theme they are serving. On Monday night they have an "international fare" which was great. We had the chance to try everything, such as deep fried shrimp, ham, roast beef, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, soup, salad, and freshly made rolls. For dessert they also had cookies, cakes, brownies, soft serve ice cream w/topping options, and chocolate pudding. The desserts weren't that great (they were prettier to look at), the taste wasn't quality. However, we had great service, and knowing that this is an all you can eat buffet, you def get your money's worth. I do find it a bit funny that the prices for the children varied, depending on how old they are. 5 year olds have a different price to eat, 8 year olds have a different price, 11 year olds have a different price. It's not like 12 and under it's this price (like other restaurants that have kids menus). But I guess that's because this is an all you can eat place. A family of 5 is about $65 - it's a bit on the pricey end in my opinion.

Typical buffet. I was surprised at the small amount of options compared to other buffets I've been to.
The good: the rolls, the chicken strips (they may be the best chicken strips I've ever had), my son said the mac n cheese was great.

They had ham and turkey and beef, but no one was there to slice it, and there was no knife. Most of the items either weren't labelled or were labelled incorrectly. There was a cream soup of some sort with ham, and...spinach? I'm not sure, no label. It tasted good, though.

The desserts were mediocre.

So, if you are looking for volume over quality, you're golden.

The salad bar is good but beyond that there is not much to like about Chuck a Rama. Compared to Golden Coral, the selections are a fraction and the quality is not great either. Combined all that and adding on the fact that I think the price is too high, I'm not even sure why I'm giving it 2 stars. I guess the salad bar saves it a little. But take my advise, go to Golden Corral.

I know that some people have really big opinions about Chuck A Rama vs Golden Corral or whatever. I don't. I come here on the same weekend, once a year with a huge group of like 30 people and always on a Sunday. We choose this place because its easy, nearby and we are exhausted after putting on a big event. And at this point, we go because it's tradition.

Onto the actual review.

As I said, whenever I go it's with an enormous group, in the 4 years I've gone, we've never waited more than about 10 minutes which is honestly really impressive. Maybe Sundays are slow there? I honestly don't know how they do it but it's very impressive.

The food is only okay, the salad bar is fine, though next to untouched most of the time, the rolls that everyone raves about are fine, the meat is usually tuff, the side dishes are all over the map but I guess that's the point right? That there's something for everyone. My favorite part is the slurpee machine. If The Sev had hot mashed potatoes I honestly don't know if I'd ever go anywhere else. But as long as we're naking suggestions, the mashed potatoes could do with a little more seasoning.

This place has very consistent food and is always clean. We go to this location once a month. This place is great for a large family, there is something for everyone. Sodas are included at this place. Having Squirt on tap is always a plus.

Very clean and helpful staff. Lots of choices. Food was good. It was better than i expected. The only negative was the cashier/host at the entrance. He had his earpods in and seemed like we were interupting him.

Like most buffet restaurants Chuck A-Rama offers a large variety of average quality food for a pretty modest price. Put another way, nothing served here is particularly great but everything is pretty good. Chuck A-Rama has lots to choose from for even for the pickiest of appetites, including: a large salad bar with all manner of vegetables, fruits and fixings; pot roast; fried chicken; salmon; marconi & cheese; au gratin potatoes; and much more. Everyday there is also a theme of the day. On Saturday when we were there it was Italian day and they had pizza, lasagna, spaghetti and garlic bread. If you have kids Chuck A-Rama charges only a few dollars, I think it's $0.60 per year, so a four year old can eat for around $2.40. Hard to beat that kind of price. Plus kids three and under are free.

I love chuck-A-Rama Buffet. I can choose the meal I want. I recommend tacos they have all sides such as sour cream, pico, guaca, cheese, shell or flour tortilla I like veggies in the taco. Desserts they have fruits, cake or yello gelatins. Moderate meal done done.