Just because something is popular doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good, and I found that maxim to be especially true when I journeyed to a local Golden Corral on the recommendation of MySA readers. The meal was challenging from start to finish, but after some reflection, I think I’ve tapped into at least some of the reasons why San Antonio diners still swear by the buffet chain’s all-you-can-eat experience.
Meals and drinks were paid for upfront, and since it was lunchtime on a Thursday, my total came to $17.51 after taxes. The lunch buffet itself was $12.99, and I was charged $3.19 for a fountain drink. After finding my own table, a server came over to introduce herself and check in with me before I headed to the buffet, which, from a distance, appeared more cafeteria-style than a free-for-all.
I hopped into the back of a busy, orderly queue of diners moving from station to station. Harsh fluorescent lighting around the buffet made it feel like an office at times. If anything represents “American” food, this spread might be it, with an occasional subtle nod to multiculturalism in dishes like Mexican rice or bourbon chicken, while maintaining a wide selection of beige fried foods.
Round one at Golden Corral was mostly a flop for me. The broccoli and the mac and cheese were overcooked, so chewing wasn’t required to eat either of the tasteless dishes, but the steak fries were fine, at least they had salt. The biscuit I tried crumbled at the touch and fell completely apart when I tried to bite into it. The fried chicken might’ve been the best part of the first plate, but the amount of grease had me reaching for so many napkins.
As I ate, a woman at the table next to me politely started a conversation, asking about one of my tattoos with genuine curiosity. After that interaction, I decided to try even harder to enjoy myself at the buffet. I went back to the line and focused on simpler foods, such as corn, white rice and fried fish. Another customer in front of me was piling on fried shrimp, so I followed suit and moseyed back to my table.
The fried shrimp did indeed stand out among the other bites, with its lightly seasoned, golden-brown breading, but in the end, the most redeeming part of the experience was the people. Every server, employee, and even the fellow customers were upbeat and kind throughout the course of my visit. Move over, Olive Garden, because Golden Corral is where you’re actually family.
The fact that you can eat a variety of easy comfort foods in one sitting for $12.99 (when you opt for water) is likely the biggest reason people come back to Golden Corral time and again, but polite interactions and good customer service do go a long way. Do I completely understand the draw of the vibeless buffet chain and its bland offerings? Perhaps not, but far be it for me to deny anyone their simple pleasures.