Check out the best all-you-can-eat buffet in the entire Bluegrass State the next time you're hungry.

A Post-Pandemic Resurrection of All-You-Can-Eat Buffets

During the pandemic, many businesses had to close their doors and shutter their operations, and all-you-can-eat buffets across the country found themselves in the same boat. The serving stations were empty and the doors were closed. Post-pandemic has fortunately seen a resurrection of the all-you-can-eat buffet.

The Origins of the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

While the idea of an all-you-can-eat spread has its origins in Sweden with what was once called a "smörgåsbord," which was introduced in America during the 1939 World's Fair. It was later, in the 1940s, before Las Vegas became the bustling mecca of decadence that we now know when a hungry employee of the El Rancho Vegas spawned what later would become the all-you-can-eat buffet experience we have come to love.

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...El Rancho Vegas launched their all-you-can-eat-dinner 24-hour spread, the "Buckaroo Buffet," costing customers only a dollar. The casino lost money on its buffet (for the most part, they still do), but profits weren't the point. The whole objective was to keep patrons inside and gambling as long as possible. -FoodAndWine.com

Not All Buffets Are Created Equal

There is no doubt that when you're hungry and you really want to eat, there is nothing like bellying up to an all-you-can-eat buffet. Of course, everything from the quality of the food to the cleanliness of the restaurant plays into the overall buffet experience and we can all agree that not every all-you-can-eat buffet is created equal.

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Best Buffet in Kentucky

When it comes to the best of the best buffets, there is one restaurant in Kentucky that is better than the rest and you will find it in Louisville. Yoki Buffet is located at 1700 Alliant Avenue and it is not your average buffet restaurant. They've been known to serve up all-you-can-eat tomahawk steaks, filet mignon, and crab legs too.

One local Louisville food blogger recognized Yoki Buffet as both off the beaten path and a notch above the rest, largely because it stocks the fresh blue crab and seafood options that lead to a second look and a third helping. If you can make it past the stacks of crab legs, sushi, and halved hamburgers with some space on your plate, fill it with freshly stir-fried specials at the hibachi grill. Yoki Buffet even passed the ultimate test: teenagers. A YouTube reviewer brought his picky high schooler who doesn't like Chinese food, but the whole family sat down with big smiles and full plates. The reviewer said, "I'll tell you what, anybody comes here, and they can't find something they like to eat, there's something wrong with them." - Mashed

A quick look at the Yoki Buffet's Facebook page, and it is abundantly clear that they have taken the all-you-can-eat buffet to the next level. Even the dessert offerings are over-the-top decadent and unlike anything you'll find at your average buffet experience.

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More to Do in Louisville

For the uninitiated, there is plenty more to do in Louisville than just eating at Yoki Buffet. The city is vibrant and full of fun regardless of what you are into. Of course, the first thing any new visitor to the city must learn is how to pronounce its name properly. Many tourists will call it "Loo-IS-ville" but this is most definitely not the way the locals pronounce their beloved city. Instead, it is pronounced "Loo-UH-vuhl."

Now that we know how to pronounce it, let's look at what Louisville has to offer. Not only is it the home of the Kentucky Derby, and the Louisville Slugger baseball bat (and museum), but it is where you will find the only urban bourbon experience on earth.

<p>Yes, Bourbon is a spirit that comes in a glass, but it’s also the spirit that defines our culture, our arts and parks, and our creative energy. It’s this kind of spirit that helped create Louisville itself - a city that combines heritage with innovation, authenticity with originality, and quirkiness with friendliness in a way that’s completely unique to our region.</p><p>We’re an entirely different type of Southern. With a booming bourbon renaissance, iconic attractions, world-class hotels &amp; venues and a renowned culinary scene, Louisville is an experience like no other city. - GoToLouisville.com</p>

A stay at the historic Galt House should be on everyone's bucket list, as well as a visit to Fourth Street, and you must stop by some of the historic and bustling neighborhoods in and around the city like the Highlands, Nu Lu, and Butchertown - each with its own special vibe. For those who enjoy the spookier side of life, Louisville is home to "America's Most Haunted Neighborhood", and the Witches Tree too. However you enjoy exploring, you are guaranteed to enjoy the city of Louisville. Learn more by visiting the city's official tourism website.

[Source: Mashed]

LOOK: Highest-rated free things to do in Kentucky, according to Tripadvisor

Stacker compiled a list of the highest rated free things to do in Kentucky from Tripadvisor.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

 

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