Jade Buffet: The Sequel

Americanized Chinese food in Plattsburgh, cheap and fast

Story by Hugh Barry
Photos by Tats Kasama

When it comes to movie sequels, the second is usually not as good as the first. When it comes to restaurants, Jade Buffet knows how to make their sequel better then the first.

Jade Buffet, located off Route 3 in Plattsburgh, NY, burned down in May 2006. It was a popular spot to eat in Plattsburgh and shocked many when it went to ashes. It wasn’t a spectacular place to go to, but if you liked all-you-can-eat Chinese food for a cheap price, it was the place to be.

Finally, in the summer of 2007, it reopened.

When you first walk in you will not believe your eyes. The place looks great. It didn’t look like a typical buffet; it looked like a classy restaurant. As you step in, there is a huge fish tank with a variety of different fish and the decorations and pictures all over the walls give the place a nice atmosphere.

Another benefit was its seating capacity. Jade Buffet is much bigger with its rebuild and holds many more booths and seats. However, the only downfall with this is that everything is so cluttered. The booths are built for four, but seems like it can only fit two. My elbow constantly hit my friend’s arm whenever I took a bite. The other tables in the middle are also a little too close.

In spite of the dining room, the service is extremely friendly, and there is always someone close by to get you something when you need it. I find myself always waiting forever at certain restaurants to get a refill but at Jade, a quick hand raise and a simple excuse me will get that refill right away. And of course like any buffet, it’s always nice to walk in, order your drink, and get your food right away.

The buffet is in the middle of the restaurant, away from the dining room. Once you serve yourself, sit down and take that first bite; you will be very impressed. The food tastes absolutely delicious and always comes out hot from the kitchen. The sesame chicken had that sweet taste to it with that spicy kick at the end. The lo mein and fried rice went perfectly with everything I put on top of it and the chicken and broccoli was perfect; it wasn’t covered in grease like other Chinese restaurants. I also recommend the steamed vegetables to anyone trying to eat on the healthier side.

However, I truly believe that all Chinese restaurants should stick to making Americanized Chinese food. I love sushi, but the sushi at Jade is not too appetizing. The sushi is as hard as a rock and tastes very stale. Once you stick your fork in it, it completely crumbles. I definitely didn’t go near the macaroni and cheese. If I’m going out to eat a Chinese dish, I am going to eat a Chinese dish.

However, the one thing that can't be beaten is their cheap prices. $6.25 all you can eat for lunch always seems very intriguing. Dinner prices go for $8.45 and children get to eat lunch for $2.25 and dinner for $3.25.

Overall, Jade Buffet has an extremely comforting atmosphere and looks great since it was rebuilt. The service continues to be friendly and always treats their customers with great respect.

Jade Buffet may not be the type of place you bring a woman for a first date or your girlfriend for your anniversary, but I recommend Jade Buffet if you are looking to eat good food at a cheap price.

Have you ever eaten at a Chinese Buffet?